Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 30 Sri Lankan visually impaired students receive scholarship from China's foundation Xinhua) 09:53, November 13, 2024 COLOMBO, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Scholarship for Visually Impaired students 2024 was held on Nov. 12 in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, where 30 visually impaired students from low-income families received scholarships funded by China's Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation. Gunaratne, president of the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind, said in the speech that the council has been dedicated to providing services for the visually impaired people in Sri Lanka. He thanked China's foundation for offering scholarships and talking books to visually impaired children in Sri Lanka to support their education. Jinith De Silva, president of the Sri Lanka China Society said that whenever Sri Lanka faces difficulties, the Chinese government and people always extend their helping hand without hesitation. Ni Lisheng, chief of the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, said that education is a fundamental right and driving force for social and individual progress, and today's scholarship provided these visually impaired students with motivation, future and hope, showcasing the profound friendship and mutual support between the people of China and Sri Lanka. This event was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind and Sri Lanka China Society. The scholarships were fully funded by China's Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation and donated through the Amity Foundation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Only weeks after the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization concluded in Incheon, Korea, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is about to announce plans to hold its next General Assembly in Seoul from October 27-31, 2025. Even before the official announcement ceremony scheduled for this Friday (Nov. 15), however, the news has been met with criticism by several Christian groups in the country who have called for the plans to be put on hold. According to reporting by Korean Christian media, the groups have taken issue with what they described as secretive planning, which excluded the representative Christian member bodies in Korea that the WEA used to work with. They also point to long-standing unresolved theological concerns among Korean churches about some of WEAs leaders, which they say must be resolved before planning for a General Assembly can begin. Concerns about months of discussions behind-the-scenes According Christian Today Korea (CT-K), Rev. Junghyun John Oh, Senior Pastor of SaRang Church in Seoul, is expected to lead the preparations for the next WEA GA with support from Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest Pentecostal church in the world. In a note to Christian media on Sunday (Nov. 10), SaRang announced a thanksgiving worship service to mark the launch of the 2025 WEA Seoul General Assembly Organizing Committee to be held this Friday (Nov. 15), with Yoidos Senior Pastor Younghoon Lee delivering the sermon. The official announcement and ceremony follow what CT-K describes as months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the WEA and SaRang. Initially, Bp Efraim Tendero, former Secretary General and current Global Ambassador of the WEA, together with then-Secretary General Dr Thomas Schirrmacher met with Rev. Lee to see if Yoido would host the WEA GA in Korea. When these discussions failed to lead to an agreement, the two WEA leaders reportedly approached Rev. Oh of SaRang with a request to provide a venue and financial support, which was met with a favorable response. CT-K points out, however, that the decision to work with a local church without the involvement of its national member body did not follow WEAs regular procedure and could open it up for criticism. As a global association, the WEA is comprised of 9 regional and 143 national Evangelical Alliances, with international denominations and ministries as Affiliate members. National membership with the WEA is usually reserved for a single representative evangelical association made up of denominations, churches and/or ministries. Individual churches and national denominations cannot directly be part of the WEA, according to its bylaws. In the case of South Korea, the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) became WEAs member Alliance in 2009. A few years later, internal divisions led to the formation of the Communion of Churches in Korea (CCIK), which was officially recognized as WEAs member body in 2022. (It was the division within the national member body that led WEA to cancel its General Assembly that was planned in Korea in 2014.) Additionally, the Korea Evangelical Fellowship (KEF) has been a long-time affiliated member of the WEA. However, CT-K reports that sources indicate that neither CCK, CCIK, nor KEF has held official discussions with WEA on hosting the assembly, and that talks were exclusively between certain WEA leaders and SaRang Church. It cautions that excluding these organizations from such major decisions could lead to significant backlash. Some have reportedly also been critical towards Rev. Ohs premature decision to push ahead with the hosting of the WEA GA given the prolonged transitional leadership in the WEA and questions surrounding the financial support expected from the Korean church. After Schirrmacher resigned from his role as Secretary General on March 31 citing health reasons, the WEA announced that the Chair of its International Council Goodwill Shana would take over leadership of the WEA as Executive Chair for an interim period not exceeding six months. On Sept. 18, however, the WEA announced that Shana would continue in his double-role as board chair and acting Secretary General / CEO for more than one year longer, up until the GA in October 2025. Meanwhile, the WEA has yet to announce the search for a new Secretary General. The uncertainty surrounding the WEAs leadership and the financial strain raise further questions about the feasibility of hosting the event, CT-K reports, adding that Rev. Ohs term as Senior Pastor of SaRang is set to end within a year after the proposed GA. Resolving theological concerns before hosting the General Assembly At least since some WEA leaders, including Schirrmacher, participated in the World Council of Churches General Assembly in Busan in 2013, there have been concerns among the largely conservative Korean evangelical churches about what they perceived to be WEA tendencies towards liberal theology. SaRangs own denomination HapDong, the largest denomination in Korea and rooted in the Presbyterian tradition, has previously criticized Schirrmacher and other WEA leaders for alleged religious pluralism. While there have been moves within HapDong to officially reject WEAs perceived liberal tendencies, CT-K reported that the denominations General Assembly in 2021 adopted a proposal to withhold a decision on WEA until its stance becomes clearer, and to avoid unnecessary disputes. But it cautioned that hosting the WEA assembly may reignite dormant controversies within the denomination regarding WEA. CT-K also noted that the next HapDong General Assembly is due just before the planned WEA GA. Therefore, if the denomination bans any participation in the WEA, the fallout could become complicated for both the WEA and the Korean Church. Mere hours after the CT-K article, a group of 1,000 pastors, elders and professors published a full-page advertising in Kukmin Daily, a Korean church newspaper, on Monday morning (Nov. 11), with a statement titled Reasons Why the Korean Presbyterian Church HapDong Cannot Engage with the WEA. Authored by leaders from HapDong-affiliated Kwangshin Theological Seminary, the statement outlined the issues they consider incompatible with the Reformed faith. They specifically pointed to WEAs close proximity to the Pope and the World Council of Churches as well as its engagement with Muslim leaders which they view as potential sign of religious pluralism. A few hours later, still on Monday, CCK President Rev Seo-young Jeong also went public with his opposition to the WEA GA, saying the planned event risks increasing division among the Korean churches. The strongly worded statement called for all the preparations to be put on hold until the concerns about WEAs theology and allegations of religious pluralism can be addressed. When the CCK previously attempted to host the WEA General Assembly [in 2014], the WEA sought a united Korean church for the assembly, not one marked by division. With the WEAs pluralistic tendencies now even more pronounced, hosting the WEA Assembly in a way that risks further church discord is undesirable, and we cannot stand by and watch as division deepens, Jeong said. The WEA normally holds its General Assemblies every six years. The last three were held in Indonesia (2019), Thailand (2008) and Malaysia (2001). Christian Daily International reached out to the WEA and to Dr Schirrmacher for comment but has yet to receive a response. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe By Arlene J. Schar & Dr. David Leffler Despite ongoing efforts to mediate a meaningful resolution, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues. World leaders are concerned this war will escalate. World War III could possibly erupt from it. There are similar concerns regarding conflict in the Middle East. It is crucial to reduce the rising tensions and prevent further dangerous escalations; to end and prevent war and thereby put an end to the resultant suffering. Here is an ideal strategy that any military could use to alleviate these tensions and end war. At its core, the root cause of social violence is the buildup of collective social stress. Addressing this human issue demands a human-centered solution. (See: Peace through health: traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war published in Frontiers in Public Health.) The ideal means to eliminate social problems such as war, conflict, terrorism, and crime is to quickly and efficiently reduce societal stress. Extensive scientific research suggests that the most effective way to reduce collective stress and eradicate war is through an ancient strategy. The non-religious approach known as Invincible Defense Technology (IDT), revived by the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, has been successfully and quietly used by individuals from many faiths to resolve conflicts in the past. It is now time for the military to consider this brain-based technology to help create lasting peace. Militaries can reduce societal stress and lower tensions by establishing a Prevention Wing of the Military. The large group would be trained in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program and its advanced techniques, including the TM-Sidhi program. This IDT approach has been extensively field-tested, even in war-torn regions like the Middle East. Dozens of research studies have shown that when large groups practice these techniques twice a day, there is a measurable influence on harmony and peace in society: crime rates drop, quality-of-life indicators improve, and war and terrorism decrease. This large-group practice appears to create a field-effect of consciousness that extends to the surrounding population, producing a demonstrable influence of peace. For instance, an IDT intervention was examined in Washington, D.C., in 1993. Predictions were submitted in advance to government leaders and newspapers. An independent Project Review Board approved the research protocol. When the groups size peaked, crime dropped 24 percent below the forecasted level. Changes could not be explained by temperature, weekend effects, or previous data trends. The results were published in Social Indicators Research. A study published in Studies in Asian Social Science reviewed previous empirical tests of IDT in Cambodia, India, the Philippines, and other countries. The findings align with earlier peer-reviewed research, showing significant reductions in crime and violence associated with group practice of the TM and TM-Sidhi programs. The World Journal of Social Science published a study demonstrating that when the square root of one percent of a population practiced IDT together, multiple stress indicators in the U.S. decreased. Subsequently, when the size of the IDT group decreased, these stress indicators increased again. Other factors such as economic conditions, political leadership, and demographics were considered but could not account for these results. The consistent pattern of stress indicators decreasing and then increasing in sync with changes in the size of the IDT group strongly suggests that the group itself was responsible for this effect. Twenty peer-reviewed studies, many of which are listed here, have validated the effectiveness of IDT. These studies indicate that a national armor is produced with IDT that cannot be penetrated by the collective negativity of other countries. This naturally happens in a process similar to the Meissner Effect, where a superconducting magnetic field repels the influence of an intrusive external magnetic field. the interior of a super-conductor whose electrons function in a coherent collective manner. IDT offers the highest degree of autonomy, granting complete freedom from external influence or control, representing the pinnacle of independence. When applied correctly, IDT generates a potent field-effect of collective consciousness that can neutralize hostile intentions from adversaries by channeling stronger, positive influences. This naturally happens in a process similar to the Meissner Effect. Scientists call this the Maharishi Effect after Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who predicted it. Although the exact mechanism for the Maharishi Effect is not understood, research has demonstrated that practicing TM enhances coherence in brain activity, as detected through electroencephalography (EEG), which records brain electrical activity through electrodes placed on the scalp. Research has found that TM practitioners exhibit greater EEG coherence, greater presence of alpha waves, and, in some advanced practitioners, highly efficient brain function. In other words, a coherent brain is a high-performing brain. (Refer to the International Journal of Psychological Studies and International Journal of Neuroscience). This biological effect, combined with the deep rest provided by the practice, reduces stress and tension, boosts alertness, and enhances well-being and resilience in individuals. A study in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality (JSBP) provides a possible biological explanation for the causality of IDT. Research on the neurotransmitter serotonin indicates that it is involved in feelings of ?happiness, contentment, and well-being, while low serotonin levels are associated with violence, aggression, and depressed emotional states. The JSBP study found that higher numbers of IDT practitioners in the meditation group correlated with increased serotonin production among community members who were not practicing meditation and knew nothing about the group numbers. The opposite relationship was found for levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. When group numbers decreased, cortisol levels increased. These statistically significant changes, which followed periods of higher attendance, suggest a plausible, stress-related, neurophysiologic mechanism for the reduction of aggression and hostility in society. IDTs global impact was documented in a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation using data from the Rand Corporation. Between 1983 and 1985, when the size of large IDT assemblies surpassed the threshold predicted to produce a measurable global effect, deaths from worldwide terrorism decreased by 72%, international conflict decreased by 32%, and violence in other countries was reduced without external government intervention. The IDT approach also offers tangible personal benefits for military personnel and civilians affected by the aftermath of conflict and war. For instance, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently observed among veterans and civilians alike. According to a study in The Lancet, a non-trauma-focused therapy, TM, could be a promising option for reducing PTSD symptoms into the normal range in veterans with PTSD and serve as an effective alternative for those veterans who choose not to? receive or do not respond to, the common prolonged-exposure-based PTSD treatments. Military forces are entrusted with the duty of safeguarding their nations. It is their responsibility to rigorously explore practical, scientifically proven methods to eliminate war and terrorism. Military personnel are compensated for their service and the protection of their countries. Given their funding for this purpose, we believe it is incumbent upon nations militaries to establish IDT Prevention Wings within their armed forces. If this is not immediately feasibly possible, then civilian groups could take on this possibility. We strongly encourage any willing militaries, to promptly implement the IDT approach to stabilize the current volatile situation. Once this shift occurs, the military that first initiates such a large deployment of IDT would gain international recognition not only for fostering enduring peace domestically but also for their pivotal role in averting escalating global conflicts and potentially safeguarding our endangered planet from extinction. Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the change in the character of war, not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur. General Giulio Douhet, The Command of the Air The Command of the Air Ever since men first began to use weapons to fight each other, military men have been reproached for excessive conservatism, a polite term often intended to imply a dangerous class reluctance to accept new ideas. Admiral William Sims, at US Naval War College 1921 Graduation, cited in CDR Benjamin F. Armstrong, USN, ed., 21st Century Sims: Innovation, Education, and Leadership for the Modern Era (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2015), 104. Arlene J. Schar is the Director of Communications at the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS) & Dr. David Leffler is the Executive Director at CAMS UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. political chief accused allies of Sudans warring military and paramilitary forces on Tuesday of enabling the slaughter that has killed more than 24,000 people and created the worlds worst displacement crisis. This is unconscionable, Rosemary DiCarlo told the U.N. Security Council. It is illegal, and it must end. She didnt name the countries funding and providing weapons to Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, but she said they have a responsibility to press both sides to work for a negotiated settlement of the war. Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including western Darfur, which was wracked by bloodshed and atrocities in 2003. The U.N. recently warned that the country has been pushed to the brink of famine. Last month, the RSF rampaged through the province of Gezira, attacking towns and villages, killing dozens of people and raping women and girls, according to the U.N. and local groups. DiCarlo told the council that nongovernmental organizations say those attacks have been marked by some of the most extreme violence in the last 18 months. She strongly condemned the RSFs continuing attacks against civilians and said the U.N. is also appalled by the attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Khartoum area. DiCarlo said it is long past time for the rival forces to come to the negotiating table, but she said both sides seem convinced they can win on the battlefield, and this is being fueled by outside support and weapons. As the end of the rainy season approaches, the parties continue to escalate their military operations, recruit new fighters and intensify their attacks, she said. This is possible thanks to considerable external support, including a steady flow of weapons into the country. Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming the RSF, which the UAE vehemently denies. The RSF has also reportedly received support from Russias Wagner mercenary group. And U.N. experts said in a report earlier this year that the RSF received support from Arab-allied communities and new military supply lines running through Chad, Libya and South Sudan. As for the government, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, is a close ally of neighboring Egypt and its president, former army chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. In February, Sudans foreign minister held talks in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart amid unconfirmed reports of drone purchases for government forces. DiCarlo called for stepped up international action to protect civilians and promote talks. She said U.N. special envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra is considering the next phase of his engagement with the warring parties, including another round of 'proximity talks focused on commitments related to the protection of civilians. Sudans military boycotted proximity talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in July aimed at spurring humanitarian aid and starting peace talks despite international pleas that it take part. The RSF sent a delegation to Geneva. DiCarlo said Lamamra will travel to Sudan and other places in the region in the coming weeks to meet key stakeholders to discuss a new attempt at talks. Ramesh Rajasingham, coordination director in the U.N. humanitarian office, told the council the shocking atrocities in Gezira and fighting in West Darfur and North Darfur are causing more people to flee. Since April 2023, more than 11 million people have fled their homes, with 3 million crossing into neighboring countries, he said. Last month, 58,000 people from the two Darfur states crossed into neighboring Chad, which is now hosting more than 710,000 refugees, he said. Rajasingham said fighting continues to intensify around North Darfurs capital, El Fasher the only capital in Darfur that the RSF doesnt hold. In July, hunger experts confirmed famine conditions in the Zamzam displacement camp nearby. Rajasingham said a recent nutrition screening in the camp found about 34% of children malnourished including 10% who are severely malnourished. And we are now seeing troubling indications that deepening food insecurity is spreading to other areas, with reports in recent weeks of particularly alarming levels of hunger in South Kordofan, he said. I just cannot put strongly enough how serious this situation is, Rajasingham said, urging the international community to take immediate action. By Geneva: One more journalist has been assassinated in the central Indian State of Uttar Pradesh (UP) to increase the tally to four victims this year till date, which is condemned by global media safety and rights body Press Emblem Campaign (https://www.pressemblem.ch/pec-news). Dilip Saini (45), a correspondent to Asian News International from Fatehpur locality, was stabbed to death at Sadar Kotwali area on the night of 30 October 2024. The police have already arrested four individuals suspecting their role in the murder. Meanwhile, on the eve of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, an UN-recognized global day observed annually on 2 November, PEC deplored that the record in the fight against impunity remains gloomy particularly this year as the perpetrators of violence and murders committed against journalists over the past days have enjoyed total impunity. PEC president Blaise Lempen, while revealing that Dilip became the 118th journalist to be killed globally since 1 January, demanded transparent investigations into all journo-murder incidents to book the perpetrators under the laws. "Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on 7 October 2023, more than 150 journalists have been killed in Palestine and Lebanon as a result of Israeli reprisals for attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. Palestinian media facilities and equipment were systematically destroyed. No one responsible at any level, military or civilian, has been prosecuted", said Lempen, adding that the matter has been referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in particular following the murder of a Reuter employee in southern Lebanon, but Israel does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction. Last May, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested international arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as for several Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel since the start of hostilities unleashed by the Palestinian Islamist movement on 7 October. But Israel reacted by claiming in September that the ICC lacked jurisdiction over the case. According to the Israeli government, the prosecutor did not respect the statutes of the Court and the principle of complementarity, in that he did not give Israel the opportunity to exercise its right to investigate the accusations made by the prosecutor before the latter submitted his request to the judges. In the absence of ICC proceedings, independent investigations must be carried out. The Jerusalem authorities have banned foreign journalists from travelling to Gaza, in a bid to prevent credible testimony. Israeli journalists have been allowed in, but only under the supervision of the Israeli army. The PEC strongly condemns these practices. This widespread impunity is very worrying, as it sends out the wrong signal. Elsewhere in the world, impunity remains the rule, as in Mexico, Pakistan and Russia. PEC once again urges the Israeli army to respect international humanitarian law, and in particular the distinction between civilians and combatants. Admittedly, this distinction is difficult to observe when combatants are hiding among civilians, commented Lempen, adding that the media, clearly identified as such, are seemingly not taking part in the fighting and hence their freedom to inform must be respected, even if they belong to the opposing camp. PEC's south & southeast Asian representative Nava Thakuria informed that India earlier recorded 3 journo-murder victims namely Ashutosh Srivastava (Sudarshan News, Uttar Pradesh, killed on 13 May), Shivshankar Jha (Hindi media outlets, Bihar, 25 June) and Salman Ali Khan (Rajgarh TV, Madhya Pradesh, 17 September). On the other hand, Pakistan lost 10 media workers to assailants followed by Bangladesh (7 media casualties during and after the mass uprising against the government in Dhaka), Myanmar (3 journos due to military atrocities), Indonesia and Philippines (one each) in the last ten months. By Geneva: Expressing serious concern over the recent murder of Filipino radio journalist Maria Vilma Rodriguez, the global media safety and rights body Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) demands a thorough probe into the incident to book the culprits under the law of the Philippines. According to Radioinfo Asia, based in Sydney, Australia, the female journalist was shot dead by unknown assailants near her residence in Zamboanga city of the island nation on 22 October 2024. Maria (56), used to present 105.9 Emedia FM's news program Barangay Action Center, reported the website that is dedicated for the latest Asian and international Radio industry news and features. "PEC condemns the murder of Maria Vilma Rodriguez with strongest words. She becomes the 112nd journo-victims across the world till date this year. We urge Zamboanga city's chief police officer in particular and President Marcos Jr to investigate the motive of perpetrators to punish them. The government in Manila must take prompt actions against the criminals and ensure the safety of Filipino journalists and other media employees," said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC (https://www.pressemblem.ch/casualties). PEC's south & southeast Asia representative Nava Thakuria informed that Maria is the first journalist to be killed in the island nation since 1 January this year. On the other hand, she becomes the fifth victim among media workers since the new President took charge of the Philippines in June 2022. Another southeast nation Indonesia lost Sempurna Pasaribu (Tribrata TV, Sumatra) on 27 June and Myanmar witnessed the killing of Ko Myat Thu Tun (DVB, Mrauk-U, 31 January), Htet Myat Thu (Voice of Thanbyuzayat, Mon State, 21 August) and Win Htut Oo (DVB, Mon State, 21 August) in the last ten months. PPFA demands a careful reverification of NRC draft before endorsement Guwahati: As various organizations and civil society groups of Assam are demanding the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be endorsed by the Registrar General of India (RGI), a forum of nationalist citizens insisted on a thorough (100%) reverification of NRC Assam draft before finalizing the supplementary list that was published on 31 August 2019. In a media statement, the Patriotic People's Front Assam (PPFA) also demanded a fair probe into the findings of Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG), which detected a financial irregularities of over Rs 260 crore in the NRC updation process in Assam under 'monitoring' of the Supreme Court of India. One can observe that soon after the apex court's verdict upholding the constitutional validity of Clause 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (which endorsed the cut-off date for granting Indian citizenship in Assam at 25 March 1971), many organizations and civil society group started demanding the finalization of Assam NRC. A recent statement by an anti-CAA forum claimed that the final NRC draft was submitted to the RGI five years back and its finalization is still delayed. But it may be noteworthy that the Supreme Court on a direction on 13 August 2019 advocated for an appropriate security arrangement to NRC data before submitting it to both the governments in New Delhi and Dispur as well as the RGI, which is yet to be materialised. "Even after realization of the said security system, the RGI needs look into the serious allegations (raised by former NRC State coordinator Hitesh Devsarma) about the inclusion of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants (read East Pakistani/Bangladeshi nationals) in the draft with the help of tampered software, allegedly orchestrated by the first NRC State coordinator Prateek Hajela, before endorsing it," said the PPFA statement, adding that the findings of CAG cannot be overlooked and all concerned individuals including a few Guwahati-based television journalists, who lobbied for accepting the NRC draft without any verification (probably in return of personal benefits), should be made accountable under the law. Kathmandu, Nov 8: Former Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Khilraj Regmi, emphasized that Vedic science and modern science should blended for world peace, prosperity and development. Addressing the second day programme of Vedic Science and Modern Science Conference organized by Nepal Maharshi Vedic Foundation today at Bhrikutimandap, he said that modern science would be incomplete without Vedic science. Former president Regmi said that through yoga, yagya and meditation, world peace, prosperity and development will be supported. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, when he came to Nepal 50 years ago, declared that Nepal, which is in the lap of the Himalayas, could give a message of peace to the world through Vedic knowledge. Deepak Prakash Baskota, president of the foundation and former minister of state for home affairs, informed that a conference of Vedic and modern science was held because modern science has also proved Maharishi's words that world peace, prosperity and development can be achieved through yoga, yajya and meditation. Similarly, vedic scholar Prof. Dr. Dirgharaj Ghimire mentioned that Vedic mantras have the power to tame violence and said that modern science has also benefited from it. The Maha Yagya, which started on Thursday, will end on October 10, the foundation said. One thousand and 111 Vedic Pandits (gurus) who are practicing spiritual meditation and Siddhi Sadhana are performing Rudrabhishek in the Mahayagya.(RSS) Richmond City Council on Tuesday night settled its protracted, two-month debate over the citys real estate tax rate opting by a five-to-four margin against 8th District City Councilwoman Reva Trammells proposed 4-cent real estate tax rate reduction. Instead, they passed a package that included Mayor Levar Stoneys proposed rebate, pilot grant program for low-income residents and assessment freezes for seniors and people with disabilities. Trammell was incensed. People (have been) begging for us to reduce the tax, she said in a last-ditch effort to bring her colleagues onboard. Its just too high People are hurting. Her appeal did not sway Andreas Addison (1st District), Katherine Jordan (2nd District), Kristen Nye (4th District), Cynthia Newbille (7th District) or Nicole Jones (9th District), who voted against her. Ann-Frances Lambert (3rd District), Stephanie Lynch (5th District), Ellen Robertson (6th District) and Trammell all backed Trammells proposal. Lynch then appeared to reverse her position, saying she had been confused regarding which proposal she had voted for. It has gotten out of control The often-heated discussion began in early September, when Trammell proposed the city reduce the real estate tax rate from $1.20 to $1.16 per $100 of assessed value, citing rising assessments and surging costs of living. But Stoneys administration, backed by City Council President Nye, warned that such a cut could jeopardize the citys credit rating and funding for key projects and financial commitments. The administration also argued that an across-the-board cut would most benefit wealthy property owners. As an alternative, Stoney and Nye in October pitched a one-time, 4-cent rebate; the RVA Stay pilot program, which would offer $200 per month for six months to residents who spend more than 30% of their income on housing; and real estate assessment freezes for seniors and people with disabilities. Trammell had rejected that proposal calling it BS and had secured the support of Lambert and Robertson. Then, in the midst of elections, the body delayed consideration of the dueling proposals multiple times discussing the issue on at least three occasions without reaching a decision. Im not going to give up In an impassioned last stand prior to the Tuesday vote, Trammell implored her peers to support her efforts to cut the rate. Assessments have went up so high that people are losing their homes, she said, noting that the rate has not been slashed since 2008. Id like to roll (the rate) all the way back to $1.13, but I know I cant have that. If it fails tonight, Im not going to give up, she added. During the public comment period, Bonnie Atwood, a Richmond resident, asked for relief, telling the council members that her assessments have soared. I want to stay here, she said. I do not know where else I would go. Cindy Anderson, who also addressed the body, said she owns properties in Richmond and only raises rents for her tenants to offset her property assessment increases. It has gotten out of control, she said. If you want renters to not be forced out, you have got to help them. Robertson said that the city can dip into its past and projected future real estate tax revenue surpluses in order to afford Trammells requested cut. We have already collected $16 million that is surplus, she said. Right now we have the flexibility to be able to give that back to the taxpayers. But Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders disagreed, pointing out that the city has significant upcoming financial commitments, including increased spending for schools and citywide staffing. I cannot confidently say we will be able to fund our fiscal obligations in fiscal year 2027 having just done a reduction, Saunders said. Robertson responded that she is worried that taxpayers cannot afford to pay what its costing to run the city. We are truly losing a significant portion of our population especially Black residents, she said. Were pricing ourselves out of the market. Nye broke in, saying that she did not think the administration was prepared to provide solutions tonight. Ultimately, Nyes proposal to maintain the tax rate won out. Jordan and Newbille both cited unknowns when making their decisions, while Jones said the officials are not prepared for the repercussions of a rate cut. You waited until after the election, Trammell shot back. Lambert also voiced her frustration. Ive been saying to (Saunders), give us a budget with a tax rate decrease, and we can see what that looks like, she said. We can find money for all these projects that you all want to pass, so we can fund some money for (tax) relief. When the dust settled, the councilmembers did secure that relief although not exactly in the way that Trammell and her allies had hoped. And the fight is likely not over. We can revisit the tax rate in the new year, Newbille promised. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has expressed concerns about the lack of age and consent verification by pornography platforms in an opinion submission to a parliamentary committee. The group issued a statement to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights at the House of Commons, meeting Oct. 31 at the Canadian Parliament, in support of Bill c-270, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (pornographic material)." The private members bill had been sponsored by Arnold Viersen, Conservative Member of Parliament for Peace RiverWestlock since 2015, and a known campaigner for human trafficking victims and the rights of children. The EFC, which represents evangelicals across Canada since 1964 and speaks to societal issues based on biblical perspectives and values, has expressed its support for the bill, highlighting the urgency to take decisive action to protect the vulnerable from exploitation. We believe its crucial for Parliament to require pornography platforms ensure child sexual abuse materials and intimate images shared without consent are not uploaded to their sites, stated the EFC. It is evident many of these platforms will not take such measures unless required to and held accountable for doing so. It described the consequences of images being posted and distributed online as devastating and lifelong. Children and youth face severe and extensive impacts when images of their abuse and exploitation are streamed and distributed, the evangelical group added. The EFC referred to the 2021 hearings by the parliamentary Ethics Committee hearing about matters of privacy and reputation related to online platforms such as Pornhub. Testimonies from survivors exploited on the platform were harrowing as told to the committee at the time and included abuse images posted without their knowledge or consent. Some of the witnesses whose images had been posted on Pornhub were as young as 13 years old at the time the images were taken, the EFC added. One illustration the EFC highlighted involved the testimony of a young woman pressured to send a boy an intimate video of herself when she was in Grade 7 [13 or 14 years old]. The EFC said the video had been uploaded to porn sites and viewed millions of times. This young woman dropped out of school and her social circle, became homeless, fearful, anxious and suicidal, said the EFC. Another witness in the 2021 hearings said her partner took videos and photos of her without consent and posted the material on Pornhub. She described the destructive impact on her life, emotional trauma, suicidality and the toll on her health and employment, stated the EFC. The EFC also expressed concern about sexual assault becoming a porn genre on websites. For example, a witness told the Ethics Committee about a video of her on Pornhub showing herself unconscious, tagged sleeping pills. In all that time, the video did not get flagged or removed, this witness told the committee in 2021. The viewers, rather than being turned away by sexual assault videos, were actively searching out that content. The tags made this possible, and they knew what they were watching before they clicked. It is a profound betrayal to know that thousands of men saw your assault and not only did nothing to flag it but actively sought it out and enjoyed it. When a persons intimate images, or images of their abuse or exploitation are uploaded, what happens next is beyond their control, according to the EFC, also expressing concern about predators using artificial intelligence to manipulate images of both adults and children. The photos and videos can be downloaded, shared or reposted countless times. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada disclosed in February (2024) that 700 copies of a certain persons intimate images were found on at least 80 websitesaffecting their employment, social networks and mental health. These are real people in vulnerable moments who shared with parliamentarians the devastating impacts of their abuse and intimate images being shared online, stated the EFC. In each of these cases, the victims found the platform either unresponsive or slow to respond to their requests to have their images taken down. Once these images are online it is nearly impossible to have them permanently removed. More than 20 million suspected images of child sexual abuse were being investigated by the Canadian Centre for Children Protection (CCCP), the EFC said. The CCCP reported that child sexual abuse survivors felt impacted by the imagery itself, in a different way to the initial abuse: The information shared by the respondents to this survey makes it clear that the recording of abuse and its distribution adds an extraordinary layer of trauma for a victim. The EFC stated that commercial porn sites must be held accountable to ensure exploitative and non consensual images are not uploaded in the first place. The onus must not be on children and youth to monitor commercial pornography sites to ensure that depictions of their abuse and exploitation are not posted or, if discovered, to ensure they are swiftly removed, the EFC added. The onus must not be on victims of non-consensual uploads to watch for the content and ensure it is removed. Companies must be responsible for ensuring that the content they host and profit from is not child sexual abuse material, that the people depicted in images or videos are not minors, and that they consent to their image being posted. In summary, the EFC called on the parliamentary committee to support Bill C-270, saying the legislation if approved puts the responsibility where it belongs. We urge the committee to support Bill C-270s measures to ensure illegal content is not uploaded in the first place. Cancun police arrest their own: Two active officers in custody for sexual assault and concealment Cancun, Q.R. Two Cancun police officers have been arrested, one for sexual assault and the other for concealment. The two active officers were taken into custody Tuesday on allegations of assaulting a woman during a false arrest. The State Attorney Generals Office, in coordination with the Internal Affairs unit of the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security, fulfilled an arrest warrant against two municipal police officers Tuesday. Saul Vladimir N and Alfredo N remain in custody for their probable participation in acts possibly constituting crimes of sexual abuse and concealment, against a victim of Colombian nationality, local authorities reported. According to the State Attorney General (FGE), the officers put the victim in a patrol car arguing that she had committed illegal acts. Later, they took her to an unknown location where Saul Vladimir N performed a supposed routine inspection and carried out the alleged sexual acts with the promise that they would help her get out of jail. The woman, a Colombian national, filed a complaint with Cancun police. The assault took place in SM 63 of Cancun on October 12. After the integration of the file, the FGE requested and obtained from a judge an arrest warrant against Saul Vladimir N for the crime of sexual abuse and Alfredo N for concealment, they reported. Cancun Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta said Tuesday they will continue to assist the Attorney Generals Office with the investigation, adding that there are cameras in the patrol cars. We will not tolerate this. We will apply the full weight of the law. We will continue to assist the Attorney Generals Office with the investigation. Cancun Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta We have all the elements because we have cameras in the patrol cars, we have everything that can complement the investigations, she said. The current misdeeds of a few police officers have tarnished an entire corporation that is doing a good job. There are police officers who do an extraordinary job and are giving their best. It is not fair that a bad perception of the corporation is generated because of a few elements., she added. Driver rushed to hospital after colliding head on with semi Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R. Paramedics rushed one person to hospital from a two vehicle crash in Jose Maria Morelos. The accident happened around 7:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Polyuc-Jose Maria Morelos stretch of road between a semi and pickup. According to reports, the driver of the semi is alleged to have swerved into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a state-issued pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was rushed to hospital after being removed from his totaled vehicle. National Guard Highways were called to the scene, finding the demolished truck partially off the highway. The semi was located nose down in shoulder vegetation. There was no official word on what caused one vehicle to swerved into the oncoming lane and collide with the other. Mexico extradites Italian fugitive wanted since 2015 Mexico City, Mexico In compliance with the Extradition Treaty signed between Mexico and the Republic of Italy, the Attorney Generals Office (FGR) extradited Italian national Mauro R. Mauro R, considered a fugitive, was wanted by the Court of Appeal of Ancona for car theft, aggravated robbery, robbery with violence, threats to persons, aggravated personal injury and extortion. Mauro R stole various items on different dates. In January 2015, he stole a vehicle that was parked on a public road and in April of the same year, he was arrested in flagrante delicto for committing aggravated robbery of an elderly person, taking his wallet and threatening him so that he would hand over his vehicle and sign a document acknowledging a non-existent debt in favor of the extraditable. For the above reasons, the Government of Mexico granted the extradition of the defendant to the Government of the Italian Republic, after this person was arrested in July of this year, in Huatulco, Oaxaca. The fugitive was handed over at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to the Italian agents. Virgin docks at Mahahual Costa Maya for first time Mahahual, Q.R. Virgin Cruise Line docked for the first time at Mahahual, Costa Maya. The general director of Apiqroo and the head of Sedetur, Vagner Elbiorn Vega and Bernardo Cueto Riestra met the ship as it docked. Cruise ship M/S Resilient Lady docked in the port of Mahahual for the first time Tuesday. Accompanied by the head of the State Secretariat of Tourism (Sedetur) Bernardo Cueto Riestra, both sides participated in the exchange of plaques. During the event, Elbiorn Vega thanked the Virgin Cruise Line for its trust in the Mexican Caribbean as a first-class destination. This exchange of plates represents not only the hospitality of our state, but also the commitment to offer an unparalleled experience to all tourists who choose our coasts. Quintana Roo continues to position itself as a world-class destination thanks to the joint effort between the private sector and the state government, said Elbiorn Vega. The Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto, highlighted the importance of receiving cruise ships of this magnitude to boost the local economy and project Quintana Roo as a benchmark in the cruise industry. The arrival of the M/S Resilient Lady reaffirms the position of Mahahual and Cozumel as key ports in the cruise industry, promoting the economic development of the state, he said. The Resilient Lady, a Bahamian-flagged cruise ship with capacity for 2,770 passengers, is characterized by its focus on sustainable tourism and high-quality experiences, and brought with it hundreds of tourists ready to enjoy the natural and cultural wealth of Mahahual. The presence of this cruise ship underlines the importance of the ports of Quintana Roo in international itineraries and strengthens commercial ties between the entity and the cruise industry. The Resilient Lady will move on to the island of Cozumel Wednesday from Mahahual with a final destination of Miami, Florida. The cruise ship is scheduled to stay in Cozumel until 8:00 p.m., at the Punta Langosta terminal. The cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 108,192 tons and a length of 277.20 meters. The arrival of this ship reaffirms Cozumels status as one of the most important cruise ports in the world, and highlights the key role of Quintana Roo in the international tourism and maritime sector. Six weeks after floodwaters from Hurricane Helene swept 13 tanks filled with a hazardous chemical from a warehouse at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant into the New River, nine of them remain missing. Of the four that have been found, two of the tanks ruptured and released about 225 gallons of dibutyl phthalate a chemical used in the manufacture of propellants into the river, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality said Tuesday. There was no indication of harm to the environment or to public health, according to officials with BAE Systems, the company contracted by the Army to operate whats commonly known as the Radford arsenal. A BAE spokeswoman could not be reached for comment Tuesday. But at a community meeting last week in Christiansburg, company and arsenal officials gave their first public disclosure of what happened when the storm hit in late September. As the New River crested at 31 feet, well above the 19 feet that had been predicted, flooding caused extensive damage to parts of the arsenal that sit close to the riverbanks in Fairlawn. The water nearly submerged a warehouse where 13 tanks, each one weighing about a ton and containing 275 gallons of dibutyl phthalate, were stored, according to Carla Givens, BAEs director of health, safety and the environment. Givens said the surging waters tore the doors off the warehouse and carried all 13 tanks, made of rigid plastic and framed with steel, down the river. As soon as the storm passed, teams began a search that stretched 60 miles downstream, all the way to West Virginia. The effort involved a Virginia State Police helicopter, drones, boats, vehicles, and foot patrols. Search efforts are still very much under way, Irina Calos, a spokeswoman for DEQ, wrote in an email. Four tanks have been recovered to date one on the arsenal grounds, the second on a nearby island, the third in the Pulaski County community of Parrott, and the fourth another mile downstream. Two of the tanks, called totes by arsenal officials, were fully intact and contained all of the dibutyl phthalate they carried, Givens said. Damage to the other two resulted in a partial release, she said. Although DEQ currently estimates the spillage at 225 gallons, the original report from the arsenal to the regulatory agency was for a potential loss of 3,575 gallons, the total capacity of all 13 tanks. Just how much spilled into the river remains unknown, as the search continues for the remaining totes. But there has been no indication of harm to the environment, or danger to the public, Givens said. She based that conclusion on the lack of fish kill or damage to other wildlife or vegetation. Another factor was the huge volume of water in the flood-swollen river, which would have quickly diluted any contamination, she said. Although the amount of chemicals released was not insubstantial, Givens told a crowd that packed a Christiansburg library for the meeting, with the millions of extra gallons of water that flowed through, we dont have a reason to believe those concentrations would have had a negative impact. Many of the people who attended the meeting, which was posted to the arsenals Facebook page, questioned the findings of BAE and why they were not delivered to the public for more than a month. I dont know if they are legally required to report what happened, said Kellie Ferguson, who lives downstream of the arsenal in Giles County. But morally, I think they should have. BAE and arsenal officials stressed at the meeting that reports had been made to DEQ and other regulatory agencies. But that information did not become widely available to the public until it was reported last week by the Virginia Mercury. Flooding also caused the release of calcium sulfate from collection basins along the river and petroleum products from machinery. About 14 tractor-trailer loads of material were moved to higher ground before the storm hit, arsenal officials said, including waste from an open burning ground that has been the source of controversy for years. The most serious issue was the tanks that were swept downstream, Givens said. Community members said many of their questions including what steps are being taken to monitor the river for signs of contamination went unanswered during the meeting. Dibutyl phthalate is commonly used in consumer products such as plastics, cosmetics and nail polish to make them more flexible. It is also used in rocket fuel. Exposure to the chemical can cause fetal development defects and fertility issues, according to the National Institutes of Health. For many of the residents who attended Thursdays meeting, fear of the unknown remains. With nine tanks of the chemical still unaccounted for, Ferguson said, we may never know where they are, and which communities are at risk. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. After facing criticism for her routine at the Paris Olympics, Rachael Gunn, the Australian breakdancer known as Raygun, has decided to step away from competitive dancing. She told "The Jimmy and Nath Show," "I'm not going to compete anymore, no." "I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now to approach a battle. Yeah, I mean I still dance, and I still break. But, you know, that's like in my living room with my partner." Gunn also spoke of the high level of scrutiny expected, with people recording and sharing online, will undoubtedly shape different perceptions. "It's just not going to mean the same thing, and it's not going to be the same experience because of everything that's at stake." Gunn first captured attention for her participation in the women's breaking event during the 2024 Paris Olympics in August. Despite not scoring a single point, the Australian breakdancer's performance stirred up a flurry of memes and garnered mixed feedback from audiences. Gunn's unorthodox moves raised eyebrows while competing against Logan Edra from the US, Dominika Banevic from Lithuania, and Sya Dembele from France. "It was really upsetting because I felt like I just didn't have any control over how people saw me or who I was," Gunn added. In August, Gunn addressed the criticism in a video message that she shared on her Instagram account. "When I went out there I had fun. I did take it very seriously." She added, "I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all, truly. I am honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and been a part of breaking's Olympic debut." The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will not feature breaking as part of the event lineup. On Wednesday, Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Republican Congressman Matthew Gaetz to lead the Department of Justicethe same agency that once investigated Gaetz for the sex trafficking of an underage girl. Trumps desire to nominate Gaetz for attorney general marks an effort to simultaneously degrade and weaponize the DOJ, subverting its mission of principled, nonpartisan law enforcement while punishing those who pursued charges against Trump (and, perhaps, against Gaetz himself). It is a shocking choice, surely by design, that reflects an obvious desire to corrupt the agency from the top down. If Gaetz is confirmed, its no exaggeration to say that the Justice Department will be permanently damaged, as civil servants flee (or face termination), partisan loyalists take their place, and the entire agency reorients around settling old scores against Trumps perceived enemies. If Senate Republicans do not draw the line here, then a line does not exist. What makes Gaetzs nomination for attorney general so deeply Trumpian is the fact that Gaetz himself is under investigation for serious misconduct right now. He is just about the last person that a rational citizen would want to put in charge of the nations law enforcement apparatus. (He also has no qualifications for the role, which is somehow not even in the top five reasons to oppose him.) But he does have experience with the DOJ: In 2021, a Justice Department investigation probed whether Gaetz had engaged in sexual acts with a 17-year-old girl and then paid her to travel with him. The allegations were clearly credible: Three women reportedly testified that they witnessed Gaetz attending a drug-fueled sex party with the 17-year-old. His friend, Joel Greenberg, accused Gaetz of paying for sex with a minor, and provided damning information about him to prosecutors; Greenberg was eventually sentenced to 11 years in prison on felony charges, including sex trafficking of a minor. Multiple women also told CNN that they saw Greenberg and Gaetz attend sex parties featuring very young women. (Gaetz denies all these allegations.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Gaetz was not chargedprosecutors eventually dropped the case after concluding that they did not have strong enough evidence to secure a conviction. The House of Representatives, though, is likely continuing the probe into Gaetzs behavior: As of Wednesday, the House Ethics Committee was still reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct against the congressman. Last year, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin alleged that Gaetz would show videos of girls that he had slept with to colleagues on the House floor, and brag about how he would crush ED medicine and chase it with an energy drink so he could go all night. And just over a month ago, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told a reporter that he had not recently spoken with Gaetz because I dont hang around with pedophiles. Advertisement As targets of criminal investigations, Gaetz and Trump share an impassioned hatred for the Department of Justice. Their bond goes deeper: Gaetz, who represents the Florida panhandle, won his first race for the House in 2016 as a Trump-style firebrand who loathed the establishment. He spent his first four years defending Trump and condemning special counsel Robert Muellers probe into the president. In 2020, Gaetz refused to accept President Joe Bidens victory and cast his vote in the House to overturn the results of the election. He has relentlessly condemned Merrick Garland, Bidens attorney general, as well as special counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trump with election subversion and theft of classified documents. Gaetz regularly appears on TV accusing Garland and Smith of engaging in a witch hunt against Trump and attempting to interfere with his reelection. With Wednesdays announcement, it seems the congressmans aggressive defense of the former president has paid off. Related From Slate Trump Thinks Putin Is His Friend. The Russians Just Issued a Humiliating Statement to the Contrary. Read More In his Truth Social post revealing the news, Trump promised that Gaetz would end the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Ever the projector, Trump more likely intends for Gaetz to simply weaponize the justice system against his perceived enemiesas the former president promised throughout his campaign. The congressman has already been trying to identify all members of the DOJ involved with Smiths prosecution so they can be interrogated and punished. He would, as attorney general, almost certainly try to fire many of the agencys 115,000 employeescareer civil servants who pride themselves on integrity and independenceso he can replace them with staunch partisans. Trumps allies have already begun promoting the idea of mass termination of career staff at the DOJ. Gaetz would gladly carry out such a purge. Advertisement Advertisement To what end? Theres no question that Gaetz shares Trumps desire for revenge against everyone who helped prosecute the former president under Biden. Trump has also proposed charging New York prosecutors who brought charges against him under state law, along with judges, police officers, members of Congress, election workers, journalistsin short, everyone who stymied his 2020 power grab or sought accountability afterward. We should absolutely expect a spree of political prosecutions under an Attorney General Gaetz. With the vast machinery of the Justice Department at his disposal, Gaetz could create a living hell for everyone against whom Trump holds a grudge, subjecting them to arrest and pretrial detention, even if the bogus charges later fizzle out in the court. Advertisement Advertisement But Gaetz offers a whole lot to the less revenge-driven Republican base, as well. He is extraordinarily conservative on virtually the entire range of issues that motivates the GOP, with the exception of marijuana and psychedelics, which he supports legalizing (and allegedly uses himself). Gaetz would throw the Justice Departments might behind Trumps mass deportation plan, assisting in the identification and removal of millions of unauthorized immigrants. His congressional record suggests that he would decline to bring charges against corporations that engage in financial malfeasance, pollution, and corruption. And he would undoubtedly carry out the Trump administrations coming crackdown on abortion: As congressman, Gaetz has consistently supported draconian anti-abortion laws, including severe restrictions on medication abortion. Americans should not be surprised if he launches prosecutions against abortion providers under the Comstock Act, including those located in blue states, if confirmed. Advertisement Will he be confirmed? Republican senators are already questioning the nomination, with some already preparing to oppose it. The GOPs apparent 53-seat majority in the chamber will not allow even four defections, and even staunch conservatives are balking at the pick. The New York Times Ezra Klein may be correct that Gaetz is a sacrificial nomineemeant for Senate Republicans to shoot down so they have more political leeway to confirm other nominees who are extreme but not so off-the-wall. Maybe. But it could also be that Trump has fewer guardrails than ever before. Why wouldnt he shoot for the moon with an attorney general who gleefully defies everything the Justice Department once stood for? One thing is certain: Gaetz will serve as a trial balloon, even if his nomination is deadly serious. If Senate Republicans cant say no to Gaetz, the Department of Justice as we know it will be gone, quite possibly forever. South Dakota Sen. John Thune was elected Senate Republican leader on Wednesday, replacing Mitch McConnell in the role after his record-setting run of 18 years. Thune, whos served as McConnells No. 2 since 2019, beat out Texas Sen. John Cornyn on a second ballot, 29 to 24. A third candidate, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, came in last place on the first ballot and was eliminated from contention. Thunes elevation signals a slight but meaningful check on the incoming MAGAfication of the federal government. While some of President-elect Trumps most vocal supporters both inside and outside the Senate had pushed Scotts candidacy hard in the past week, the Senate stayed its course, selecting as McConnells successor the one who would stray the least from McConnells old-guard GOP. If theres still a redoubt in the GOP where outside pressure from right-wing media cant get the job done, its secret-ballot popularity contests in the Senate. A lot of people focus on policy, a lot of people focus on process, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Thune supporter, told reporters after the vote. But when youre a peer-to-peer vote, its also based on relationships. And Thune has done a really good job building relationships, and so has Cornyn. And thats what it really comes down to: relationships. Thune came to the Senate 20 years ago with a bang. He defeated Sen. Tom Daschle, then the Senate Democratic leader. He worked his way up to the No. 3 position by 2012, and succeeded a term-limited Cornyn as the Republican whip in 2019. In that respect, Cornyn was as much a victim of peaking at the wrong time as anything else. As a long list of once-potential Nancy Pelosi successors will understand well, McConnell just hung on to his position for a little longer than was ideal. No wonder that one of the brightest lines of separation among the top two candidates was Cornyns support of party leader term limits, an idea that repulses McConnell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune, an amiable 63-year-old more comfortable talking about the Senate calendar than he is castigating his opposition as demonically possessed, gave his best shot at an opening partisan broadside in a press conference after the Senate GOP conclave. Advertisement Related From Slate Trump Thinks Putin Is His Friend. The Russians Just Issued a Humiliating Statement to the Contrary. Read More The American people have loudly rejected the failed policies of the Biden-Harris-Schumer agenda, Thune said. We have a mandate from the American people, a mandate not only to clean up the mess left by the Biden-Harris-Schumer agenda, but also to deliver on President Trumps priorities. Thune, who in the past has stayed around to take questions from reporters for 10 or 15 minutes after GOP leadership press conferences, this time took three on-camera questions from reporters and went on his way. He has begun to enter his McConnellesque bunker. While Thune doesnt have the acrimonious history with Trump that McConnell had, they dont fit hand-in-glove. Thune, while patient, seemed agonized during the first Trump administration whenever he was asked about whatever stupid tweet Trump had put out at 7 in the morning. Thune is more a Chamber-of-Commerce crusader for low taxes than he is a culture warrior calling out woke capitalism; on Trumps plans for broad tariffs, especially, the two seem most mismatched. Trump and Thune most clashed in the aftermath of the 2020 election, when Thune argued that Electoral College objections would go down like a shot dog in the Senate. Trump then called Thune Mitchs boy and said that he will be primaried in 2022, political career over!!! The whole thing was so exhausting to Thune that he seemed genuinely torn about running for reelection in 2022. His potential, even likely, promotion to party leader two years later won him over. Advertisement The Trump allies on the right like Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk who were pushing for Scotts candidacy, then, werent wrong to have trust issues with Thune. When Trump put out an early loyalty test for the three candidatesinsisting that they allow recess appointments for Trump nominees, allowing them to withstand Senate scrutinyScott, after all, was the only candidate who concurred in full, while the others left it open as a possibility. Advertisement But Trump allies in right-wing media dont vote for the leader. Senators do, and Thune may have lost votes had he acceded to Trumps plan to strip the Senate of its advise-and-consent role. Trump himself, at least, was well-advised to stay neutral in the Senate leadership contest, knowing that this was one internal battle where his input would have limited effect, and where his instincts could have brought him to a place of embarrassment. Now, however, the secret votes are over. Both Trump and his allies will have ample opportunities going forward to impose their will on the Senate. Its hard to believe, for example, that MAGAs defeat in the Senate leadership race didnt have some effect on Trumps actions in the next few hours, when he nominated Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence and Rep. Matt Gaetz to be attorney general. These nominations will present dramatic loyalty tests for the Republican Senateboth on their confirmations and, should those go down, the Senates willingness to adjourn to allow for their recess appointments. It was a good morning for the old guard. Wednesday afternoon was their reminder that things have changed. In his first few picks for Cabinet secretaries, President-elect Donald Trump has made it cleareven clearer than many had predictedthat his main criterion for selection is blind loyalty. Qualities such as competence or experience have no bearing whatsoever. One of the nominees, a combat veteran and Fox News host named Pete Hegseth, is so blatantly unqualifieda caricature of MAGA fidelitythat some insiders say even the Senate sworn in this January, with its 53 Republicans, may vote not to confirm him as leader of the Defense Department. The same might be true (one can always hope) of Trumps pick for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, the far-right Democrat turned MAGA Republican, who has no relevant experience except, perhaps, that she has avidly parroted Russian propaganda lines to explain a wide variety of international developments. Only somewhat less jaw-dropping is Trumps choice of former Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to be CIA director. An even slightly less lopsided Senate would likely reject Ratcliffe out of fear that hed politicize intelligenceas indeed he did during the brief spell, at the end of Trumps first term, when he was director of national intelligence, the office that oversees and coordinates the 18 U.S. intel agencies. But especially if enough Republicans feel they cant stomach Hegseth or Gabbard in high offices, theyll probably let Ratcliffe go through. Other beneficiaries of political payback include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, nominated to be secretary of homeland security, and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is slated to be United Nations ambassador. Neither has any experience remotely related to the job theyll be handling. Both, however, have been ardent supporters and defenders of Trump; Stefanik enjoys the special distinction of rising to become chair of the House Republican Conference after Rep. Liz Cheney was ousted for criticizing Trump over the Jan. 6 riots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oddball of them all, the nominee who emerged out of nowhere, is Hegseth, a complete unknown to anyone who doesnt watch Fox & Friends Weekend, which he has co-hosted for a decade. Of course, Trump is one of that shows regular viewers, and, to the surprise of his advisers, he picked Hegseth to run the Department of Defensethe countrys largest bureaucracy, with 2.8 million employees and a budget this year of $841 billionbecause he liked a lot of what the rugged-looking co-host was saying. Advertisement Hegseth fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, but his ranka major in the Army National Guardwasnt exactly a leadership slot. He has written some bestselling books, notably The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free. In it, as well as on several Fox broadcasts, he decried the introduction of diversity requirements in the military, saying that they brought on the rise of woke generals, who in turn weakened the Armys fighting spirit. He has also said that lowering admission requirements, in order to let women join combat units, has had the same deleterious effect. (Many Army officers say that critics such as Hegseth exaggerate the amount of time spent on diversity training and that the women serving in combatin some cases in elite units like the Rangers and Green Beretshave had to pass the same grueling tests as the men.) Advertisement The anti-woke attitude may be what appealed most to Trump, who wants to fire generals who display insufficient loyalty to him. Hegseth has said he would appoint a board of retired officers, no doubt of like mind, to draw up lists of active officers who should be dismissed. Advertisement On his Fox show, Hegseth also vigorously protested the prosecutions of soldiers for war crimes, even to the point of persuading Trump, while he was president, to pardon two perpetrators of particularly heinous murders of civilians. Advertisement But when it comes to a defense secretarys main jobsforming budgets, assessing weapons systems, managing interservice rivalries, engaging in interagency policymaking, conducting diplomacy with foreign counterparts, and so forthHegseth has no apparent qualifications whatever. Even some MAGA Republicans see the merits of having someone with at least a bit of political acumen and organizational talent run an enterprise as large, complex, and vital as the Defense Department. It would take four Republican senators to reject his nomination. Some on Capitol Hill think four could be rallied to vote their conscience. If not, and if Hegseth is sworn in, others doubt he would last more than six months on the job. The Pentagon bureaucracy is deeply entrenched; it can wear out far more agile players than Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Before launching a political crusade against military officers, Trump might also want to review the biography of his own early business lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn, who began his career as the counsel for Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Cohn, who died in 1986, could have told Trump that McCarthywho rose to prominence by rooting out and prosecuting suspected Communists in governmentmade his big misstep when he went after Army officers. It was during the nationally televised ArmyMcCarthy hearings of 1954 that Joseph Welch, the lawyer for an accused officer, snapped back at the senator, Have you no sense of decency, sir? And that was the end not only of McCarthys witch hunts but also of his careerand, three years later, of his life, from excessive drinking. Advertisement Hegseth probably read some history as an undergrad at Princeton and a masters student at Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government, so he might want to ponder the takeaways from this tale: Is anti-woke the new anti-communism? Will Hegseth be its Cohn or McCarthy? Advertisement As for Gabbard, picked to oversee and coordinate the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, not much need be said beyond Holy shit! If confirmed, she will replace Avril Haines, who had beenin contrast to Gabbards slim resumedeputy director of the CIA and deputy national security adviser before President Joe Biden nominated her for the job. Haines also has degrees in law and theoretical physics. Advertisement If the Senate doesnt dismiss Gabbards nomination as an insult to the enterprise of intelligence gathering and analysis, then we are in serious trouble as a nation. At the very least, one can expect hundreds of intelligence professionals to resignwhich may be Trumps intention. He wants to destroy the administrative state, as his erstwhile strategist Steve Bannon once put it. Putting Gabbard in charge of the intelligence apparatus is one way of doing that. Ratcliffes nomination as CIA director is only slightly less egregious. In many ways, his and Gabbards selections are more appalling than even that of Hegseth. Although defense secretaries are expected to carry out the presidents policies, the chief of the main intelligence agency is supposed to be rigorously independentand Ratcliffe is anything but that. Advertisement He first came to Trumps fond attention as the congressman who most virulently spoke out against the officials probing the then presidents various alleged improprieties, most notably the Mueller commission delving into tales of Trumps collusion with Russia. Trump wanted to nominate Ratcliffe as director of national intelligence until even Republican senators warned him that the Texas congressman was too partisan and inexperienced for the job. Trump nominated a more moderate congressman, Dan Coats, who filed too many honest reports that were at odds with Trumps own talking points about Iran, North Korea, and Russia. In his final year as president, Trump fired Coats and nominated Ratcliffe, this time sticking by his defender. The Republicans, riding Trumps coattails as the 2020 elections approached, relented. Ratcliffe was confirmed by a narrow margin, 4944. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 18 months on the job, Ratcliffe confirmed every fear about him, using his office to validate several conspiracy theories, many of them about Trumps political opponents. Among them was a claim that in the 2016 election, the Russians had backed Hillary Clinton more than they backed Trump, and that in the 2020 election, the Iranians had hacked into the servers of the pro-Trump Proud Boys militia group and sent emails to voters in three battleground states, warning them, You will vote for Trump on Election Day, or we will come after you. In fact, other intel agencies concluded that the Russians had backed Trump, not Clinton, in 2016. And even Ratcliffe had to admit, in the report on the battleground-state emails, that the evidence on Iranian involvement was inconclusive. Just over a week into Trumps transition to the White House, the once and future president is making good on his most hair-raising threats. Those who dismissed his agenda as theatrics, telling us not to worry, that he doesnt mean them, or that institutional guardrails will keep them from happeningwell, we shall see. Its up to four Republican senators out of 53 to play hero, and as Liz Cheney learned, playing hero in defiance of Donald Trump can end your career. Be very nervous. Just one week has passed since Donald Trumps electoral triumph, and already Russian President Vladimir Putinone of the strongman leaders Trump admires mostis messing with his head. First, Putin waited two days before congratulating Trump on his victory. One can imagine Trump receiving phone calls from kowtowing leaders the world overUkraines Volodymyr Zelensky, Israels Benjamin Netanyahu, the Palestinian Authoritys Mahmoud Abbas, the chief of NATO, the European heads of stateall the while wondering about the man whom hes admired publicly and privately for the past eight years: When is Vladimir going to call? Then, in response to Trumps claim that during their phone call, he askedin some accounts, warnedPutin not to escalate the war in Ukraine, a Kremlin spokesman denied that the two had spoken on the phone at all. (Putin issued his belated congratulations at a news conference.) I dont know whos telling the truth, a practice for which neither man has a sterling reputation. But either way, in the next few weeks, when Putin orders 50,000 fresh recruits (including 10,000 imported North Korean soldiers) to go on the next rampageousting Ukrainian soldiers from the thin slice of Russian territory they hold, then retaking soil across the border in Donbas provincehe can tell a complaining Trump that he doesnt recall any such conversation. If Trump thinks Putin actually will refrain from stepping up attacks on Ukraine as a friendly favor well, maybe our once-and-future president will learn a lesson about the limits of personal relations in the face of perceived national interests early in his second term. The final twist of this saga came on Monday, when Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Putin who was previously director of Russias Federal Security Service, made the following comment in an interview with the Moscow newspaper Kommersant: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The election campaign is over. To achieve success in the election, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. As a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them. Advertisement This is a mind-blowing bit of psychological warfare! The Russians are basically telling Trump: We put you in office. Now its time for you to pay us back. Did this make Trump wonder: WTF? It is well established that toward the end of this years presidential election campaign, Russians created and disseminated phony videos designed to swing voters away from Vice President Kamala Harris. One such video purported to show illegal Haitian immigrants voting. (The FBI, the director of national intelligence, and the top cybersecurity agency issued a rare joint statement about that claim, warning that these videos were false and Russian in origin.) Russians also phoned in bomb scares to polling stations in Black neighborhoods that tend to favor Democratic candidates. However, there is no evidencenor has anyone claimedthat Trump or his campaign staffers colluded in, or knew anything about, these videos or the bomb threats. If Trump did have some involvement, or if Russia possesses some other form of kompromat (compromising material) on Trump, Patrushevs message constitutes an extraordinarily bodacious threat of blackmail, delivered in public, against an American president-elect. If Trump did not have any involvement in this escapade, Patrushevs gambit showssome would say, confirmsthat Russias main goal, in all these misinformation ventures, is to sow chaos, breed mistrust, and weaken the sinews of democracy in Western countries, especially in the U.S., regardless of who is the president. Advertisement Related From Slate Democrats Are Forgetting Whats Actually Going to Happen When Trump Takes Office Read More What Trump does about this campaignwhether he is fully aware of its extent and depthis as yet unknown. His foreign policy, which he has clearly expressed many times, is angled toward a realignment with Putins Russia. At a first-term news conference in Helsinki, he said he believed Putin rather than his own intelligence agencies on the question of whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election. More broadly, Trump abhors multinational alliances, especially NATO. He considers U.S. military aid to Ukraine to be a waste of money; he doesnt much like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, decrying him as a salesman, and he no doubt remains bitter over the role that their beautiful phone call played in his first impeachment trial. (This was the call where Trump tried to hold up delivery of U.S. anti-tank missiles until Zelensky agreed to dig up dirt on Hunter Biden.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire MAGA wing of the Republican Partywhich is to say, the Republican Partyendorses Trumps desire to renew good relations with Russia, all the better to go after Americas real adversary, Xi Jinpings China. The first few of Trumps Cabinet nomineesRep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser, Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state, and Rep. Elise Stefanikall share this perspective. Soon after his victory, Trump made a point of tweeting that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, both of whom had lobbied for a senior position, would have no place in his administration. Haley had committed the unforgivable sin of running against Trump in the primaries, but beyond that, both she and Pompeo supportedand still do supportboosting military aid to Ukraine. So, they were out. One can only wonder what Trump will dowhether hell change his position, whether hes capable of changing his stancewhen he realizes, if he realizes, that Putin is not his friend. Trump certainly should not act as if he is. One of my favorite pieces of memorabilia from the 2004 election (yes, the one two decades ago, not last week) is a compilation CD put out by Barsuk Records, an indie label based in Seattle. It was called Future Soundtrack for America, and it contained a hodgepodge of covers, alt versions, and unreleased tracks from an array of artists. There was Jimmy Eat World (covering Game of Pricks by Guided by Voices), Blink-182 (a remix of I Miss You), and Laura Cantrell (covering John Prines Sam Stone). Death Cab for Cutie put the unreleased track This Temporary Life on there. The whole thing was a benefit for Music for America, an erstwhile and earnest nonprofit that raised money to support progressive causes, and MoveOn.org, of petitioning fame. It was a good album. I still listen to it. Here is one thing I didnt like that same election cycle, though: the Vote for Change tour. This was a multicity blast in October of that year, featuring everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Babyface, Pearl Jam to Bonnie Raitt. The goal was to get the people who attended to vote for John Kerry over George W. Bush. They hit a bunch of swing statessome of which went for Bush, some of which went for Kerrybut ended at the Meadowlands, just outside New York City. I did not attend. As much as I loved my little compilation CD, and my Death Cab T-shirt (We have the facts and were voting, a reference to the bands second studio album), I found the entire premise of the tour to be cringe, even if we didnt use that word 20 years ago. (Maybe we said it was cringeworthy?) The idea that celebrities could somehow use their cultural power to get fans to vote for certain candidates struck me as ridiculous at best, and snobby and condescending at worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats how I felt throughout September, as folks waited for Taylor Swift to Instagram her endorsement; as we waited to see if Beyonce was in and possibly performing at the Democratic National Convention; as Bruce Springsteen, our icon of American essence, showed up for Kamala Harris too. As these insanely famous peopleone of them literally referred to as a queenappeared during elaborate (and expensive) Harris events, I kept wondering: why? Advertisement What is the value of a celebrity endorsement? The concept is overall already dated. We have Ryan Reynolds still hawking his cellphone company on every podcast, and George Clooney still pushing his tequila (which I actually like!) from the windows of our liquor stores, but the days of a celebrity face equaling trust in a brandlet alone a personare long in the past. Parasocial relationships are the way we relate to the famous now; their social feeds mingle with our friends and family until they all seem sorta like the same thing. Sure, you might have a passing curiosity about the candidate some celeb is voting for. But chances are you already know whom theyre voting forand even more, as our culture is polarized alongside our politics, you probably approve. Advertisement But to make matters worse, presidential endorsements generally dont work. This cycle, weve all had to acknowledge that newspaper endorsements seem to be ineffective at persuading people to vote for a specific presidential candidate anyway (despite the fact that they should not be nixed by billionaire owners). We have to accept the same about celebrity endorsements too. Maybe we can even start to throw out the idea that any cool factor is an illusion. In fact, before this race even ended up in the dreadful place it did, I was finding the celebrity alliances off-putting. However much fun the Harris faithful were having inside the arenas, the view from the outside was dark. At a moment when Americanseven well-off onesare struggling to pay rents and mortgages, Harris was appearing with artists so famous most fans can no longer afford to buy a ticket to see them perform. The downside to these events seemed much clearer to me than the potential upside, the distance between the Democratic candidate for president and everyday Americans wider than ever. Advertisement Advertisement You might think I hate joy. I do not hate joy. In 2004 I went to an election night party at Crobar, a terrible nightclub on the west side of Manhattan, because it seemed like a fun way to while away time as we waited for the polls to close. (It was not, and I stayed only an hour, but I tried.) In 2008 I joined a parade down my street in Brooklyn to celebrate Obamas election. (Lets be real: He was the celebrity of his campaign.) Over the past few years, Ive become more joy-averse when it comes to politics (havent we all!). But this isnt really about joy or funits about the fact that we are all sick to death of being influenced toward every single purchase and belief in our lives, and politics is no exception. I want to vote for someone because I like them and their ideas, not because my favorite artist does. Advertisement Advertisement As the celebrities showed up more and more, I got a sinking feeling: This is sending the wrong message, if its sending any message at all. So, as the postmortems are rolling out about how much producing these celebrity-studded events cost, I must beg the future Democratic candidate for president in 2028: Please do not have a celebrity pillar of your campaign strategy. Its expensive, ineffective, and hollow. Sure, do SNL, the podcasts, the interviewsshow us who you are. But leave Taylor Swiftor Sabrina Carpenter or Chappell Roan or whatever next star has taken over our Spotify feedsout of it. Their star power will only cast a shadow over your campaign. I still dont know what I did wrong. Only a few short weeks after we carried the luscious green plant into our new home, its protruding branches and leaves started to shrivel. Killing this living thingan expensive new home gift to ourselvesstill fills my partner and me with shame. And yet, I was recently reminded of this plantslaughter, totally out of the blue, when my phone showed me a proud photo of my green offspring in its former glory as a memory. Digital memory promptsbeing told You have a new memory! by a device or appare now a normal part of our lives. The feature was introduced to iPhones on the iOS 11 update in 2017, drawing inspiration from Facebooks On This Day feature, which generates flashbacks to posts from previous years. And now, memory prompts are a central part of many apps, from Instagram and Snapchat to a streaming app like Spotify, which makes a huge deal out of Spotify Wrappeda yearly fanfare where our secret listening habits are turned into a social media spectacle. I notice digital memory prompts almost every spring, when Im now reminded of the COVID lockdowns (and my terrible hair). Last week, a former colleague told me about the time her phone reminded her of the worst weekend of her life, when she attended a remote wedding and came down with food poisoning. I shit my pants and threw up in front of a wild deer, she said. My phone regularly serves me the memory as a beautiful day. Our brain is designed to forget, and with good reason. Viktor Mayer-Schonberger Sometimes, were reminded of things that arent so funny. Friends have told me of being randomly shown romantic holiday pictures taken with an ex who broke their heart, or of a deceased family member while they were trying to grieve. The Americans in my life report being terrorized by memories of Election Day in 2016. With nearly endless research suggesting that constant smartphone use is making our memories worse, it makes sense that technology would try to fill in the blanks. But these prompts dont always get it right, and they might be making our lives more difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viktor Mayer-Schonberger, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of the 2011 book Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age, told me that digital tools have upended centuries-old practices of retaining our memories. Keeping memories and then accessing them used to be much more costly and time-consuming, he said. Not only would you need to keep a diary, but to access its memories you would have to go up into the attic or wherever it is stored to retrieve it. Advertisement Now, with smartphones and a nearly limitless storage supply, Mayer-Schonberger says it takes much more time and effort to simply forget. The memories feature is in itself an example of this. Receiving these prompts takes zero efforttheyre automatic. But if you dont want to receive them, then you have to manually turn the feature off (and most people dont even know you can do that). Mayer-Schonberger argues that forgetting is far from a passive actits a very important skill. If we remembered absolutely everything that happened to us, wed be overwhelmed with too much information. When it comes to grieving, or moving on from a breakup, forgetting can be a part of the healing process. Digital memory prompts, in their artificiality and unpredictability, might interfere with forgetting. Our brain is designed to forget, and with good reason, he says. Forgetting helps us to focus on the here and now and on the decisions and the actions we need to take, rather than be tethered to the past. Advertisement Oliver Hardt, who studies the neurobiology of memory and forgetting at McGill University in Montreal, has argued that our overreliance on our phones to look up everything from recipes to directions might be making our memories worse overall. (So-called digital amnesia is contested by experts, with some studies suggesting digital tools are eroding human memory, while others argue that this link is exaggerated.) Advertisement Advertisement Hardt thinks that a lack of filtration is a central problem with devices feeding us memories. Our phones assume we want to record everything forever, whereas most of the time were not actively approaching life that way. Were simply using the camera as a tool to document our lives without much intention of actually remembering every little thing. Thats why many digitized memories, such as a particularly perfect poached egg I cooked two years ago, arent actually memories. Not only have they long been forgotten, but they werent meant to be remembered in the first place. Forgetting is not a vice, but a virtue, he said. The flipside of this is the chance that we might actually be reminded of something we had forgotten, but want to remember. As someone who has been plagued by insecurities over my appearance for as long as I can remember, there is something reassuring about being shown pictures of myself from my early 20s. Sometimes, Ill be shown a photo from a day where I can specifically remember feeling bad about myself, but now I can see that I was young and gorgeous. I try to keep this in mind today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these flashbacks also strip images of vital context. When I see a memoryeven one of those youthful photos I likeIm not seeing all of the background information. Im not being reminded of the factors that might have made me feel bad about myself when the picture was takenespecially because most of the time, we only post the highlights of our lives online. And if I repost the throwback picture today? Then Im further stripping the image of context. That might make me feel good, but its not exactly honest. In a world where were constantly encouraged to compare ourselves to (and compete with) other people, only posting the good parts of our lives can contribute to feelings of distress and low self-esteem in others. Advertisement Since its inception, social media has thrived on context-free nostalgia. Some of the earliest trends on Instagram were Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday. Their corresponding hashtags#TBT and #FBFbecame a part of the platforms early language. Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online and founder of the new tech and online culture publication User Magazine, remembers the GPOY (gratuitous picture of yourself) trend on Tumblr. Just like the never-ending photo prompts we see on X today, this functioned as an excuse for people to share old photos of themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Lorenz tells me that a turning point for the internet happened in 2011, when Facebook turned the wall into a timeline, which was designed to help people look back at their lives online. This led to the creation of a number of apps based around nostalgia, she explained. Specifically the 1 Second Everyday app that was really popular in the 2010s, and TimeHop, which built a whole business around this. Encouraging users to take a context-free trip down memory lane is an easy way for social platforms to monetize our nostalgia. Social platforms realized that they could endlessly mine the content they already had and regurgitate it back to consumers, Lorenz said. It would almost be a waste for them not to do this, because not only does it engender us to their products, but it incentivizes us to keep posting. As weve been posting less, platforms have learned even more heavily into nostalgia, because theyre trying to spur us to share. In response to the increased emphasis on nostalgia, there are now more ways of communicating online that arent meant to last. Snapchat and Instagram Stories, for example, disappear after 24 hours. (Instagram Stories are archived, but only you can see themand even the archives are disappearing.) And messaging apps like WhatsApp introduced settings that automatically delete messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayer-Schonberger says that young people like his son are particularly savvy about what they share because theyve grown up in a world where throwbacks constantly remind them that the internet never forgets. Memory for humans has been so fleeting that when we then get tools to conserve, we overindulge in it, he said. We go overboard because we havent learned how to temperate our appetite for memory. Related From Slate What Serial Daters and Matchmakers Alike Think We Should Do About Our Dating Crisis Read More Perhaps the biggest issue with memory prompts isnt being awkwardly reminded of an ex, or a dead plant, but how they keep us hooked on the past. The internet has always allowed us to participate in mass nostalgia, Lorenz said, because social media encourages us to gloss over the bad. Not only does this set unrealistic expectations for what constitutes a happy or successful life, but it can distort our view of previous eras. Memory prompts provide the illusion of memory by reminding us of a key event, while simultaneously giving us a shortcut to forgetting most of what surrounded it. When replicated at a larger scale, this can lead to false memoriessomething we see everywhere from boomer Facebook groups bemoaning the disappearance of proper binmen to political movements that exploit these feelings of nostalgia, which essentially trade on the false premise that everything was better in the past. Many of the things we see in high-definition todaywars, poverty, inequalityhave been edited out of a rose-tinted view of previous decades. Advertisement Advertisement It might seem like having more memories available to us on digital devices is giving us more choice. But not knowing when these memory prompts are going to appear in front of us can hamper our ability to forget. And theyre also a barrier to remembering things properly, in our own way. If you really want to remember, then pour yourself a glass of wine and go through your diary or a photo album, or even scroll back on a device yourself, Mayer-Schonberger said. You should be able to choose to do that, rather than Apple or Facebook putting a version of the past right in front of us and making the choice for us. PERRY, Ga. (Nov. 12, 2024)Sigma Defense Systems, a leader in defense technology, announced the grand opening of its new office in Lexington Park, Maryland. The new facility provides new resources to support customers at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River MD, which includes the NAVAIR Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) program office (PMA-290), the Unmanned Carrier Aviation program office (PMA-268) and programs supporting the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton and MQ-25 Stingray aircraft.The ribbon cutting took place on November 8th, 2024, with Sigma Defense Systems executives, employees and distinguished guests taking part in the ceremony. Founded in Perry in 2006, Sigma Defense has grown to employ over 800 people globally. The Lexington Park office will specifically focus on delivering cybersecurity architecture design and engineering, software development, airborne ISR systems engineering, integration and testing further expanding the company's ability to deliver DevSecOps, CJADC2 and C5ISR to the U.S Department of Defense.Ed Anderson, Executive Vice President of Sigma Defense's Innovative Mission Solutions (IMS) Division was on-hand to welcome guests to the new office opening and shared his perspective, "As a navy officer, I appreciated having a close relationship with private sector contractors that supported our mission. At Sigma Defense, one of my core objectives is to provide our customers and my team every available resource to ensure that we deliver on our promises. This office allows us to grow our customer intimacy by providing the resources to be physically present. We are excited to expand and grow our relationship with NAVAIR and create a better customer experience."Sigma Defense Systems LLC is a leading technology company serving the Department of Defense (DoD) providing systems and services for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance since 2006. The company's software-focused approach to tactical communications accelerates information collection and sharing for faster decision making and better mission outcomes. Customers turn to Sigma Defense for engineering, program management, and data logistics services for technical solutions that encompass ground, air, and space-based systems and sensors and network and satellite communications. Sigma is headquartered in Perry, GA with satellite offices both CONUS and OCONUS. For more information visit sigmadefense.com and follow Sigma Defense on LinkedIn for news and updates. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/blinken-faces-internal-pushback-over-continued-military-aid-to-israel-amid-gaza-crisis-1120874455.html Blinken Faces Internal Pushback Over Continued Military Aid to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis Blinken Faces Internal Pushback Over Continued Military Aid to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis Sputnik International Many US State Department officials urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to suspend at least some military aid to Israel in light of its failure to comply with US demands for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, the Axios news portal reported on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T08:29+0000 2024-11-13T08:29+0000 2024-11-13T10:29+0000 americas antony blinken israel gaza strip https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1d/1118676203_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6e9619878b0ddabfa40aaa16fb6fcf60.jpg Other officials advocated continuing to pressure the Israelis on the issue rather than suspending arms sales, and Blinken eventually listened to them, the report said. Eight international human rights organizations said in a report on Tuesday that Israel had failed to meet US demands to resolve the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip by the set deadline, noting that 15 of the 19 measures had not been implemented and four had been partially implemented. In mid-October, Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a letter to Israel demanding that it take urgent steps to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days or face consequences related to US arms deliveries. Israel has been repeatedly accused of obstructing humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip and imposing strict restrictions on the transportation of humanitarian goods. Israel has denied the claims, publishing reports that more than 900,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid entered the Palestinian enclave in less than a year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241017/us-will-not-suspend-arms-supplies-to-israel-over-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-1120580742.html americas israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us state department, antony blinken, israel, palestine-israel crisis, gaza strip, gaza war https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/chinese-military-conducts-patrols-near-disputed-islands-in-south-china-sea-1120875015.html Chinese Military Conducts Patrols Near Disputed Islands in South China Sea Chinese Military Conducts Patrols Near Disputed Islands in South China Sea Sputnik International The Chinese military on Wednesday conducted patrols in the waters and airspace near Huangyan Island (also known as Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, which is disputed by several countries in the region, the Chinese armed forces said. 2024-11-13T09:09+0000 2024-11-13T09:09+0000 2024-11-13T10:59+0000 military china south china sea philippines https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0c/08/1081401013_0:80:3355:1967_1920x0_80_0_0_9e19ab9ee42f664f9205eec57d745a59.jpg "The Chinese military on Wednesday conducted combat readiness patrols over the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas," the statement read. The move, involving naval and air forces, was billed as a "lawful patrol activity." No further details were provided. China has been engaged in decades-long disputes with several Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, over the territorial affiliation of a number of islands and reefs in the South China Sea. In July 2016, following a lawsuit filed by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China has no grounds for territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court ruled that the islands were not disputed territory and did not constitute an exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to recognize or accept the ruling. US military ships that occasionally pass through South China Sea territory add to the tension, as China says such moves violate international law and undermine China's sovereignty and security. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240904/us-allies-intensify-coordination-in-smearing-china-in-south-china-sea-1120008135.html china south china sea philippines Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International china, south china sea, disputed territories, disputed islands, chinese patrol https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/erdogan-announces-turkiyes-diplomatic-break-with-israel-1120876156.html Turkiye Breaks Relations With Israel - Erdogan Turkiye Breaks Relations With Israel - Erdogan Sputnik International Turkiye has cut diplomatic ties with Israel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced. 2024-11-13T13:07+0000 2024-11-13T13:07+0000 2024-11-13T13:37+0000 world recep tayyip erdogan turkiye israel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/01/1113844013_0:0:3073:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_d6776fbd1e77037f87f3f7938d5d744f.jpg "The government of the Republic of Turkiye, led by Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop its relations with Israel. We have cut all trade and relations with Israel - period. We stand firmly with Palestine in its rightful cause to the very end," Erdogan said answering journalists' questions on the plane returning from his visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.Since the start of the Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Turkiye has consistently condemned Tel Avivs actions, accusing it of mass killings of Palestinian civilians. The country has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and exerted pressure on Israel.In early May, Turkiye's Ministry of Trade announced a complete cessation of trade with Israel. Before that, Ankara had restricted the export of 54 categories of goods, but the Israeli Defense Force continued its military actions in Gaza.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also faced repeated criticism, including from Erdogan himself. Netanyahus address to the US Congress in July this year not only sparked anti-war protests near the Capitol but also drew sharp reactions from Turkish politicians, including Erdogan, who called the Israeli leader a "butcher with the blood of 150,000 Gaza residents on his hands." Earlier, Erdogan had referred to Netanyahu as a "modern-day Fuhrer," emphasizing that the West ignores his crimes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241019/turkiye-israel-pushing-iran-towards-war-tehran-prepares-for-defense-1120602291.html turkiye israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International turkiye, israel, diplomatic relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/fbi-arrests-cia-insider-for-leaking-intel-on-israels-plan-to-attack-iran-1120876790.html FBI Arrests CIA Insider for Leaking Intel on Israel's Plan to Attack Iran FBI Arrests CIA Insider for Leaking Intel on Israel's Plan to Attack Iran Sputnik International A man who worked overseas for the CIA has been indicted for leaking classified documents last month that appeared to shed light on Israels plans to retaliate against Iran, The New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing court documents and people familiar with the matter. 2024-11-13T14:31+0000 2024-11-13T14:31+0000 2024-11-13T14:31+0000 americas john kirby israel cia fbi us iran https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/10/1116811547_0:158:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_c9111baaadd2e2646b17b329ecdb17c1.jpg The official, Asif W. Rahman, was charged last week in federal court in Virginia with two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, the report said. Rahman was reportedly arrested by the FBI in Cambodia and brought to federal court in Guam to face charges. The documents he disclosed were prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and contained interpretations of satellite imagery that offer an insight into a possible strike by Israel on Iran, according to the report. The FBI confirmed in October it is investigating an alleged leak of classified documents and working closely with the Pentagon and intelligence community. The White House is deeply concerned about leaks of classified information, US National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said in the wake of the incident, calling it "unacceptable." https://sputnikglobe.com/20241021/white-house-deeply-concerned-over-leak-of-israels-iran-attack-plan-1120627094.html americas israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us, cia, fbi, intelligence, leak, israeli plans to attack iran, israel-iran tensions https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/french-national-assembly-rejects-2025-budget-bill-1120874896.html French National Assembly Rejects 2025 Budget Bill French National Assembly Rejects 2025 Budget Bill Sputnik International The lower house of the French parliament, the National Assembly, has rejected the 2025 budget bill. 2024-11-13T08:52+0000 2024-11-13T08:52+0000 2024-11-13T10:54+0000 world france national assembly budget https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/08/1119286474_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_688e0f531e55686b020dca8b9ce4cf13.jpg In the fall, members of the parliament must approve the state budget and social security spending for the coming year. Voting takes place on two parts of the bill: expenditure and revenue. During the first vote on the budget revenue part, 192 members of parliament voted in favor and 362 voted against it amid plans for large-scale budget cuts that should result in savings of 60 billion euros ($63.7 billion). Some provisions, including tax increases for large companies, were retained. At the same time, members of parliament rejected increases in the electricity tax and the "environmental" tax on cars. The text in its original form will now be submitted to the Senate for discussion. The first reading of the bill must be completed within 40 days after its submission, otherwise the government has the right to adopt the budget without a vote, using Article 49.3 of the constitution. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241011/frances-military-budget-to-increase-to-55bln-in-2025-1120510041.html france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International france, french economy, french budget, french parliament, french national assembly https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/israel-strikes-al-qusayr-neighborhood-in-syrian-province-of-homs---reports-1120879209.html Israel Strikes Al Qusayr Neighborhood in Syrian Province of Homs - Reports Israel Strikes Al Qusayr Neighborhood in Syrian Province of Homs - Reports Sputnik International Israeli aircraft struck the Al Qusayr neighborhood in the Syrian Province of Homs, Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T18:22+0000 2024-11-13T18:22+0000 2024-11-13T18:22+0000 military israel homs syria middle east https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105730/08/1057300894_0:164:3136:1928_1920x0_80_0_0_33e4834367d9ac02d902d793e34481af.jpg Air defense systems are repelling the attack, the report added.Israeli military forces regularly strike Syrian territory as part of their campaign against the Lebanese movement Hezbollah. Earlier, Israeli drones attacked a residential building in the Shiite district of Damascus, Zainab, resulting in seven fatalities. The neighborhood, located in the southern part of the Syrian capital, is home to thousands of refugees from neighboring Lebanon. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241016/israel-plans-to-create-buffer-zone-in-syria---reports-1120570227.html israel homs syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel, syria, israel strikes syria, israel strikes syrian homs https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/israeli-court-dismisses-netanyahus-bid-to-postpone-corruption-hearing-1120876671.html Israeli Court Dismisses Netanyahus Bid to Postpone Corruption Hearing Israeli Court Dismisses Netanyahus Bid to Postpone Corruption Hearing Sputnik International A district court in Jerusalem has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a postponement of his testimony in a corruption trial until February 2025 due to ongoing war, Israeli news website Ynet reported on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T14:26+0000 2024-11-13T14:26+0000 2024-11-13T14:26+0000 world benjamin netanyahu israel middle east https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/0f/1117356116_0:256:2731:1792_1920x0_80_0_0_f1886c0ab5fa9791525538980fb9ebed.jpg The hearing will start in three weeks as scheduled, according to the report. Netanyahu's lawyers requested the postponement on Monday, saying that the prime minister would not be ready to testify on December 2 due to being preoccupied with the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas. The Israeli prime minister has pleaded not guilty on multiple charges related to corruption, bribery and abuse of power, in court cases launched back in 2020. Despite ongoing hearings, he is not required by law to resign. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220125/netanyahu-refuses-to-accept-israeli-ags-moral-turpitude-clause-in-corruption-case-plea-deal-1092496022.html israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International benjamin netanyahu, corruption, netanyahu trial, israel, netanyahu corrupted https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/lavrov-to-visit-brazil-on-nov-18-19-to-participate-in-g20-summit-1120875154.html Lavrov to Visit Brazil on Nov 18-19 to Participate in G20 Summit Lavrov to Visit Brazil on Nov 18-19 to Participate in G20 Summit Sputnik International Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Brazil on November 18-19 to participate in the G20 summit, as well as hold a number of meetings on the sidelines of the event, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T11:46+0000 2024-11-13T11:46+0000 2024-11-13T11:46+0000 world sergey lavrov maria zakharova brazil russia rio de janeiro g20 russian foreign ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0d/1120875231_0:133:3168:1915_1920x0_80_0_0_21cf47e50780ed42ee1da0936333833e.jpg "The next summit of the G20 will be held in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19. On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, the delegation of our country at this event will be headed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov," Zakharova told a briefing. Lavrov will speak at the plenary session and hold a number of bilateral meetings, the diplomat added. "The speeches of the Russian Foreign Minister are scheduled for November 18 during plenary sessions on the topics of combating inequality, hunger and poverty, as well as the reform of global institutions. A series of bilateral talks and contacts between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are also planned on the sidelines of the summit," Zakharova added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241110/russia-africa-partnership-forums-first-ministerial-conference-breaks-isolation-efforts-1120839241.html brazil russia rio de janeiro Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International g20 summit 2024, russia at g20 summit, who's coming to g20 summit, g20 summit participants, lavrov at g20 summit San Antonio activist investor Sardar Biglari is fighting to get a seat for himself and two others on the board of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. Two proxy advisory firms recommended Cracker Barrel shareholders withhold their vote for Biglari. Tim Boyle, Staff / Getty Images Sardar Biglari is chairman and CEO of San Antonios Biglari Holdings Inc., parent company of Steak n Shake. Hes waging a proxy contest with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. He is shown in this 2020 photo. Billy Calzada, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Two prominent shareholder advisory firms have declined to back San Antonio activist investor Sardar Biglaris bid for a seat on the board of ailing restaurant and retail chain Cracker Barrel. Both Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., also known as ISS, and Glass, Lewis & Co. LLC have recommended Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. shareholders withhold their vote from Biglari, who is waging his seventh proxy fight since 2011 against the Tennessee-based company that he says is in crisis. It wasnt all bad news for Biglari, however. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Both firms support one of Biglaris two other nominees Michael Goodwin, former chief technology officer at PetSmart Inc., who also has received Cracker Barrels backing. Glass Lewis also has recommended shareholders vote for Milena Alberti-Perez, a former chief financial officer of Getty Images Inc. Cracker Barrel opposes her and Biglari serving as directors. Biglari, who owns a 9.3% stake in Cracker Barrel through various entities, wants increased representation on Cracker Barrels board because he says the company is in need of a turnaround. His holdings in Cracker Barrel have fallen to $100 million from $350 million, he said in a letter to shareholders Wednesday. "I now believe there is a significant risk of a 50% loss or more if we are not elected to the Board," he added. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite being a longtime Cracker Barrel shareholder, Biglari chairman and CEO of San Antonio-based Biglari Holdings Inc., parent company of restaurant chain Steak n Shake has been an outspoken critic about some of the moves the company has made over the years. Hes bashed Cracker Barrel for opening new stores while customer traffic declined in existing stores. Hes also denounced its investments in Holler & Dash Biscuit House, which have been converted to Maple Street Biscuit Co. locations, and Punch Bowl Social, a restaurant chain combining food and drinks with arcade games. And hes called attention to how Cracker Barrels total shareholder return over the last five years has badly lagged its peer group. Now, Biglari is opposing Cracker Barrels strategy to spend $600 million to $700 million to implement what he calls a questionable transformation plan by remodeling its units with new booths and banquettes. The problem lies not in the seating but in getting more people to sit in it, Biglari said in a letter to Cracker Barrel shareholders last month. We do not believe changing the furniture and altering the decor are going to change the Companys trajectory or solve the Companys underlying problem of declining traffic. Cracker Barrel has countered that the 10 director nominees its board has recommended will ensure the company thrives today, tomorrow and well into the future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Board fully recognizes that Cracker Barrel must further evolve and improve, the company said in a statement this week. We hold ourselves and management accountable, and we have taken and continue to take aggressive steps to refresh the Board, enhance the Companys performance, drive a return to growth and deliver sustainable value for all shareholders. During Biglaris last proxy fight with Cracker Barrel in 2022, the company agreed to appoint his nominee Jody L. Bilney to the board. She had served as health insurance provider Humana Inc.s chief consumer officer for seven years until her retirement in 2020. Both ISS and Glass Lewis are backing her reelection. In its review of the latest contest, Glass Lewis said Cracker Barrel would benefit from additional oversight capacity expressly centered on capital allocation. But Glass Lewis couldnt bring itself to endorse Biglari for a board seat. Glass Lewis said Biglari is ultimately responsible for the promulgation of deeply regressive governance architecture at Biglari Holdings. The advisory firm added that it doesnt view Biglari as a credible change agent who would heed the perspectives of independent investors who may not share his views. ISS added that while Biglari has made a case for change at Cracker Barrel, governance practices at his own company leave much to be desired. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Biglari is trying to replace Cracker Barrels two longest serving directors, Chairman Carl Berquist and Meg Crofton. ISS said shareholders are warranted in withholding their vote for both, while Glass Lewis said they should withhold their vote for Crofton. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/may-be-new-beginning-what-could-come-from-turkiye-severing-relations-with-israel-1120877915.html 'May Be New Beginning': What Could Come From Turkiye Severing Relations With Israel 'May Be New Beginning': What Could Come From Turkiye Severing Relations With Israel Sputnik International If Turkiye is now cutting off its diplomatic relations formally with Israel, it may be a new beginning. But in terms of any impact that it is likely to make on the Middle East and on Israel, I would think it would make almost no impact at all on the region or in the on the Israeli attitude, said Hasan Unal, professor of political science and international relations at Ankara Baskent University. 2024-11-13T16:58+0000 2024-11-13T16:58+0000 2024-11-13T19:04+0000 analysis hasan unal recep tayyip erdogan israel turkiye middle east oytun orhan israeli-palestinian conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/1c/1110647958_0:156:3089:1894_1920x0_80_0_0_22b3f5ef394d887863bbfac968300acd.jpg Commenting on this development, Hasan Unal, professor of political science and international relations at Ankara Baskent University, noted that he does not know exactly what this means since Turkiye cut off its diplomatic ties to Israel months before or just months after the Israeli operations began in Gaza.His sentiment was echoed by Turkish political analyst Oytun Orhan from the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, who said that Turkiye started the process of severing relations with Israel in October 2023 over Tel Avivs mass killings of civilians in the Gaza Strip.He also said that Erdogans declaration reflects the will of the Turkish people who condemn Israels actions and seek the cessation of bloodshed in Palestine.It is possible for Turkiye to sever all relations with Israel and completely isolate it if it so chooses, added Mehmet Rakipoglu, director for Turkish Studies at the Mokha Center for strategic studies. Despite this, Israel continues to commit genocide because it is protected by several states, primarily Arab regimes and the United States.Meanwhile, Unal argued that Erdogans move is unlikely to have a serious impact on the situation in region.He added that this development may further complicate relations between Turkiye and the United States as the incoming Trump administration, as seen from various vantage points, is going to be quite pro-Israeli.Unal also pointed out that, despite declarations about Turkiye cutting off its trade with Israel, there are quite a considerable allegations and some appear to be not easily deniable, if you like, - that Turkiye is carrying on with its trade with Israel through Palestine.In other words, goods destined for Israel in the past are now destined for Palestine. But you know, once they arrived in an Israeli port like Ashdod, for instance, they are taken over by Israeli companies, he elaborated. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241109/death-toll-from-israels-operation-in-gaza-since-october-2023-tops-43500---health-ministry-1120826729.html israel turkiye Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel turkiye relations, israeli-turkish relations, israel turkiye trade https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/russian-forces-secure-village-near-zaporozhye-border-strike-key-ukrainian-infrastructure-1120873429.html Russian Forces Secure Village Near Zaporozhye Border, Strike Key Ukrainian Infrastructure Russian Forces Secure Village Near Zaporozhye Border, Strike Key Ukrainian Infrastructure Sputnik International Russian aviation and artillery struck Ukrainian Armed Forces airfield infrastructure and energy facilities supporting its military-industrial complex, while air defenses shot down 85 drones, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T10:25+0000 2024-11-13T10:25+0000 2024-11-13T10:25+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine zaporozhye russia ukrainian armed forces russian armed forces https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/08/1119289697_0:207:3272:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_f548a6a23ae2462b4c749e49797c42ad.jpg "Operational-tactical aviation, strike drones, missile forces, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces inflicted damage on military airfield infrastructure, energy facilities used to support Ukraines military-industrial complex, as well as concentrations of enemy personnel and military equipment in 139 areas," the statement from the ministry said.Additionally, Russian forces have taken control of Rovnopol in the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR), the ministry announced."Forces of the Vostok Battlegroup liberated the settlement of Rovnopol in the Donetsk Peoples Republic," the ministry noted.Furthermore, the Vostok Battlegroup targeted formations of four Ukrainian brigades in the areas of Velikaya Novoselka, Temirovka, Novodonetskoye, and Zelyonoye Pole in the DPR.They also repelled two counterattacks by assault groups. The enemy's losses included:Other DevelopmentsThe Tsentr Battlegroup inflicted losses on six Ukrainian brigades in various areas of the Donetsk People's Republic and repelled 10 counterattacks. Ukrainian Armed Forces suffered over 480 personnel losses. The group advanced further into enemy defenses and struck personnel and equipment of the 100th Mechanized Brigade, 5th Mountain Assault Brigade, 142nd Infantry Brigade, 101st Territorial Defense Brigade, and the 1st and 18th National Guard Brigades near Andreyevka, Dzerzhinsk, Shcherbinovka, Petrovka, Sukhoy Yar, and Dmitrov. They repelled counterattacks by the 42nd and 117th Mechanized Brigades, 152nd Jager Brigade, 49th and 425th Assault Battalions, 35th Marine Brigade, and the Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine. Enemy losses included over 480 personnel, one tank, three armored vehicles, seven vehicles, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one Msta-B howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.The Sever Battlegroup inflicted losses on the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kharkiv region, eliminating up to 110 personnel. They targeted the 113th and 120th Territorial Defense Brigades and the 5th Border Detachment of the Ukrainian Border Service in Udy, Vilcha, Krasnokutsk, Odnorobovka, and Liptsy. Losses included up to 110 personnel, three vehicles, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. A drone production facility was also destroyed.The Yug Battlegroup improved their forward positions and inflicted losses on several Ukrainian brigades. Ukrainian Armed Forces suffered up to 720 personnel losses. Strikes were carried out against the 33rd, 54th, 56th, and 81st Mechanized Brigades, the 46th Airmobile Brigade, and the 79th Air Assault Brigade near Yantarnoye, Druzhkovka, Dyleyevka, Reznovka, Privolye, Minkovka, Kurakhovo, Dronovka, and Seversk. Losses included two tanks, eight vehicles, a 152-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, a 105-mm M119 howitzer, four 122-mm D-30 howitzers, two Anklav-N electronic warfare systems, and two ammunition depots.The Zapad Battlegroup inflicted losses on four Ukrainian brigades and repelled seven counterattacks. Ukrainian forces lost up to 500 personnel. Strikes targeted the 28th, 43rd, and 63rd Mechanized Brigades and the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade in Novoplatonovka, Zagrizovo, Petropavlovka, and the Serebryansky forestry area. Counterattacks by the 14th and 53rd Mechanized Brigades and the 77th Airmobile Brigade were repelled. Losses included three tanks, two armored vehicles, six vehicles, a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, two Anklav-N and Kvertus electronic warfare systems, and five field ammunition depots.The Dnepr Battlegroup inflicted losses on Ukrainian formations, with total enemy losses reaching up to 65 personnel. Strikes targeted the 31st Mechanized Brigade and the 124th, 126th, and 129th Territorial Defense Brigades in Pyatykhatky and Stepnogorsk in the Zaporozhye region, as well as Mikhailovka, Antonovka, and Shlyakhovoye in the Kherson region. Losses included three vehicles, a 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and an Anklav-N electronic warfare system. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241110/russian-forces-take-control-of-the-volchenka-settlement-in-donetsk-peoples-republic-1120841791.html ukraine zaporozhye russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian special military oeration, ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine, zaporizhzhia https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/south-dakota-governor-kristi-noem-to-be-next-us-homeland-security-secretary---trump-1120870894.html South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to Be Next US Homeland Security Secretary - Trump South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to Be Next US Homeland Security Secretary - Trump Sputnik International US President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed media reports that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will hold the post of US homeland security secretary in his new administration. 2024-11-13T04:56+0000 2024-11-13T04:56+0000 2024-11-13T04:56+0000 americas donald trump kristi noem kamala harris south dakota texas department of homeland security (dhs) us 2024 us presidential election https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107927/17/1079271776_0:0:3000:1688_1920x0_80_0_0_5ef13ae96fba33d5f503b5c0718b4b6f.jpg "I am pleased to announce that the Governor and former Congresswoman from South Dakota, Kristi Noem, will be appointed to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kristi has been very strong on Border Security. She was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis," Trump said in a statement on Wednesday. A presidential election took place in the United States on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-2021, was declared the winner by all leading race callers and networks, namely the Associated Press, Decision Desk HQ, Fox News, and CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS from the National Election Pool consortium, as he secured enough votes in the Electoral College to win the election. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat in an address to her supporters, and US President Joe Biden congratulated Trump. The Electoral College, the group of presidential electors from the states, will vote for the candidate whom each states voters have chosen on December 17, and the results will be approved by Congress on January 6. The presidential inauguration will take place on January 20. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241112/fbi-and-justice-department-anticipate-shake-up-following-trumps-comeback-1120869010.html americas south dakota texas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump-2024, is trump running for president, why is trump banned from election, who's banning trump from election, why is trump banned from election, who's against trump in presidential election, was trump behind january 6, who organized january 6, why is trump banned from election, trumps court case, why is trump investigated, republicans vs democrats at the elections, who will win in 2024 elections, trump vs harris, trump harris debate, presidential debate, biden drops out, joe biden dropped out of presidential race, kamala harris replaces biden, biden quits, harris new democratic candidate, vice president jd vance, vice president tim walz, trump next president, why trump won, how did trump win, trumps new administration https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/trump-names-four-campaign-aides-as-white-house-senior-staff---statement-1120878731.html Trump Names Four Campaign Aides as White House Senior Staff - Statement Trump Names Four Campaign Aides as White House Senior Staff - Statement Sputnik International US President-Elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the four top campaign advisers who will join his second administration, his office said in a statement. 2024-11-13T17:07+0000 2024-11-13T17:07+0000 2024-11-13T17:07+0000 americas us donald trump dan scavino stephen miller white house https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107690/44/1076904410_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_dea45421f4c40781d82684ae16bf3ada.jpg Dan Scavino, former White House deputy chief of staff for communications and Trump's senior campaign adviser, will return to the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff. Stephen Miller, who previously served under Trump as a senior adviser for policy and director of speechwriting, was appointed as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. James Blair, the political director of Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee, was picked as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs. Taylor Budowich, who worked as Trump's spokesman during his presidency, became assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. "Dan, Stephen, James, and Taylor were 'best in class' advisers on my winning campaign, and I know they will honorably serve the American people in the White House ... They will continue to work hard to Make America Great Again in their respective new roles," Trump said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/trump-says-musk-ramaswamy-to-lead-department-of-government-efficiency-1120870025.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump administration, trump white house staff https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/trump-plans-to-veto-uk-deal-to-transfer-chagos-islands-to-mauritius-1120877778.html Trump Plans to Veto UK Deal to Transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius Trump Plans to Veto UK Deal to Transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius Sputnik International US President-elect Donald Trump plans to veto an agreement that will see the United Kingdom transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, The Independent newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing sources. 2024-11-13T15:46+0000 2024-11-13T15:46+0000 2024-11-13T15:46+0000 world donald trump united kingdom (uk) joe biden chagos islands https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107738/06/1077380647_0:448:2048:1600_1920x0_80_0_0_efacba8a98c27be67a7c6b6846bb3b07.jpg "Trump has received a UK-sourced briefing on Chagos and has asked the presidential transition team to work with the Pentagon to get legal advice. He has expressed a stance in principle to object to the deal if elected on the advice of the Department of Defense based on their global security posture," an unnamed US government official told the daily. The archipelago, seen as a strategic territory in southeast Asia, has been a subject of dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius for decades. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in 2019 demanding that the UK relinquish control of the islands, including the atoll of Diego Garcia, which hosts a UK-US airbase. Under the agreement, the UK will retain control of the Chagos Islands for 99 years. Diego Garcia has been leased to the US until 2036. US President Joe Biden's administration welcomed the agreement between the UK and Mauritius, which is expected to take effect next year after ratification by the British parliament. Mauritius and the Chagos Islands had been colonial possessions of the British Crown since 1845. In 1968, Mauritius gained independence, but the islands remained a British overseas territory. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Chagos population was deported to the Seychelles and Mauritius. In 1966, the UK leased the largest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States for 50 years. The lease was extended for 20 years in 2016. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241003/uk-hands-sovereignty-of-chagos-to-mauritius-to-ensure-future-of-us-uk-military-base-1120400319.html united kingdom (uk) chagos islands Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International donald trump, chagos island, uk, us https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/uk-defense-contractor-training-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-reports-rapid-revenue-growth-1120877389.html UK Defense Contractor Training Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Reports Rapid Revenue Growth UK Defense Contractor Training Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Reports Rapid Revenue Growth Sputnik International Babcock International Group, a top UK defense contractor that played a crucial role in the countrys training program of Ukrainian F-16 pilots, enjoyed 11% growth in revenue year-on-year during the first six months of its fiscal year 2025, the company said in a statement detailing its earnings on Wednesday. 2024-11-13T15:07+0000 2024-11-13T15:07+0000 2024-11-13T15:42+0000 military john babcock ukraine united kingdom (uk) f-16 https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/1f/1119584748_0:0:3067:1725_1920x0_80_0_0_475f31a744e6636d3609017ac32b135c.jpg "Group revenue increased 11% on an organic basis to 2,409 million [$3 billion] with good growth in our three largest sectors, which represent over 90% of our operational business," the statement said. The period of the swift revenue growth for Babcock was the six months before September 30, which were the first half of its fiscal year 2025. Babcock attributed to the UK government's growing defense spending, resulted from its strong support for Ukraine, as a key driver of its business growth. "The new UK Government is committed to spending on defence. In the 2024 Autumn budget, it reiterated its commitment to a defence budget of 2.5% of GDP and a 2.9 billion increase to defence spending for 2026. It also confirmed the additional 3 billion annually to support Ukraine," the statement said. As one of the top defense contractors in the United Kingdom, Babcock detailed the important role it played when the first 10 Ukrainian F-16 pilots graduated from the Elementary Flying Training (EFT) phase of the program in March. "Babcock has supplied the Grob Tutor aircraft for this phase, including all the technical and operational support functions. Our team has ensured that the training programme was completed ahead of time and aircraft availability was 100%," the company said at the time, adding that it would provide support for the second phase of flight training for the Ukrainian pilots. Eight Ukrainian F-16 pilots completed the full training program, dubbed as Operation Interstorm, in late October. In addition to providing support for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots, Babcock also played critical roles in UKs military aid to the Ukraines land forces and naval forces. "As part of the tripartite agreement between Babcock, the UK Government and Ukrainian Government, Babcock is the lead industrial partner in Ukraines Capability Enhancement Programme and is currently supporting the Ukrainian Navy with the maintenance of two mine countermeasures vessels following their transfer from the UK Royal Navy," the company said. At the same time, the land armored vehicles the UK supplied to Ukraine could not operate without support from Babcock. "Babcock is providing operational support to Land armoured vehicles, such as Challenger 2 tanks, training Ukrainian personnel and managing vital equipment, supply chains and spares," the company said. In its latest statement on corporate earnings released on Wednesday, Babcock detailed the Ukraine-related contracts the company secured during the reporting period. "In May 2024, we announced work was underway on the establishment of an in-country facility to deliver engineering support, including the repair and overhaul of military vehicles, to be delivered in partnership with UDI, Ukraines state-owned defence industry. In July 2024, we were awarded an extension, with further options to extend, to our initial one-year contract to support urgent operational requirements for Ukraines UK-gifted military land assets. In addition to maintaining military vehicles and equipment, Babcock is managing the supply chain and spares. We also support Operation Interflex, the British-led multinational military operation to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the statement said. The Ukraine-related contracts on supporting UK-supplied armored vehicles contributed directly to the growth of Babcocks business segment listed under "land," which experienced 8% year-on-year revenue rise to 591.3 million pounds during the reporting period. Following the full escalation of the military conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the United Kingdom became one of the top European countries that advocated for strong military support for Kiev and sent weapons worth billions of US dollars to the country. In addition to offering training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, the UK has sent power weapons, such as the Challenger 2 tanks, anti-tank missiles, artillery guns, air defense systems and the Storm Shadow cruise missiles, to Ukraine. According to the latest data from the UK government, the country has provided 7.8 billion pounds in military support to Ukraine since early 2022, while pledging to sustain an annual 3 billion pounds in military aid until 2030 to 2031. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240831/f-16-crash-in-ukraine-not-surprising-ukrainian-pilots-trained-sloppily---expert-1119969538.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240925/uk-depleted-own-weapon-stockpiles-by-helping-ukraine-1120289456.html ukraine united kingdom (uk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International uk, ukraine, f-16, f-16 pilots, f-16 pilots training, babcock international group https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/ukraine-disturbed-over-no-place-for-mike-pompeo-in-new-trump-team--report-1120873020.html Ukraine Disturbed Over No Place for Mike Pompeo in New Trump Team Report Ukraine Disturbed Over No Place for Mike Pompeo in New Trump Team Report Sputnik International President-elect Donald Trump announced last week that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not serve in the incoming US administration. 2024-11-13T06:14+0000 2024-11-13T06:14+0000 2024-11-13T06:14+0000 world us ukraine donald trump mike pompeo president membership nato plan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0d/1120871917_0:0:2938:1654_1920x0_80_0_0_a60f7fdec712af67bc9954d249ed78a3.jpg Kiev is concerned about the fact that former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not be part of the new US administration following Donald Trumps election victory, The Economist reports."The worry now is that Trumps offer to Ukraine will come to resemble something closer to ideas put forward by J.D. Vance, the incoming vice president," something that "would essentially rule out [Ukraines] NATO membership", among other things, the report also said.This comes after the president-elect denied media reports about his intention to nominate Pompeo as the new secretary of defense."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," Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social network earlier.Pompeo earlier came up with a so-called "peace plan" for Ukraine, claiming in his op-ed for the Wall Street Journal that in case of his victory, he would set up a $500 billion "lend-lease" program for the Kiev regime, lifting all restrictions on the type of weapons it can obtain and use against Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241111/what-does-trumps-decision-to-not-hire-pompeo-mean-for-ukraine-lobbyists-in-dc--1120855699.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg president-elect donald trump, former us secretary of state mike pompeo, trumps election victory, incoming us administration, "peace plan" for ukraine, senior ukrainian officials https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/west-uses-ukraine-to-achieve-geopolitical-goals-in-africa--malis-foreign-minister-1120870172.html West Uses Ukraine to Achieve Geopolitical Goals in Africa Mali's Foreign Minister West Uses Ukraine to Achieve Geopolitical Goals in Africa Mali's Foreign Minister Sputnik International Mali believes that Western countries are using Ukraine and its cooperation with terrorists to pursue geopolitical goals in Africa, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop told Sputnik. 2024-11-13T04:52+0000 2024-11-13T04:52+0000 2024-11-13T04:52+0000 ukraine mali abdoulaye diop terrorism terrorist state africa ukraine crisis russia maria zakharova kiev https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0d/1120870485_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_a0013f30784a64a9c1da32a70440750c.jpg "We are convinced that Ukraine is probably just the tip of the iceberg, with other powers in the region and beyond using Ukraine itself to achieve geopolitical goals in our region," the minister said. Mali is conducting a completely independent investigation into Ukraine's ties to terrorists, but will request assistance from Russia if needed, Diop added.There is no doubt about Ukraine's involvement in cooperation with terrorists, the minister stressed.At the same time, Mali, according to him, has never been hostile to Ukraine and cannot understand the reason for Kiev's aggression, especially its cooperation with terrorist groups. The world, Diop warned, will make a serious mistake if it fails to respond to such actions by Kiev. Earlier, French media, citing a military source in Mali, reported that terrorists from the alliance of Malian armed separatist groups CSP-DPA had traveled to Ukraine to receive training. In August, the spokesman for Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), andriy usov, first admitted but then denied that his country supplied the Malian insurgents with "information and more" to ambush Russia's Wagner Group in Mali.Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik that Kiev, unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield, had decided to open a "second front" in Africa by supporting terrorist groups in in the African countries friendly to Moscow. On August 5, Mali severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing Kiev's support for local terrorists. Niger followed suit on August 8, also announcing a break in relations with Kiev. On August 21, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger asked UN Security Council to take action over Ukraine's support of terrorism in Africa, but the UN "has not even acknowledged receiving the complaint," according to Diop. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240730/kievs-involvement-with-sahel-terrorists-not-surprising---russian-foreign-ministry-1119571645.html ukraine mali africa russia kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian terrorists, terrorist attacks, global terrorism, terrorist state, terrorist ukraine, ukrainian support for terrorists, african terrorists, malian terrorists, ukrainians in mali, wagner group, ukraine fights in africa, mali against ukraine, niger against ukraine, terrorist attack, ukraine-russia war, russia-ukraine war, special operation, sponsor of terrorism https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/whats-behind-saudi-crown-princes-demand-to-israel-not-to-attack-iran-1120876939.html What's Behind Saudi Crown Prince's Demand to Israel Not to Attack Iran? What's Behind Saudi Crown Prince's Demand to Israel Not to Attack Iran? Sputnik International Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also referred to as MBS, warned Israel against attacking Iran at an Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Riyadh on November 11. 2024-11-13T14:48+0000 2024-11-13T14:48+0000 2024-11-13T14:48+0000 analysis middle east crown prince mohammed bin salman masoud pezeshkian iran israel saudi arabia mbs riyadh us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/0a/1096204896_0:0:2000:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_f8d160504d3523d5aa75d36d19113ad1.jpg The crown prince specifically said that the international community should make Israel "respect the sovereignty of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran and not to violate its lands." Kamrava outlined possible reasons behind the crown prince's move: Meanwhile, in October, Saudi Arabia and Iran held joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman. MBS and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke on the phone a day before the summit. On November 10, Saudi Arabias top military official visited Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterparts. These signals are "important" and "significant", the pundit emphasizes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241031/saudi-arabia-building-strong-relations-with-brics-member-countries---industry-minister-1120734037.html iran israel saudi arabia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova mohammed bin salman, mbs, saudi crown prince, mbs warned israel against attacking iran, iran-saudi rapprochement, iran-saudi joint military drills, middle east, donald trump, abraham accords Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. LTIMindtree announced that it has expanded its presence in the United States with the inauguration of its new facility in Houston, TX. The 6,500-square-foot facility will serve as a major hub for innovation with LTIMindtrees Houston-based clients. It is intended to foster stronger collaboration with the energy and oil & gas companies that leverage LTIMindtrees technology solutions and services to grow their businesses. By strengthening its presence in the region, LTIMindtree is furthering its vision of becoming a long-term part of the Houston community as well as a partner of choice to help companies transform into intelligent enterprises. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on November 12, 2024, featured representatives from LTIMindtree as well as several key figures within the Houston area, including Brad Mushinski, Director of Constituent Services, Houston City Council District G attending on behalf of Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman and D. C. Manjunath, Consul General of India, Houston. Sudhir Chaturvedi, President and Executive Board Member, LTIMindtree, said, We are excited to establish deeper roots in the vibrant community of Houston. The area is one of the fastest growing technology hubs with an excellent talent pool and a strategic location that enables us to serve clients across industries. We are committed to a long-term association and look forward to growing with the community in times to come. Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman, Houston City Council District G, said, I congratulate LTIMindtree on the opening of their new Houston facility in the heart of District G. In addition to being the epicenter of the U.S. oil and gas industry, Houston has become a thriving hub for digital technology talent. LTIMindtrees expanding presence is yet another indication of Houstons bright future as a center for technology innovation. Located alongside other leading technology providers in the Northwest Houston region, the facility will be used to develop AI, digital transformation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) solutions. The company will also host joint innovation workshops and design thinking sessions here. The facility will also serve as a training site to upskill the companys as well as clients talent on next-generation technologies and solutions. Measuring the size and growth of romance is not totally straightforward, in part because it overlaps with fantasy and science fiction and young adult genres. September Downing/Staff Over the past year, all three national business news sources I read daily New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News covered a version of the same story: The rise of romance as a driver of the publishing and bookselling industry in 2023 and 2024. The Cliffs Notes on these business stories is that a specific subgenre of romance dubbed romantasy because it combines high-fantasy elements like dragons with the traditional arc of a love story with a happy ending is booming. Authors Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas in particular garner shout-outs as the tentpole authors of this growing subgenre. One reaction to these recurring 2024 stories the one favored by a romance reader in my own household is that romance has always been a huge business driver for book publishing. Whats new is that a male-dominated industry does not typically recognize the importance of a segment of literature that is 95% written by and for women. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My own reaction is to try to figure out what, if anything, is new and why. Data on industry growth of romance Measuring the size and growth of romance is not totally straightforward, in part because it overlaps with fantasy and science fiction and young adult genres. It also defies perfect accounting because its writers and readers were early and voluminous adopters of the e-Book and self-published side of the industry over the past 20 years or so. Those are not tracked as well by traditional publishers. Romance-industry expert Andrea Martucci argues that statistical claims like romance books are a billion-dollar industry are built on suspect data and outdated assumptions, citing all those above-mentioned factors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nevertheless, the growth over time, and the growth recently, is evident. Bloomberg cited $610 million in expected sales in the romantasy category alone in 2024, as a subgenre accounted separately from traditional romance. Bloomberg also compares the 16% rise in general fiction sales between 2020 and 2023 with the 116% jump in romance sales over that same period, and the 163% jump in fantasy sales. Strong sales growth is happening in romance as well as in the adjacent categories like fantasy, sci-fi and young adult, where romantasy is sometimes shelved. San Antonio independent bookseller Twig Book Shop saw a 21% increase in sales for romance and sci-fi/fantasy categories, comparing 2023 with 2024, according to manager Claudia Maceo. A database that tracks sales at independent bookstores nationwide found that at least half of the top-selling 200 book titles were romance or romantasy genre books over the past three months, according to Twig Book Shop manager Claudia Maceo. Shown is a selection of sci-fi/fantasy books at the Twig. Michael Taylor/Contributor She accessed a database that tracks the top sales at independent bookstores nationwide, finding that over the previous three months, when aggregating sales of the top-selling 200 book titles, at least half of the units sold were romance or romantasy genre books. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Maceo toured the stacks at Twig with me, showing how what was once a small romance section has now burst its boundaries, taking over shelf space from other categories. Elizabeth Jordan, the general manager of independent bookseller Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, reports a 60% increase of sales in the romance section over last year. That 60%, Jordan clarifies, does not include the romantasy sales of Yarros and Maas, whose books they shelve as part of their fantasy section. Nowhere Bookshop cultivates its romance customers through a monthly subscription and meetup club called Happy Endings Book Club, with over 200 members. When Iron Flame was released, Yarros second book in her latest romantasy series, Nowhere hosted a midnight release party, which quickly sold out. When Iron Flame was released, Rebecca Yarros second book in her latest romantasy series, Nowhere Bookshop hosted a midnight release party it quickly sold out. TNS I asked local booksellers what, if anything, explains the growth in sales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Interestingly and anecdotally, it seems the growth is almost in spite of the interest of bookstore managers. Two out of three managers I spoke with all three of them women cited unprompted their initial snobbery about the romance category, or their adjacent belief that it is cheesy in some way. But they also acknowledged that their prior beliefs are stuck on as I suspect the average non-romance reader is also stuck on a circa-1980s perspective about what the romance genre is. This is not your grandmothers romance. One key element hasnt changed: A romance must have a happily-ever-after ending. Other book genres can feature love and coupling as a main plot point, but if that relationship doesnt end happily, its not a romance novel. So what has changed? Here Im going to cite at least two relevant cliches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Judging a book by its cover The observable change at the bookstores is seen in a combination of space on the shelves and what is put in the path of incoming foot traffic in the store. At both big-box stores and independent booksellers, romance genre books increasingly are front and center on display when you walk in. Interestingly, however, the uninitiated might not know which books they are. Thats because and I dont know if youve heard this before you cannot judge a book by its cover. In the new world of romance and romantacy, the covers are nothing like you used to see with mass-market paperbacks featuring a bare-chested Fabio in a clinch with the heroine and a gauzy strip of cloth blowing provocatively across the couple. Gone as well are the flowy hand-drawn titles, all energetic serifs and wispy font. The new covers are modern and slick and give little indication to the uninitiated of the romance story inside. Sarah J. Moss is one of the tentpole authors of the growing subgenre of romance dubbed romantasy because it combines high-fantasy elements like dragons with the traditional arc of a love story with a happy ending. September Downing/Staff The Twigs Maceo gets excited describing the investment that publishers have made in the new romance covers. I mean, look at the way theyre packaging theyve got fancy edges, the cover designs are just mind-blowing. A similar evolution of the cover is that many readers purchase romance e-books for their Kindle or iPad. The result between modern covers and electronic readers is that romance fans can consume their favorite genre in relative privacy, not exactly indicating the content of their book. Speaking of which Sex sells Stop me if youve also heard this cliche before, but sex sells. Theres a lot of sex happening in these books. And we get all the details. The word spicy is frequently how booksellers refer to the sex content in romance books. If were using the salsa metaphor, by all accounts, romance and romantasy are selling a lot more hot varieties than the medium or mild they did in the past. And its hotter than the general public may realize. In the romance industry vernacular, the spicy books offer open door sex scenes, as opposed to the demure closed door sex scenes in which much is implied but not described on the page. San Antonio independent bookseller Twig Book Shop saw a 21% increase in sales for romance and sci-fi/fantasy categories, comparing 2023 with 2024, according to manager Claudia Maceo. Rene Guzman / Staff San Antonio independent bookseller Nowhere Bookshop has seen a 60% increase of sales in the romance section over last year. That does not include the romantasy sales of authors Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas, whose books they shelve as part of their fantasy section, says general manager Elizabeth Jordan. Ronald Cortes /Contributor A database that tracks sales at independent bookstores nationwide found that at least half of the top-selling 200 book titles were romance or romantasy genre books over the past three months, according to Twig Book Shop manager Claudia Maceo. Shown is a selection of sci-fi/fantasy books at the Twig. Michael Taylor/Contributor The wooing of bookstores Finally, the crossovers with other genres and the diversity of styles has exploded in recent years. Maceo again describes the difference from 30 years ago to today. Romance seemed so formulaic. And that is not what were seeing now. In addition to that whole repackaging and energy and money and marketing they put into the books, they became a lot more diverse, and look how they are evolving, Maceo enthused. Booksellers may have resisted at first, but resistance to romance has proved futile. 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: CC0 Public Domain In French Guiana, a community of indigenous Kali'na began actively resisting plans for the world's first baseload renewable power plant using hydrogen technologythe CEOG projectin November 2022. The energy company, Hydrogene de France (HDF Energy), had touted the plans as an initiative that would deliver jobs for the local community, support a village's self-sufficiency, serve the nearby power grid and leave plenty of free land for the locals' use. However, the Kali'na community saw it differently. For them, the sitejust two kilometers from Prosperite, their village of 230 peoplewas a direct attack on their identity and way of life. After two years of resistance, an agreement was reached between the Kali'na community of Prosperite and HDF Energy. A joint statement issued on August 30, 2024, said both parties will benefit: HDF Energy secures the continued development of its hydrogen power plant, while the Kali'na community gains commitments to [sustainable development projects] [(monewsguyane.com/2024/08/30/ce -trouvent-un-accord/)]. These include the creation of employment opportunities for Kali'na youth, particularly in the renewable energy sector, initiatives to protect the local environment and improvements to local infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement promises ongoing dialogue between the company and the community, with a focus on ensuring that the plant's operations align with the Kali'na's cultural and environmental priorities, allowing for a more inclusive and sustainable future for both parties. Plans for an electric plant in Prosperite, located in West French Guiana, were first floated in 2018, with an investment amounting to 170 million. The Kali'na were worried the project would lead to deforestation, destruction of the natural environment, disruption of their traditional hunting practices and a loss of the transmission of traditional practices to future generations. The CEOG project underscored a deep divide between the indigenous inhabitants and the proponents of the project. Striking a balance between fostering equitable energy futures while protecting the Amazon rainforestwhich covers 95% of French Guianaand safeguarding the rights of indigenous people became a central issue in the Prosperite case. A division of interests solved by a partnership? As academic researchers, our focus is to analyze this case through the lens of energy justice (EJ). Over the last decade, a worldwide movement has developed around applying concepts of justice (fairness, equity and inclusiveness) to slash the negative impacts of energy development. Specifically, energy justice principles aim to protect citizens' rights and well-being in today's economy. A new social contract between project developers and indigenous peoples based on these principles is needed to move forward. At the heart of such a contract should be genuine community engagement and a rebalancing of the relationship between energy sector stakeholders and society. But was this achieved in the recent agreement between the Kali'na and HDF Energy? Seen through the lens of energy justice, several issues are present in the agreement: As energy justice scholars, we question whether the agreement between the Kali'na and HDF Energy truly resolves the conflict and addresses the core concerns. In our view, energy justice principles remain insufficiently applieddistributive justice (revenue or benefit sharing) and procedural justice (transparency) are still murky. Could mediation be introduced to ensure greater community involvement throughout the CEOG project's life cycle? This could help future-proof decisions and maintain a just process, benefitting both the community and the project's long-term success. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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 battery is ready for testing in a vault, which includes several layers of shielding and concrete walls, at Sandia National Laboratories Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory. Sandia scientists are working to identify methods to detect failures in electric vehicle batteries before the batteries catch fire. Credit: Craig Fritz Batteries in electric vehicles can fail quickly, sometimes catching fire without much warning. Sandia National Laboratories is working to detect these failures early and provide sufficient warning time to vehicle occupants. While electric vehicles have systems to detect performance issues with lithium-ion batteries, these systems are not focused on imminent safety concerns. "The nature of battery fires can vary widely, depending on the failure mode. Some batteries self-heat for hours, while others are abrupt and aggressive," said Alex Bates, a member of Sandia's battery safety group. "The battery starts heating uncontrollably, ultimately resulting in a fire." Current measurements in battery management systems capture temperature and voltage, but these are lagging indicators of safety issues. This means a warning may not appear until it's too latewhen the battery is about to catch fire or is already on fire. "We're focused on extending the warning time," said Loraine Torres-Castro, Sandia's battery safety lead. "Our aim is for the diagnostic system to provide an early warning, allowing time to park safely and exit the vehicle." She added that the ultimate goal is to integrate this warning system into the car's dashboard. The BATLab To achieve this, Torres-Castro and her team have been testing commercial off-the-shelf diagnostics on single cells and battery packs at the Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory. "Our objective is to benchmark commercially available solutions for different failures that exhibit varying responses and require tailored diagnostics," Torres-Castro said. "One size does not fit all. We seek to identify specific tools that can provide early warnings for particular failure conditions, battery chemistries and cell engineering." Sandia is uniquely positioned to do this work, not only because of the BATLab. "We have broad expertise on our team," Torres-Castro said. "We understand material science, electrochemistry, engineering and, most importantly, how and why batteries fail." A paper published earlier this year in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society describing Sandia's research has gained significant attention. "It's important work. Industry is interested in this space. It's still wide open," Bates said. "This manuscript has largely started the conversation, or at least pushed it to the forefront of battery safety for electric vehicles." The paper highlighted techniques used to detect failure markers and has implications beyond batteries for electric vehicles. "We're working with an organization in South Korea to evaluate the potential use of this technique in grid energy storage systems. We're talking about large batteries," Torres-Castro explained. Next steps Torres-Castro and Bates agree there's a lot more work to do on electric vehicle battery failure detection. "The next phase is understanding the limitations and applying machine learning algorithms to datasets," Bates said. "We need other methods to examine the signal and ensure that it's fast, accurate and not a false positive." Another focus area is advancing sensor technology to the point that the sensors issue more than warnings. "These tools can also activate mitigation measures. For instance, upon receiving a warning the system could trigger the thermal management system of the battery to start cooling it down," Torres-Castro said. As a next step, Sandia will have battery packs from electric vehicles in the lab. The cells will be disassembled and tested at different scales to check the limitations of the current diagnostics on the market. "It's very exciting to be at the forefront of practical battery safety, where our work will extend beyond the lab," Torres-Castro said. Bates added, "We're always excited about the science." More information: Loraine Torres-Castro et al, Early Detection of Li-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Using Commercial Diagnostic Technologies, Journal of The Electrochemical Society (2024). DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ad2440 Journal information: Journal of The Electrochemical Society 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: The Chinese flag flies at a plaza near the Potala Palace in Lhasa in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 1, 2021, as seen during a government organized visit for foreign journalists. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File A hacking group that is believed to be Chinese state-sponsored has compromised two websites with ties to the Tibetan community in an attack meant to install malware on users' computers, according to findings released Wednesday by a private cybersecurity firm. The hack of the Tibet Post and Gyudmed Tantric University websites appears geared toward obtaining access to the computers of people visiting to obtain information on them and their activities, according to the analysis by the Insikt Group, the threat research division of the Massachusetts-based cybersecurity consultancy Recorded Future. The hackers, known in the report as TAG-112, compromised the websites so that visitors are prompted to download a malicious executable file disguised as a security certificate, Insikt Group said. Once opened, the file loads Cobalt Strike Beacon malware on the user's computer that can be used for key logging, file transferring and other purposes, including deploying additional malware. "While we do not have visibility into the activity that TAG-112 conducted on compromised devices in this campaign, given their likely cyber espionage remit and the targeting of the Tibetan community, it is almost certain that they were engaged in information collection and/or surveillance rather than destructive attacks," Insikt Group senior director Jon Condra told The Associated Press. "This behavior aligns with historical targeting of the Tibetan community," he said. Chinese authorities have consistently denied any form of state-sponsored hacking, saying China itself is a major target of cyberattacks. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of the hacking of the two websites reported by the Insikt Group. "China's stance on the issue of cybersecurity is consistent and clear," the ministry said in a faxed reply to a request for comment without elaborating. According to the Insikt group research, the sites were first compromised in late May and the attacks bear many overlaps with a previously tracked hacker group known as TAG-102, leading analysts to conclude it is a subgroup of the already known group "working toward the same or similar intelligence requirements," Insikt Group said. Overlaps include reuse of specific tactics, techniques and procedures and going after identical targets, Condra said. "These two threat clusters are almost certainly interrelated," he said. TAG-102, known by multiple names such as Evasive Panda and StormBamboo, has been in operation since as early as 2012, and is widely thought to be a Chinese-sponsored advanced persistent threat, or APT, group, Insikt Group said. Among other things, it uses custom malware frameworks used by other Chinese APT groups and its targeting "aligns with likely Chinese intelligence requirements," Condra said. "The group has engaged in a wide variety of campaigns over the years, with an emphasis on targeting individuals and organizations in opposition to the Chinese government, such as human rights organizations, religious organizations, ethnic minority groups, academic institutions, and supporters of democracy or independence movements in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even in mainland China," Insikt Group said. The university and the news website, which are both located in India, have been informed by Insikt Group of the hack. As of this week, it appears the Gyudmed Tantric University, which is a place of learning about Tibetan Buddhism, language, history and culture, has remediated the problem while the news website remained compromised, Condra said. The Tibet Post is known for promoting democracy, freedom of speech and for advocating Tibetan independence from China, he said. China claims Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, although it only established firm control over the Himalayan region after the Communist Party swept to power during a civil war in 1949. Many Tibetans' loyalties still lie with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader who has lived in exile in India since a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959. China has been regularly accused of human rights abuses in Tibet, including earlier this year over its efforts to forcibly urbanize villagers and herders as part of a drive to assimilate rural Tibetans through control over their language and traditional Buddhist culture. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Grossi wants nuclear energy to get climate financing. The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Tuesday that atomic power should also be allowed to tap into climate change funds. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said he wanted countries from Kenya to Malaysia to go for nuclear, while denying he was pushing for an "irresponsible race" towards civil atomic power. Should nuclear get climate financing? "It should. Already at COP28 in Dubai the international communitynot just nuclear countriesagreed that nuclear energy needs to be accelerated. We need to give ourselves the means to make things happen. The dialogue with international financial institutions has started in a very positive way. I was at the World Bank this summer, and tomorrow we will meet with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), as well as the Development Bank of Latin America. Various financing bodies are beginning to see that markets are pushing in this direction. We are obviously not a commercial lobby (but) a regulatory agency for everything related to nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. We are here to provide assurances and to oversee projects." But banks don't directly back atomic projects? "There are cultural, political and ideological barriers. We are coming out of decades of a negative narrative about nuclear, but it has to happen. I am the first to want to see results straight away." Can nuclear help poorer nations decarbonize? "That would be a very good thing. There are many countriessuch as Ghana, Kenya and Moroccothat are interested in small modular reactors, for example, and they approach us saying, 'For us, this would be a good solution.' Others, like those in Eastern Europe, could benefit from European funding and for whom energy security is crucial in reducing dependency on certain suppliers. So it depends on the model. In Asia, we have Malaysia, the Philippines... countries that genuinely need this." But how many have safety authorities up to the job? "Obviously, the agency does not endorse or promote programs or projects that lack the institutional and technological fabric needed. We have development models. The United Arab Emirates is a very, very interesting case. It's a country with financial resources but that initially had absolutely no infrastructure, nuclear regulations etc. We have established programs for newcomers to guide them step-by-step, through 19 chapters, until they establish nuclear capability." That's what we have done. We are not going crazy, in an irresponsible race toward civil nuclear power. But there are a lot of things we can do." 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed how many Canadians work. According to Statistics Canada, remote work rose to 40% in April 2020 and fell to 18.7% as of May 2024. While telework allows employees to save time and money on commuting costs and can offer a better work/life balance, academic studies have illustrated how collaborative work can potentially suffer in remote contexts. Proponents of the metaverse suggest it could be the future of remote work, since virtual worlds and virtual reality (VR) afford us the ability to collaborate in virtual spaces. But some companies argue that remote work lacks "water cooler moments"impromptu encounters between employees that can spark innovation. The compounding effects of Zoom fatigue and awkward attempts to recreate informal office interactions through virtual events like Zoom parties are partly behind recent interest in the metaverse as the future of remote work. Metaverse is a term first coined by novelist Neal Stephenson more than three decades ago in his 1992 science-fiction novel "Snow Crash." Today, it's used to describe "the convergence of physical and virtual space accessed through computers and enabled by immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality." These technologies are collectively referred to as extended reality. User interaction issues This isn't the first time companies have explored the use of virtual environments to support remote work. In the early 2000s, companies like IBM and Microsoft had virtual islands in the social virtual world Second Life, where they hosted corporate training and recruitment events. But where Second Life was a platform for desktop computers, the metaverse is primarily one to be used with VR head-mounted displays. While metaverse supporters claim VR environments can virtually recreate in-person collaborative experiences or "water cooler moments," the ways users interact with VR systems can introduce some usability issues. In order to interact with 3D content in virtual environments, modern VR systems almost universally use 3D input devices such as controllers or wands, tracked in 3D, typically using cameras positioned facing outward on the device. Hand tracking is becoming increasingly prevalent as well. However, these 3D controllers have been shown to lack the finesse of conventional computer input devices like a mouse or touchscreen, resulting in worse performance in common tasks such as acquiring targets (for example, clicking on icons). Eye tracking is becoming increasingly prevalent as well, with recent entries such as the Apple Vision Pro relying almost entirely on eye-based interaction. For repeated target acquisition tasks, eye tracking can cause eye fatigue, and its performance potential is limited by the quality of the device's eye tracker. Ergonomics and physical strain Ergonomic issues also persist. While VR head-mounted displays are becoming increasingly affordable and portable compared to devices from the late 1990s, they still introduce head and neck issues if worn for extended periods of time. Another common issue is that VR controllers are known to yield arm and shoulder fatigue in users. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "gorilla arm syndrome." There are methods to alleviate this fatigue, such as requiring smaller physical motions mapped to larger virtual motions. However, most commercial device manufacturers have not employed such techniques yet, instead favoring 1:1 scale interaction. In other words, this means any movement you do in real life is executed the same in VR. Notably, such approaches go back to the earliest examples of 3D interaction (not necessarily in VR), dating back to the mid-1980s, despite extensive academic research to improve the situation since then. To their credit, Apple has shown an awareness of this issue with Vision Pro, using eye tracking as a primary input method with subtle gestures in a comfortable arm pose to act as a "click" action. This technique, likely adapted from the "Gaze + pinch" method, uses a combination of eye gaze to select targets and gestures with the hand to manipulate them. Cybersickness A final usability hurdle is cybersicknessvisually induced motion sickness commonly observed with VR use. Presently, anywhere from 20 to 95% of users can experience cybersickness. For years, cybersickness was incorrectly attributed to technical issues, such as display refresh latency. We now know that while latency exacerbates cybersickness, the phenomenon is more complex and caused by human factors not easily addressed through better or faster technology. The primary cause of cybersickness is believed to be visual-vestibular mismatches. This occurs when your eyes tell you you're moving while your inner ear's sense of motion tells you that you are not. VR systems using a controller joystick to move through the environment will more immediately increase the likelihood of cybersickness than those using natural walking. Postural stabilityour ability to keep upright with conflicting visual informationalso plays a role, and sudden motions in VR can cause users to lose their stability. Both issues can be mitigated through better system design, such as minimizing or eliminating movement, or using movement techniques that provide correct cues, like physically walking around an environment. Since we often want to move around in a larger virtual environment than the physical space available, other techniques intended for use with joystick- or steering-based virtual movement have also been shown to be effective in reducing cybersickness. Examples of this include reducing the field of view during motion or snapping the viewpoint to fixed rotation angles and movement positions. The future of work As for the future of work in the metaverse, while some may be eager to see the shift in the very near future, there are still too many issues that make working in VR complicated. These issues, unfortunately, will not be easily solved by simply releasing new hardware or software. Until these issues of user interaction, ergonomics and cybersickness are resolved, the metaverse will not be ready to fully replace traditional office environments or provide a completely effective alternative for remote work. For now, remote work in the metaverse may appeal to early adopters or companies looking to experiment with virtual spaces, but it is unlikely to become a mainstream solution in the immediate future. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Tech ambitions include producing sustainable jet fuel out of the carbon dioxide in the air. Tech entrepreneurs have spent years selling the dream that we can save the planet without changing our ways, but the current focus of innovation is dividing experts and investors. The tech industry loves splashy world-saving ideas and spends billions on the hunt for new energy sources, often clashing with calls from activists and experts simply to use less energy. The Web Summit in Lisbon this week, one of Europe's biggest tech events, gave top billing to a Californian firm called Twelve that claims to be able to make sustainable jet fuel out of the carbon dioxide in the air. "In a lot of ways we're mimicking trees and plants," Twelve cofounder Etosha Cave told the audience, describing a process that takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and converts it into fuel. Cave painted a picture of a future where her company's tech could power long-haul flights and even help exploit mineral wealth on Marsa utopian vision that has helped her firm raise some $650 million. The interviewer on stage with Cave told her it "sounds like magic". Climate expert Mike Berners-Lee, a professor at the University of Lancaster in the UK, told AFP that world-changing claims about sustainable fuel or new energy sources needed to be viewed skeptically. "Everyone's looking for a silver bullet that would mean we wouldn't have to do anything difficult," he said. More broadly, the green wave in tech is entering a tricky period. While Twelve and other major startups are attracting massive investment, Bloomberg recently reported that funding for climate tech was on track to fall 50 percent this year compared with last year. Big losses And climate tech has long been subject to the whims of politics and global economic trends. The current green wave is the second this century. The firstnow called Clean Tech 1.0was fostered by US politician Al Gore, whose calls for funding were met with an estimated $25 billion of investments. The period ended in 2011 after the global financial crisis ended cheap loans and China ramped up its solar panel output, wiping out most US startups and roughly half of investors' cash. But those investments were not wasted. They led to an era of inexpensive solar and wind power and laid the foundations for the electric vehicle revolution. Clean Tech 2.0 began around 2018 as companies and governments committed to net-zero carbon targets laid out by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. However, the US has re-elected Donald Trump as president with support from many leaders in the tech industry. Trumpan avowed climate-change denier whose campaigning slogan on fossil fuels was "dig baby dig"withdrew the US from the agreement in his first term and analysts believe he will do the same again. And the global fight against climate change is still fraught, with national leaders meeting for the UN's COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan this week divided on the idea of phasing out fossil fuels, the main driver of global warming. 'Severe reservations' All this leaves climate tech in a precarious moment, and startups without world-saving narratives are scrambling to get funding from a smaller pot. Web Summit hosted dozens of them, hawking everything from blockchain-backed "virtual power plants" to smart widgets for stopping household leaks. While some experts are cynical about the utility of these "shark tank" style events, Elisabeth Gilmore, a professor of environmental engineering at Carleton University in Canada, said she had no problem with young entrepreneurs making big claims. "These innovations should be eyebrow-raising," she told AFP. She said events like the Web Summit could focus minds, but cautioned that entrepreneurs must look beyond the profit motive and make products that help communities. Berners-Lee questioned whether some of the most eye-catching ideas could be as good as they sounded. "If these are real solutions that are ready to go, if they're as good as they look, they would be scaling up like crazy," he said. Sustainable jet fuel, he said, was one of the toughest nuts to crack and would need major breakthroughs in storage and power usage. Cave conceded on stage that Twelve needed "utility-level" renewables as well as power from the grid for her firm's plants, though she said it used far less land and energy than biofuels. More broadly, Berners-Lee questioned whether the search for new power sources should even be an aim for humanity. "I would have severe reservations about giving humanity an unlimited energy supply beyond carbonwe're causing enough damage with the energy we've already got," he said. 2024 AFP 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: Trump sought the industry's backing during his campaign with a pledge to make the United States a 'world capital' of crypto. Donald Trump's triumphant return to the White House signals a potential golden era for cryptocurrencies, whose influential backers heavily supported his presidential bid. After years of ascendancy following bitcoin's emergence, the cryptocurrency industry had fallen into a "crypto winter," plagued by scandals and hostile regulatory oversight. But Trump's impending presidency has spurred an enthusiastic market response, with bitcoin surging more than 25 percent in a week and breaking through the $90,000 mark for the first time. The president-elect previously voiced opposition to digital currencies, but as a candidate pledged to make the United States "the world capital of crypto," a dramatic shift met with an influx of financial and other support from the sector. Crypto-affiliated groups spent some $245 million on elections this year, according to the Federal Election Commission, much of it targeting the sector's Democratic opponents. The Washington Post reports that Trump is already seeking crypto-friendly candidates for key government positions. Many potential appointees have close ties to Elon Musk, the world's richest man who has become a constant presence alongside the president-elect and a vocal crypto advocate. 'Dampened innovation' Among Trump's primary objectives will be the removal of Gary Gensler, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman who has been a formidable opponent to the sector. In the absence of clear regulations, Gensler took an aggressive stance toward digital currencies, treating them like traditional financial securities such as stocks and bonds. The approach has prompted SEC lawsuits against major trading platforms including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, along with various smaller startups. Katherine Snow, legal head at Thesis*, which develops Bitcoin-based applications, said the "lack of clear guidelines hasn't just dampened innovationit's driven companies offshore to countries with more transparent regulations." The industry has been advocating for regulatory clarity from Congress, a cause once championed by crypto billionaire Sam Bankman Fried before his fraud-related downfall smeared the sector's reputation. Hope now centers on the so-called FIT21 bill, which passed the House in May and awaits Senate consideration. The legislation would shift oversight to the CFTC, known for its lighter-touch approach to regulation. According to eToro analyst Simon Peters, the regulatory shift could "accelerate the approval of new investment products" and increase capital flow into digital currencies. Industry leaders are optimistic about moving away from a perceived hostility by President Joe Biden's administration. 'Lock us out' Chandra Duggirala, CEO of incubator Tides.Network, said the skepticism from officials discouraged traditional banks from collaborating with crypto-linked entrepreneurs. "We would love to not have to worry if our banks will lock us out," argued Burnt Banksy, founder of the XION platform. Trump's commitment to the sector appears even more credible given his personal involvement in the space. In September, he and his three sons launched World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency investment and lending platform, a move which now raises conflict of interest concerns. The president-elect has also discussed establishing national bitcoin reserves, a move that could mainstream cryptocurrencies further. The government currently holds approximately 210,000 bitcoins worth about $18 billion, mostly from judicial seizures. According to Snow, government bitcoin stockpiling would demonstrate America's commitment to innovation while attracting investment and talent, potentially shaping international standards for cryptocurrency worldwide. 2024 AFP 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: Learning a real-world policy from generated images. Left: we generate diverse and on-policy visual data by combining structured image prompts with geometric and semantic control from an underlying physics simulator. Right: the policy is sufficiently robust to transfer to a variety of challenging terrains in the real world, despite never having seen real data during training. Credit: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.00083 A team of roboticists and engineers at MIT CSAIL, Institute for AI and Fundamental Interactions, has developed a generative AI approach to teaching robots how to traverse terrain and move around objects in the real world. The group has published a paper describing their work and possible uses for it on the arXiv preprint server. They also presented their ideas at the recent Conference on Robot Learning (CORL 2024), held in Munich Nov. 69. Getting robots to navigate in the real world at some point involves teaching them to learn on the fly, or by training them with videos of similar robots in a real-world environment. While such training has proven to be effective in limited environments, it tends to fail when a robot encounters something novel. In this new effort, the team at MIT developed virtual training that better translates to the real world. The work involved using generative AI and a physics simulator to allow a robot to navigate a virtual world as a means for learning to operate in the real world. They call the system LucidSim and have used it to train a robotic dog in parkour, a sport where players attempt to traverse obstacles in unknown territory as quickly as possible. The approach involves first prompting ChatGPT with thousands of queries designed to get the LLM to create descriptions of a wide range of environments, including outdoor weather. Next, the descriptions given by ChatGPT are fed to a 3D mapping system that uses them (along with AI generated images and physics simulators) to generate a video that also gives a trajectory for the robot to follow. The robot is then trained to make its way through the terrain in the virtual world and learn skills that it can use in a real environment. Robots trained using the system learned to clamber over boxes, climb stairs and deal with whatever they encountered. After virtual training, the robot was tested in the real world. The researchers tested their system using a small, four-legged robot equipped with a webcam. They found it performed better than a similar system trained the traditional way. The team suggests that improvements to their system could lead to a new approach to training robots in general. More information: Alan Yu et al, Learning Visual Parkour from Generated Images, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.00083 LucidSim: lucidsim.github.io/ Journal information: arXiv 2024 Science X Network United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez speaks to hundreds of the 27th annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice participants at Hemisfair Park to conclude the event on Saturday. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor Arturo Rodriguez is just settling back into his San Antonio routine after spending the last month in Arizona working for the Harris-Walz campaign. The former president of the United Farm Workers knocked on doors along with other union volunteers in Latino neighborhoods, answering voters questions and appealing to registered voters to get to the polls. Rodriguez made appearances on Radio Campesina, a network operated by the Cesar Chavez Foundation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The trip was an extension of his semi-retired life as UFW president emeritus after having held the unions top post for decades, succeeding Chavez, his then-father-in-law. Coming home always requires a task that grounds him: restocking the refrigerator. It connects him with all those workers in the fields, where he says a great majority are undocumented immigrants. He and his wife, Sonia Rodriguez a community activist long involved in the grass-roots COPS Metro Alliance usually shop at H-E-B and Costco. They load up on spinach, squash, serrano chiles, tomatoes and onions. They get sweet kale, when they can find it, and potatoes and eggs, always. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another big product that we get is wine, he said, chuckling, because farm workers produce wine. After a shellacking, as former President Barack Obama described the 2010 mid-term elections and what the Harris campaign got in 2024 a task like grocery shopping can be therapeutic. I broke bread with friends and family and got a haircut. Weve all got to do what we have to do to cope with the results of the election. Democrats, liberals and progressives were on the losing end, but Republicans, especially those who are nowhere near the middle class, may soon feel greater pain alongside the rest of us at the grocery store, the doctors office, in our schools and when dealing with any federal agency. Its going to be what my mother called un desmadre, an indelicate way of saying chaos. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rodriguez, like so many others, fears whats ahead. Without a doubt, hell still be at work as UFWs president emeritus on call to the union, the UFW Foundation and the Chavez foundation, the latter employing hundreds of people helping others in need. For the last three years, Rodriguez served as co-chair of the U.S. Department of Agricultures equity commission, though that will end. It advocates for women farmers and farmers of color to make sure they have access to the benefits of programs at USDA, he said. Post-election, UFW is trying to figure out next steps, but one job remains the same, Rodriguez said, advocating for the women and men that harvest our fruits and vegetables. Were all preparing to make sure we can do everything we possibly can to protect the workers, their families, the communities that they live in, and to ensure that every effort is made that we dont see mass deportations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ELAINE AYALA: U.S. citizen may be caught up in mass deportations President-elect Donald Trump promises large-scale operations. The federal government consistently says that well over 50% of the (farm worker) workforce is undocumented, he said, emphasizing that the coronavirus pandemic finally showed farm workers to be essential workers. From our experience, day-to-day working in the fields, we find that its more like 70 to 80% without legal status, he said. Thats just been a reality now for a long time. Getting U.S. citizens to do work in the fields, even with increased wages, proved impossible, as the unions Take Our Jobs campaign showed. In all, only about 30 U.S. citizens nationally showed an interest in the work. All of them fell away after only a few days, Rodriguez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If food is expensive now, he added, imagine depending on imported goods. In the meantime, Rodriguez says the UFW will be looking at developing whatever strategy is possible to protect farm workers, their families and the immigrant communities they live in. Well still continue to look toward legislation that deals with heat illnesses and preventing heat deaths, he added. But, mostly, the priority will be to ensure we still have a significant agricultural industry in the United States. That we really begin to understand and appreciate what women and men do within the agricultural industry in providing the most ample supply of fruits and vegetables in the world. In times of struggle, people look to their heroes, their personal saints on earth and the afterlife. The UFW looks to St. Cesar Chavez. Rodriguez admits if he were here, hed be outraged with the election results, at least at first. But that would subside. He would be giving hope to people, Rodriguez said. He would be telling us to maintain our unity and stay strong. He would be saying that weve been challenged many, many times before, and weve somehow survived and been able to move forward. Jorge Cortez, patriarch of the family behind the iconic San Antonio restaurant Mi Tierra and other eateries, died at the age of 81. Robin Jerstad As Pete Cortez tells it, his dad was a visionary who went several steps past thinking outside the box. He didnt even see a box, said Cortez. It was like everything was possible. La Familia Cortez Restaurants includes the iconic Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia in Market Square. Mike Sutter/Staff Jorge Cortez, patriarch of the family behind the iconic San Antonio restaurant Mi Tierra and other eateries, died at the age of 81. ScottBall/Scott Ball Since opening in 1951, Mi Tierra has become a sensation for tourists and locals alike. Ron Cortes/Contributor Jorge George Cortez helped run and grow the restaurant empire his parents founded, which includes the iconic Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia in Market Square. He also was a driving force behind several transformative projects that brought new life to areas near Market Square, including Main Plaza, Milam Park and the Spirit of Healing mural that his friend, the late artist Jesse Trevino, created on the side of what is now Christus Childrens Hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was an artist, too, taught by Trevino. And he was an Air Force veteran who served from 1961 to 1965, inspired by President John F. Kennedys inaugural entreaty that Americans ask what they could do for their country. Everything he wanted and everything he did was all about honoring my grandparents, honoring God, honoring the family and bringing light and attention and value to Latino culture, said Pete Cortez, the eldest of his seven children and CEO of the family business, La Familia Cortez Restaurants. Thats what it was about for him. Jorge Cortez, who had been in and out of the hospital for the past three years, died on Monday. He was surrounded by his children, some of his grandchildren and his two former wives. After he took his final breath, Pete Cortez said, they all prayed together. I think that as much as he wanted to see the Alameda finished and as much as he wanted to see all of those projects done, what probably meant the most to him was for his family to be united as one, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cortez was one of the five children of Pedro Pete Cortez and Cruz Cortez. The couple opened their first eatery, a cafe with three tables, in 1941. They opened Mi Tierra, which would become the flagship of their empire and a sensation for tourists and locals alike, in 1951. They added businesses over time. The family-run empire now includes La Margarita and Pico de Gallo, concepts that Jorge Cortez created, as well as Mariachi Bar and Mi Familia at The Rim. The familys long culinary history extends well beyond the walls of its restaurants. Their famed enchilada sauce a potent blend of tomatillos and chiles took third-place honors in the 2017 H-E-B Quest for Texas Best contest. Its still available on shelves today and brings an unmistakable taste of the familys flavor to home-prepared meals. We are beyond selling tacos and enchiladas, the late restaurateur said in 2015 interview with the Express-News. We are about embracing and preserving our beautiful Latino culture. Part of that is reflected by the work the family did in Market Square, said Claudia Guerra, the former cultural historian for the city, who worked on an oral history project pegged to the Alameda Theater renovation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was such a visionary, Guerra said. What hes done for San Antonio is really highlight San Antonios cultural heritage. Where I think he had the biggest impact was keeping alive Market Square, how hes done that through support from Mi Tierra for events there. And hes introduced some beautiful murals that artist Jesse Trevino was commissioned to do. Hes behind all of that celebration of San Antonios cultural heritage. Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, who has known the family 40 years, credited Jorge Cortez for continuing his parents legacy and keeping their restaurants going. Its not every business that can succeed beyond the founders, Cisneros said. He also noted that Jorge Cortez helped create the distinctive look of Mi Tierra, which reflects the importance of his Mexican heritage to him. The culture that Jorge preserved is visible at Mi Tierra in the murals on the walls, in the Christmas decorations that add color and light, in the menus that he researched into Mexico and beyond, and in the altars for Day of the Dead that are there year-round, Cisneros said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jorge Cortez also was known for his distinctive look, including custom guayaberas, and for his warmth. The Facebook pages for the restaurants are filled with stories of encounters patrons and others had with him over the years. He really was emblematic of joy, said Trish DeBerry, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio. He was so passionate about his kids and his restaurants and the Hispanic culture that he thought needed to be preserved and enhanced and celebrated. That led to his advocacy for a cultural district on the near West Side of downtown. He was one of the founders of the Alameda National Center for Arts and Culture, the umbrella organization created to oversee the restoration of the Alameda and the construction of the site of Museo Alameda, which was the first Smithsonian affiliate outside of Washington, D.C. The Cortez family donated $1 million to those projects. Museo Alameda opened in 2007 and closed in 2012. The building now houses Centro de Artes, a city-run gallery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The renovation of the Alameda Theater was a passion project for him, said his son Pete Cortez, who is on the board for the project and was able to show his dad the latest plans for it in one of their last conversations. He always told me, 'Son, I want to see this before I go,' he said. It hurts me personally that it wasnt finished before he passed. But I know hell have a better view of it now. Cortez is survived by his children: Pete Cortez and his wife, Laura Trevino Cortez; Deborah Cortez; Christina Cortez-De La Fuente and husband Jesse De La Fuente; Paloma Cortez Jones and husband Matthew Jones; Jasmin Carino Cortez-Haass and husband Chip Haass; Alexandra Cortez Rothenberg and husband Jason Rothenberg; and Sol Jorge Xavier Cortez. He also had 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also is survived by three of his siblings, David Cortez, Rosalinda Cortez Pouya and Ruben Cortez. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough. At 9 a.m. Nov. 20, a procession will depart from the funeral home and will move through Zona Cultural to San Fernando Cathedral for a 10 a.m. Mass. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller will officiate. 10-hour sleep time: China announces new measures to prevent myopia among children Xinhua) 10:02, November 13, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has unveiled new measures to prevent and curb the rate of myopia among children, as nearsightedness remains a social concern in the country. Efforts should be made to ensure that children in kindergarten get over 10 hours of sleep each day, and that primary school students get a full 10 hours of sleep daily, according to a document issued by the Ministry of Education, the National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration in October. Children in kindergartens should engage in outdoor activities for at least two hours every day, and primary schools should organize students to go out of classrooms during recess, the document says. It stipulates that primary schools should ensure they follow a "double reduction" policy that aims to reduce excessive homework and after-school tutoring hours for students. Online lessons should be limited to 30 minutes per class, and there should be a break of at least 10 minutes between classes, per the document. Qu Jia, president of the Eye Hospitals Group of Wenzhou Medical University, said the document demonstrates the determination and actions of China's education authorities in promoting the comprehensive development of students, and reflects a strong commitment to the healthy growth of children. The latest official statistics show that 51.9 percent of Chinese children and adolescents are nearsighted, despite a slight decline in recent years. China is stepping up efforts to address the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents, aiming to achieve a set of targets by 2030. These targets include maintaining the myopia rate among 6-year-old children at approximately 3 percent, and ensuring the myopia rate among primary school students remains below 38 percent. In recent years, the country has released and updated guidelines aimed at reducing myopia among children, while also launching campaigns to raise awareness of the issue. The new measures emphasize the importance of prevention, calling for concerted efforts among authorities, schools, health institutions and parents. Primary schools should purchases desks and chairs that can be adjusted to students' needs, and classrooms, dormitories and libraries should be equipped with lighting facilities that are beneficial to eye health, the document says. Kindergartens should conduct vision tests for children every six months, and primary schools should monitor students' vision twice per semester, according to the document. Efforts should also be made to guide children to minimize their use of electronic devices, and to encourage primary school students to use electronic products in a scientific, regulated manner, it adds. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the dinner menu includes a dry-aged bone-in rib-eye steak with an add-on bone-marrow option; a glass of Super Tuscan red wine; a wedge salad with glazed bacon; and complimentary Parker House rolls. Mike Sutter/Staff At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the menu includes, clockwise from front: the Santo Style plate with a center-cut strip steak and grilled Madagascar shrimp; a broiled cold-water lobster tail; sparkling wine by the glass; a Billionaire's Potato; a Little Gem Caesar salad; and a side of jumbo asparagus. Mike Sutter/Staff Dean's Steak & Seafood is built into a former 1800s schoolhouse building on the grounds of the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the menu includes a steakhouse wedge salad with thick bacon; Super Tuscan red wine by the glass; and complimentary Parker House rolls. Mike Sutter/Staff Dean's Steak & Seafood is built into a former 1800s schoolhouse building on the grounds of the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the menu includes wild Alaskan halibut with grilled radicchio and tomatillo salsa; a vodka cocktail called the Hugo Spritz; and a seafood crudo with ahi tuna, king salmon and Alaskan halibut. Mike Sutter/Staff Dean's Steak & Seafood is built into a former 1800s schoolhouse building on the grounds of the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the brunch menu includes Dean's Steak Oscar & Eggs, front, and a king crab Benedict. Mike Sutter/Staff The raw seafood bar at the front of the dining room at Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio specializes in king crab, East Coast oysters and shrimp. Mike Sutter/Staff At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the cocktail menu includes a martini service with iced-down vodka and an iced tray of garnishes; and a Signature Old Fashioned with Whistlepig rye whiskey, vanilla Demerara and black walnut bitters. Mike Sutter/Staff In the rise-and-shine of a Sunday morning in September, light filtered across the ancient bricks and mortared stone and wooden beams of Deans Steak & Seafood. It cast a postcard glow across the oak-shaded courtyard between twin schoolhouse buildings from the 1800s. Whiskey bottles blinked their gemstone light from shelves above an icy raw-bar stage where museum rows of king crab and shrimp joined the rising light with flares of crimson shell. The best waiter in San Antonio and his entourage swirled around the gray velvet booths and draped white tables in a room as movie-set perfect as a scene from The Truman Show. Deans Steak & Seafood 431 S. Alamo St. at the Kimpton Santo hotel, 210-759-7441, deanssteakandseafood.com Quick bite: High-end downtown steakhouse set in a historic stone schoolhouse building at the new Kimpton Santo hotel Hours: Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m. Monday-Friday. Brunch: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Price range: Small plates, $19-$25; soups and salads, $13-$16; steaks, $42-$250; entrees $26-$59; desserts, $13-$17 Alcohol: Cocktails, wine and beer Excellent Good Fair Poor Bad Express-News critics pay for all meals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And thats what you get when you feed the restaurant critic bubbles for a dollar at brunch. You get the buzz of a posh new steakhouse at the Kimpton Santo, a temple of glass and steel that rose to meet the downtown hotel scene this summer. It wasnt just me. Everybody got a bottle of bubbles for a buck the first month at Deans. And a clean half-off deal on the dinner tableaux of dry-aged steaks, Japanese wagyu, lobster, oysters and grilled fish. Even the Billionaires Potato. Half-off. For one month this summer, Deans was the best restaurant value in the city. Dean's Steak & Seafood has a modern front entrance to the right the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, but the main dining room is built into a former 1800s schoolhouse building on the grounds. Mike Sutter/Staff Why did they do that? Look at the front of the hotel. You cant, really. South Alamos a war-torn pile of dusty rubble, unwilling to yield something as basic as a driveway, so you have to drive around the block to the back of the hotel to get in. To offset the accessibility equation, Deans parent company, White Lodging, did what it had to do to. It generated buzz, literally and figuratively. What do you do when the buzz wears off? You approach Deans with the understanding that its part of a chain with dozens of hotels and restaurants, including other steakhouses called Deans in Austin and North Carolina. That it costs a lot more than your half-price first impression. That even with your restaurant validation, valet parking costs $20, and theres no self-parking option. Advertisement Article continues below this ad TOP 10 STEAKHOUSES: Heres the beef But you also look for the ways Deans folds itself into the San Antonio market. And you look for what the full-price experience brings to the table. Deans isnt part of the thoroughly modern hotel structure. They built the dining room into the wood-and-stone bones of the adjacent schoolhouse, giving the place a genteel veneer of instant history. And they extended the illusion across the courtyard to a twin building with a speakeasy bar called The Study. Between the glittering raw seafood bar at the front of Deans and the glass wall of wine bottles in the private dining room in the back is a space that feels a world apart from just another hotel restaurant, a world apart from Corinne next door at the Plaza. At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the menu includes a raw seafood platter called the Petite Plateau with king crab, shrimp and oysters. Mike Sutter/Staff While I took advantage of the early brunch discount, the rest of this report came at full-price. But even through the rose-colored glasses at brunch, I could see the promise of eggs Benedict with sweet crab meat and smoky curls of bacon and the broad-shouldered appeal of filet mignon with king crab and black truffle bearnaise. A seafood assortment called the Petite Plateau translated the beauty of the raw bars rows of enormous crab legs, colossal shrimp and East Coast oysters into fresh, clean flavors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fresh majesty of the raw bar paired nicely with Deans martini experience. I say experience because it arrived as a DIY toothpick assortment of olives, citrus and pickled sundries on crushed ice, flanking a small carafe of ice-cold vodka and a glass of olive brine for your desired level of dirty. The martini opened the door to a solid cocktail roster at Deans, including a respectable old-fashioned with Whistlepig rye and black walnut bitters and the light vodka-and-florals fizz of the Hugo Spritz. Server Nico Cordero fires up a tableside Baked Alaska dessert at Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff Its called Deans Steak & Seafood because steak comes first, both in name and practice. The perfect medium-rare sear of a dry-aged, bone-in rib-eye was matched by a caramelized crust of salt, pepper, coriander, rosemary and sugar. Just enough to taste, but not so much that it pulled the spotlight off the $90 steak, with its network of fat and the undertones of cured bacon that come from dry-aging. Im always chasing the classic steakhouse side experience, and for me that means a Caesar or a wedge salad, a baked potato and asparagus. Deans hit two of those marks. Picture your perfect asparagus. This was that. Now picture a wedge with crisp iceberg lettuce, lots of Gorgonzola, some buttermilk dressing and good tomatoes. This was that, plus a slab of caramelized bacon the size of a blue-plate special ham dinner at a diner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the slop-and-chop bowl of Little Gem Caesar and the hard knob of a Billionaires Potato with the sound and fury of cheese and truffles for $22? They were not that. At Dean's Steak & Seafood at the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, the menu includes sparkling wine by the glass and a broiled cold-water lobster tail with charred spinach. Mike Sutter/Staff The center-cut strip at the heart of the Santo Style surf-and-turf carried the same seasoned armor of crust, with a beef flavor trending more lean and clean. But the lone Madagascar shrimp that bumped the plate price to $105 didnt rise to the same level. Pulled into a straight line beside the steak, the big sea beast was impressive. Until I factored in the reality that only the tail half was edible, and the meat there worked through a spectrum of textures from mushy to grainy to finally just right, all of it spiced with a heavy hand that teetered close to the blackened territory of Cajun cooking. A composed dish of Alaskan halibut ran into spice issues of its own, the promise of a tart tomatillo salsa hijacked by red pepper chutney too big and brassy for the mild white fish, cooked until it waved farewell to flaky on its way to chalky white. And while a head of grilled radicchio provided an architectural base to give the dish lift and drama, it created drama of its own with a bitter toughness like sawing through a wet dishcloth. And in a place with such impressive raw-bar seafood, I failed to understand the wannabe sushi vibe of king salmon, ahi tuna and halibut in lazy slices over jumped-up chile oil passing for a seafood crudo. And it failed me right back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seafood at Deans found its way back to the light with a broiled cold-water lobster tail that made the argument for surf without the turf, with the firm texture and big, buttery sweetness to meet and defeat most anything brave enough to get on the plate with it. Steak and seafood define Deans, of course. But what propels Deans into a league above a hotel chain experience is the experience built around it. We judge our restaurants by the company they keep. And Deans is in good company. Dean's Steak & Seafood has a modern front entrance to the right the new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio, but the main dining room is built into a former 1800s schoolhouse building on the grounds. Mike Sutter/Staff They tapped into the local spirit right away by hiring some of the best waiters in the city, including Cured and Landrace alum Jeffery Spahn and Edward Arciniega, whose distant grandfather homesteaded on an adjacent street that carries his familys name. Waiter Nico Cordero, who set fire to a showboat Baked Alaska dessert straight from the 1950s, was a chef for 12 years before putting on a servers apron. And executive chef Arturo Trevino came up through the citys hotel ranks, including time at Domingo at the River Walk hotel Canopy. Even in its early stages, Deans is joining the hyper-local Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour, an annual barhop sponsored by San Antonios Dorcol Distilling starting Thanksgiving Day. As part of that tour, Deans barman Nate Doctor created three cocktails to serve at Deans, The Study and the Kimptons rooftop bar Tenfold. Brad Chandler Simpson, 53, was charged with murder on Nov. 7. His wife Suzanne Simpson, a San Antonio area real estate agent and mother of four, has been missing since Oct. 6. Courtesy of BCSO The misdemeanor family violence charges against Brad Simpson have been dropped. He still faces a murder charge in connection with the disappearance of missing Olmos Park real estate agent Suzanne Simpson. In a statement to the San Antonio Express-News, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said his office dropped the charges due to the murder charge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The two misdemeanor cases were rejected to be used in the prosecution of the murder case against Brad Simpson," he said. Judge Melanie Lira of County Court 7 said Tuesday that Simpson's arraignment hearing was canceled. She said the Bexar County district attorney's office had yet to file the misdemeanor cases yet. Court records show that the charges for unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member were rejected due to an "extraneous offense." Simpson, 53, was charged with murder on Nov. 7 in connection with his wife's disappearance. The charge came a month after she was last seen. A magistrate judge set the bail for the murder charge at $2 million, court records show. An arrest affidavit detailing the murder charge against Brad Simpson is sealed to the public for 30 days. Judge Kristina Escalona of the 186th district court signed the order. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities arrested Brad Simpson on three days after his wife's disappearance, charging him with unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member, his wife. He also faces two felony charges tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of a prohibited weapon. In addition, Simpson faces a federal felony charge of possessing an unregistered firearm that was filed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. While law enforcement officials have searched extensively for Suzanne Simpson's remains, including in wooded areas near the Simpson home in Olmos Park, a wooded expanse off Interstate 10 in Boerne and a landfill on San Antonio's East Side, they haven't found anything. According to an arrest affidavit for Brad Simpson, a neighbor saw him struggling with his wife outside their home on the night of Oct. 6. A short time later, the neighbor heard screams in a wooded area nearby. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The neighbor also told police he saw Brad Simpsons black GMC pickup leave the Simpsons home and return an hour or two later. The couples youngest child told a teacher her parents had been fighting, and that her father had struck her mother in the face and taken away her cell phone, the affidavit states. Brad Simpson reported his wife missing to police on Oct. 7 after staff at their youngest childs school called to say Suzanne Simpson hadnt picked her up from school as she usually did. A longtime business partner of Brad Simpson, James James Vallee "Val" Cotter, 65, was also arrested in connection with Suzanne Simpson's disappearance. His is accused of hiding a weapon on Brad Simpson's behalf. An arrest affidavit for Cotter's arrest states he concealed the weapon in a bedroom wall at his home in the Dominion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities arrested Cotter on Oct. 21 at his Dominion home, charging him with tampering with evidence and possessing a prohibited weapon, both third-degree felonies. An arrest affidavit for Brad Simpson, husband of missing Realtor Suzanne Simpson, alleges he transported "large bulky item," bought cement and bleach, went to dump site. Courtesy of BCSO The husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Clark Simpson bought concrete, trash bags and bleach and transported a large bulky item to multiple places, including a dumpsite, according to an arrest affidavit. Made public Tuesday night, the arrest affidavit provides the most details yet into Brad Chandler Simpsons movements after his wife went missing on Oct. 7 and why they believe he killed her, even though her body has yet to be found. Brad Simpson, 53, was charged with murder on Nov. 7 in connection with his wifes disappearance. A magistrate judge set bail for the murder charge at $2 million, Bexar County court records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 15-page affidavit written by Olmos Park Police Lt. Hector Ruiz, which was used to obtain the murder warrant, describe Brad Simpsons movements the night she was last seen alive and the next day, Oct. 7, when she was reported missing by a friend. That day, police tracked Brad Simpson to his daughters school, a Boerne Whataburger and a local Home Depot, where he purchased concrete, heavy duty trash bags and Clorox disinfectant spray among other items. Police were able to view surveillance tapes from those locations to confirm his wheareabouts and the items visible on his truckbed. Law enforcement investigators have searched extensively for the remains of the 51-year-old mother of four, including in wooded areas near the Simpson home in Olmos Park, a wooded expanse off Interstate 10 in Boerne and a landfill on San Antonios East Side, but found nothing. According to the affidavit, Olmos Park police officer Jarrod Tubbs said a teacher at the Simpsons 5-year-old daughters school said the child told her that on that the night of Oct. 6, a Sunday, her father had pushed her mother against the wall, hit her on the face and hurt her elbow. Her father also turned off her mothers cellphone, the girl said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Later, Brad Simpson suspended Suzanne Simpsons phone with an app, putting it in lock down mode, Ruiz wrote. On Oct. 8 at 9 a.m., Brad Simpson told Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas that on Monday morning before he went to drop off his child at school, he peeked into a separate room and saw his wife asleep but police believe that was a lie. A neighbor told police he witnessed Brad Simpson and Suzanne Simpson loudly arguing and physically struggling on Oct. 6 after 10 p.m. in front of his home. The neighbor said he later heard screams coming from the wooded area across from his home. About an hour later, he heard Brad Simpsons truck start and leave the area. The truck returned an hour later, Ruiz wrote. Texas Ranger Jesse Perez told Ruiz that he spoke with a woman who told him she saw Brad Simpson and Suzanne Simpson arguing while at a party at the Argyle earlier that night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Suzanne Simpson and her 5-year-old daughter had left the party at about 8:30 p.m. and went to H-E-B before returning home and then going to see a friend, according to Ruiz. Just before arriving at her friends home, Suzanne Simpson called her mother Barbara Clark and told her that her husband had assaulted her, causing pain to her arm, back and neck. The next morning, Brad Simpson was seen dropping off his 5-year-old daughter at school. Surveillance cameras captured images of white trash bags and a large ice chest in the bed of his truck. His truck was seen in camera footage at the drive-thru at the Whataburger in Boerne later that morning, according to Ruiz. In his truck bed were three white trash bags, a large grey heavy-duty trash can, an ice chest, a large bulky item wrapped and secured in a blue tarp with a silver in color metal firewood rack placed on top of the blue tarp in a manner to conceal and weigh the tarp down, Ruiz wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the morning of Oct. 7, Brad Simpson went to the Home Depot and purchased two bags of , a construction bucket, a box of 32-count heavy duty trash bags, Clorox disinfectant spray and insect repellent, the officer wrote. A man told police that Brad Simpson walked up to him in the Home Depot parking lot and asked him where the nearest dump was in Boerne. The man gave him directions to the solid waste site in Boerne. Surveillance video captured Brad Simpson leaving the Boerne waste site and going to a nearby gas station. The surveillance video showed the white trash bags were now missing from the truck bed, according to the affidavit. Surveillance camera footage showed Brad Simpsons truck still with the blue tarp and the fire rack on top of it in the bed headed westbound from Boerne into Bandera on Oct. 7. Location data, surveillance footage and a license plate reader captured Brad Simpsons truck traveling westbound through Bandera County into Medina before heading into Boerne, Ruiz wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When surveillance footage showed Brad Simpson picking up his daughter at about 3:27 p.m., the blue tarp and the metal firewood rack were no longer in the truck bed. About 30 minutes later, footage showed Brad Simpson cleaning the front driver side and rear left passenger side of his truck at a Bubble Bath Carwash, in San Antonio, Ruiz wrote. On Oct. 9, Texas Rangers located a ground-level burn site at the Simpsons property in Bandera. A burnt laptop and three cellphones that belonged to Brad Simpson were recovered from the burn pit, Ruiz wrote. Investigators found two notes on the phone titled, This next life and Last will and testament. In the notes, which were created on Oct. 8, Brad Simpson apologized for physically assaulting Suzanne Simpson in August 2023, and again on the previous night, Oct. 6, the night she was last seen alive, Ruiz wrote. Officers interviewed James Vallee Val Cotter, Brad Simpsons longtime business associate, on Oct. 10. Cotter, 65, was also arrested in connection with Suzanne Simpsons disappearance. He is accused of hiding a weapon on Brad Simpsons behalf. Cotter was released from jail on Nov. 7 on bond after a judge significantly reduced Cotters bail from $1 million to $100,000, according to court records. On Oct. 23, Perez interviewed Suzanne Simpsons personal banker at Frost Bank. The banker told him that in August, Suzanne Simpson made an outcry of being physically abused by her husband who often took her cellphone away. Juan Antonio Reyes, 26, was accused of killing two of his relatives before setting their West Side San Antonio home on fire in 2022. The case was dismissed Tuesday due to insufficient evidence. Bexar County Sheriff's Office John Bishop Torres, 26, was accused of killing two people at their West Side San Antonio home before setting it on fire. His case was dismissed Tuesday due to insufficient evidence. Bexar County Sheriff's Office Two men accused of killing two people before setting their West Side San Antonio home on fire to cover up the evidence had their cases dismissed one day before they were expected to go to trial. Juan Antonio Reyes, 26, and John Bishop Torres, 26, were charged with capital murder in the deaths of 39-year-old Sergio Soto and 50-year-old Rachel Martinez. Both were found dead in the 900 block of Waverly Avenue with gunshots wounds to the head on July 7, 2022, after firefighters responded to a fire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The cases were dismissed by the Bexar County District Attorney's office on Tuesday due to insufficient evidence, court records show. Reyes' trial was expected to begin Wednesday in the 227th district court. Bishop's trial was not scheduled until January. After firefighters extinguished the fire, they found the bodies of Soto and Martinez inside. They were burned and bleeding from their heads. Soto was Reyes' cousin and Martinez was Reyes' aunt. According to an affidavit supporting Reyes' and Torres' arrests, relatives at the scene told police they suspected the two were involved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reyes' mother said she dropped off Reyes and Torres at Soto's home, according to the affidavit. But Soto told them to leave because they had been drinking. The two were then dropped both off by Reyes' mother at a nearby McDonald's around 9 or 10 p.m. Surveillance video from a nearby home captured Reyes, Torres and a third person arriving at the Waverly Avenue home at 10:59 p.m. Five minutes later, gunshots could be heard coming from the residence, according to the affidavit. Video shows the three individuals leaving the home at 11:30 p.m. and no one else was seen at the residence before the fire began, the affidavit said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading Islamic financial institution, has been chosen as the worlds Safest Islamic bank for the third consecutive year by Global Finance Magazines for 2024. In addition, ADIB was awarded the Best Islamic Bank in the UAE and Egypt, underscoring its strong regional influence and exceptional performance. The bank also achieved the distinction of the Best Islamic Bank Globally for ESG, highlighting its commitment to sustainable and ethical finance. The awards were presented during the 2024 annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, DC. ADIB maintained its notable ranking as the worlds Safest Islamic Bank which indicates its solid financial position, efficient risk management, and advanced cybersecurity systems, backed by high ratings from leading agencies. These recognitions highlight ADIBs ongoing delivery of innovative and safe Sharia-compliant products to its customers. Secure banking Mohamed Abdelbary, Group CEO of ADIB, stated: We are honoured to be acknowledged once again by Global Finance as the worlds Safest Islamic Bank. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a secure banking experience for our clients, supported by strong capital foundation and prudent risk management practices. We are also pleased to be named best Islamic financial institution in both UAE and Egypt recognising our ability to deliver record earnings in both countries while being unwavering in our support for customers, employees and the community. These recognitions also highlight our dedication to sustainable banking and our long-term commitment to enhancing our social and environmental impact. With a strong financial foundation and continued investment in sustainable finance and digital innovation, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in Islamic banking and contributing to a sustainable future for the UAE and beyond. In line with its 2035 vision and its commitment to digital advancement, ADIB has implemented an ambitious digital transformation strategy integrating artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to further enhance Islamic banking solutions and grow new revenue streams. New features The bank continues to roll out new features on its mobile banking platform, which has attracted over 1 million digitally registered users. In line with this vision, ADIB recently launched ADIB Ventures to collaborate with technology firms and build an innovative fintech ecosystem. ADIBs recognition as the Global Winner for Best Islamic Bank in ESG highlights its leadership in sustainable finance and its commitment to long-term growth and financial stability. The bank continues to champion the regions sustainable finance agenda, allocating financing to environmental and social projects as part of its Net Zero efforts. Additionally, ADIBs initiatives play a significant role in supporting the UAEs transition to a more sustainable economy, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable development.--TradeArabia News Service Bank ABC Islamic posted a nine-month (9M) net profit of $37.8 million, 8% higher than $35.1 million for the same period last year. Total operating income after attribution to quasi-equity for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024 stood at $51.5 million, 17% higher on a year-on-year basis. The growth in income is a result of healthy client business across corporate, institutional, and sovereign segments. The balance sheet remained healthy, maintaining strong capital ratio. Key performance highlights Operating income after attribution to quasi-equity of $51.5 million, 17% higher than the same period in 2023. Operating expenses of $11.3 million was 34% higher compared to $8.4 million for last year. The banks capital base remains very strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 40%. Hammad Hassan, Managing Director of Bank ABC Islamic, said: We are pleased to announce a solid performance for the first nine months of 2024, with a net profit of $37.8 million. This 8% increase reflects our commitment to sustained growth and resilience in an evolving economic environment. We have continued to strengthen our core business lines while making targeted investments in digital transformation to better serve our customers and adapt to their changing needs. As we move into the final quarter of 2024, we remain confident in our strategic direction. Our team will continue to focus on delivering value for our stakeholders and seizing new growth opportunities in the market. Business performance (three-month period) Net profit for the third quarter was $12.8 million compared to $10.2 million reported in the third quarter of last year. Operating income after attribution to quasi-equity of $15.7 million compared to $13.4 million for the same period of last year. Operating expenses were $2.2 million, compared to $2.4 million for the same period of last year. Business performance (nine-month period) Operating income after attribution to quasi-equity of $51.5 million, 17% higher than the same period in 2023. Allowances for credit losses for the period were a charge of $2.1 million compared to $0.3 million reported during the same period last year. Operating expenses of $11.3 million, 34% higher compared to $8.4 million for last year. Adjusting for the extraordinary one-off charge, expenses were 8% higher than previous period. Balance sheet ABC Islamic Banks total assets stood at $2.996 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $2.501 billion at 2023 year-end. Investments were at $1.2 billion, compared to $809 million at 2023 year-end. Murabaha receivables, Ijarah and Musharaka financing were at $1,808 million, compared to $1,566 million at 2023 year-end. Shareholders equity on September 30, 2024, stood at $342 million, compared to $328 million at 2023 year-end. The banks capital base remains very strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 40%, predominantly Tier 1, which totalled 39%.--TradeArabia News Service Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, a California-based leader in the shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem, has officially announced a co-investment agreement with Master Investment Group, an entity owned by Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, a member of the royal family and Deputy Chairman of Customs in Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration is for setting up the US groups future headquarters in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, said the company in a statement. This development signifies the progression of Faraday Future into the operational phase following the launch of its Middle East Strategy last November, facilitating operational and sales activities within the UAE. Master Investment Group aims to commence construction in Ras Al Khaimah by the end of this year and the Company aims to occupy the premises by late 2025 or early 2026. Tin Mok, the Head of FF UAE, representing Faraday Future Middle East FZ, signed a lease agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) for a business location that will include office space and an engineering workshop. Matthias Aydt, the global CEO of Faraday Future, has signed a reservation agreement with Rakez for an in-construction facility of 108,000 sq ft, which will serve as a future operational hub. "We are actively implementing our strategy to establish a presence in Ras Al Khaimah, and we appreciate the warm welcome we have received in the emirate," said Aydt. "As the important center for industry, Ras Al Khaimah is the ideal place for the establishment of our operations to bring the best intelligent electric vehicle product and technology. We are proud to be able to participate in the development," he added. Master Investment Group CEO Sheikh Abdullah Al Qassimi said: "I am excited that were able to sign this agreement with FF to further their ability to continue their start-up operations in a growing, viable and geographically attractive location within the UAE." "This agreement signifies not only my commitment to FF but also the RAK and UAEs commitment to attract new innovative EV and technology-leading companies to the region," added Al Qassimi.-TradeArabia News Service Big 5 Global, along with co-located events LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM, will host five strategic summits, uniting 1,500 leaders from the government and the private sectors to shape the future of urban communities. As cities in the Global South face challenges like overcrowding and resource optimisation, the Global North faces the complexities of aging populations and infrastructure, all which require immediate action. This calls for governments, national vision initiatives and the construction sector to work together and build liveable cities of tomorrow, said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events. Big 5 Global, together with LiveableCitiesX, has established itself as the epicentre of thought leadership, uniting visionaries, innovators and policymakers to shape the future of urban development and set the agenda for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure. UAE leaders align with national visions The urban construction and infrastructure sector across MEASA is booming, with $6.75 trillion in projects underway. National visions like UAE Vision 2031 are key drivers, pushing forward urban development and economic diversification. Aligning with these goals, Big 5 Global Leaders Summit and LiveableCitiesX Summit will bring together global leaders from both government and private sectors to lead strategic discussions on innovation, sustainability and the future of urban development. The UAE stands at the forefront of sustainable global leadership across all sectors, one of them being construction, said Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy & Infrastructure. Our commitment extends beyond dialogue to tangible actions, exemplified by our commitment to adopting global innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of the society. At this years Big 5 Global Leaders Summit, I look forward to addressing the significance of public and private sector collaboration in building a future-ready and greener industry as well as promoting collective partnerships, technology and advanced sciences. Other UAE-based speakers headlining the summits from November 26 to 29 include Maysarah Eid, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; Dr Saif Al Nasri, Undersecretary, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi; Gurjit Singh, Chief Development Officer, Aldar Properties and Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO, Deyaar Developments. International speakers shape global conversations For the first time in the MEASA region, some of the globally renowned speakers will participate in the summits, bringing perspectives and real-life city use cases that align with global urban development and construction trends. Robert Beugre Mambe, Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, will be one such speaker delivering a keynote address at LiveableCitiesX Summit. Commenting on his participation, he said: The future of our nations lies in building cities that are resilient and liveable, which demands a visionary approach that combines sustainable urban planning with robust infrastructure and deep-rooted community engagement. I am honoured to participate in the LiveableCitiesX Summit, where we will share insights and shape the blueprint for a sustainable and thriving urban future for generations to come. In the lead-up to Big 5 Global Leaders Summit, Fred Mills, Founder and Managing Director of The B1M, emphasised the transformative role of construction in shaping the future of cities. He said: From pioneering energy projects to transformative urban regeneration and vital infrastructure developments, construction is at the heart of progress. In my keynote address at Big 5 Global Leaders Summit, I will share some of the most inspiring examples of how construction is changing the world today and explore what we can do as an industry to enhance our impact, innovate and build our future projects. Among renowned international speakers joining the summits are Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair, UAE-UK Business Council, who also served as the Chief Strategic Advisor to the former Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson. Sandro Alex Cruz de Oliveira, Secretary of Infrastructure Parana Brazil, Infrastructure Secretariat of the State of Parana; Lufuno Ratsiku, President, South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions; and Prof Carlos Moreno, Founder of the 15-minute City Concept and Scientific Director of the research lab Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation, IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne.--TradeArabia News Service Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has announced that construction has begun on the first vertiport in its planned Dubai air taxi network. Situated at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the vertiport is being constructed by Joby partners Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports, who celebrated the moment at a ceremony attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, as well as representatives from the Dubai RTA and Skyports. The DXB vertiport is one of four initial locations that will form Jobys network of vertiports for the air taxi service the Company plans to launch in the Emirate as soon as late 2025, with three additional vertiports planned for development in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. Jobys planned service was announced as part of a definitive agreement signed by Joby, the RTA, and Skyports in February 2024, which included exclusive access for Joby to the Dubai air taxi market for six years. Revolutionary travel experience Our air taxi service in Dubai will offer tourists and residents the opportunity to experience a revolutionary travel experience, with faster movement between key destinations and breathtaking views of the city skyline, commented Bevirt. With the start of construction on our air taxi network, our shared vision for electric air taxi service in Dubai is coming to life. Im grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the government of Dubai for their support and commitment to innovation. The vertiport is designed to be integrated with Dubais multimodal transport network, providing seamless connectivity with Dubai Metros Emirates Station 2, DXB Airport, parking infrastructure, and other ground transportation options. Designed for exceptional passenger experience and high throughput, the three-story, 3,100-sq m facility is designed to demonstrate a future vision for air travel focused on convenience and seamless passenger movements. Air taxi operator The facility is planned to include two take-off and landing stands, each equipped with the Joby-designed Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) to support rapid vehicle charging and conditioning in between flights. Joby recently announced it has taken the first step toward becoming a certificated air taxi operator in the UAE. As part of the process to attain an Air Operator Certificate from the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority, Joby will demonstrate the readiness of its aircraft as well as its training, maintenance, operations and safety programmes for commercial air transport. Jobys electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.--TradeArabia News Service Kleindienst Group, a leading global business conglomerate and the master developer behind The Heart of Europe on Dubais World Islands, has announced a major expansion that will see the addition of 5,000 new five-star hotel rooms to Dubai's hospitality sector. This represents a significant 10% increase to Dubai's current five-star hotel room inventory, which stands at 52,750 rooms according to the Dubais Department of Economy and Tourism. With this expansion, Kleindienst Group is set to become Dubai's largest five-star hotel developer, highlighting the company's significant contribution to the government's vision for a thriving hospitality sector and its role in strengthening Dubais position as a premier global tourism destination. This landmark development represents one of the most significant hospitality expansions in the emirate's history. Additionally, Kleindienst Group celebrates a 20% construction milestone for the AED 500 million Hotel London. This property will combine timeless British elegance with modern sustainability, offering guests a unique blend of heritage and innovation. With a total project value of $6 billion spanning six islands on The World Islands, Kleindienst Group is set to deliver over 20 hotels and resorts featuring 5,000 luxury rooms. The project solidifies the groups status as a key player in Dubais hospitality sector. On the key expansion, Founder and Chairman Josef Kleindienst said: "Achieving a position where we constitute 10% of Dubais five-star hotel inventory and becoming the largest five-star hotel developer is a significant milestone for us." "It reinforces our commitment to cementing Dubais position as the worlds leading luxury tourism destination. This accomplishment reflects our dedication to delivering projects that not only elevate Dubais hospitality sector but also provide our investors with extraordinary value and lasting returns," he stated. "Our strategies at Kleindienst Group are closely aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which emphasises sustainable development by diversifying attractions and enhancing visitor experiences," observed Kleindienst. "Additionally, we support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' to boost tourism by developing world-class infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and attractions, while shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in Dubai," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabia-based Delmon Industrial Complex have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for setting up a AED50 million ($13.6 million) state-of-the-art plant in ICAD III (Kezad Musaffah) area to serve the oil and gas industry. Spanning around 59,000 square metres, the proposed plant will undertake exploration, extraction and refining activities to process minerals into specialised products suited to the oil and gas industry. The agreement was signed with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Kezad Group, the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones. Established name Delmon Industrial Complex is part of Delmon Group, established in 1981, in Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in the port city of Eastern Province, Dammam, Delmon Group is an established name in mining, oil and gas, chemicals, construction and logistics services. It also offers efficient solar solutions as part of its product portfolio. The setting up of the new Delmon Industrial Complex plant in Kezad is part of Delmon Groups strategy to expand into the UAE, and be an integral part of Kezads industrial zone for the oil and gas sector to support their UAE projects. The entry of Delmon Industrial Complex in ICAD III is a testament to Kezads growing client base of manufacturers servicing the oil and gas industry, and adds impetus to local manufacturing initiatives in Kezad. Joining hands with AD Ports Group and Kezad Group is reflective of Delmon Groups commitment towards industrial development while upholding the sustainable manufacturing practices and operational standards prevalent in Kezad. New chapter Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: The agreement with Delmon Industrial Complex opens another new chapter in our history of partnerships with well-established manufacturers expanding into the UAE. We look forward to the beginning of a long and successful journey with them, and hope that this undertaking will support industry requirements adequately. The collaboration is part of our strategy to meet sustainable manufacturing goals in alignment with the wise leaderships vision and enable further diversification of our economy towards resilient development and growth. Ahmed Sulaiman Alghunaim, Founder of Delmon Industrial Complex said: The establishment of the Delmon Industrial Complex, affiliated with the Delmon Group of Companies, in Saudi Arabia is an important step towards developing and expanding our business in the oil and gas sector in the UAE. Our choice of the Emirates was based on several factors, the most important of which is the importance of this sector in the Emirates, and the good reputation of Kezad Group in providing the best services to investors. Oil and gas manufacturing Oil and gas manufacturing involve complex processes across upstream, midstream and downstream services and require the support of smart industrial systems that make extraction, production and distribution reliant and seamless. As an experienced and capable industrial solution provider, Delmon Industrial Complex will leverage its world-class facility and Kezads services to provide clients with innovative products, efficiency in services and speed-to-market.--TradeArabia News Service Some 14 SME participants in Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Developments (ADDED) SME Export Matching Programme are forecasting a 44% increase in their exports this year (2024) compared to 2023. Their export value is expected to reach AED387 million ($105.4 million). The SME Export Matching Programme is a key initiative launched in November 2023 to boost the export potential of Abu Dhabis small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In less than a year since its launch, the programme has connected participants with over 800 strategic stakeholders, linking them to potential international customers, distributors, and business partners. Entering key global markets Through the programme, SMEs have successfully entered key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, Egypt, the US, India, and Canada. These businesses also represent 14 diverse sectors, including Engineering & Construction, Plastics, Food & AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, reflecting the broad scope of industries driving Abu Dhabis export success. The programmes focus on international market access enables these local businesses to scale their operations, diversify revenue streams, and bolster Abu Dhabis trade ecosystem. The SME Export Matching Programme caters to both newcomers to international trade and more established exporters, offering tailored support to optimise export strategies. It enhances awareness of the support services available within Abu Dhabi's rich ecosystem, ensuring that businesses have access to resources that aid in international expansion. The programme also helps SMEs align with international trade standards and seize opportunities emerging from new trade initiatives and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). For new exporters, the programme provides training sessions on essential topics, such as market research analysis, export documentation, and trade mapping processes. Meanwhile, more experienced participants benefit from specialised International Strategy Workshops (ISWs), where one-on-one mentoring addresses specific needs, allowing businesses to refine their strategies and maximise their global impact. Comprehensive approach This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their export experience, are equipped to navigate the complexities of international markets and capitalise on global opportunities. The programmes most recent workshop, titled Empowering SMEs for International Success, delivered invaluable insights from key government partners and introduced participants to the full spectrum of export support services available in Abu Dhabi. The workshop featured key speakers from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), Abu Dhabi Customs, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), and the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX). Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute over 90% of Abu Dhabis licenced businesses, employing nearly half of the workforce and contributing to a remarkable 42.8% of the Emirate's non-oil GDP. As Abu Dhabi accelerates its drive for economic diversification and invests heavily in innovation and sustainability, SMEs are poised to play an even greater role in the expanding the emirates global economic footprint. Essential tools Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SMEs Sector at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: We are committed to accelerating Abu Dhabis growth by supporting our ambitious businesses with essential tools for progress and promising opportunities for expansion. Through the SME Export Matching Programme, we are empowering businesses to establish a strong, sustainable presence in global markets while boosting their competitiveness and reach. These initiatives are vital for refining our export strategies and helping Abu Dhabis businesses capitalise on the plethora of available opportunities for international expansion. Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export-financing arm of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), highlighted the offices role in shaping the UAEs economic landscape and emphasized that ADEX is fully committed to elevating the nations export sector and enhancing the global footprint of UAEs businesses. He said: By enabling our local enterprises to expand internationally through our strategic partnerships and initiatives, we will continue to strengthen their global competitiveness, so they can step up their contributions to the nations economic prosperity and resilience and reinforce the UAEs position in the global marketplace. Non-oil economy growth Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy has seen an impressive 59% growth, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for homegrown businesses to flourish. This remarkable expansion is underpinned by Abu Dhabis cutting-edge infrastructure, including advancements in digital transformation, logistics, and smart technologies, which provide SMEs with the tools they need to scale effectively. With a 109% increase in skilled talent over the same period, the Emirate has developed a highly qualified workforce, enabling local businesses to compete on a global stage and seamlessly expand into international markets. These developments have positioned Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for innovation and cross-border growth, making it an ideal launchpad for SMEs looking to diversify and grow globally.--TradeArabia News Service With over 1,000 participants from some 200 telecom and technology firms across 70 countries, last weeks 11th Global Carrier Community Meeting (Middle East GCCM) brought together key international players to Oman. Co-hosted by Omantel, Omans leading telecommunications and ICT provider, and Zain Omantel International (ZOI), the Middle East premier wholesale telecom provider, the event took place at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Muscat. This years ME GCCM highlighted the growing importance of Salalah, a key coastal city in the southern area of Oman, as a connectivity hub for the region, driven by Omantels investments in digital infrastructure and subsea cables as well as attracting foreign direct investment into the technology sector. SN1 Carrier-Neutral Data Centre A key feature of the event was the newly launched SN1 Carrier-Neutral Data Centre, developed in partnership with Equinix, which strengthens Salalahs role as a digital bridge connecting Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. The new centre will significantly reshape traffic flows, reducing latency and improving the resilience of global networks. Over the past decade, Omantel has invested over $1 billion in international networks and data centers, successfully attracting global hyperscalers to establish their regional hubs in Oman. On the global level, the creation of the joint venture Zain Omantel International (ZOI) marks a significant step forward for the international business, creating a leading force in the wholesale telecom sector, delivering end-to-end connectivity solutions across the Middle East and beyond. The event also featured masterclasses from Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provided insights into submarine cable technology, cloud computing and AI.--TradeArabia News Service British-born brand MG Motor has announced the official launch of its new MG5 in the Middle East, following the models regional debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia. The compact sedan boasts a combination of bold design, cutting-edge technology and exceptional comfort to offer excellent value for money, said the company in a statement. With a starting price of $12,600, (excluding VAT), the model is the ideal choice for discerning drivers who seek both elegance in style and ease in drivability. According to MG Motor, the new model is tailored to suit a wide range of buyers - from first-time owners to small families and young drivers. MG5 will be available in three trims across the Middle East - Standard (STD), Comfort (COM), and Deluxe (DEL) - offering flexibility to meet diverse customer preferences, it stated. The entry-level STD model, offers features like a multifunction steering wheel, a parking radar and Apple Carplay and Android Auto, while the COM variant adds extra convenience and comfort with a rear-view camera, and PVC leather seats, said the UK auto brand in its statement. The top-tier DEL trim, enhances the driving experience even further with a 360-degree camera, power-adjustable drivers seat, sunroof, 6 speakers audio and a mobile phone wireless charger. While the STD and COM models come with a 3.5inch colour instrument meter, the range-topping DEL trim features a larger 12.3inch nautilus style combination virtual meter for a premium feel, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabia's ride-hailing industry witnessed solid growth during the first three quarters of the year with over 51.8 million trips facilitated by 46 licensed such services across the kingdom, reported SPA. This represents a 12% increase over the same period in 2023, with the third quarter alone showing a remarkable 41% growth over the second quarter. The surge in ride-hailing activity has directly benefited Saudi drivers, who collectively earned over SAR1.1 billion ($292 million), it stated. Many Saudi nationals are capitalising on this opportunity by working as full-time or part-time drivers, aligning with the government's vision of empowering citizens and fostering economic growth, said the SPA report. Riyadh emerged as the leading city in terms of ride-hailing demand, accounting for 39% of the total trips. Makkah and the Eastern Region followed closely with 25% and 16%, respectively. This increased reliance on ride-hailing services underscores their convenience, speed, and safety, it stated. Senior Transport General Authority (TGA) officials said they have been encouraging Saudi youths to seize the opportunities presented by the ride-hailing industry. By availing themselves of financial support from the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) and embracing flexible work arrangements, individuals can contribute to the sector's continued growth and improve their financial well-being, they added. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has reported solid growth for the first nine months, recording cumulative revenue of AED23.5 billion ($6.4 billion), up 6.2% over last year. Announcing its consolidated financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, Dewa said its ebitda too witnessed growth with a 4.7% increase hitting AED11.8 billion ($3.2 billion), while its net profit after tax for the period stood at AED5.5 billion ($1.49 billion), thanks mainly to its operational excellence, innovation and sustainability. On its Q3 results, Dewa said its consolidated revenue for the period increased by 4.75% to AED9.9 billion, while its ebitda stood at AED5.1 billion, and cash from operations was up by 34.20% to AED5.9 billion. In the third quarter of 2024, Dewas power generation soared to a high of 19.6 TWh marking a 3.98% increase from the same period last year. Notably, 1.8 TWh out of 19.6 TWh was from green energy source. This clean power accounted for 9.18% of the total power generated in Q3, 2024. On the solid growth, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the MD and CEO of Dewa, said this reflects the continued growth in Dubai and Dewa's commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability. "We are contributing to Dubais vision for a sustainable future in alignment with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050," he stated. Dewa imported 3.25 TWh from Hassyan power plant, 0.32 TWh from Warsan Waste Management Company and generated the remaining 14.32 TWh from its gas fired portfolio during the third quarter of 2024. Dewa experienced a noteworthy 3.41% increase in its quarterly peak demand compared to Q3, 2023, reaching 10.76 GW. The quarterly gross heat rate of 7,923 BTU/kWh is the best achieved so far in Dewa history. Collectively, these achievements highlight Dewas unwavering commitment to sustainability and operational excellence in the services that we provide. Dewas total desalinated water production in the third quarter of 2024 grew by 4.64% compared to the previous year, reaching a record production of 40.5 billion Imperial Gallons (BIG). The daily desalinated water demand reached a record peak of 455 Million Imperial Gallons (MIG), which is a 4.92% increase over the same period of the previous year. At the end of the third quarter of 2024, Dewa has 1,250,288 customer accounts, representing a 4.16% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. During the Q3, Dewa commissioned two 132 kV substations, and 426 11kV substations. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the companys installed generation capacity was 16.779 GW with 2.86 GW (17%) of this capacity representing renewable energy. The companys installed desalinated water production capacity was unchanged at 495 MIGD. By the end of 2030, Dewa plans to reach an installed capacity of 20 GW and 735 MIGD of desalinated water. Of this 20 GW, around 5.3 GW will be from clean sources, representing 26.5%.-TradeArabia News Service Masdar, Abu Dhabi future energy company, and its partners have signed an Investment Agreement for their 1GW windfarm in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in the project's development, reported WAM. Signed on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, the agreement was witnessed by Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. The agreement was signed by Almassadam Satkaliyev, Kazakhstan Minister of Energy, and Abdulla Zayed, Director of Business and Project Development of Masdar. The wind farm is Masdars inaugural project in Kazakhstan, Central Asia's largest economy. It is located in the Jambyl region of the country and also features a 600-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The 1GW wind project is being co-developed by W Solar, Qazaq Green Power (a Samruk-Kazyna Group company), and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund, with Masdar as the lead developer. It represents a significant investment in the countrys potential as a major clean energy producer and is set to be one of the largest wind farms in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. Construction of the wind farm is expected to commence by Q1 2026. When completed, it will provide power to approximately 300,000 homes in the south of Kazakhstan, avoiding 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: Today marks an important milestone for the UAE and Kazakhstan and highlights the strength of our strategic partnership. We are proud to support Kazakhstans net-zero ambitions while in pursuit of implementing the key pillar of the historic UAE Consensus of tripling global renewable energy by 2030. Almassadam Satkaliyev, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: "Providing 1GW of clean, emissions-free energy, wind farm in the Jambyl region demonstrates the scale of Kazakhstan's renewable energy ambitions. We are committed to achieving our net zero by 2060 target and pleased to be collaborating with the UAE and Masdar to accelerate the energy transition in Kazakhstan." Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Chairman of Masdar, said: The UAE and Kazakhstan have together cemented a strong partnership in clean energy development, and this latest agreement deepens our shared commitment to unlocking new renewable energy capacity. Masdars 1GW Wind Farm in Jambyl, set to be one of the largest in Central Asia, turns that commitment into more tangible progress in support of Kazakhstans net-zero ambitions. Moving forward, we will scale up with purpose accelerating growth and harnessing AI to transform energy systems, to deliver more clean power with fewer emissions. This builds on the global mandate agreed in the UAE Consensus to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: "As we advance to the next phase of our inaugural project in Kazakhstan, were looking forward to contributing to the nations significant renewable energy goals. With Masdars proven success in implementing large-scale renewable energy projects worldwide, we are confident that this 1GW wind farm will have demonstratively positive impact in its surrounding region. In our ongoing collaboration with the Government of Kazakhstan, as well as our valued partners at W Solar, Qazaq Green Power and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund were excited to see the continued growth of this project and the benefits it will bring to the region. Aligned with the UAEs support for Kazakhstans ambitious climate action plans, todays announcement builds on a commitment the two governments made at COP28 to cooperatively develop Kazakhstans renewables sector. The wind farm in the Jambyl region will help accelerate Kazakhstans energy transition, supporting the countrys ambitions to increase renewables capacity to 15 percent of its energy supply by 2030 (and to 50 percent by 2050) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAEs vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in more than 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030 and to become a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has opened registration for its Q4 2024 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, which is scheduled to close on December 13, 2024. The past year has seen record participation in the CECs scheme, with a significant number of new sectors and industries participating in the auctions. By certifying clean energy consumption, the scheme enables entities to verify the decarbonisation of their operations and a reduction in their Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. EWEC recently announced a strategic agreement with Adnec Group to provide the Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi with clean energy. Under this agreement, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabis energy requirements will be met through EWECs renewable and clean energy sources. Furthermore, EWEC extended its clean energy partnership with dmg events for the third consecutive year to power the World Utilities Congress 2024, hosted by Taqa, with renewable and clean energy throughout the event. This is in addition to providing the 6th Arab Water Forum, which was held in conjunction with the World Utilities Congress with CECs. Key initiative Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said: The Clean Energy Certificates scheme is an important initiative supporting the UAEs decarbonisation journey. This internationally recognised scheme enables stakeholders to actively contribute to Abu Dhabi and the UAEs clean energy targets, supporting our shared net zero goals. As we continue through the UAEs Year of Sustainability, we have witnessed significant interest from a diverse range of key economic sectors, enabling us to forge new strategic agreements and expand existing partnerships to drive tangible progress towards a sustainable future. We encourage all entities to join us in this journey by participating in the upcoming auction and taking proactive steps to decarbonise their operations. The CECs issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) certify that the electricity consumed by the redeeming Abu Dhabi-based entity originates from a renewable or clean energy source. The scheme conforms to the internationally recognised standard developed by the International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard Foundation (I-REC Standard) and is the only accredited instrument that proves the ownership of the environmental and economic benefits of consuming clean energy, verifying the entities green credentials.--TradeArabia News Service Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) has announced the release of its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability report, aimed at enhancing transparency and showcasing the companys commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. The statistics showed a significant progress made by OOMCO in reducing carbon emissions over the reporting period, highlights its efforts in renewable energy production and consumption, and demonstrates its dedication to empowering national talent, with OOMCOs Omanisation rate reaching 92%. Additionally, the report outlines the companys community projects across various regions in Oman, including training programs for job seekers and support for the entrepreneurship sector. In 2023, more than 39% of the companys corporate social responsibility (CSR) budget has been allocated to talent development initiatives, and 34% to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Several sustainability and R&D-focused projects were revealed in the ESG report, such as the installation of solar energy systems at 12 fuel stations, which successfully reduced 63% of the energy consumed in 2023. The report highlights OOMCO's role in contributing to the national and developmental goals of the Sultanate. The report features key initiatives launched by the company, including energy transition efforts, community development, employee welfare, and environmental protection. It also underscores OOMCOs role in supporting Oman Vision 2040, alongside ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero emissions goals, aligning with the company's commitment to long-term sustainability. Tarik bin Mohammed Al Junaidi, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, said: "This report serves as a comprehensive document highlighting the companys progress and achievements in the fields of environment, society, and governance, reflecting our deep commitment to creating a lasting positive impact on the community." "Our commitment to social responsibility has always been at the heart of what we do. We have over the years reduced and continue to reduce our carbon emissions through various initiatives such as Vapour recovery systems and solar powered stations. Our company is committed to creating a healthy working environment by promoting equal opportunities and fostering a culture of respect and fairness for all employees. Fatima Al Jardania, Alternative Energy Expert at Oman Oil Marketing Company, commented: "The unique strengths of Oman Oil Marketing Company lie in its transparency, demonstrated through an accessible and comprehensive report that reflects its deep commitment to the environment, society, and governance. Through its positive impact on local communities and environmental protection, OOMCO has become a role model for social responsibility and sustainability in the oil marketing sector." It is worth noting that Oman Oil Marketing Company has announced plans to introduce a comprehensive sustainability framework by the end of 2024, which will not only help achieve its internal goals but also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). -TradeArabia News Service The Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has signed a financing agreement worth AED 100 million ($27 million) with Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a leading sustainable energy partner in the MEA region, to support the development and operation of over 60 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants across the UAE. EDBs financing will expand YDEs portfolio of solar PV systems, enhancing its capacity to lease solar power plants through solar leases, also known as power purchase agreements (PPAs) tailored for industrial and commercial enterprises. Under this strategic collaboration, Yellow Door Energy will offer leasing opportunities to major industrial players in the UAE. These companies will benefit from long-term access to clean electricity, significant energy cost savings, and promotion of sustainable energy usage across the nation. By empowering these industry leaders to shift to renewable energy, EDB and YDE are setting a powerful example of driving the energy transition and sustainable growth in the region. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said: "Our strategic collaboration with Yellow Door Energy marks a new milestone in our mission to enhance the UAE's renewable energy landscape and accelerate its journey towards a net-zero future. By backing the expansion of the UAEs solar power infrastructure, our financing will empower more businesses to transition to clean energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint. This partnership reflects EDBs commitment to financing sustainable growth and driving economic diversification in line with national development priorities. This is also a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive economic impact and meaningful progress towards national net-zero goals. Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy stated: This landmark collaboration with Emirates Development Bank significantly enhances Yellow Door Energy's sustainable financing capabilities. This partnership enables us to rapidly deploy capital and expand our solar portfolio in the UAE. As a company founded and headquartered in the UAE, we deeply value our relationship with the nations leading federal bank. Together, we are committed to supporting businesses in reducing their energy costs, enhancing resilience, and achieving their sustainability and Net Zero goals. The collaboration between EDB and YDE aligns with the UAE's Net Zero ambitions and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which prioritizes the diversification of energy sources. By combining EDB's financial expertise and commitment to sustainability with YDE's proven track record in delivering sustainable energy solutions, this partnership seeks to empower private sector companies to drive national economic growth and diversification by shifting their operation to solar power. EDBs plan to provide AED 30 billion in financing to support five priority sectors, including renewables, underlines its crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering a more resilient economy. Since the launch of its strategy in 2021, EDB has provided a cumulative total of AED 12.97 billion in financing, including more than AED 1.78 billion to empower the renewable energy sector, further consolidating its position as a leader in sustainable finance. -TradeArabia News Service 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. Was WPC Quianna Mahabir the victim of a hit or a crime of opportunityattempted robbery? Police are trying to determine why the policewoman was shot in the head and chest yesterday morning outside her Caroni home as she was not robbed. Mahabir, 30, of Hydraulic Road, Kelly Village, Caroni, was shot about 1.35 a.m. when she arrived at her home. PHOENIX Republican legislators have chosen a veteran lawmaker with a record of opposing access to abortion and contraceptives as the speaker of the Arizona House for the next two years. Steve Montenegro of Goodyear beat out competition from current House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci of Lake Havasu City and Rep. Joseph Chaplik of Scottsdale. He got 18 votes of the 33 Republicans who will be serving in the House when the Legislature reconvenes in January, up from the current 31 in the 60-member chamber. The post was open because the current speaker, Ben Toma of Peoria, could not seek reelection after serving four two-year terms in the House. Instead, he made a bid to become the GOP nominee for Congress from CD 8 but lost to Abe Hamadeh, who went on to win the general election in the heavily Republican district. In the other legislative chamber, Senate Republicans decided late Tuesday to retain current President Warren Petersen of Gilbert, who had faced a challenge from David Gowan of Sierra Vista. This is Montenegros second stint in the Legislature. He was first elected in 2007 to the state House and later to the Senate but resigned in 2017 to make his own unsuccessful bid for Congress. Montenegro, who is a pastor, returned to the House in the 2022 election. During his first stint at the Capitol, he was the driving force behind a successful 2010 ballot measure to ban affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to, or discriminate, based on race, sex, ethnicity or national origin. It applies to public employment, public education and public contracting. He also pushed through 2011 legislation that makes it illegal for a doctor to perform an abortion when a woman says its because of the childs gender or race. Legal efforts to void that law failed. Montenegro also backed a 2021 law to ban abortions if they were done because of fetal abnormalities. This year he voted against repeal of the 1864 law which made it a crime to terminate a pregnancy except to save the life of the mother. But he and other foes of repeal were outvoted when several Republicans united with all legislative Democrats to rescind the law. Montenegro also used his power as chairman of the House Committee on Health and Human Services this year to block Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, from getting a hearing on her proposal to enshrine the right to contraceptives in Arizona law. The measure would have created a law saying individuals had the right to obtain any drug, device or biological product intended for use in the prevention of pregnancy. It also listed various items that would have been protected, including oral contraceptives. In 2016, Montenegro, then the House majority leader, played a role in action by then-Speaker David Gowan that resulted in the temporary loss of news reporters privileges to be on the House floor. That was because members of the press corps would not agree to background checks. Montenegro insisted it wasnt a ban, pointing out that reporters got to remain in the gallery along with other members of the public. They have full access to the work were doing in this chamber, he said. Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, CEO of Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast, has pledged VND50 trillion ($2.1 billion) in sponsorship for the EV maker. Pham Nhat Vuong, VinFast's CEO and major shareholder, will personally sponsor VND50 trillion. This personal commitment will not impact the interests of Vingroup or its shareholders," Vingroup, Vietnams largest private conglomerate, announced on Tuesday. Vingroup and its chairman Vuong announced a significant financial commitment to VinFast . Vingroup will lend VinFast up to VND35 trillion ($1.4 billion) by the end of 2026. The group also announced a plan to convert loans to VinFast totaling about VND80 trillion ($3.2 billion) into preferred equity shares to alleviate short-term financial pressure on the EV maker. This support plan is designed to provide VinFast with sufficient financial resources to fund operations, investments, and other obligations. The goal is to achieve the break-even point and cash flow balance by the end of 2026. VinFast remains committed to independently raising capital to meet its financial needs. The support from Vingroup and Vuong will only be utilized if these independent efforts do not reach their expectations. VinFast has concluded its initial investment phase, which includes the operation of a 300,000-vehicle-per-year manufacturing plant in Cat Hai, an island district in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam. In the domestic market, VinFast delivered over 51,000 EVs in January-October this year, surpassing foreign automakers and becoming the first EV manufacturer to outsell traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in the country after just over two years of transitioning to an all-electric lineup. Internationally, VinFast continues to expand its business in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, while rapidly penetrating new markets such as the Middle East, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. Vuong said this success was the result of the contributions of customers that are bravely supporting this new local brand. He thanked all employees of VinFast and Vingroup for jointly overcoming difficulties to achieve their mission. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! State President Luong Cuong arrived in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday for an official visit and to attend the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders Week (AELW) at the invitation of his Peruvian counterpart Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra. The Vietnamese leader was welcomed at the Jorge Chavez International Airport by Peruvian government officials, including the Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Peru Bui Van Nghi, from the Vietnamese Embassy in Peru, the Vietnam News Agency reported. This official visit coincides with the two countries celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is expected to reinforce the political foundation between the two nations while improving multifaceted cooperation efficiency towards developing the bilateral ties to a new height. According to Patricia Yolanda Raez Portocarrero, Peruvian Ambassador to Vietnam, Cuongs visit is a new milestone in Peru-Vietnam bilateral ties. It also confirms the interest of both leaders investing in friendly and cooperative relations in various areas, including trade, telecommunications, agriculture, and tourism. During the trip, which marks the first-ever visit by a state president of Vietnam to the South American country, President Cuong will speak with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to discuss important topics in bilateral relations. The Vietnamese leader is also scheduled to meet with Perus ministers, parliament leaders, and judiciary officials to strengthen friendship and relations. The Peruvian Ambassador commented that these meetings will open prospects for cooperation in many different areas. Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong waves when being welcomed at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Perus capital Lima on November 12, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Over the past many years, Vietnam and Peru have mutually coordinated and supported at multilateral and international forums such as the United Nations, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Forum for East Asia - Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC). The two countries have numerous opportunities to boost bilateral trade as both are members of CPTPP, which provides preferential commitments across a wide range of sectors and industries. Currently, Peru is Vietnams sixth-largest trading partner in Latin America and Vietnam is Peru's biggest trading partner in ASEAN, with two-way trade reaching almost $500 million in 2023 and nearing $300 million in the first seven months of 2024. Currently, Peru is the largest Latin American recipient of Vietnamese investments with two projects in development totaling $1.24 billion by Vietnams telecom giant Viettel Group and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam). Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang, who is among the officials accompanying the President, commented that Cuongs attendance at the 2024 AELW, taking place from November 9 to 16, will affirm Vietnam's contributions to solving regional and global issues. AELW aligns with the 35th anniversary of the forum, and President Cuong will present strategic and breakthrough proposals to enhance APECs role in international economic cooperation and connectivity, addressing challenges faced by the global community and the Asia-Pacific region in particular. Hang noted that the AELW is an opportunity for the State President to meet with APEC leaders, including many of Vietnams strategic and comprehensive strategic partners, and strengthen the relationships. The event will feature the 31st APEC Summit and related meetings, as well as the APEC Business Summit, which will bring together over 1,000 leading businesses from across the region. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima on Tuesday afternoon (local time), beginning their official visit to Peru and attendance at the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders Week at the invitation of Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra. -- The National Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the socio-economic development plan for 2025, targeting a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.5-7 percent and per capita GDP at about US$4,900. -- Vietnamese military engineers, doctors, and air force personnel are continuing disaster response drills in India as part of the fifth annual Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, which began on November 4 and will run until November 23 at the Chandimandir military station in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Society -- On Wednesday, heavy rain is projected to clear in the central region, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The north experiences morning fog, while the south enjoys sunny weather, with rain expected in the evening. -- Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang on Tuesday submitted a proposal to adjust the investment policy for the Long Thanh International Airport project, which includes parallel construction of two runways and a delay in the airports completion until the end of 2026. Business -- According to the latest statistics from the State Bank of Vietnam, by the end of August, nearly VND7 quadrillion ($276.13 billion) had been deposited in banks. Lifestyle -- Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, Vietnams representative at this years Miss International beauty pageant, defeated 75 contestants from around the world to claim the crown in an electrifying finale in Japan on Tuesday evening. World News -- Some tourists, believed to be Vietnamese, were spotted on Pattaya Walking Street and Petchtrakul Road in southern Pattaya, Thailand on Tuesday selling flowers while holding children aged 0-7 years, according to Siamrath newspaper. These busy streets, frequented by many foreign tourists, saw the flower vendors aggressively soliciting customers and even using profanity when shoppers declined to buy. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Representatives from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon visited Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers office in Ho Chi Minh City to donate CHF25,000 (over US$28,000) via MSC Foundation to support residents affected by typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam. MSC Vietnams chief commercial officer Truong Anh Kieu explained that as soon as MSC Foundation -- the nonprofit arm of MSC Group -- learned about the typhoon, which ravaged several provinces in northern Vietnam in early September, they quickly looked for a reliable way to provide support. They ultimately chose Tuoi Tre, recognizing its strong reputation. MSC Vietnam representatives visit Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on November 12, 2024. Photo: Yen Trinh / Tuoi Tre On behalf of MSC employees, Kieu extended her best wishes to the northern Vietnamese communities, hoping that their contribution could help stabilize the lives of those affected. We wish for the people to overcome these challenges and focus on rebuilding, she said. With its shipping expertise, MSC also expressed its will to assist in delivering relief supplies to the impacted regions, or providing containers for building essential facilities such as healthcare centers and classrooms. Le Xuan Trung, deputy editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre, expressed the newspapers appreciation for MSC's contribution. He assured that Tuoi Tre would channel the assistance promptly and effectively to where it is needed. The newspaper will prioritize support for educational infrastructure, including repairs and construction for schools and classrooms for teachers and students, he added. MSC Vietnam representatives visit Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on November 12, 2024. Photo: Yen Trinh / Tuoi Tre MSC representatives also stated their willingness to work alongside Tuoi Tre in future charity efforts. Over the years, MSC has partnered with Operation Smile to offer free cleft palate surgeries, bringing smiles to children in need. With a focus on key shipping routes across Northern Europe, North America, South America, and within Asia, MSC is collaborating with Vietnam Maritime Corporation to accelerate the research and development of an international container transshipment port in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. The Can Gio International Transshipment Port will be developed as a 'green port,' incorporating smart technology to ensure economic and social efficiency while protecting the environment, particularly the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem. Asia's strongest storm this year, typhoon Yagi, caused damage estimated at VND81.5 trillion ($3.31 billion) across northern Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency on September 28 quoted Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan. The typhoon, which killed 299 with 34 missing, devastated export-oriented industrial hubs, destroying factories and facilities, besides flooding farmland, damaging homes, and tearing up a bridge. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! No disclosure on specific results doesnt mean no progress in China-EU EV price commitment talks: expert 10:09, November 13, 2024 By Ma Jingjing ( Global Times While China and the EU have just concluded multiple rounds of intensive negotiations on a proposed price commitment plan concerning Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), certain Western media outlets have hyped in reports that "the EU sees very limited progress in negotiations with China," and that "the bloc currently sees little prospect of a quick deal." Chinese experts on Tuesday said that the recent visit of European officials to Beijing for consultations is itself a positive progress, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions on EV pricing commitments proposed by China. They added that China has maintained a constructive approach throughout the consultations, urging the EU to earnestly follow through on its commitment to appropriately address the trade dispute. "In standard negotiation procedures, both sides typically refrain from disclosing specific progress until the final stages. However, it does not mean there is no progress in EV price commitment consultations," Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Faced with the trade dispute concerning EVs, China and the EU are striving to seek a feasible solution acceptable to both sides. Though the process is complex and time-consuming, the negotiation itself represents positive progress, Zhou said. China and the EU have made progress in negotiations on a proposed price commitment plan concerning Chinese EVs, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said Friday. Chinese and EU technical teams held five rounds of talks in Beijing from November 2 to 7, engaging in in-depth discussions on the specifics of the price commitment plan submitted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, the spokesperson said. The two sides have agreed to continue negotiations via video or other means, the spokesperson added. According to a statement issued by the European Commission on Friday, the EU also stressed that European and Chinese officials conducted a week of "intensive discussions" in Beijing on a possible agreement on a price undertaking that would be an alternative to the countervailing duties currently in place for Chinese EV imports, and there was "technical progress" on elements that will need to be addressed to ensure that a price undertaking would be equally effective and enforceable. "The EU's statement indicates that the negotiation is ongoing. It benefits both sides to avoid escalation of trade disputes and stabilize China-EU economic and trade relations, particularly as the EU seeks to attract Chinese EV technologies and supply chains," Zhang Jian, a vice president at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Tuesday. However, some EU politicians have taken a hard stance against China over the issue, and certain Western media outlets have attempted to make noise to disturb the process of China-EU consultations, which is not conducive to the talks or to China-EU economic and trade relations, Zhang said. China "neither recognizes nor accepts"the EU's final ruling on the anti-subsidy investigation into China-made EVs and has filed a suit at WTO under its dispute settlement mechanism, a spokesperson from China's Commerce Ministry said on October 30, after the European Commission announced the imposition of definitive countervailing duties on imports of Chinese EVs for a period of five years. "As talks continue, there is hope that the EU will seriously consider China's proposal and reach a solution acceptable to both sides by taking into consideration the future of China-EU economic and trade relations, potential benefits to the EU's economy, and the global green transition," Zhang said. China has shown the utmost sincerity. The EU also needs to show sincerity and work with China in the same direction to reach a solution acceptable to both sides to promote healthy China-EU economic and trade relations, Zhang said. Responding to the EU side's emphasis on discussion with individual Chinese car exporters over price undertakings, China's Ministry of Commerce emphasized on Friday that advancing the negotiations as a whole based on the plan of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, which is on behalf of the industry, would help maintain mutual trust, facilitate consensus-building, and resolve differences through consultations, to avoid an escalation of the trade frictions. Noting the significant interdependence between the Chinese and EU automobile industries as a result of 40 years of fruitful industrial cooperation, Zhou said there is great potential for China and the EU to mutually develop the EV market. "The EU side should help strengthen Chinese EV makers' confidence rather than impose unnecessary barriers to discourage their drive for innovation and investment in the EU market," he said, noting that "excessive protectionism will only lead to a stagnation in EU's EV market." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) The landscape of An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, now lies in ruins, with overgrown fields, barren soil, and numerous areas resembling bomb craters, as a result of exploitation by a clay mining company. After the recent heavy rains, landslides have occurred in the area where the mining company once operated in An Chau Village. The rainwater has caused the land to collapse in chunks, with many sections deeply eroded, uprooting trees. In some places, the land has sunk to a depth of up to a meter, leaving behind large holes that resemble bomb craters. An aerial view of an area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre Nguyen Phan Bon, a resident of An Chau Village, said that local people have repeatedly raised concerns, but there has been no action plan for resolving the situation. The land is no longer eroded, its gone," Bon explained. "Theres nothing that can be done once the land is gone. An aerial view of an area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre He adds that residents have consistently spoken out about the land excavation, which has caused the loss of production land for dozens of households. Although the companys license expired and mining activities have ceased, the land reclamation remains incomplete. Items to address include, crop compensation, residential roads restored, and addressing landslide prevention. Large holes resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Da Nang responded to residents' complaints by noting that Hiep Dai Hung Company Limited was licensed by the municipal Peoples Committee to mine the clay in An Chau Village until June 10, 2023. After the license expired, the company submitted a proposal for mine closure to the department for appraisal. This proposal, currently under review, will form the basis for environmental restoration in the area once approved. An area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre While awaiting approval of the mine closure plan, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment issued an official directive on August 8, requesting the company to implement several measures to ensure safety in the mine area. The department has instructed the company to reinforce the area to prevent further landslides, particularly near power grid works, and ensure safety during the storm season. Large holes resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre The mining company is also responsible for the installation of warning signs to limit movement during hazardous conditions and having equipment available to address potential incidents. In the event of landslides or other safety risks, the company must promptly report to local authorities for immediate response. Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Production company name? Ronde When was the company founded? Ronde commenced as a production company in 2015, starting with Here Come The Habibs. Where are you based and which states did you film in for 2023 / 2024 productions? Ronde HQ is on William Street in Woolloomooloo, in 2023/24 we filmed in NSW, QLD, VIC, NT. How many full-time equivalent staff and how many does it expand to during production? We currently have five full time staff. Plus 4 specialist contractors. During production we usually extend to an average of 30 60. We can well run over 200+ with multiple productions. What is your ownership model and who are key principals? The company is privately owned by Ben Davies. Describe the genres you specialise in for production? While were genre agnostic we try to let the ideas determine the genre and format we are best known as specialists in factual especially character led ob-doc/follow docs and unstructured reality shows. What have been some of your notable credits and with which broadcasters / streamers? Drama series Territory (Netflix) has been a recent hit reaching number 2 on Netflix global top 10 list. Season 3 of factual series Big Miracles is headed to Nine soon. Upcoming reality series Billion Dollar Playground (Binge/Foxtel) is an original format which has extraordinary potential to be made in different territories. Observational documentary series Outback Ringer (ABC). Global-hit factual series Bondi Rescue (Paramount/Ten x 18 season). And spin-off series Bondi Rescue Bali (Ten) (Co-pro with CJZ). Hit comedy-drama series Here Come The Habibs (Channel Nine) Comedy-panel series Show Me The Movie (Channel Ten, hosted by Rove McManus). Landmark Australian documentary series The First Inventors (Paramount/Ten and NITV) Tough job ob-doc series Aussie Truck Rehab (Warner-Discovery) Bondi Boardriders vs The World (Red Bull TV) Three Blue Ducks, (Channel Ten, starring Masterchef judge Andy Allen). Comedy fact-ent series Australia Now and Then (hosted by Shane Jacobson, on Network 7) Whats coming up on your slate and how many projects are in active development? Some of the above are coming back and we have 10+ projects in active development. Deep hustle and development mode right now at Ronde. Do you receive unsolicited material, what are you looking for, how should people pitch projects? We dont accept unsolicited material, but if you have a well-formed idea, or exclusive access to a world or engaging talent, get in touch and well set up an opportunity to present your idea: [email protected] What change would you most like to see when it comes to commissions? Development can be very expensive and time consuming for producers, especially when so much is done on spec. When theres a clear commissioning process, there are much better outcomes for everyone including the creative results. Some broadcasters have this already a very defined pathway, and were grateful when it does exist. General view of the front entrance to the Inner London Crown Court (John Stillwell/PA) (PA Archive) A carer pretended to be dying from cancer in a 143,000 fraud on a pensioner with dementia and her 96-year-old husband, a court has heard. April Jo Richardson span a web of lies to extract money from the victim and her husband, to splash out on a lavish lifestyle including trips to Barbados, New York and Spain. Across five years, Richardson pretended to need money for a final holiday for her terminally-ill father, she lied about having cancer herself, and said she had to travel to the US for private medical treatment. Inner London crown court also heard Richardson obtained money for new flooring, new beds for her two sons, and an iPhone and Apple Watch. ADVERTISEMENT She claimed the trip to Barbados was for her brothers wedding. The 32-year-old, who had been employed as dementia carer with agency Kare Plus working for Essex County Council pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and fraud by false representation. She was sentenced on Monday to 20 months in prison, suspended for 21 months, with 150 hours of community service and 24 days of rehabilitation. The case of April Richardson is shocking and highly reprehensible, especially when you consider the age and vulnerability of the couple and the total amount of money that they lost, through their generosity and kindness, said Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji, from City of London Police. Nurses, carers and those working in palliative care are some of the hardest working and most selfless people in the country where a lot of people, in need, rely on them. Its therefore very sad to see this level of trust abused. ADVERTISEMENT Richardson is an incredibly manipulative individual who coerced an elderly couple to part with their money purely for her financial and material gain. The force said Richardson, of Stansted Close, Chelmsford, gained the couples trust to rake in average payments of 718 a week across five years. She bolstered the lie about having cancer by posing as a nurse called Sonia in messages to the husband, pleading for money and suggesting it was the last remaining months of her life. Her patient had suffered a stroke in 2011 and was in advancing stages of dementia, needing personal care twice a day. When she needed to be moved to a care home in summer 2022, her children had to provide bank statements to the council for a financial means assessment. They discovered, to their horror, that their parents were overdrawn after Richardsons fraud. A total of 202 transactions had been made to Richardson over the years, and the husband revealed he had been kindly helping her financially. The future of the Chagos Islands and a secretive UK/US airbase is set to be an early flashpoint between Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer as the president-elect seeks to veto the controversial deal signed off by the prime minister and endorsed by Joe Biden, it can be revealed. The Independent understands that Mr Trumps transition team has requested legal advice from the Pentagon over the agreement that handed the Chagos Islands, which is under British control, to Mauritius. US government sources say Mr Trump is looking to veto the deal, which is set to come into force after his inauguration in January, over global security fears. It comes after The Independent revealed how allies of Nigel Farage had pushed Mr Trumps team to investigate the consequences of the Chagos Islands deal ahead of last weeks US election. ADVERTISEMENT Ahead of an urgent question in the Commons today, Mr Farage told The Independent that Mr Trump would be attempting to veto the deal. He said: Its happening! The Chagos Islands decision impacts the Diego Garcia airbase (DoD/AFP/Getty) The row comes as part of an unfurling nightmare across the Atlantic for Sir Keir as the president-elect Trump appoints hardliners such as Marco Rubio as secretary of state and, in a surprise move, Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Both men have criticised the Chagos plan and want to end support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, X owner Elon Musk, who spent the summer attacking the prime minister and Labour, is to be an adviser for the adminstration. Starmers announcement of a defence deal with Romania on Wednesday following one with Germany and a proposed one with Poland appeared to be part of a strategy to counter balance a hostile rightwing White House across the Atlantic. ADVERTISEMENT The Chagos Islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, are seen as strategically important in southeast Asia. America uses the base on the atoll of Diego Garcia for ships and long-range bombers. The controversy adds to tensions between Sir Keirs government and Mr Trumps team over issues including continued support for Ukraine, tackling climate change and a row over alleged election interference in America by the Labour Party. Past tweets by foreign secretary David Lammy calling the president-elect a neo-Nazi have also caused issues. A US government official source told The Independent: Trump has received a UK-sourced briefing on Chagos and has asked the presidential transition team to work with the Pentagon to get legal advice. He has expressed a stance in principle to object to the deal if elected on the advice of the Department of Defence based on their global security posture. The controversy adds to tensions between Starmers government and Trumps team over issues including continued support for Ukraine, tackling climate change and a row over alleged election interference in America by the Labour Party (AFP/Getty) The deal with Mauritius is not due to come into place until next year but has been backed by the outgoing Joe Biden administration. ADVERTISEMENT A source close to Mr Lammy pointed to support for the deal from President Bidens defence secretary Lloyd J Austin, who said the deal would safeguard the strategic security interests of the United Kingdom, Mauritius, and the United States, as well as our partners in the Indo-Pacific region into the next century. The UK advice given to Mr Trump was put together with the help of Brexiteer lawyer Martin Howe KC. The legal note claimed that a decision by the International Court of Justice to support Mauritiuss claim to the Chagos Islands on which Mr Lammy based his handover decision is only advisory. Mr Trumps national security adviser Mike Waltz has been highly critical of the deal. Recently, Mr Waltz said: Should the UK cede control of the Chagos to Mauritius, I have no doubt that China will take advantage of the resulting vacuum. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, Mr Trumps nominee for secretary of state Mark Rubio described the deal as concerning as it would provide an opportunity for communist China to gain valuable intelligence on our naval support facility in Mauritius. Speaking in response to an urgent question from Mr Farage, Europe minister Stephen Doughty said: We would have not countenanced a deal which harmed our national security. He added that when the details are published, he is confident that the UKs partners would agree with the UK government. Mr Farage told the House: I warned the foreign secretary [Mr Lammy] six weeks ago in this chamber that it was an enormous mistake to do this, given that we had a US presidential election coming up on 5 November. The Reform UK leader said: I can assure you that having been in America last week, knowing the incoming defence secretary [Fox News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth], there is outright hostility to this deal. He added: Diego Garcia was described to me by a senior Trump adviser as the most important island on the planet as far as America was concerned. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel described the deal as the wrong decision with the world in a more dangerous state than ever before. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith urged for a new deal to allow the Chagosans to return and remain British citizens. He pointed out that the Mauritian government Labour made the deal with is now out of office. This was a deal with the wrong people at the wrong time for the wrong reasons, he said. Meabnwhile, president of the Conservative Friends of Overseas Territories, Lord Blencathra, said Labours Chagos Islands deal is dead and buried after recent elections in Mauritius and the US. He said: Labour needs to read the room and ditch its disastrous surrender of the Chagos Islands given the results of elections in both Mauritius and the US. The Chagos deal is as good as dead. Labour now needs to perform the last rites and put it out of its sorry existence. I have today written to the incoming US National Security Advisor and Marco Rubio, likely to be the next US Secretary of State, who have already both raised their concerns, urging them to make clear to Labour that the incoming US government does not support the surrender of the Chagos Islands. Tiles are part of a relatively traditional manufacturing industry, so the speed of innovation is a common challenge for companies that need to transform and integrate. This requires a pioneering role in leading large enterprises. Challenging competition on all 'battlefields' Vietnam is undergoing a period of strong international integration, creating significant opportunities to promote economic growth, social development, and strengthen its position on the global stage. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence in 2023, Vietnam is among the top five exporting countries in the world. Ceramic tile-importing countries favor products from Spain, Italy, China, and India due to their advanced production technologies, which enable the creation of a wide range of high-end products with unique designs and competitive pricing. To compete, large Vietnamese brands such as Vitto Ceramic Tiles are forced to diversify their product offerings and be flexible with business strategies. But this may not be enough. In the new global context, where traditional competitive advantages gradually weaken, science, technology, and creativity in products will determine success or failure. Early on, VTHM Group (Vitto Hoan My) recognized the need for a long-term strategy, focusing on advanced production technologies and unique product research and development. Only through innovation can enterprises navigate economic fluctuations and withstand fierce competition. With this mindset, Vitto Ceramic Tiles continues to lead in upgrading production lines, such as investing in a 500-meter-long Sacmi Italy kiln, Sacmi presses, Durst Italy printers capable of printing 12 colors and special effects, and using high-quality inks from Itaca and Torrecid. VTHM's tile products employ Engobe technology, which makes them waterproof, impermeable, and fade-resistant, ensuring durability over time. These high-quality Vietnamese products have enabled VTHM's brands, including Vitto, Perfetto, and Vincera, to successfully enter 28 countries and territories across Southeast Asia, Europe, and America. However, the challenges are not limited to the export segment. In the domestic market, the long-standing advantage of large-scale tile manufacturers is gradually being challenged by newer, younger companies and the arrival of foreign brands. Under this pressure, Vietnamese ceramic tile enterprises must adopt differentiation strategies and prioritize creativity to maintain a stable market share amid the domestic competition. Understanding the advantages of Vietnamese enterprises begins with understanding Vietnamese customers. The tile collections from Vitto and Perfetto, brands under VTHM Group, not only meet international standards for quality and durability, but also feature unique and diverse designs that appeal to the tastes of Vietnamese consumers. Vitto has introduced new surface technologies that have set industry trends, such as the rough beauty of Matt Sugar and Matt Relief, the soft-touch experience of Matt Baby Skin, the lustrous elegance of Diamond and High Glossy, and the sophisticated appeal of gold-plated Cubing. Vitto ceramic tiles are also designed with key features, including anti-slip, scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and anti-stain properties, available in a variety of sizes to suit all types of projects. With a wide and strong distribution network, Vitto ceramic tiles have been used in millions of projects throughout Vietnam. Green transformation Key to national brands At the ceremony announcing the winners of the Vietnam National Brand in 2024, the Prime Minister stressed that enterprises with national brands must transition away from traditional growth drivers and embrace new drivers from the green economy, circular economy, digital economy, knowledge economy, and sharing economy. Vitto Ceramic Tiles is committed to ensuring its growth relies not only on available resources but also on science, technology, and innovation. In addition to investing in production technology and product development, VTHM Group is focused on enhancing its brand value, in line with national standards, through strong commitments to reduce emissions and fight climate change. Companies need to actively transform to green production models, using renewable energy and environmentally friendly technology. The green transformation is an inevitable trend and a long-term journey, requiring companies like VTHM to allocate significant resources for sustainable development. Achieving the National Brand certification twice in a row (2022 and 2024) has boosted Vitto Ceramic Tiles confidence in its path toward green transformation and sustainable growth. Despite competing directly with powerful multinational brands in various markets, VTHM Group and Vietnam's National Brands are receiving strong support from the government, stakeholders, and Vietnamese consumers. With pioneering efforts in technology, innovation, and green transformation, leading national enterprises like VTHM demonstrate their strength and capacity to help establish Vietnams image as a developed and innovative nation on the global stage. HA NOI Viet Nam has faced 268 trade defence investigations, with more than half coming from Asia, Africa and Oceania, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The numbers were released at a conference on increasing Viet Nams export potential and capacity to respond to defence cases, held by the ministry and the Ha Noi Peoples Committee in the capital city on Tuesday. Fourteen out of 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Oceania have initiated 145 trade investigations against Viet Nams exports, out of the total of 268 cases, according to Trinh Anh Tuan, director of the Trade Remedies Authority under the ministry. The countries that have launched the most investigations are India, Turkey, Indonesia and the Philippines. In ASEAN alone, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand have investigated 52 cases involving Vietnamese goods. In Oceania, Australia has investigated 19 cases involving Viet Nam. The trade ministry, together with relevant agencies, has participated as a concerned party in anti-subsidy investigations against the Vietnamese Government. Particularly, in markets like Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia, we have successfully proved that the Government did not provide subsidies to Vietnamese goods, or intervene in the market, Tuan said. Viet Nam has established economic, trade and investment cooperations with more than 230 countries and territories, signed 17 trade agreements and is negotiating two others, making it one of the most open economies in the world, according to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang. In recent years, Viet Nam has particularly focused on strengthening economic cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Oceania regions, to boost exports to these markets. The countrys key export products to Asian markets are mobile phones and electronic components, computers, electrical products, agricultural products, construction materials (steel, tiles and cement), wood products, chemicals and textiles. Key exports to Oceania include processed seafood, cashew nuts, steel and wood products, while key exports to Africa include rice, coffee, transport vehicles and parts, as well as electronic products and components. To further promote Viet Nams and Ha Nois exports to these markets, the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade will continue to coordinate with the trade ministry to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses and producers, helping them handle trade investigations when they arise, said the departments deputy director Nguyen The Hiep. We will implement policies to promote production and exports, with a focus on monetary policies as directed by the Government and further reform administrative procedures, he said. We will also raise the quality of trade and investment promotion programmes, adapting them to the new circumstances to avoid wasting resources. He proposed that the trade ministry conduct thorough research and apply appropriate measures to protect the domestic market and businesses from foreign competition. Through its overseas representative offices, the ministry should provide timely reports on changes in the foreign markets policies and reactions so that domestic businesses can respond accordingly. The ministry should also keep local authorities informed and guide them in helping local businesses respond to trade defence instruments, he said. VNS HA NOI Despite significant domestic demand due to low housing rates and incomplete infrastructure, Viet Nam's construction materials industry faces challenges, according to insiders. During a recent seminar on the development of Viet Nams modern and sustainable construction materials sector on November 9, Le Trung Thanh, head of the Department of Building Materials at the Ministry of Construction, revealed that the industry generated around US$47 billion annually, contributing 11 per cent to the national GDP. According to Thanh, the domestic demand for construction materials remains substantial due to low housing areas nationwide, with the urbanisation rate at around 43 per cent and incomplete infrastructure in transportation and energy sectors. These factors provide a significant room for development in the construction materials industry. However, in recent years, the Vietnamese construction materials industry has encountered numerous challenges. Both consumption and revenue have decreased, posing risks of production stagnation and business disruptions for enterprises, potentially leading to job losses and impacting socio-economic development. Nguyen Quang Hiep, director of the Institute of Building Materials, pointed out that many production sectors primarily invested in small to medium scales, particularly in areas such as brick and tile manufacturing, fired clay, unfired bricks, stone extraction and construction sand. Consequently, the application of science and technology in production faced significant challenges. The production of materials in Viet Nam relied heavily on input factors like mineral resources, technology, energy and capital. The balance between supply and demand for various product types was inadequate, resulting in overstocking and underutilisation of business production capacity, he added. However, the utilisation of alternative raw materials, promoting economic circularity in construction material production, had not received sufficient attention and appropriate investment. Hiep highlighted the importance of the government and enterprises continuing to enhance management, apply science and technology and focus on developing new environmentally friendly high-performance construction materials. Quach Huu Thuan, deputy general director of Viglacera, said that the integration of technology, innovation and creativity remained the consistent guiding principle. This approach is the key to Viglacera's successful and powerful brand, according to Thuan. Viglacera is currently seen as a pioneering domestic enterprise in innovation and creativity in the field of construction material production. By consistently investing in cutting-edge global technologies and focusing on green technologies and products, it aims to become a top choice when penetrating demanding markets like Europe, North America and the Middle East. However, in the current fiercely competitive landscape, Thuan believes that the government and relevant ministries need to establish robust policies to support consumption and encourage the use of new high-tech products. This includes setting up technical barriers for imports and ensuring fair treatment similar to other countries. Additionally, updating technical regulations, standards, and timely price notifications for new product lines are essential to facilitate usage in national projects. Meanwhile, Thanh also sees the current challenges in the construction materials industry as an opportunity to assess the capabilities and efficiency of enterprises and products. To enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, it requires efforts in technology application, marketing, and environmental protection from all stakeholders. VNS HA NOI The United Kingdom's support for Viet Nam in establishing an international financial hub is a significant development that reflects the growing economic ties between the two nations. This initiative is particularly focused on the cities of a Nang and HCM City, which are poised to become key players in the Southeast Asian financial landscape. The collaboration encompasses various sectors, including finance, technology and education, aiming to enhance Viet Nam's capabilities in these areas. The relationship between the UK and Viet Nam has evolved dramatically over recent years. The UK is recognised as the second-largest exporter of financial services globally, with exports reaching 88.7 billion (nearly US$114.6 billion) in 2022. London serves as a global financial centre, hosting 170 banks and a multitude of fintech companies. This backdrop provides a solid foundation for collaboration as Viet Nam seeks to develop its own financial sector. In October 2023, the government established a Steering Committee to develop the Regional and International Financial Centre Project, which is led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The project aims to position a Nang as a regional financial centre and HCM City as an international financial hub. Meanwhile, a Nang has set ambitious goals to become a leading economic centre in Southeast Asia by 2030. The city aims to focus on two primary sectors: semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside developing its international financial hub. This vision is reinforced by the National Assembly of Viet Nams Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15, which outlines specific policies to attract strategic investors and enhance financial management practices within the city. Ho Ky Minh, Deputy Chairman of a Nang's People's Committee, stressed the need for UK support in drafting legal frameworks that would facilitate the establishment of this financial centre. At a meeting with Alexandra Smith, the newly appointed British Consul General in HCM City, in late October, Minh expressed hopes for collaboration with UK consular representatives to promote a Nang as an attractive investment destination. "In the near future, as authorities at all levels come to a consensus on the implementation of international financial centres in HCM City and a Nang, we eagerly anticipate the support of the British Consulate General in HCM City in formulating the National Assembly's resolution on related legal issues," Minh said. Meanwhile, Alexandra said that the UK was eager to actively collaborate and assist a Nang in advancing emerging areas such as AI, digital transformation and establishing an international financial hub. In September, Michael Mainelli, the Lord Mayor of London, who has a financial background, made a historic visit to Viet Nam, the first Lord Mayor of the City of London to visit the country in the past decade, underscoring the UK's commitment to supporting Viet Nams ambitions in establishing an international financial hub. During this visit, he engaged with key Vietnamese officials and stakeholders to share insights and strategies for building a robust financial infrastructure. The Mayor also looked forward to the exciting upcoming collaboration between Viet Nams new international financial hub and the City of London's Financial District. The partnership between the UK and Viet Nam spans several key areas. In terms of financial services, the UK's expertise can be invaluable for Viet Nam as it seeks to modernise its financial systems. The UK's experience in regulatory frameworks and market operations can provide crucial guidance for Vietnamese policymakers. Initiatives may include capacity-building training programmes for Vietnamese professionals in finance and investment management, as well as assistance in developing legal structures that support foreign investment and ensure market stability. Technology integration into finance is vital for creating a competitive international hub. The UK is home to numerous fintech companies that can share their knowledge with Vietnamese counterparts. Potential collaborations could involve leveraging AI technologies to enhance service delivery in finance and supporting Vietnamese banks and financial institutions in adopting digital solutions to improve efficiency. Infrastructure development is another critical area where UK assistance can play a significant role. Infrastructure is essential for establishing a successful financial hub, and the UK can aid Viet Nam in developing projects such as transportation networks that enhance connectivity through investments in urban rail systems and airports. Additionally, collaboration on smart city initiatives will promote sustainable urban development aligned with global standards. As Viet Nam aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, green finance will be central to its economic strategy. The UK's commitment to green initiatives can significantly benefit Viet Nams transition towards sustainable practices. This includes supporting projects that focus on offshore wind energy and developing green bonds and other financial instruments that promote environmental sustainability. Opportunities for UK Businesses UK businesses stand to gain significantly from engaging with Viet Nams burgeoning economy. As trade relations continue to strengthen, evidenced by bilateral trade doubling from 3 billion to 6 billion over the past decade, opportunities abound across various sectors. Companies like Standard Chartered have already expressed enthusiasm about contributing to this partnership by facilitating investments and sharing expertise in areas such as green finance and digital innovation. Furthermore, with the UK's impending accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), there will be enhanced access for UK services in Viet Nam, fostering greater collaboration. VNS Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) KENNY HOLSTON/NYT Newly-elected Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., left, and newly elected Senate Majority Whip, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., right, arrive for a news conference on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite/AP U.S. Sen. John Cornyn lost his bid to become the first Senate majority leader from Texas in more than 60 years ago, as the chamber's Republicans instead lined up behind South Dakota Sen. John Thune during a closed-door vote on Wednesday. The result marked a major blow to Cornyn, a former Texas attorney general who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and has long coveted the role. He served as Republican whip from 2013 to 2019, the number two position in the Senate, under Mitch McConnell. McConnells decision to step down from Republican leadership earlier this year left Cornyn the opening he had been waiting for. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thune, the current Republican whip, won the Senate's top leadership role in a second round of balloting after Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, a favorite with MAGA Republicans who also had Sen. Ted Cruz's backing, was knocked out of contention. Senate Republicans did not release the final tally, but senators said Cornyn lost by a narrow margin. After the vote, Cornyn walked into the Senate Chamber without taking questions. Minutes later, Thune and the rest of Republican leadership held a press conference outside promising an end to the "failed policies of the Biden-Harris-Schumer agenda." "We have a mandate from the American people," Thune said. "We will make sure (Trump) and his team have the tools and support that they need." Cornyn's political future had fallen into question after the vote, amidst growing opposition from MAGA Republicans, but later in the day Cornyn said he is planning to run for reelection when his term is up in two years time. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump ally, floated a possible run for the U.S. Senate during a tirade against Texas Republicans after his acquittal on impeachment charges last year. The race for Senate majority leader took on new importance after Republicans strong showing in last weeks election, putting them on track to control the White House and both chambers of Congress for the first time since 2017. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cornyn had pitched himself to colleagues as a straight-shooter who would end backroom deals and the practice of forcing members to vote on bills or amendments without time to study them. And he said the chamber should stay in session indefinitely if Democrats try to block President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet appointments when he returns to the White House in January. "Congratulations to my colleagues who will be leading the Senate Republican Conference next Congress, and thank you to those who supported me, Cornyn said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. We are united and prepared to enact President Trumps agenda on day one." READ MORE: Ted Cruz backs Rick Scott for Senate majority leader, snubbing fellow Texan John Cornyn Ahead of a closed-door forum for majority leader candidates Tuesday evening, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said while he was supporting Thune there wasnt much difference between him and Cornyn. Cornyn told me yesterday or the day before, its so funny, people are telling me (Thune and I) are the mirror image of each other, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump declined to endorse a candidate for majority leader. But Cornyn, 72, has long faced questions about his relationship with the New York real estate mogul. During the Republican primary last year, Cornyn said the GOP should pick a candidate who can actually win and said of Trump: Time has passed him by. Cornyn later came around and endorsed Trump, helping Trumps vice presidential pick J.D. Vance raise money in Texas and campaigning with Trump in other states like Nevada during the final weeks before the election. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., a Thune supporter, said Tuesday, there's only one person in the race that President Trump just absolutely does not get along with. He said Thune and Trump were, in a good place, but declined to say whether it was Cornyn or Scott that Trump did not get along with. Headwinds arose last weekend when Trump posted on social media the next majority leader should be willing to allow the White House to go around the Senate and appoint federal officials when Congress is in recess. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After Scott tweeted back "100% agree," some Trump allies, including Texas billionaire Elon Musk came out in support of him, urging Trump to go with a senator more willing to break with Senate tradition than Cornyn and Thune were likely to. Cornyns an institutionalist who believes in the role of the Senate, and recess appointments are really a way of getting around the Senate, said Danielle Brian, executive director of the non-profit Project on Government Oversight. Both Cornyn and Thune later signaled they would consider the idea, with Cornyn posting, It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrumps cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent." On Wednesday morning, Cruz announced he was backing Scott over Cornyn in the vote for the next Senate majority leader. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a post of X, Cruz said, "For 12 yrs, Ive been unequivocal that we need to change GOP Leadershipand now we finally will." He did not answer questions Wednesday about whether he ultimately backed Cornyn or Thune once Scott was out of contention. Cornyn declined to comment when asked about Cruz's post supporting Scott. Cornyn had also been targeted by gun rights groups after he worked with Democrats in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting to beef up background checks for gun buyers under 21 with criminal and mental health histories. John Cornyn is not just the wrong choice; he's the worst choice, Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt said in a press release. HA NOI The stock market continued its decline on Tuesday, marking the VN-Index's fourth consecutive losing session, while foreign investors extended their selling streak. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index concluded the session at 1,244.82 points, down by 5.5 points or 0.44 per cent. Market breadth was negative, with 189 stocks declining, 107 advancing and 67 remaining unchanged. Liquidity saw a significant drop, reaching VN14.2 trillion (US$560 million), down 27.5 per cent from the previous session. The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation on HoSE, also declined by 8.51 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 1,301.95 points. Within the VN30 basket, 20 stocks fell, five advanced and five remained unchanged. The downturn was primarily driven by large-cap stocks in the retail and banking sectors, with Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) recording the sharpest drop, falling by 3.49 per cent, contributing over 0.75 points to the VN-Index's overall decrease. This was followed by losses in the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank For Industry And Trade (CTG), down 1.29 per cent, and FPT Corporation (FPT), which declined by 1.08 per cent. However, market losses were partially offset by gains in some key stocks, led by Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (SAB), which rose by 2.35 per cent, adding more than 0.41 points to the VN-Index. Analysts from Viet Dragon Securities said: The market's attempted recovery failed, resulting in further declines. Liquidity fell compared to the previous session, showing limited support from capital inflows. The decline brought the market close to the 200-day moving average, around the 1,240-point mark. This support zone is expected to curb the market's downward momentum, potentially allowing for technical recovery in the near term. Thus, investors should closely monitor supply-demand movements around this support area to evaluate the markets condition. The current dip could be an opportunity for short-term purchases at favourable prices for select stocks, though caution is advised in leveraging any rebound to rebalance portfolios and minimise risk. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also closed slightly lower on Tuesday, declining by 0.07 per cent to 226.69 points. Throughout the session, shares worth over VN873 billion were traded, with a total volume exceeding 47.1 million shares on the northern bourse. Foreign investors continued their net selling trend, recording net sales of over VN606 billion on HoSE. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade on Tuesday announced the termination of anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled stainless steel products imported from Chinas Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. The decision was made based on the implementation of the World Trade Organisations regulations, the Law on Foreign Trade Management and related documents, according to the ministry. It also followed a comprehensive sunset review that evaluated the necessity and socio-economic impact of continuing the anti-dumping measures on imported cold-rolled stainless steel products, which fall under HS codes of 7219.32.00, 7219.33.00, 7219.34.00, 7219.35.00, 7219.90.00, 7220.20.10, 7220.20.90, 7220.90.10, and 7220.90.90. The ministry said it will continue joining hands with relevant agencies to keep a close watch on the import of the steel products, ensuring that it complies with international commitments and domestic laws to protect the legitimate interests of both local manufacturers and consumers. On October 23 last year, the ministry issued a decision on the initiation of a sunset review on levying anti-dumping measures on several cold-rolled stainless steel from the three countries and Chinas territory. VNS HA NOI Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Hoang Quang Phong on Tuesday urged Vietnamese representative agencies abroad to further support the business community during the process of international economic integration. Speaking at a meeting between enterprises and associations, and 23 new Vietnamese ambassadors and consuls general who are in charge of 48 markets worldwide, Phong said that the business community expects Vietnamese representative agencies abroad continue to advise and support Vietnamese businesses in the world market with new waves of investment and technology transfer. In addition to informing businesses about other countries practices and experiences in developing their economies, the ambassadors and consuls general are expected to help Vietnamese businesses with forecasting business trends and identifying niche markets in each country, he said. Phong expected that the heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad in the new term will continue to support economic diplomacy as a political mission; especially in promoting the business environment, potential and strengths of Viet Nam's products and services. They will provide businesses with reliable information about the markets, culture and business practices of the host countries, connect and introduce potential and reputable partners to domestic enterprises. For his part, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet, who was appointed as the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations in New York, said that 2025 is the year for the country to accelerate and make breakthroughs to complete the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2021-25. Based on the achievements in economy, society and foreign affairs in the past time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the network of 93 Vietnamese representative agencies abroad will continue to implement economic diplomacy, especially in creating a stable and favourable environment, mobilising resources to serve trade, investment and promote new growth drivers, Viet said. He said the ministry as well as Vietnamese embassies and consulates general in countries will continue accompanying and supporting the Vietnamese business community. VNS HCM CITY Kanagawa Prefecture held its first Investment Seminar with the participation of leaders from HCM City and Kanagawa Prefecture, along with representatives of agencies and organisations of both sides and domestic and foreign enterprises. At the seminar, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan said that with the attention of leaders of both sides, as well as the enthusiastic support of organisations, businesses and people, HCM City and Yokohama City, the largest city of Kanagawa Prefecture, have implemented many specific and practical cooperative activities since the two sides established friendly and cooperative relations in 2007. The relationship between HCM City and Kanagawa Prefecture, and Japan in general, has always been built and developed on a foundation of trust and goodwill, fostering long-term cooperation. Hoan highly appreciated the active and dynamic role of Japanese enterprises, including those from Kanagawa, in the socio-economic development of the city. This is the first Kanagawa Investment Seminar organised by Kanagawa Prefecture in HCM City to seek new cooperation opportunities aligned with the strategic orientation of the two localities as well as the two countries in general. Hoan believes that the decision of Kanagawa's Government to choose HCM City as the venue for the first Kanagawa Investment Seminar not only comes from interest and affection for the city and the goodwill to promote the HCM City-Kanagawa relationship in particular, and Viet Nam-Japan in general, but is also based on the positive recognition of the city's potential and prospects for contributing to bilateral relationship. Ono Masuo, Consul General of Japan in HCM City, said that to promote cooperation with Viet Nam, since 2015, Kanagawa began organising the "Vietnam Festa in Kanagawa" in Japan and, since 2018, it has held the "Kanagawa Festival in Vietnam". This year, for the first time, the Kanagawa Investment Seminar was held in HCM City to contribute to the future economic relationship between the two localities. Viet Nam has the third largest population in ASEAN and the income of its middle and upper classes is rising rapidly, Masuo stressed, adding that in terms of both scale and potential, Viet Nam has an outstanding growth rate and is considered an attractive market for foreign investors, including Japan. Matsumoto Nobuyuki, Chief Representative of Jetro in HCM City, said data from annual surveys of the Japanese business community's investment environment reveal that Viet Nam is considered the second most attractive investment destination after the United States. Japanese businesses already invested in Viet Nam rate the environment as the most attractive in the ASEAN region. Viet Nam's advantages include a large, rather young population and a workforce with increasing access to science and technology, he said. In addition to the investment direction from Japan to Viet Nam, more and more Vietnamese businesses are expanding their investment in Japan and yield positive results. Japan hopes that the two will continue to build a balanced and sustainable partnership, Nobuyuki added. Introducing the local investment environment, Kuroiwa Yuji, Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, said that Kanagawa is one of the provinces with high economic capacity in Japan with a transportation network that easily connects throughout the country. Kanagawa is also an international exchange point between Japan and Asia and the world through commercial ports such as Yokohama Port, Kawasaki Port, Yokosuka Port and Haneda Airport. Kanagawa is home to facilities producing automobiles and transport machinery and also the location chosen by global companies to set up their research and development centres and business headquarters. The seminar is expected to not only open a new chapter in cooperation between HCM City and Kanagawa, but also foster economic cooperation and sustainable development between Viet Nam and Japan. VNS The documentary Dust of Modern Life was shown at the Documentary Film Festival for Sustainability held by the Goethe Institute in Ha Noi last month. The film was made by German filmmaker Franziska von Stenglin. Once a year, a Xe ang ethnic young man Liem in the Central Highlands region leaves his normal life behind to go into the forest to live like his ancestors once did, hunting and gathering. Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Binh interviewed von Stenglin about her making a documentary about the ritual in Viet Nam. The documentary was shown to an audience in the village in the Central Highlands region where it was shot. Do you remember how the villagers received the film? Showing the film in Dak Sao in Tu Mo Rong District in Kon Tum Province was one of the most special experiences of my life. We set up the screen outside the old community house. It was a beautiful evening, loads of kids were there, I think there must have been 200 people. It was like Cinema Paradiso. There was an old man watching the film very closely, he said that he too as a young man went to the jungle like Liem did in the film. All the protagonists Liem and his family were very proud of the film. There was a lot of laughter of course, from everyone, every time they saw themselves on the screen. There was a professor of biology from Ha Noi there who had tears in his eyes when he asked me questions about the wildlife in the jungle that was almost gone. The film connected the people in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi to Liem and his community of Xe ang. Somehow I thought that this connection was already there that people knew more about people like him, but I suppose this area is more shielded off than I realised and the state sponsored documentary films do not portray this community well. It seems the film was only fully understood here in Viet Nam -- its meaning and the poetry of that kind of living. Nguyen Ngoc, the writer and anthropologist who first told me about the Xe ang ethnic group, who I showed the film to as a last stop of my tour in Hoi An, said I captured the soul of the Xe ang, which is unbelievable feedback. It means so much to me. What inspired you to make the film? In 2013 I came to Viet Nam for the first time on a study trip with my art school class. During this trip we met Nguyen Ngoc who lived with the Xe ang as a young man during the war. He told us about their ritual to retreat into the jungle to 'clean themselves from the Dust of Modern Life'. He told us this magical story of how the Xe ang back then did not take anything with them, the whole village went, from the village elder to young babies and they would only live from what they could hunt and gather at the time. He said that he did not think this would still exist today because of deforestation and modernisation. But this story stuck in my head and the idea that retreat from our daily lives is a universal human desire. So I decided to find out if there was still a place where the Xe ang do this. He was the reason I made the film. He is 93 now. It was an honour and one of the greatest joys of my life to meet him. 'The Dust of Modern Life' is your first feature-length film. How was the experience of shooting it? There were so many difficulties. I did not have a lot of money, the original person quit the project four days before the first day of shooting. I felt that during the two weeks of shooting I was not really directing but only problem solving, but I think this is not an uncommon feeling among film makers. But I had an amazing team who supported my idea and gave the project their all. Lucie my DoP, Trang my line producer, Thang, Tan, Nga, Quy and of course Liem and the other actors and together we somehow made it work. It took you several years to complete the film. What is the big challenge to documentary makers in your opinion? Money. It took me so long because I only had enough money to shoot the film, just about. When I came back I had to find money for the post production and relied on a lot of people helping me without getting paid and that takes time. You solve difficulties through just keeping going. There are more reasons to stop doing projects like these than to continue. You need endurance and a high pain threshold. Could you tell us about documentary development in Germany? Germany has state sponsored film funding for which you can apply for. This is also how I financed part of my post production. Hessen Film gave me 25,000 euros which was amazing. So in that sense it is a lot better than in Viet Nam. In your time in Ha Noi, you had a workshop with filmmakers at the Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents Cinema Talent Development. Could you tell what did the filmmakers get from you? I told them embrace happy accidents, plan your shoots, dont shoot hundreds of hours of mediocre material and make your decisions of what you want to film during the shoot and not in the editing room. Pay your protagonists, respect the time that they are giving you. Have you had a chance to watch any Vietnamese documentaries? First and foremost the film that comes to mind is Ha Le Diem's Children of the Mist. An intense film with an unique insight into another ethnic minority of the Vietnamese northern mountainous regions. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nam has recognised the potential of cruise tourism and is planning to attract more international visitors through this mode of travel. A representative from Saigontourist Travel Agency said that during the last two months of the year, the agency would welcome seven cruise ships bringing 2,600 international tourists to Viet Nam. Last weekend, the agency welcomed the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship (operated by Royal Caribbean), which brought over 2,800 guests from Europe, the US, and Australia to Viet Nam, docking at Phu My Port in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province. In the following days, the ship will dock at Chan May Port in Hue and Ha Long Port in Quang Ninh Province. The ship is expected to depart from Viet Nam on the evening of November 13. Also in November, Saigontourist will continue to welcome the Celebrity Solstice to ports in Ha Long, Chan May and Phu My as part of its itinerary from November 17 to 21 and November 27 to 31. In December, the Spectrum of the Seas will bring 4,200 guests to Nha Trang, and the Mein Schiff 6 with 2,400 guests will arrive in Ha Long. For the first six months of 2025, Saigontourist is expected to receive 20 international cruise ships, notably serving many high-end tourists on ships like Azamara Onward and Azamara Pursuit, visiting HCM City and a Nang. According to statistics from the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, among the 14.1 million international visitors to Viet Nam in the first 10 months of this year, 189,100 visitors arrived by sea, up 172.3 per cent. This growth rate is higher than those of air and land routes. However, the number of cruise tourists remains modest, indicating significant potential for this form of tourism. Viet Nams tourism sector targets 17-18 million international visitors this year. With over 14.1 million visitors in the first 10 months, businesses believe that the industry's goal is attainable as the country enters its peak season for foreign tourists. Tran Thi Bao Thu, a representative of Vietluxtour, said that the inbound tour market has seen significant improvement, benefiting from strong promotional activities over the past year, favourable new visa policies, and positive reviews of Viet Nam as a destination in the international market. VNS The nationwide fund for replacing ramshackle and short term housing for low-income and near-poor households is expected to provide a vital boost, offering millions of citizens additional funding to address substandard housing, supplementing resources beyond the State budget. Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh, in a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency, said that assessments reveal that over three hundred and fifteen thousand low-income households across Viet Nam still need support to build or repair their homes. In recent years, how effective have housing support policies been for those with contributions to the revolution and low-income households? In recent years, the Party and State have prioritised improving the lives of national contributors and low-income households, particularly through housing support. Since 2008, several programmes have provided crucial assistance. Programme 167 supported low-income families, Programme 133 aimed at poverty reduction, Programme 48 focused on housing improvements for flood and typhoon-affected areas in central Viet Nam and Programme 22 targeted housing for revolution contributors. These initiatives have facilitated the construction or repair of homes for 820,000 families nationwide, funded by State budgets and social resources. The Vietnamese Fatherland Front has supported the building of houses for 670,000 struggling households. Local authorities are vigorously implementing housing assistance for low-income and near-poor households in disadvantaged districts through the sustainable poverty reduction national target programme and the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. These programmes aim to build or repair homes for over 100,000 families, with support already reaching more than 66,000 households. These housing support programmes have a profound humanistic impact, promising better lives for those now able to live in stable housing, pursue productive work and find new motivation to improve their lives. The movement to eliminate temporary and substandard housing has grown into a nationwide campaign, mobilising resources from central and local governments and actively involving ministries, sectors and organisations such as the police, military, businesses and the broader community. Importantly, low-income and near-poor households have also demonstrated a strong commitment to improving their living conditions. The goal is to fully eradicate temporary and substandard housing across the country by the end of 2025. With the recent launch of the Government and Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Fronts programme to eliminate temporary and substandard housing, what key issues should local authorities consider during implementation? Recent assessments reveal that over three hundred and fifteen thousand low-income households across Viet Nam still need support to build or repair their homes. The newly established national fund to eliminate temporary and substandard housing for low-income and near-poor households aims to meet this need, drawing on donations from organisations and individuals to provide vital funding beyond the State budget. To implement this programme effectively, localities must treat this as a priority political task. As per the Prime Minister's directive, efforts should be diversified to encourage all forms of contribution, based on the principle 'everyone gives what they can'. Public awareness of the Partys and Governments goals should be strengthened to mobilise community resources alongside State funds. Such combined efforts are crucial to helping low-income families secure stable housing. Local authorities should also promote self-reliance, encouraging low-income households to take an active role in building or repairing their homes. Localities must carefully identify households eligible for support, ensuring the process is transparent and compliant with regulations to prevent waste, fraud, or corruption. Homes constructed through this programme must be durable, provide essential functional spaces and have a minimum lifespan of 20 years. What solutions and approaches will the Central Steering Committee adopt to achieve the goal of eliminating temporary and substandard housing for low-income and near-poor households by the end of 2025? On October 22, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 1243/Q-TTg to form the Central Steering Committee tasked with eliminating temporary and substandard housing nationwide by December 31, 2025. The committee's goal is to propose and implement effective solutions across three housing programmes, including support for national contributors, housing via national target programmes and eliminating inadequate homes for the general public. The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) will coordinate with local authorities and other sectors to identify and support eligible households. The programme aims to provide safe, resilient housing for low-income and near-poor households, adaptable to regional disasters and improve the quality of life by removing substandard housing. MOLISA has proposed strategies to allocate resources, estimate funding needs, and coordinate with various sectors to mobilise support. The nationwide campaign is expected to finish five years ahead of schedule and coincide with several significant anniversaries. VNS LIMA State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam on Tuesday afternoon (local time) visited and worked with Viettel Peru S.A.C (Bitel) a joint venture of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel), as part of their official visit to in the Latin American country. Reporting to the President on the situation of operations, General Director Pham Anh uc said that Viettel Peru with the Bitel brand was established in 2011 and officially began business in 2014 with 100 per cent of capital sourced from Viettel. Over the past 10 years, Bitel has had a journey full of difficulties and challenges when facing barriers, from nature to culture and language to fierce competition in the market. Bitel has contributed to popularising telecommunications services in Peru by reducing the current unit price by 30 times compared to the previous period. Currently, Bitel is the network operator that owns the largest network infrastructure in Peru and has a nationwide distribution channel system with headquarters in all states of Peru. Along with that, Bitel is the fastest growing network operator in the Peruvian telecommunications market with an average revenue growth of 35 per cent a year and reaching 8.3 million subscribers and is rated by Osiptel Telecommunications Authority as the network operator with the best customer service. Bitel also created jobs for nearly 3,000 official workers and nearly 23,000 indirect workers. In the past three years, the companys average revenue reached US$420 million a year and its profit reached $83 million a year. Especially in 2024, Bitel has continued to set a new peak when its profit is expected to reach $103 million, up 38 per cent compared to 2023. In addition to effective business activities, Bitel's employees are always aware and assign themselves political and diplomatic missions, becoming a bridge for friendly and sustainable cooperation between the two States, Governments, and people of Viet Nam and Peru. Speaking at the working session, President Cuong expressed his joy and emotion when meeting with officers, employees and workers of Viettel in Peru as a telecommunications network operator named Bitel, who are working and doing business in a country half a world away from the Fatherland. Pointing out the difficulties and challenges that Bitel has faced, the President emphasised that, under the leadership and direction of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence and regularly and directly, the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of Viettel, officers, employees, and workers of Bitel have promoted the qualifications of "Uncle Ho's soldiers", overcoming the difficulties and challenges to find creative and different ways of doing things, helping Bitel gradually assert its position and stand firmly in the increasingly "difficult" market in Latin America. Bitel's success shows that Viet Nam's potential and intelligence can completely reach out to the world, competing equally in international markets. On the other hand, Bitel's success is Viet Nam's success and the Peruvian people's trust in Bitel is their trust in Viet Nam, he said. The State leader emphasised that as Vietnamese people in Peru, Bitel officers and workers are not only Viettel employees but also "ambassadors" of Viet Nam and therefore every action, job and collective effort of Bitel in recent times have demonstrated the bravery and spirit of Viet Nam in general and of the heroic Viet Nam People's Army in particular; and deeply engraved into the sentiments of the Peruvian people the image of a friendly, resilient and trustworthy Viet Nam. The President noted that it is necessary to remember that every step forward of Bitel is a step forward for Viet Nam in the international arena, a testament to the intelligence and will of Vietnamese people, and an image of a modern and dynamic Viet Nam full of aspirations. Appreciating the tireless dedication of Bitel's officers and employees, President Cuong affirmed that the achievements that Bitel has obtained in Peru are the result of the solidarity, efforts and relentless perseverance of all employees in a new and challenging environment to affirm the position of Bitel and Viettel. In order for Bitel to maintain its success and continue to grow further and become stronger, the State leader requested Bitel to continue to maintain high internal solidarity and unity and pay attention to the lives of employees to promote internal human resources as a premise for growth and sustainable development. Along with that, the President said that Bitel must be aware that in addition to its business mission, it is also a "bridge" for cooperative relations between Viet Nam and Peru, an important partner of Viet Nam among APEC member countries. Bitel's leadership in general and each Vietnamese officer, employee, and worker in particular must continue to be a cultural "ambassador" and continue to maintain and enhance the noble image of "Uncle Hos soldiers" in Peru, thus contributing to preserving, maintaining and developing the friendly relationship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and peoples. He asked Bitel to continue promoting its achievements, constantly improve service quality, and maintain the trust of the Peruvian people. This is not only a business mission but also a responsibility to the local community, and especially must respect the law and gain the trust of authorities at all levels in Peru. At the same time, Bitel must thoroughly grasp and strictly implement the Party's regulations, as well as policies and laws of the State and the Viet Nam People's Army. The company must compete healthily and lawfully, and do business with kindness. The President affirmed that Bitel is the pride of Viet Nam and that each officer and employee here is an ambassador, contributing to building the image of a friendly, creative and strong-willed country. He believed that with the spirit of patriotism, national pride, responsibility and mission to the Fatherland, Bitel will continue to step forward and move further on its current meaningful journey. On this occasion, Minister of Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang, on behalf of the Prime Minister, presented a Certificate of merit to Viettel Peru for its outstanding achievements in production and business as well as in supporting the Peruvian government to boost social-cultural development and successfully organise important political events. VNS STOCKHOLM - Sweden is willing to further strengthen its collaboration with Viet Nam, affirmed Speaker of the Riksdag (parliament) Andreas Norlen when receiving State Vice President of Viet Nam Vo Thi Anh Xuan in Stockholm on Tuesday (local time). Norlen expressed his belief that Xuans official visit will contribute to deepening the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Appreciating the Vietnamese National Assemblys establishment of the Viet Nam-Sweden Friendship Parliamentarians Group, Norlen said he backs the promotion of activities to share experience in lawmaking and supervision between the two legislative bodies. For her part, Xuan showed her gratitude for the valuable support from the Swedish Royal Family, government, parliament, and people towards Viet Nam over the past five decades, affirming that Viet Nam always values the development of multifaceted relations with Sweden, in line with the potential, strengths, and needs of each country. The Vice President proposed both sides coordinate to review the signed bilateral agreements to update and adjust them in line with the new context. She also suggested Sweden encourage the remaining European Union (EU) member states to promptly ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and urge the EU to lift its yellow card warning against Viet Nam's seafood exports. Additionally, Xuan suggested Sweden consider facilitating visa issuance for Vietnamese tourists, especially as Viet Nam has unilaterally waived visa requirements for Swedish citizens; and urged the Swedish Riksdag to encourage Swedish businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian country, particularly in sectors where Sweden has strengths and which align with Viet Nam's development goals, such as innovation, green transition, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation. Both sides emphasised the importance of parliamentary cooperation within the overall context of the bilateral relations and agreed to increase the exchange of parliamentary leadership delegations and specialised committees between the two legislatures. Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, they agreed to enhance coordination and support for each other at multilateral forums to promote the peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes based on respect for the United Nations Charter and international law. They also reached consensus on the promotion of free trade, sustainable development, and global prosperity. On this occasion, Xuan conveyed an invitation from Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man to the Speaker of the Swedish parliament to pay an official visit to Viet Nam. The latter accepted the invitation, saying that he would consider arranging the trip. Within the framework of her visit, the Vice President had a meeting with Swedish experts and friends who have made positive contributions to the bilateral relations. She also met with the Vietnamese embassys staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Sweden. Currently, there are more than 22,000 Vietnamese people living in the European country. - VNS Khanh Duong HA NOI The increasing use of stimulant drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM) may be contributing to more new HIV infections within this population, which accounts for the biggest share of new HIV infections in Viet Nam, healthcare experts have warned. While the public health sector finds it hard to access MSM engaging in sexualised drug use (usually referred to as chemsex), community-based organisations have demonstrated their role as extended arms of the public healthcare sector in providing care and counselling to limit chemsex and minimise HIV infection. Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Tam, head of the Prevention Department at the Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) under the Ministry of Health, said the pattern of HIV infection in Viet Nam has shifted from transmission through blood in drug injections to sexual contact, especially among MSM and transgender women. There are now 267,391 people living with HIV in Viet Nam, following the discovery of the first case of HIV infection in HCM City in 1990. According to national HIV sentinel surveillance data, HIV prevalence among MSM has grown rapidly, from 7.4 per cent in 2016 to 12.5 per cent in 2022. MSM are expected to be the primary risk group for Viet Nams HIV epidemic. Over 40 per cent of total new HIV infections every year in Viet Nam are among MSM. Tam said: "In Viet Nam, drug use and HIV infection are linked together. This is such a concerning issue that stimulant drug use among MSM has significantly impacted the country's efforts to prevent and control HIV/AIDS. In 2020, Lighthouse Social Enterprise conducted research on sexual risks among Viet Nams MSM using amphetamine-type stimulants in sexual contexts. It interviewed 269 Vietnamese MSM aged 18 or older, and found that the participants started engaging in chemsex at a median age of 20 years old. A majority of interview participants -- 71 per cent -- do not always use condoms and lubricants in chemsex sessions, and 5 per cent never use these protective measures. These figures are alarming, since just 11 per cent of study participants knew the HIV/sexually transmitted infection status of all of their sexual partners in chemsex sessions. Meanwhile, 34 per cent knew the status of a few of their partners, and 31 per cent did not know anything. Associate Professor o Van Dung, director of the HIV-Addiction Technology Transfer Centre under the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said stimulant drug use appeared to raise the risk of HIV infection. Groups that participate in chemsex were even more susceptible to HIV transmission, he said. Chemsex encourages having sex with multiple partners without taking precautions. Many MSM share needles, forget to use condoms and forget to take other HIV preventive measures like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP), he noted. In addition to the risk of HIV infection, chemsex poses a mental health risk, including a risk of anxiety disorders, loss of appetite, stress and depression, as well as the risk of toxicity and overdose due to drug use, with some drug users experiencing mental disorders and even death, according to Dung. Arms wide open The Lighthouses research pointed out that MSM who engage in chemsex are more anxious when accessing harm reduction services. More than 90 per cent of those who engage in chemsex worry about being judged or poorly treated by healthcare providers, including fears of the providers disclosing their information. As a vulnerable group, they seem to believe in their community more than health providers or experts, according to the report. Community-based organisations are actually considered the most trustworthy by MSM. They have shown themselves to be a powerful force in promoting both sexual and mental wellness. Bao An, director of the Centre for Applied Research on Men and Community Health, said MSMs readiness for psychological counselling was the most important factor. For customers using PrEP who face psychological problems, organisations could remind them about medication adherence and safety measures until they are more ready for psychological counselling, he said. The root reason for stimulant drug use may begin as a coping solution for stress or loneliness, or it may be influenced by social stigma at work, school or other environments. These men may have trouble coming out. Some people experience psychological pain as a result of disclosing their sexual orientation and turn to drugs as a different kind of coping, he told Viet Nam News. Managing stimulant drug use, reducing frequency or stopping drug use requires time and resources to address these underlying causes. It cannot be done in a short time and requires a certain amount of financial resources for treatment both physically and psychologically, according to An. Nguyen Minh Trang, programme manager of Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment under the non-profit organisation Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI), said her organisation had chosen a peer-led approach that is essential for building trust among chemsexs hard-to-reach populations. We work with young people who use methamphetamine (meth). We realised that the young people who use meth require different things from people injecting heroin, she said. "They dont go to meth clinics. They dont go to needle exchange programmes. They need counselling and mental health support. They need to be listened to about their adverse childhood experiences, the reasons why they started using drugs to begin with, and their relationships with people in their life," she noted. The SCDI has designed an intervention package provided by the community for MSM engaging in chemsex. The package includes pre-session, during-session and post-session support. Trang said: Mental health support is extremely important to people engaging in chemsex. That support can only be delivered by the community itself, and not health experts, because people are not open to sharing their experiences with anyone they dont trust. Challenges persist Trang said persistent social stigma around chemsex limited community-based organisations outreach to MSM engaging in the practice. Talking about sex is taboo in our culture. Its hard for people in our community to talk about drug use, because it is still prohibited in Viet Nam and many countries in Asia, she said. Other challenges came from connecting to harm reduction services. Mental, physical and sexual health services should be friendly enough for people to reach and available for the community to access, she said. Representatives from community-based organisations also suggested that Viet Nam needed to create a supportive environment for accessing harm reduction services. VNS Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during a watch party on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. LM Otero/Associated Press U.S. Senator Ted Cruz addresses his supporters at a watch party at Marriott Marquis Hotel on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz announced Wednesday he was backing Rick Scott of Florida over fellow Texan John Cornyn in the vote for the next Senate majority leader. In a post of X, Cruz said he believed Senate Republicans needed a change in leadership. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "In 2022, I helped lead the charge for Rick against McConnell & Im proud to stand with him again," Cruz wrote, without mentioning Cornyn. "For 12 yrs, Ive been unequivocal that we need to change GOP Leadershipand now we finally will." The announcement came minutes before Republican senators were set to decide between Cornyn, Scott and Republican Whip John Thune of South Dakota. Cornyn and Thune are viewed as more establishment Republicans, set to carry on the legacy of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who announced he was stepping down earlier this year. HA NOI Viet Nam has established itself as the leading nation in Southeast Asia for organ transplants, performing over 1,000 procedures each year for the past two years. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, former Minister of Health and current President of the Viet Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association, shared these figures during the launch of an organ donation registration programme at the Agricultural Hospital in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Tien commended the nation's significant advancements in medical expertise and transplant techniques, marking over three decades of performing complex surgeries, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and corneal transplants. "This accomplishment reflects Viet Nams remarkable progress and places us on par with other regional leaders in organ transplantation," she stated. Currently, Viet Nam boasts 26 transplant centres that are well-equipped with modern technology and skilled personnel. However, a challenge remains: 96 per cent of organ donations come from living donors, with donations from brain-dead donors comprising just 4 per cent, insufficient to meet the growing demand for transplants. Statistics from the Viet Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association indicate that approximately 100,000 individuals have registered for posthumous organ donation, yet tens of thousands are still waiting for transplants. The scarcity of available organs leads to dozens of patient deaths daily. Annually, around 300 brain-dead patients could provide over 6,000 organs and tissues, yet many are not utilised. Dr Le Van, head of the organ donation branch at the Agricultural Hospital, reported receiving numerous organ donation offers from families of brain-dead patients eager to aid medical needs. Notably, out of the hospital's 700 staff members, 200 have pledged to donate their organs after death. Looking forward, the Agricultural Hospitals organ donation branch aims to enhance training and infrastructure to support organ transplant operations within the coming years, starting with kidney transplants. VNS HA NOI - Over recent years, the number of international students studying at Vietnamese universities has steadily increased, reflecting a growing recognition of Vietnams higher education quality. This rise is attributed to universities focusing on quality assurance. According to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET)'s International Cooperation Department, there were approximately 22,000 international students in Vietnamese institutions, with nearly 4,000 studying under bilateral agreements and the remainder on a self-funded basis or through university-specific partnerships, for the 2023-2024 academic year. Vietnamese universities are actively promoting student exchange and full-time enrollment options for international students, with notable growth at several institutions. The International University under the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC) has nearly doubled its international exchange students over the last five years, primarily in Business Administration, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and Information Technology. Currently, 612 international students are enrolled in both full-time and exchange programmes, with 52 full-time students registered for the first semester of 2024-2025. Alongside academics, the university organises cultural and academic exchange events. The Ton uc Thang University has enrolled around 10,000 international students for studies, internships, and cultural exchanges in the past five years. For 2023-2024, it attracted 2,065 international students, with over 400 enrolled in full-time programmes in diverse fields. These students came from countries across Asia, such as Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Republic of Korea (RoK). The MoET emphasises that these exchanges foster cultural ties, academic cooperation, and stronger international relationships. Currently, self-funded international students comprise a substantial proportion of international enrollees at prominent institutions. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Head of Communications at the VNU-HCMCs International University, acknowledged that its status as a public institution teaching entirely in English has contributed to its broad appeal among international students, supporting its role in integrating Vietnamese education with global standards and fostering a multicultural academic environment. VNS HCM CITY HCM Citys Childrens Hospital No 1 has successfully performed emergency heart surgery on a Cambodian boy suffering from a severe congenital heart defect. The hospital also said more than VN100 million (US$4,000) has been raised to support the child. Two weeks ago, the two-year-old boy was brought to the hospital in a critical condition, struggling with severe breathing difficulties and restlessness. Through an interpreter, the boys mother, 26-year-old Say Nia, explained that her son had been experiencing fevers, a productive cough and breathing issues for the past four months. Initially diagnosed with pneumonia in Cambodia, he was monitored for potential tuberculosis. Despite frequent medical check-ups and prescribed home treatments, his condition did not improve. Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Chau from the hospitals Cardiology Department revealed that upon admission, doctors diagnosed a rare defect in the membrane of his left atrium, accompanied by severe pulmonary hypertension. This condition mimicked symptoms of pneumonia or pulmonary edema and could be easily confused with tuberculosis. The delayed diagnosis had significantly worsened the boys heart muscle function and escalated his pulmonary artery pressure. Immediate surgery became imperative to save his life. However, the costs were a significant concern for Say Nia, who considered returning to Cambodia. The medical team, committed to saving the child, proceeded with the surgery and garnered financial support from charitable donors to cover the expenses. A week after the surgery, the boy's condition has stabilised, and he is preparing to be discharged from the hospital. Donations covered the entire cost of the surgery. Say Nia shared her relief and gratitude: When we arrived in Viet Nam, I had only VN10 million. Almost all was spent within a week, and I had just over one million left when the doctors said my son needed surgery. "I planned to take him home, but the doctors secured financial support, allowing my son to recover. I am profoundly grateful to the Vietnamese doctors. Dr Nguyen Tri Hao, Head of the Cardiology Department, noted that left atrial membrane defects are exceedingly rare, with only one or two cases treated annually at the hospital. Despite being a heart condition, the associated symptoms often lead to misdiagnoses as pneumonia or tuberculosis, he added. VNS Bayer Vietnam has launched several initiatives to support farmers transition to sustainable practices. In 2023, it partnered with the National Agricultural Extension Centre (NAEC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the 3-year Forward Farming programme. This fosters collaboration across the rice value chain, involving public and private sector partners to promote sustainable farming. After one year, over 4,500 rice growers have participated in training that covers environmentally conscious farming, climate change mitigation, and safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions. Evaluations conducted by the Mekong Delta Rice Institute on the Forward Farming model demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth, early signs of enhanced soil quality, and water savings of up to 50 per cent compared to conventional rice farming methods. Importantly, greenhouse gas emissions were also reduced by 24.7 per cent. These outcomes contribute to Vietnams goal of developing one million hectares of sustainable, high-quality, low emission rice cultivation. In addition, through these collaborative efforts, Bayer Vietnam and the NAEC have been recognised with a Public-Private Partnership of the Year award in the Agriculture category at a GovMedia event in Singapore. Following this success, Bayer and the NAEC have extended support to durian and coffee smallholder farmers in Vietnam. This October, the Better Life Farming model was launched in Vietnam, aimed at unlocking smallholder farmers full potential and supporting the countrys key crop development plans. The initiative comprises two key pillars: Model Farms and Better Life Farming centres. Run by local farmers, Model Farms demonstrate efficient and sustainable techniques to the agricultural community through hands-on learning, knowledge sharing, and community exchange. Meanwhile, the centres are managed by agri-entrepreneurs and equip farmers with innovative solutions and market access. Globally, Bayer has pledged to support 100 million people in economically or medically underserved communities with self-care by 2030. This commitment encompasses developing and expanding self-care education offerings in order to provide people with the tools and knowledge they need to make well-founded decisions about their own health and that of their families. Earlier this year, Bayer Vietnam and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association joined forces to conduct free health screenings and consultations. The company has offered nearly two million boxes of multivitamin supplements to hospitals as well as medical examinations and treatment facilities, thereby contributing to improving community health and making high-quality nutrition more accessible. Bayer also partners with organisations and healthcare professionals to implement consultation and education activities on various health problems, such as stroke treatment, eye diseases, and reproductive healthcare. The company also hosts scientific seminars on contraceptives and ties up with partners to publish materials that provide useful information for the community on age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Many programmes have also been implemented by Bayer to support capability enhancement of healthcare professionals, such as training on optimising hepatobiliary disease diagnosis and treatment. Most recently, Bayer Vietnam inked an MoU with the Hanoi Stroke Association and the University of Oxford. This collaboration aims to advance stroke management and research quality in Vietnam through skills workshops, research projects, and publications. Bayer respects the value of collaboration with corporate partners, universities, and organisations in the public and private sector that share a common goal, said Ingo Brandenburg, managing director of Bayer Vietnam. By working together through various partnerships, we can combine expertise and resources to achieve greater results than any one entity could accomplish on its own. Bayers vision can only be fulfilled through collaborative initiatives that place the community at the heart of every solution. Bayer leveraging digital models to enhance healthcare The percentage of the worlds population over age 60 is predicted to reach almost 22 per cent by 2050 almost double the percentage reported in 2015. The impact of the demographic shift to an ageing and growing population is being felt across society and industries. Bayers sustainable agriculture efforts in Vietnam In October 2023, out of 350 companies assessed by the World Benchmarking Alliance, Bayer achieved fourth position in the Nature and Biodiversity Benchmark for reducing environmental impact, and fifth in the Food and Agriculture Benchmark for transforming food systems with sustainable practices. To Quoc Hung, country manager at ACCA Vietnam How does ACCA evaluate the readiness of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable accounting standards, and how can they avoid being left behind? The adoption of sustainable standards by SMEs is still evolving, and meeting international sustainability reporting standards remains a significant challenge for them in Vietnam. We have collaborated with numerous SMEs, not only in Vietnam but globally, and consistently observed that these businesses face difficulties in aligning with international sustainability reporting standards. Operating in over 180 countries, ACCA works closely with business associations to support SMEs. We have developed specialised tools that range from detailed guidelines based on international standards to data entry tools that facilitate the creation of internationally compliant reports. In Vietnam, we are also working on sector-specific tools that help businesses more easily meet international requirements. For Vietnamese enterprises, we go further by providing industry-specific and group-focused guidance. Alongside these, we have created tools to simplify data input, enabling SMEs to generate reports that align closely with international standards. I believe these solutions will greatly assist businesses in their initial steps towards meeting these standards. In the long term, the most important factor remains workforce development. A workforce knowledgeable in green transition is essential not only for SMEs but also for larger corporations. ACCA plans to enhance the capabilities of the workforce in Vietnam related to green transition in the near future, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development. How does ACCA approach emphasising the importance of sustainability in strategic decision-making, and how do you convince business leaders that it is not just a trend but a practical necessity? In our interactions with business leaders, we find that they have a profound understanding of their organisations. What they need is an approach that is comprehensive and practical. Therefore, we strive to offer solutions that ensure both comprehensiveness and practical applicability in implementation. ACCA is set to conduct scientific research on the adoption of sustainable strategies and their impact on long-term business outcomes. We are gathering data spanning around 10 years from various companies to produce these findings. We hope that these insights will help business leaders see the broader picture. Following this, we will provide practical advisory solutions that enable businesses to integrate international standards into their sustainability reporting. Moreover, we plan to introduce advisory approaches that directly address how businesses can swiftly adopt international standards to produce relevant sustainability reports. This will also enable them to access green finance projects or facilitate trade with countries that require green finance conditions. I am confident that with these two approaches, business leaders will quickly grasp the key elements of the green transition in the near future. Taking the lead in dual transition for a greener Vietnam On November 12, VIR will host its annual sustainable development conference, with the presence of hundreds of leaders from ministries, international organisations, and domestic and foreign businesses pursuing digital and green transitions in Vietnam. ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue raises conversations on a sustainable future The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 held in Hanoi on May 28-29 aims to foster a platform for innovative thinking and strategic dialogue among key stakeholders in the accounting and finance sector, focusing on sustainable finance, digital transformation, and regulatory developments, reflecting the most pressing trends and challenges in the region. Beijing Boe Vision Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (China) was the first enterprise to be granted an investment certificate in Ba Ria-Vung Tau in 2024, with registered capital of $278 million. Once completed, the project will assemble and manufacture items with an annual output of seven million computer screens, three million televisions, 40 million electronic shelf labels, 20 million electronic shelf label modules (ESL), 20 million plastic components, and 44.75 million SMT boards. Construction started in April 2024, and the investor is accelerating progress to put the project into operation as planned. Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing has attracted several international investors to Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Recently, Tripod Vietnam Electronic Co., Ltd. (Tripod Group, Taiwan) signed a contract with Sonadezi Chau Duc Industrial Park to lease 18 hectares of land for the construction of a factory worth $250 million. Tripod is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of electronic circuit boards, generating annual revenue of billions of dollars. The factory in Sonadezi Industrial Park is part of the company's global development and expansion plan in the high-tech electronics industry. Once operational, the factory will produce various types of electronic circuits and boards with a capacity of 372,000 square metres, equivalent to 1,800 tonnes per year. This project is expected to create jobs for more than 1,700 skilled workers in the area. Polypropylene Factory and Underground LPG Storage Facility in Cai Mep Industrial Park (Phu My Town, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province) Since the beginning of the year, the largest FDI project invested in Ba Ria-Vung Tau has been the BIO-BDO biological product factory, with a total investment of $730 million. According to Bae In Han, director of Hyosung Dong Nai Co., Ltd. (the legal representative of South Korea's Hyosung Group), the factory is equipped with modern technology, the first of its kind in Vietnam. The company is importing machinery and equipment for small-scale testing activities to ensure smooth and effective operations. According to the provincial People's Committee, in the first nine months of 2024, the province granted new investment certificates and adjusted capital increases for 48 projects, with total registered capital of approximately $1.9 billion, 2.84 times higher than the same period in 2023. Among them, there were 33 newly granted foreign-invested projects (17 more than the same period last year), with total registered capital of about $1.67 billion, reaching 107.3 per cent of the plan and increasing by nine times compared to the previous year. Cumulatively, the province now has 489 foreign-invested projects with total registered capital of over $33.4 billion. Best support for investors Ba Ria-Vung Taus continued ability to attract billions of dollars in FDI throughout 2024 further demonstrates the province's appeal to international investors. This success is the result of efforts to create the most favourable and transparent business environment possible. Le Ngoc Linh, director of the Department of Planning and Investment, said Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province is decisive and flexible in its leadership, administration, and administrative reforms, with the goal of creating the best possible business ecosystem for both domestic and foreign enterprises and investors. The Special Task Force 997, led by Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Tho, meets every Thursday and to date has resolved nearly 40 difficulties for enterprises, which is a testament to the determination of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho chaired a meeting of the Special Task Force 997 to remove difficulties for enterprises Along with that, the province is focusing on developing the regional and intra-provincial transport system, with many routes being implemented such as: Vung Tau-Binh Thuan coastal road (DT 994), Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway, Phuoc An bridge, and Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 4. The formation of these routes will open up a large development space for the province and increase the attractiveness of Ba Ria-Vung Tau to investors. Le Viet Phuc, deputy head of the provincial Industrial Park Management Board, noted that in the past, the board has focused on reviewing problems to promptly support enterprises and investors. Along with that, administrative reform has received special attention. Currently, all procedures at the unit have been carried out online at level 4. The Industrial Park Management Board also continues to review and shorten the time for handling procedures, effectively implementing the "one-stop, on-site, interconnected" mechanism to facilitate faster and more convenient investment activities in the provinces industrial parks. While the province is determined to provide the best support for enterprises and investors, it also remains steadfast in its goal of attracting selective investments. According to Nguyen Cong Vinh, vice chairman of the Peoples Committee, the governments Resolution 154 implementing the Politburos Resolution 24 also determined the development of large-scale industrial-service-urban complexes in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Decree 31, which provides guidelines for implementing the Investment Law, also designates Chau Duc and Phu My as priority investment areas. These policies create substantial industrial development opportunities for the province. The province's consistent policy will be steadfastly implemented to attract high-tech projects that generate significant value in the same area. Ba Ria-Vung Tau and FPT sign digital transformation deal Ba Ria-Vung Tau's People's Committee and FPT Corporation signed a cooperation agreement on digital transformation on November 4. Ba Ria-Vung Tau reports increase across economic indicators The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has shown impressive economic growth, with 13 of 14 key economic indicators rising in the first three quarters of 2024, notably an 11.47 per cent increase in regional GDP. At a conference themed "Taking the Lead in Dual Transition for a Greener Vietnam" hosted by VIR on November 12, Le Minh Trang, associate director of retail measurement services at NielsenIQ (NIQ), shared her insights on green consumption trends in Vietnam. According to the NielsenIQ Consumer Outlook and Expectation 2024 study in Vietnam, 16 per cent of Vietnamese consumers have incorporated sustainable futures into their long-term priorities, while 24 per cent are focusing on sustainable lifestyles in their short-term plans. Le Minh Trang, associate director of retail measurement services at NielsenIQ "Green consumption in Vietnam is making encouraging strides as consumers become increasingly concerned about sustainability," said Trang. The sectors most impacted by green consumption trends in Vietnam include food and beverages, personal care, fast-moving consumer goods, and consumer electronics. "Consumers are increasingly prioritising organic products, environmentally friendly packaging, and energy-efficient devices," Trang emphasised. Adopting green production strategies has brought significant business benefits for companies. As Trang noted, 42 per cent of consumers in Asia-Pacific consider it very important for businesses to actively reduce their environmental impacts, and 34 per cent regard it as an important factor. These benefits include increased customer loyalty, improved profit margins through cost savings, enhanced brand image, and expanded export opportunities. "Transitioning to green production helps businesses reduce long-term costs by optimising energy, raw materials, and reducing waste, thereby improving profit margins. Moreover, companies also benefit from improved brand image and competitive advantages in the market," Trang added. However, businesses will face greater pressure from consumers and environmental regulations in the next five years. Lack of supporting technology, high production costs, difficulty in prioritising investments, and a lack of transparency in the supply chain are major issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, the absence of standards and harmonisation also reduces the motivation for SMEs to implement changes. According to a recent NIQ report on SMEs, 17 per cent of companies in Asia-Pacific derive their product value from healthy and nutritious products, while 12 per cent come from sustainable and environmentally friendly products, on par with the global average. In this context, SMBs are facing a number of challenges and opportunities in adopting sustainable business strategies. "One of the biggest challenges that SMEs face is the lack of scalable technology. Many small businesses struggle to access the necessary technology to implement sustainable solutions, making it difficult to capitalise on the benefits of technological innovations," Trang said. Nevertheless, SMEs also face many opportunities, such as the development of advanced technologies, the trend towards renewable energy, and pressure from consumers and regulations. "Business model innovation is the key for these companies to enhance their competitiveness and achieve long-term sustainable growth," Trang added. According to Trang, to capitalise on these opportunities, businesses need to proactively adapt to green consumption trends. First, they need to actively monitor legal regulations, effectively manage their supply chains, and proactively manage risks. Investing in independent certifications, community collaborations, and avoiding excessive price increases for sustainable products are also important steps. Additionally, businesses should not overprice sustainable products, as unreasonable price hikes may dampen consumer interest. Instead, companies need to substantiate their claims with concrete evidence. Trang also said that businesses that quickly adapt and transition to sustainable models will gain a competitive advantage in the market, while also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. In alignment with Vietnam's Net Zero commitment at COP26, REPEET is actively taking strategic actions to reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment, and minimise resource exploitation. REPEET is making waves in sustainable fashion by replacing petroleum-based polyester with recycled polyester fibres sourced domestically. The brand has established a comprehensive supply chain involving collection, classification, recycling, and production, which has contributed to a 57 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and a 70 per cent saving in water usage. Vang Vien Thong, CEO and founder of REPEET "By using 10 tonnes of REPEET fabric, we have recycled nearly 1.45 million PET plastic bottles, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to a car travelling 57,000 km and saving 70,000 litres of water," said Vang Vien Thong, CEO and founder of REPEET. "Pioneering plastic waste recycling into sustainable garment products in Vietnam not only benefits the environment but also establishes a new business model that supports the global textile industrys sustainability goals," he added. Vietnam, a leading global textile and garment exporter, REPEET continues to demonstrate its unlimited potential in the industry. With a strategic commitment to sustainability, REPEET is not only conquering the domestic market but also successfully expanding into demanding international markets such as Japan, the United States, and Europe, where product quality and environmental sustainability criteria are consistently prioritised. Beyond delivering high-quality products, REPEET is continuously investing in research and development of innovative recycling technologies, contributing to building a sustainable business model that benefits not just the company itself, but also its partners, fashion brands, and the broader trend of sustainable consumption. 'Green skills vital' for green transition Organised by the United Nations in Vietnam on August 11, this years International Youth Day focussed on the role of education and highlighted the importance of teaching green skills to young people, so they can move towards a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for Vietnam. Green is new buzzword for logistics arena As sustainable development becomes a mandate to operate in the logistics industry, companies are stepping up their efforts to green their operations. Taking the lead in dual transition for a greener Vietnam On November 12, VIR will host its annual sustainable development conference, with the presence of hundreds of leaders from ministries, international organisations, and domestic and foreign businesses pursuing digital and green transitions in Vietnam. At a sustainable development conference hosted by Vietnam Investment Review on December 12 in Hanoi, Tran Ngoc Anh, director of corporate affairs at HEINEKEN Vietnam, outlined the companys ambitious roadmap to reach net zero, promising not only to contribute to the countrys economy but to the planets health. Since establishing its first brewery in Vietnam over three decades ago, HEINEKEN has grown into a major player in the countrys economy, operating five breweries, employing nearly 3,000 people, and contributing a steady 0.5 per cent of Vietnams GDP, said Anh. This economic footprint is matched by a robust commitment to job creation. In 2023 alone, HEINEKEN supported over 172,000 jobs across the value chain, even as global markets saw mounting challenges. Despite these external pressures, HEINEKEN Vietnam swiftly adapted, reaffirming its promise to grow in tandem with Vietnams prosperity. Tran Ngoc Anh, director of corporate affairs at HEINEKEN Vietnam. Photo: Dung Minh Anh also highlighted the importance of HEINEKENs green initiatives. In 2023, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognised HEINEKEN Vietnam as one of the top three most sustainable manufacturing companies for the eighth consecutive year. This achievement underscores the companys dedication to its sustainability strategy, which focuses on three core pillars: social responsibility, responsible drinking, and environmental stewardship. HEINEKEN Vietnam has aligned itself closely with the countrys net zero target, Anh shared. Weve made notable strides in water conservation, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy practices. Its part of our overarching For a Better Vietnam mission. HEINEKENs environmental agenda in Vietnam reflects a broader global commitment to sustainability. In 2022, the company adopted science-based climate targets for both net-zero emissions and land use, ensuring that all environmental actions are measurable and aligned with international standards. This commitment led HEINEKEN to become the first global brewer to achieve validation for these goals, reinforcing the credibility and accountability of its climate initiatives. Additionally, HEINEKEN Vietnam has set ambitious targets by aiming to achieve net zero in production by 2030 and expanding this commitment across its entire value chain by 2040, a full decade ahead of Vietnams national goal. The company further highlighted that achieving net zero in production is a target it is confidently on track to meet. However, reducing emissions across the entire supply chain poses a more intricate challenge, demanding innovative, long-term strategies, and collaboration. While we are optimistic about achieving net zero in our production facilities, decarbonising our entire value chain will demand unprecedented collaboration, innovation, and commitment, said Anh. HEINEKENs commitments echo Vietnams national green agenda, from renewable energy investments to circular economy practices that optimise waste reduction and resource efficiency. VIR sustainable development conference opens in Hanoi VIRs annual sustainable development conference, themed Taking the Lead in Dual Transition for a Greener Vietnam, opened at the Pullman Hanoi Hotel on November 12. The event brings together key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for achieving Vietnam's dual transition of green and digital transformation. Vietnam on the verge of green industrial revolution At the first panel of VIR's sustainable development conference, experts highlighted the pressure facing Vietnam as the country enters a green industrial revolution. The northern province of Bac Ninh continues to lead in foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction in Vietnam, securing $4.7 billion up to October, representing a 315.5 per cent increase on-year. Samsung remains the largest foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam, Photo: Le Toan This growth underscores Bac Ninhs appeal to foreign investors and solidifies its position as a key industrial hub in northern Vietnam, largely due to its favourable investment climate, modern infrastructure, and ample labour force. To reach its annual FDI target, Bac Ninh will need an additional $2.3 billion in the last two months. With current growth momentum and recent investment commitments, the province appears on track. In September, prominent investors pledged billions more in FDI for 2024. Specifically, at an investment promotion conference in September, Bac Ninh Peoples Committee awarded approvals totalling $5.5 billion for major projects with both domestic and international partners. Among these, South Korean conglomerate Samsung committed to an additional $1.8 billion, raising its total investment in Yen Phong Industrial Park to $6.5 billion. This significant contribution brings Bac Ninhs FDI to $6.5 billion, nearly reaching the years target. The northern province of Quang Ninh is also vying to achieve its 2024 goals. In the first 10 months, Quang Ninh attracted $1.97 billion, reaching 63.6 per cent of its annual target and an on-year growth rate of 65.66 per cent. The third quarter saw a threefold increase compared to the same period in 2023. In the first 10 months of 2024, the province faced ups and down, including the impact of Typhoon Yagi. Despite this, Quang Ninh is steadfast in reaching its $3 billion FDI target for 2024, said Vi Ngoc Bich, Permanent Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Peoples Council. She emphasised the need for increased investment promotion abroad and on-site support to address business challenges and expedite land clearance. As time runs short in 2024, meeting annual goals will require greater efforts from all levels, departments, and agencies. These units must closely monitor specific tasks and responsibilities, she added. Other major localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, and Hanoi, are also working towards their annual targets. These areas have advantages in reaching their goals, though Nguyen Van Toan, vice chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, cautioned against complacency amid global economic uncertainties. While these localities have better conditions, the complex global landscape could pose challenges. Key economies, our primary trade and investment partners, are recovering slowly and continue to tighten monetary policies, Toan said. Domestically, natural disasters and climate change remain unpredictable. Price fluctuations, particularly in USD exchange rates, gold, crude oil, and essential goods, are influencing decisions. Vietnam attracted approximately $27.25 billion in FDI in the first 10 months of 2024, an increase of 1.9 per cent on-year, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. In this period, almost 2,750 new projects were granted investment registration certificates worth over $12.23 billion, a 1.4 per cent increase in project numbers but a 2.5 per cent decline in capital on-year. Adjusted capital for around 1,150 ongoing projects reached nearly $8.35 billion, a 6 per cent rise in project numbers and a 41.7 per cent increase in capital. Meanwhile, almost 2,700 capital contributions and share purchases were valued at $3.68 billion, representing declines of 10.4 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively. FDI hits over $27 billion in first 10 months Vietnam reported about $27.26 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first 10 months of the year, an on-year increase of 1.9 per cent, according to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Positive growth signs with FDI influx Foreign investment capital inflow to Vietnam is on a bright trajectory heading into 2025, especially from Northeast Asian markets. Dr. Le Thi Hong Na, director of Sustainable Development Strategy at Phuc Khang Corporation, highlighted that the company is positioning itself as an international-standard green real estate brand in Vietnam, a vision it aims to fulfill by 2035. Dr. Le Thi Hong Na "As a real estate developer, our products, whether standalone structures, low-rise developments, or urban areas, are all designed to meet both domestic and international green building standards. In the early stages, we faced numerous challenges, including personnel - not just internal, but also partners and collaborators needed to create green projects, as well as technical, market, technological, financial, and policy difficulties, Na said. "Phuc Khang has certain advantages, having embraced sustainability and green building from the start, which has facilitated our access to financial institutions and green credit sources. Our goal is not just to deliver tangible green buildings but also to spread a green lifestyle and build green communities, a commitment we have upheld for 15 years," she added. Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue, general manager of Strategic Human Resources Management at AEON Vietnam, pointed out the unique challenges posed by the retail sectors large and diverse workforce when implementing sustainability initiatives. "Building a skilled workforce is an integral part of our human-centric sustainability strategy, enabling the company to plan and implement its sustainable development objectives. People are a valuable asset that helps the company comply with sustainability regulations and standards while enhancing AEONs competitive edge in Vietnams retail market, Hue said. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue A sustainable workforce also stimulates the development of innovative solutions, driving process and product innovation, which allows AEON to adapt quickly to changing customer demands and shifts in the business environment. These advantages supported AEON Vietnams goal of opening three new shopping centres in 2024. Hue noted that human sustainability is one of the three main pillars in AEON Vietnams sustainability strategy, alongside environmental and social sustainability. Sticking to this strategy provides a foundation for future growth and helps the company weather difficult periods. One area AEON is developing to strengthen competitiveness in e-commerce is the supply and delivery of high-quality fresh products, along with an integrated system that allows customers to utilise loyalty points throughout AEONs entire ecosystem and its partners. We see this as a challenge that can be turned into an opportunity to accelerate our progress, said Hue. In addition, to address the pressure of reducing logistics costs, AEON has implemented strategies such as developing its private-label products, including agricultural products in partnership with local producers. These products not only serve domestic supermarkets but are also exported overseas. "This approach is part of AEONs plan for green logistics development over the next five years in Vietnam, Hue added. Taking the lead in dual transition for a greener Vietnam On November 12, VIR will host its annual sustainable development conference, with the presence of hundreds of leaders from ministries, international organisations, and domestic and foreign businesses pursuing digital and green transitions in Vietnam. VIR sustainable development conference opens in Hanoi VIRs annual sustainable development conference, themed Taking the Lead in Dual Transition for a Greener Vietnam, opened at the Pullman Hanoi Hotel on November 12. The event brings together key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for achieving Vietnam's dual transition of green and digital transformation. FILE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Thomas Homan poses for a portrait in East Point, Ga., April 26, 2018. President-elect Donald Trump says that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as border czar in his incoming administration. John Bazemore/AP FILE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Thomas Homan speaks during an interview in East Point, Ga., April 26, 2018. President-elect Donald Trump says that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as border czar in his incoming administration. John Bazemore/AP President-elect Donald Trump this week named Tom Homan, a veteran immigration official who touts Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border policies, as his pick to lead on border security and deportation efforts as Trump's new "border czar." Homan has supported tough policies on immigration, border security and deportation efforts. Heres what to know Homan's new role, and what it could mean for Trumps pledge to unleash 'the largest deportation effort in the U.S' and other border security efforts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Who is Tom Homan? Tom Homan is a 30-year law enforcement veteran who worked for ICE during the Obama and Trump administrations. Homan was appointed acting director of ICE in 2017 after running ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, a position in which he tracked down migrants and worked to deport them. The 2017 appointment was not confirmed by the Senate, as it was an advisory position. This appointment, for Trump's incoming administration, will not need to be confirmed as well. Homan is also a fellow for Washingtons conservative think tank, the Conservative Heritage Foundation, where he contributed to the 900-page conservative Presidential policy recommendation report, Project 2025. He's also the founder of Border 911 Foundation Inc, a conservative nonprofit dedicated to educating Americans about the "facts of a non-secure border." Advertisement Article continues below this ad What immigration and border security policies has Tom Homan supported before? Homan has been vocal about his belief in separating migrant children from their parents. Journalist Caitlin Dickerson once called Homan the father of what might be the Trump administrations most controversial policy. Trumps Zero Tolerance immigration policy, which Vice President Kamala Harris criticized in debates with Trump during her bid for president, was found by a Biden-era task force to have separated about 5,000 migrant children, 1,400 of which the task force did not confirm were ever reunited with their families. While Homan was the head of ICE under Trump, he led a 40% spike in deportation arrests and launched policies to arrest immigrants at courthouses and detain pregnant women, according to the AP. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What comments has Homan made on immigration recently? In recent interviews on Fox News and CBS News' "60 Minutes," Homan said he believes migrants who pose public safety and national security threats should be targeted for deportation. Homan said ICE would work to activate Trumps border security and deportation plans in a "humane manner," in a Fox News interview on Monday. He also doubled down on his support of Trumps plans for mass deportations in a 60 Minutes interview at the end of October. Homan vehemently denied rumors of mass neighborhood raids or building camps to hold migrants. He did, however, say that families can be deported together" when asked about the possibility of overseeing deportations without family separation. When Homan spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington last year, he carped at criticism from human-rights groups and Democrats for his support of the Trump administrations history of jailing migrant adults who crossed the border illegally. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I wake up everyday pissed off because this administration destroyed the most secure border in our lifetime and Im sick of hearing about the family separation, Homan said. You know, Im still being sued over that, so come get me, I dont give a (expletive). Homan and Abbott's connections Homan has been a vocal supporter of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts policies, and Abbott was quick to laud Trumps decision to put Homan in charge. Donald Trump picks ally of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to oversee mass deportations. Trump has a REAL border Czar. Not a fake, do nothing, Czar like Kamala. Trump will respond to voters DEMAND: Secure the border and send back those who cross illegally. There is a legal way to Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 12, 2024 Trump has a REAL border Czar. Not a fake, do nothing Czar like Kamala, Abbott wrote on X. The governor said he believed Trump will respond to voters demands to secure the border and send back those who cross illegally, in his post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Homan has previously patted Abbott on the back for immigration policies the governor enacted after Trump lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, including Abbott's decision to send more than 119,000 people by bus to other major cities like New York and Los Angeles, according to the Texas Tribune. Look what its done it made immigration the top issue in the country, Homan previously told the Chronicle. Immigration was lagging at the time, it was on the third page. He put it back on the front page." Homan also praised Abbott's $11 billion border initiative, Operation Lone Star. Launched in 2021, Abbott described the operation, which deployed the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to the southern border to cut illegal crossings, arrest human smugglers and cartel gang members and illegal drug flow, as a historic action from the state to respond to the border crisis. At a conference themed Taking the Lead in Dual Transition for a Greener Vietnam hosted by Vietnam Investment Review on November 12, Takeda was honoured with the title In Partnership With Vietnams Sustainable Development for its contributions to the countrys sustainable development goals. Pham Thi Thu Ha, head of external affairs and communications at Takeda Vietnam, represented the company to receive VIR's trophy for its contribution to Vietnams sustainable development. Photo: Duc Thanh As a biopharmaceutical company with a strong focus on research and development, Takeda has been at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking treatments in Vietnam over the past decade. Takeda focuses on improving people's lives by researching, developing, and bringing to market innovative medicines and vaccines that are accessible to all, regardless of where they live or their financial means. The company has played a pivotal role in expanding access to life-saving medicines and driving public-private collaborations, all aimed at fostering a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system for the future. This year, Takeda has made significant strides in the healthcare sector in Vietnam. In February, Takeda signed an MoU on rare diseases with the Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Roche, Novartis, and Sanofi. The agreement aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, provide continuous education programmes for healthcare professionals, and develop policies to ensure the supply and accessibility of rare disease treatments. In May, Takedas dengue vaccine was approved by the Ministry of Health and is now available at hospitals, clinics, and vaccination centres across the country. The vaccine is a vital component in Vietnams comprehensive strategy to manage and control dengue fever. Since June, Takeda has partnered with the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion to strengthen expertise in haematology and oncology. This partnership has focused on sharing knowledge related to the treatment of haemophilia, as outlined by Ministry of Health guidelines, and raising awareness about blood cancers, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Takedas continuous efforts demonstrate its commitment to driving sustainable development in Vietnams healthcare sector, in alignment with the countrys vision for a healthier future. Takedas decade of healthcare commitments in Vietnam For over 10 years, Takeda has been a dedicated healthcare partner in Vietnam, delivering transformative treatments and contributing significant value to public health. The recent approval of its dengue vaccine further strengthens this commitment. Dion Warren, Takedas area head for India and Southeast Asia, talked to VIRs Bich Thuy about the companys journey and its plans to bring more innovative medicines to Vietnam. Takeda's commitment to health equity and access for rare disease community This year's Rare Disease Day, February 29, served as a momentous occasion to celebrate the extraordinary journeys of rare disease patients and their devoted caregivers. Having established a strong presence in the Vietnamese market over many years, Takeda holds steadfast in its commitment to bolstering the wellbeing of the Vietnamese people, especially those afflicted by rare diseases. Than Trong Son, head of Medical Affairs, Takeda Vietnam, delves into Takeda's tireless endeavours and commitment to supporting patients afflicted by rare diseases in the country. Waco will have an unexpected time cushion to get its new landfill up and running before its old one reaches capacity, thanks mainly to Lacy Lakeviews landfill ramping operations back up under a new permit. Waco solid waste officials had warned as recently as this summer that it would be a race against the clock to get the new landfill near Axtell open by April, with only about a month of breathing room before the old landfill off Old Lorena Road has to stop accepting trash. The new one remains on track to open on time, but the old one is now expected to take until September 2025 or February 2026 to reach capacity, rather than May 2025, Solid Waste Director Kody Petillo said in an update to the Waco City Council last week. Work on the citys new transfer station on South University Parks Drive also is on track, meaning all three facilities should be operate in tandem for up to a few months if needed to conduct the transition in an orderly fashion, Petillo said. Now we can conduct the transition at a time thats advantageous for the city, Petillo said. The rate of trash entering the Waco Regional Landfill spiked in 2022 as Lacy Lakeviews landfill stopped accepting trash from other communities because it was nearing its permitted capacity. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a new Lacy Lakeview permit in February, allowing the operation at 677 Shelby Lane just outside Bellmead to resume accepting trash from outside communities. The Waco landfill took between 293,000 and 313,000 tons of trash annually from 2018 through 2021, then took an additional 56,000 tons in 2022 and again last year, according to documents presented to the Waco City Council. Lacy Lakeview City Manager Calvin Hodde said the landfill, operated by Waste Management Services, continued accepting trash from residential and business customers in Lacy Lakeview. Customers from elsewhere generally went to the Waco landfill when Lacy Lakeview was facing a capacity crunch, Hodde said. Reports to TCEQ show it was accepting some 1,500 tons of trash monthly, which increased to more than 13,000 tons per month during the most recent three-month period of data available. Petillo said Wacos landfill has returned to a slower fill rate since Lacy Lakeview ramped back up. Combined with new compaction equipment, that is extending the time it will take to fill the current landfill, he said. With an orderly and planned shutdown, we can leave 50,000 to 100,000 tons of unused capacity in the current landfill, Petillo said. The unused capacity would allow the city to handle brush and limb collection quickly in the event of storms causing widespread damage to trees, he said. The projects to prepare the first portion of the new landfill, 4630 TK Parkway, are on track to cost $20.8 million, about $1.8 million below the estimated cost of $22.6 million. The first section of the new landfill, known as Sector 1, will hold approximately 1.7 million tons of waste, Petillo said by email after last weeks council meeting. This capacity depends on the compaction rate achieved and efficient use of the airspace, allowing us to maximize the sections lifespan. The first section makes up 20 acres of the 175.7-acre disposal footprint within the 502.5-acre landfill, Petillo said. City city bought another 900 acres surrounding the landfill to expand the buffer between it and its neighbors. Landfill projects include: Entry Road: Knife River-South completed construction on the entry road at the new landfill in June, with engineering by Walker Partners, at a combined cost of $3.4 million. Fence: Delta Specialty contractors completed 19,000 linear feet of fencing around the new landfill in September, with engineering by SCS Engineers, at a combined cost of $769,000. Scales: JH Contracting is scheduled to finish building the truck scales in December, with engineering by SCS Engineers, at a combined cost of $1.2 million. Power: Navasota Valley Electric Cooperative is scheduled to finish installing three phase power, with installations at and leading to the new landfill, in December, with engineering by Walker Partners, at a combined cost of $459,000. Landfill Sector 1: Hammett Excavation is projected to complete the first section of the new landfill and install the liner in January, with engineering by SCS Engineers at a combined cost of $8.3 million. Maintenance building: HCS General Contractors is expected to complete a maintenance building in March, with engineering by Walker Partners, at a combined cost of $3.5 million. The three-phase power hookup, which can be more efficient for large industrial applications, will be needed in the future to support a landfill gas system, which captures methane gas produced by decomposing waste to be used as a renewable energy source, Petillo said. The projects to prepare the new transfer station at the corner of University Parks Drive and Radle Road are on track to cost $15.8 million, about $300,000 more than initial estimates, Petillo said. Transfer station projects include: Sewer line: Quality W Contractors finished expansion of an exterior sewer line in September, with engineering by Walker Partners, at a combined cost of $340,000. Building: Hammett Excavation is scheduled to complete the main building, along with pavement, drainage, scales, water and sewer work, in January, with engineering by SCS Engineers, at combined cost of $14 million. Left turn lane: TTG Utilities is scheduled to widen TK Parkway in the southbound direction to include a left-turn lane by January, with engineering by Walker Partners, at a combined cost of $1.5 million. The transfer station will will accept waste, then sort, consolidate and load it on semis that will haul it to the new landfill. The transfer station is necessary because of the new landfills longer distance from most of the citys trash collection routes. Both should be done by January and permitted to start operations as early as March, Petillo said. The $15.8 million to build the transfer station and $20.8 million to build the first section of the landfill are covered by bonds issued in the past few years. Those costs do not include the $6.5 million the city paid in land purchases, its $1 million in combined lump-sum payments to neighbors who had challenged the landfill permit, ongoing payments to some of those neighbors, or six-figure combined annual host fees for Axtell Independent School District and the McLennan and Hill Counties Tehuacana Creek Water Control and Improvement District. The city council last week also approved a private contractor, Stella Environmental Services, to conduct internal operations of the transfer station. Stella operates more than 90 such stations across the Southern states. Privatizing will save the city around $1 million annually in the operations and maintenance budget, eliminating the need to hire 14 additional full-time employees. Stella will also reimburse the city for $1.7 million in heavy equipment already purchased for the site. A few city employees at the transfer station will run the aspects of operations that face residents and customers, Petillo told the council. The council approved an initial agreement with Stella covering three years, with three one-year renewal options, at a first-year cost not exceeding $2.2 million. President-elect Donald Trump's latest decision of handing over the world's largest and most powerful military to Fox News host Pete Hegseth has left Washington in shock. Hegseth was nominated to serve as his defense secretary on Tuesday. "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. He also promoted Hegseth's new book and touted his work with veterans advocacy groups. "Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our 'Peace through Strength' policy," Trump added. Hegseth's lack of extensive high-level strategic experience that presidents typically look for in a Pentagon leader has given rise to concerns, especially at a time when the world faces global challenges. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iranian proxies, efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and Russia and North Korea strengthening military alliance are among the top Pentagon priority list. "[Trump] puts the highest value on loyalty," Eric Edelman, who served as the Pentagon's top policy official during the Bush administration, said in an interview to the Politico. "It appears that one of the main criteria that's being used is, how well do people defend Donald Trump on television?" A defense industry lobbyist questioned, "Who the f--- is this guy?" adding that they hoped for "someone who actually has an extensive background in defense. That would be a good start." The 44-year-old is a co-host of Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends Weekend and has been a contributor to the network since 2014. It was during this time that he formed a close relationship with Trump, who was a frequent guest on the program. Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, also slammed the decision on X, writing: "Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history. And the most overtly political. Brace yourself, America." Hegseth has been a vocal supporter of Israel in his coverage, which over the past year included the series Battle in the Holy Land: Israel at War, focusing on the ongoing Gaza conflict triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, terror attacks. He also conducted a high-profile interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him," Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said, according to the Associated Press. Russia escalated its attacks on Kyiv early Wednesday, launching waves of drones and missiles in its first combined aerial assault on the capital in more than 70 days, authorities said. The attacks came as Washington and Seoul echoed warnings from Ukraine that North Korean troops had begun "engaging in combat operations" alongside Russian forces on the border between the warring countries. Ukraine's air force said its units had downed four missiles and 37 drones launched by Russia over eight regions of Ukraine overnight and into Wednesday morning. "It is important that our forces have the means to defend the country from Russian terror," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in response to the attack. Ukraine has for months been appealing to its Western allies to provide more air-defence systems to fend off Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. The large-scale bombardment comes at a critical moment on the battlefield. Russian forces are advancing in the east and concerns are growing over future aid for Ukraine after Donald Trump's victory in US presidential elections. AFP journalists heard explosions ring out over Kyiv and saw dozens of residents seeking shelter in an underground metro station in the centre of the capital. Kyiv officials said one man was wounded by falling debris from a downed drone in the suburb of Brovary, while emergency services distributed images of firefighters battling flames at one impact site. A separate drone attack in the Ukrainian-controlled southern region of Kherson, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia, killed a 52-year-old woman, the regional head said. Multiple air raid sirens rang out early Wednesday as authorities said missiles were closing in on Kyiv, which was home to nearly three million people before Russia invaded in February 2022. "As missiles were approaching Kyiv, the enemy simultaneously launched a ballistic missile attack on the capital. The enemy attack ended with another drone strike," city authorities said. The attack is the latest in an uptick in escalating strikes on Ukrainian cities, mainly in the south of the war-battered country. A Russian strike this week on Kryvyi Rig, Zelensky's hometown, killed a 32-year-old mother and her three children. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its forces target civilians in Ukraine, a claim its spokesman repeated Wednesday in response to a question over whether Russian forces were working to minimise civilian casualties. Over the weekend, Moscow and Kyiv launched record overnight drone attacks on each other. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels, where he stressed the need for more air defence systems after the latest night attack. He also urged a strong response to the deployment of North Korean troops as Russia tries to push out Ukrainian forces out of its Kursk border region. "Russia is using Iranian drones, North Korean ballistic missiles and troops to attack Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin is providing assistance to these regimes," Sybiga said. South Korea's spy agency said North Korean soldiers were "engaging in combat" in Kursk after US officials confirmed Pyongyang's troops were actively fighting for Moscow against Ukraine. Blinken said earlier he had discussed North Korea's actions with NATO chief Mark Rutte, saying Pyongyang's troops had been "injected into the battle, and now, quite literally, in combat." That development "demands, and will get, a firm response," he pledged. At the same time, Russian ground forces have been making rapid advances in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia. On Wednesday, the Russian defence ministry said its troops had wrested control of the village of Rivnopil, where an estimated 98 people lived before the invasion. To face both the North Korean threat and the continued Russian assaults, Ukraine has been advocating for allies to allow it to use long-range weapons deep inside Russian territory. Moscow repeated warnings against the move. "The response to the use of Western long-range systems on the territory of our country would be inevitable and devastating," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Separately, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine said the agency had orchestrated a car bomb attack in Crimea -- the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 -- that killed senior Russian naval officer Valery Trankovsky. 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The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Novoivanovka. The Groups units repelled seven enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, and Novoivanovka. The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 troops killed and wounded. One tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles of the enemy were neutralised. Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the clusters of manpower and hardware of the 21st, 22nd, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade as well as 103rd, 112th, 118th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Agronom, Aleksandriya, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Guyevo, Daryino, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Yuzhny. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops have attacked concentration areas in Sumy region and reserves of the 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Glukhov, Zhuravka, Pavlovka, and Khoten. In the past 24 hours, the AFU have sustained losses of over 300 troops, five tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, four artillery guns, two mortars, a counter-battery radar station, an armoured recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses have amounted to more than 31,700 troops, 200 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 110 armoured personnel carriers, 1,113 armoured fighting vehicles, 858 motor vehicles, 269 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 11 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 62 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Tags: *** Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (12 November 2024) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kharkov region, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 22nd Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 103rd and 113th territorial defence brigades near Bochkovo, Udy, Izbitskoye, and Kazachaya Lopan (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, and two motor vehicles. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 42nd, 60th, 63rd, 115th mechanised brigades, and 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU near Nadiya (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Kupyansk, Ostrovskoye (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, Yampolovka, and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 14th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and 1st National Guard Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, five motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. One Anklav-N electronic warfare station and four field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 24th, 30th mechanised brigades, 46th Airmobile Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 124th Territorial Defence Brigade near Slavyansk, Nikolayevka, Predtechino, Dachnoye, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 33rd, 54th mechanised brigades, 77th and 81st airmobile brigades of the AFU were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 765 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, one motor vehicle, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Two electronic warfare stations and two field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemys defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 100th Mechanised Brigade, 142nd Infantry Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, and 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Dzerzhinsk, Voznesenka, Dyleyevka, and Ukrainka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Eleven counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 23rd, 42nd, 154th, 117th mechanised brigades, 152nd Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, 35th Marine Brigade, and Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, seven motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of the 33rd Mechanised Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the AFU, 37th Marine Brigade, and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Temirovka (Zaporozhye region), Sukhiye Yaly, Zelenoye Pole, and Rovnopol (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Four counter-attack of the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 150 troops, one tank, six motor vehicles, and one 152-mm D-20 gun. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 103rd and 126th territorial defence brigades near Novodanilovka (Zaporozhye region), Olgovka, and Nikolskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up 70 troops and four motor vehicles. One field ammunition depot was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at infrastructure of military airfields, power objects ensuring operation of the Ukrainian defence industry, as well as engaged manpower clusters and military hardware in 142 areas. Air defence units shot down six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 71 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 648 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,622 unmanned aerial vehicles, 585 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,176 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,487 MLRS combat vehicles, 17,723 field artillery guns and mortars, and 28,182 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. Tags: Special Military Operation WtR President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named four of his top campaign advisers to take key roles within the White House when he returns to office in January. Dan Scavino, Stephen Miller, James Blair and Taylor Budowich will take on the roles, Trump said in the statement. "Dan, Stephen, James, and Taylor were 'best in class' advisors on my winning campaign, and I know they will honorably serve the American people in the White House," he said. "They will continue to work hard to Make America Great Again in their respective new roles." Miller has been appointed assistant to the president, deputy chief of staff for policy, and homeland security adviser. Blair, who served as the political director for the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee, will take on the role of assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs. Scavino will serve as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, while Budowich has been designated assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. Trump has quickly moved to finalize his Cabinet and senior staff appointments this week following his election victory. The president-elect announced Wednesday that former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino will return to his previous role and additionally serve as an assistant to the president. Trump on Wednesday announced Taylor Budowich, former head of the MAGA Inc. super PAC, as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications. He also confirmed Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser, and James Blair, his campaign political director, for a senior staff role. He also named Elon Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE") alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran and Fox News host, was tapped as Secretary of Defense, while former Cabinet Secretary William McGinley will serve as White House Counsel. NV Energy says the planned power outages for the Genoa and Virginia City Highlands areas are now done. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, NV Energy restored power to 731 customers, marking the end of the recent Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event. Customers still experiencing outages are encouraged to call 775-834-4444. UPDATE (11/13, 3:40 P.M.): Storey County is reporting that power will not be restored to customers affected by a planned outage in the Virginia City Highlands on Wednesday. In a post on X, the county says NV Energy provided them the update, and that the power company will begin inspecting its equipment for damage on Thursday at 6:30 a.m. If no damage is found power is expected to be restored by 9 a.m. In the meantime, the county's Emergency Management Team will open Community Center Station 72 at 2610 Cartwright Road for warming and phone charging starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday. It will remain open until 9 a.m. on Thursday. --- UPDATE (11/13, 3:15 P.M.): NV Energy reports more than 1,750 customers without power as of 3:10 p.m. Nearly 700 of those customers are without power due to planned outages for public safety, while the cause for the remaining outages is under investigation. There is no estimated time listed for power to be restored on any of the reported outages. Meanwhile, Liberty Utilities in Lake Tahoe has said on Facebook that, due to improved conditions, they do not plan to proceed with a Public Safety Power Shutoff considered for the Sierra Brooks and Loyalton areas. At the same time, the outage map on the Liberty Utilities website currently shows 21 people affected by a planned outage. --- ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Due to weather conditions, NV Energy says a PSOM is currently underway in Genoa and Virginia City Highlands. The outage began at approximately 10:15 a.m. and may last until Thursday, November 14, at around 9 a.m. Approximately 700 customers are currently affected by this proactive de-energization. PSOMs are used to help prevent wildfires when areas have extreme weather forecasted, as a preventative action. The timeframe includes the duration of the forecasted weather event and the time needed for NV Energy crews to inspect lines and equipment for damage, vegetation or debris before they can safely restore power. For more information including preparedness information and maps, visit the PSOM page on NV Energy's website. The cause of another large outage remains under investigation after nearly 3,600 NV Energy customers lost power early Wednesday afternoon. Most of the 16 outages across Washoe County started after noon. Meanwhile, Liberty Utilities may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for Sierra Brooks and Loyalton Customers, due to extreme weather conditions. Customers are encouraged to plan for the possibility of an extended power shutoff that could begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, and last more than 24 hours. Living in Tampa, Florida, Ive gotten spoiled by beautiful beaches. But when I ventured to Clearwater Beach, Florida, on Oct. 29 after hurricanes Helene and Milton did considerable damage to a large swath of Floridas Gulf Coast the sand seemed a few shades brighter and the sky just a touch bluer than I remembered. Maybe it was because, like many people, I wasnt sure what to expect a month on from the storms that affected so much of Floridas Gulf coastline. Members only To recap: Helene made landfall near Perry in the Big Bend area Sept. 26, while Miltons eye crossed over Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota, on Oct. 9. Visit Florida, the state tourism board, estimates 32.8 million boomers traveled to Florida in 2023. The state was the number one destination for adults 50 and older in AARPs 2024 Travel Trends report. Many well-known Florida beaches popular with snowbirds during the winter (snowbird season runs between October and April) have been in full-on recovery mode since disastrous flooding and wind damage from the storms ravaged the area and beyond. Driving around Clearwater Beach, I noticed only traces of sand still on the streets from the storms, along with towering pyramids of it piled near shoreline parking lots. The areas larger hotels, including the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Sandpearl Resort and Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, were open for business and looked largely unscathed, although the beach itself was noticeably empty on this beautiful, late-October day. A couple vacationing from Michigan was on the sand. It looks better than we thought it would, says John Klager. His wife, Rita, 57, says she was disappointed with the water (a light rust color where it lapped the sand), but other than that Im surprised by how good the buildings look, she says. The couple had just enjoyed lunch nearby at The Salty Crab Bar & Grill and were staying with a friend in nearby Dunedin before heading across the state to Cocoa Beach to leave on a cruise. Driving south along the coast from Clearwater Beach onto Sand Key and through Belleair and Indian Rocks Beach, the storm damage became more evident. Streets were lined with piles of flood-destroyed furnishings and lawn debris awaited removal. Many beach approaches in Indian Rocks Beach had cardboard signs that read: Beach Closed. But at Crabby Bills, just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, nearly every outdoor table was full. The areas beaches were staging a brave comeback, but it is going to be a long road. Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, was closed Oct. 29, 2024. Contact communities directly to learn the status of amenities. Courtesy Terry Ward The official word on what to expect Snowbirds whove visited the affected areas before and plan to come back this winter should be prepared for things to be different than they remember in the affected areas. State Sen. Charles Schwertner speaks about several energy bills in the Senate to help Texas grid issues, flanked by Lt Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and state Sen. Phil King in 2023. Nell Carroll/special contributor CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells, center, chats with Kishore Kumar and Suma Rani in August during a CenterPoint Energy community open house at Tom Bass Community Center in Pearland. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer State Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, filed legislation Tuesday that would create a process to refund Houstonians for charges associated with CenterPoint Energy's $800 million lease of generators that went largely unused after Hurricane Beryl. Kings North Texas district is far from CenterPoints Greater Houston service territory, but he is vice chair of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, a powerful committee tasked with utility-related issues. King has become known for championing issues favored by transmission and distribution utilities, such as his original 2021 bill allowing CenterPoint and its peers to break from two decades of precedent and lease generators in the first place. Kings latest bill, Senate Bill 231, would underscore the legislative intent of the original bill by requiring generators leased by utilities to be fully mobile and available for rapid deployment in the aftermath of a storm or other emergency, according to a Tuesday statement from his office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposed legislation would also require the Public Utility Commission of Texas to review generators already leased by utilities. Any lease that did not conform to the terms of SB 231 would be disallowed and its costs unable to be passed onto consumers. The PUC has already approved requests from CenterPoint to pass along approximately $350 million of the generator lease costs to customers. This has added $2.39 to the average residential customers monthly electric bill. CenterPoint alone ignored the legislative intent for mobile generation, King said in the statement. He also reaffirmed his position that CenterPoint should terminate its lease of the large stationary generators an action the company has said isnt possible. A Houston Chronicle investigation found that CenterPoint has never used the 15 32-megawatt generators leased in 2021. These generators take days to move, even though CenterPoint repeatedly described them as mobile to regulators, investors and the public. CenterPoints $800 million lease also includes five 5-megawatt generators that have been deployed in storm restoration efforts, including after Beryl in July. Since then, the utility has leased more than a dozen even smaller generators for use after weather events damage its poles and wires. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since Beryl, CenterPoint representatives have repeatedly defended its largest generators as meant only for load shed scenarios, which are rare outages that occur when power demand threatens to exceed supply on the Texas power grid. The most recent and infamous example is 2021s Winter Storm Uri, which caused dayslong outages and killed at least 200 across the state. CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells has proposed a plan for the utility to re-earn trust by forgoing $110 million in future profits, which is more than half of the profit anticipated from the generators. That hasnt been enough for legislators, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whove continued to press the company to fully cover its generator costs from its profits and to refund customers for any rates already collected. CenterPoint spokesperson Alyssia Oshodi reiterated that CenterPoint's decision to lease its largest generators was driven by the need to comply with Texas laws passed after Uri. CenterPoint remains committed to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to evaluate the future role of large-scale temporary emergency generation in Texas. We are determined to re-earn the trust of our customers, our community and elected leaders by taking a suite of actions and operational improvements that are unprecedented in our companys history, she said in an email, citing Wells' proposal to forgo profit and the utility's ongoing efforts to strengthen its grid. King said previously that CenterPoint deceived him by presenting its large generators as mobile. PUC Commissioner Lori Cobos, one of four commissioners who approved CenterPoint's generator contract, also said she was misled about the generators usefulness after hurricanes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another Chronicle investigation cast doubt on whether CenterPoints process of acquiring its generators was truly competitive. Lawmakers, led by King, expanded utilities' abilities to lease generators, despite cities, industry associations and consumer groups litigating issues with CenterPoint's contract with an obscure company in front of administrative law judges for months, the Chronicle reported. King has authored other utility-friendly legislation. One allowed utilities to ask permission for rate hikes twice a year, instead of once a year. Another required the PUC to consider the salaries and benefits of utility employees reasonable and necessary if the utility produced market compensation studies. King also weighed in this year on a rate dispute on behalf of Oncor, a North Texas utility that spent $31 million on contracts with a business he co-founded, Texas Monthly reported. King has received $65,000 in donations from CenterPoint since 2015, the third-most among Texas officials behind Gov. Greg Abbott and Patrick, according to a Chronicle database. Hes a repeat visitor to the Pond, CenterPoints Chambers County fishing lodge used for lobbying lawmakers, a Chronicle investigation found. The next session of the Texas Legislature, when lawmakers will consider new legislation, begins Jan. 14, 2025. Noosa Mining Conference presentation November 2024 Perth, Nov 13, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Great Western Exploration Limited ( ASX:GTE ) is pleased to advise shareholders and investors that its Managing Director, Shane Pike, will present at the Noosa Mining Conference, being held from Wednesday 13th November 2024 to Friday 15th November 2024. Managing Director, Shane Pike will provide an update on the Company's activities and outlook at 2:10pm on Wednesday 13th November 2024. The Conference will be live-streamed, and shareholders and investors can attend either in-person or virtually via the Conference Livestream. Conference location: Peppers Noosa Resort, 33A Viewland Drive, Noosa Heads. To view the Live Conference, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/1F4G7INC *To view the Conference Presentation, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/H55W806M About Great Western Exploration Limited Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) is an explorer with a world class, large land position in prolific regions of Western Australia. Great Western's tenements have been under or virtually unexplored. Numerous work programmes across multiple projects are underway and the Company is well-funded with a tight capital structure, providing leverage to exploration success. Related Companies Phillips Find Mining Update Perth, Nov 13, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to provide an update on the development of the Phillips Find Gold Project. The 100% owned Phillips Find project is located 45km north-west of Coolgardie in the heart of the Western Australian Goldfields (Figure 1*). HIGHLIGHTS - Joint Venture (JV) Agreement in place with mining specialists BML Ventures Pty Limited (BML) to develop and mine two open pits at Phillips Find - All management, technical, operational and maintenance roles to be undertaken by BML with oversight by the Company - Low financial risk JV structure with BML to fund all project costs, with net cashflow after the asset recovery and repayment of costs to be split 50/50 between Horizon and BML - Mobilisation and site establishment completed, inclusive of camp, offices, communications and workshop established with all required fixed and mobile equipment on site - Site fully manned up on both day and night shift - Mine plan involves cutbacks to two existing open pits, Newhaven and Newminster - Mining well advanced, with over 160,000 BCMs (Bank Cubic Metres) of pre-strip waste mined to date with first ore due to be exposed in December 2024. - Existing 200kt Toll Milling Agreement executed with FMR Investments Pty Ltd (FMR) in May 2024 to be utilised for Phillips Find JV ore - First ore from Phillips Find on track to be treated at FMR's Greenfields mill from February 2025 to June 2025 Commenting on the mining progress, Managing Director and CEO Mr Grant Haywood said: "We are very pleased to see the progress made at our Phillips Find project with great progress made on the mining to date. We look forward to commencing the grade control program early in December and the first mining of ore occurring in December 2024. With first gold production from our Boorara gold project expected in the current quarter, the progress at Phillips Find leaves us well positioned to make strong cashflows in this high gold price environment." Next Steps Mining at Newhaven is well advanced with pre-strip of the Newminster pit to commence shortly creating two working areas for the mining fleet. Due to the nature of the cutbacks of two existing open pits, mining is predominantly in waste whilst progressing deeper to access the ore. Grade control drilling is planned to commence in early December 2024. Ore stockpiles will be developed over the coming months, with processing of ore on track to occur through February to June 2025. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/760J6MN8 About Horizon Minerals Limited Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed. Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline. Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage. Related Companies Quarterly Activities Report and Results Presentation Sydney, Nov 13, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Tamboran Resources Corporation ( ASX:TBN ) completed the drilling of the Shenandoah South 2H (SS-2H) well in EP 98 to total depth (TD) of 20,669 feet (6,300 metres) in 35 days (spud to TD). The well was the first ~10,000 foot (3,000 metre) horizontal section drilled within the Mid Velkerri B Shale in the Beetaloo Basin to date. On completion of the drilling operations, a downhole mechanical issue was unable to be resolved, resulting in the well being plugged and sidetracked. The SS-2H ST1 sidetrack well has reached a depth of 16,201 feet (4,938 metres), achieving record drilling rates in the Beetaloo Basin following successful implementation of key learnings from the drilling of the original SS-2H well. Drilling of the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well is expected to commence in November 2024 from the same pad. The SS-3H well is projected to be drilled with a 10,000-foot (~3,000-metre) horizontal section. Both the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells are planned to be stimulated with up to 60 stages using the recently imported Liberty Energy ( NYSE:LBRT ) frac fleet, which was successfully mobilized to site during the quarter. The stimulation campaign is planned to commence in 1Q 2025. IP30 flow tests remain on track to be announced to the market in 1Q 2025, subject to timing of soaking period and weather conditions. In November 2024, Tamboran contracted Enscope, an Australian engineering consultancy company, to order long lead items required for the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF). Tamboran and APA Group ( ASX:APA ) are on track to finalize agreements relating to the Sturt Plateau Pipeline (SPP) ahead of the ordering of long lead items in November 2024. As at 30 September 2024, the Company had a cash balance of US$74.0 million, which excludes the US$7.6 million net payment (gross proceeds less commission) from the sale of Tamboran's drilling rig in the US, which was received in October 2024. Tamboran Resources Corporation ( NYSE:TBN ) ( ASX:TBN ) Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle said: "The first quarter of FY25 was another busy period for Tamboran as we commenced our 2024 Beetaloo drilling operations. The SS-2H well spudded in late August 2024 following additional civils works required to stabilize the cellar at the well site. The well was successfully drilled to 20,669 feet (6,300 metres) total measured depth in 35 days, the second fastest drilling rate achieved in the Beetaloo Basin, behind the A3H well drilled by Tamboran in 2023. "Despite delivering the longest horizontal well in the Beetaloo Basin to date, a downhole issue occurred upon the completion of drilling and before the installation of casing. Unfortunately, we were unable to remediate the issue, resulting in the well being sidetracked as the SS-2H ST1 well. "The sidetrack was drilled from 1,837 feet (~560 metres) and is currently at a depth of 16,201 feet (4,938 metres) following successful implementation of key learnings from the drilling of the original SS-2H well. The SS-2H ST1 well has achieved the fastest drilling rates from the bottom of the Moroak Sandstone (~7,500 feet below surface) to date. "We look forward to completing the SS-2H ST1 well and progressing the drilling activity on the SS-3H well. Importantly, we remain on track to deliver IP30 flow rates during 1Q 2025, which is in line with guidance. "Further, the higher costs associated with drilling the SS-2H sidetrack well (~US$5 million) has been more than offset by the cash received for selling our US drilling rig (~US$8.5 million, pre-costs) meaning we are funded to deliver flow results from the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells." *To view the full quarterly report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/839QVJYM To view the Results Presentation, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/M7XWCARC About Tamboran Resources Corporation Tamboran Resources Corporation (ASX:TBN) is a natural gas company that intends to play a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future by developing low CO2 unconventional natural gas resources in the Beetaloo Sub-basin within the Greater McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory of Australia. Tamboran's key assets are a 25% working interest in EP 161 and a 100% working interest in EP 136, EP 143 and EP(A) 197 which are located in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. Related Companies Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "A Real Pain." Associated Press Jesse Eisenberg's amiable skittishness has become his calling card. He's the nervous, jittery, quick-talking Everyman reluctantly drafted into the war on the undead in "Zombieland" who could also channel his dorky appeal to portray Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network," a role that earned him an Oscar nomination. He could even twist that twitchy, glitchy persona into something more menacing, as he did notably in the little-seen but slyly entertaining "The Art of Self-Defense." But he turns in his best performance -- not only as an actor but director and writer -- in "A Real Pain" (opening Friday), his enormously satisfying, darkly-shaded road-trip comedy about family, faith and finding yourself. 'A Real Pain' Rated R: For language, some drug use Running time: 90 minutes Where: Opens Friday throughout Houston (out of 5) JOHN WATERS TALKS: Joey Guerra chats with the filmmaker in advance of his screening of 'Hairspray' in Houston this week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Eisenberg is David Kaplan, a young dad and husband in New York City with a not particularly fulfilling internet job. He writes those banner ads that pop up on whatever sites you visit. Yeah, he's that digital-marketing guy. (Side note: How is it possible that 41-year-old Eisenberg still looks like he could be a college sophomore?) But David hopes to gain some sense of fulfillment by exploring his Jewish roots through a trip to his ancestral home in Poland with his slacker cousin, Benji (a wonderfully shambolic yet charming Kieran Culkin in one of the year's best performances). They sign up for a multi-day heritage tour that includes a visit to the Majdanek concentration camp in Lublin while, on their own, they plan to visit the home where their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, once lived. Benji and David outwardly get along but their friendship is fragile as Benji is haunted by dark angels who make connection difficult and David has trouble saying what he really feels. Their dysfunctional relationship is put to the test as they come to grips with both the annoyances of being part of a tour group and the horrors of what a place like Majdanek represents. All of this might sound depressing but "A Real Pain" is often uproariously funny as it uses humor to shine a light on emotionally dark places. Working from a remarkably tight script (the film's tag line could be "It's smart. It's funny. It's only 90 minutes"), Eisenberg makes sure that the supporting roles are nearly as memorable as his own and that the heavy hand of history continues to cast a long shadow. Will Sharpe ("The White Lotus") is the buttoned-down British tour guide who could use some loosening up while the other tourists -- including a survivor of the Rwandan genocide who converted to Judaism (Kurt Egyiawan) and a woman dealing with the collapse of her marriage (Jennifer Grey) -- hope to attain some measure of emotional grounding through this tour. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But it's David and Benji who rightly remain the focus and the chemistry between Eisenberg and Culkin is palpable. They play off each other as if they've known each other all their lives as the film moves seamlessly from mirth to melancholy and back again. The result is an accessible indie film with the potential to break through to a wider audience, much like, say, "Lady Bird" or "Little Miss Sunshine." The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter hosted the third edition of its Voice of Change summit, themed Gender Portrayal from 30 Seconds to 3 Hours, aiming to champion gender-sensitive and equitable content across media. The event featured an impressive lineup, including Chief Guest Smriti Irani, Guest of Honour Taapsee Pannu, and prominent industry leaders such as Srinivasan K Swamy, Neha Barjatya, Eashwari Deshpande, Anushree Bhattacharyya, Mitrajit Bhatacharya, Neena Dasgupta, Anurag Agnihotri, Karthik Nagarajan, Zairus Master, Gautami Kawale, Janaki Amrite and Shreya Jain. The summit highlighted the critical role of thestakeholders of the industry in shaping gender representation and addressed the need to challenge biases. The day began with a formal lamp-lighting ceremony graced by the chief guest followed by a welcome address by Srinivasan K Swamy, IAA Mancom Member & Executive Group Chairperson at RK SWAMY. The summits opening session, led by Nina Elavia Jaipuria and Megha Tata, Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the IAA India Women Empowerment Committee, discussed the evolution of the IAA: Voice of Change movement since its inception in 2021. Reflecting on the initiative, Megha Tata shared, This journey began four years ago, and it has become a powerful movement in our industry. When I was President of IAA, we launched Voice of Change with the objective that, as communication professionals, we must be the change we want to see. She emphasized the significance of their partnership with UNICEF and Google, which has provided critical data on gender portrayal in media, underscoring persistent stereotypes and the need for progress. Nina Elavia Jaipuria added, In the previous editions of IAA: Voice of Change, we covered advertising, television and OTT content, while this edition focuses on gender representation in Digital. Over the years, we have created awareness and sensitized stakeholders of the industry in shaping their perspectives and challenging stereotypes for a more equitable gender portrayal in content. Thus, having a positive influence on consumers and shaping the social narrative. We are delighted to have Google India continue to partner with us in this movement. Former Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani engaged in a lively and insightful conversation with Neha Barjatya, IAA Mancom Member and Marketing Director at Google India. Together, they discussed the transformative role content creators play in reshaping the portrayal of women in media and society. Smriti Irani delivered a compelling keynote address, stating the lack of visibility and acknowledgementwomen face despite their contributions. She remarked, Women do not have a problem speaking or showing up; what we lack is recognition for our contributions. Its crucial to continue these conversations and support women who strive for their rightful place. She also powerfully emphasized YouTubes societal impact and remarked the platform does not just provide access but by giving women in Tier 2 and 3 cities a platform and an audience, we democratize dreams. She spoke passionately about how women have always been present and impactful, yet their contributions are often overlooked, challenging audiences to not only see women, but truly hear their voices. Addressing the pressure many women feel to downplay their achievements to avoid labels of arrogance or ambition, she urged women to own their successes openly. Irani noted a generational shift, celebrating young women today who express themselves boldly without apology, contrasting this with the constraints her own generation often faced. She underscored the responsibility that comes with content creation in the digital era, highlighting the need to dismantle stereotypes rather than reinforce them. Irani also reminded listeners that each womans journey is unique and deserves respect, calling for collective action to build a legacy where female voices are valued and celebrated, creating a world where all women can take pride in their contributions without reservation. Neha Barjatya emphasized, At Google and YouTube, we are deeply committed to empowering women in the digital age. We have always fostered inclusivity across our platforms and as weve entered the AI era, our commitment continues. We are dedicated to building AI that unlocks creative possibilities and promotes economic opportunity for everyone. We are focused on developing AI responsibly, ensuring it is used to create a safe and equitable platform for all women. We believe that when women succeed, India succeeds. In a special address, UNICEFs Geetanjali Master, Partnerships Specialist in Public & Private Sector Engagement at the UNICEF Delhi office, highlighted the pervasive impact of gender socialization on opportunities for girls in India, emphasizing the role of media and community engagement. She stated, Gender socialization creates visible and invisible barriers manifesting as limited educational opportunities, early marriages, and fewer job prospects for girls. As UNICEF engages across India, we see the profound impact media can have. It has the power to reinforce stereotypes or to challenge them. Thats why were working with organizations like the Geena Davis Institute to generate real-time insights on gender portrayals, and we recognize the importance of connecting with content creators not only in metros but also in smaller towns and communities. By doing so, we aim to inspire inclusive storytelling that can shift perceptions and unlock opportunities for young girls across India with our continued partnership with IAA: Voice of Change. Celebrating Gender Warriors The event honoured remarkable industry stalwarts who have tirelessly championed gender equity and led by example as protagonists of change. The first recipient of the Gender Warrior award was CVL Srinivas, Country Manager of WPP India, recognized for driving transformative change in the industry. The second Gender Warrior, Smita Sharma, an acclaimed photojournalist and visual storyteller, was celebrated for her impactful work in human rights and gender issues. Through her powerful images featured in National Geographic, TIME and other publications, Sharma has brought dignity to marginalized communities while challenging societal norms. The days events were marked by thought-provoking insights, particularly during the first panel, Conscious Creativity in Digital Content, moderated by Eashwari Deshpande, Head of YouTube Ads Marketing & Industry Advocacy. Esteemed panelists included content creators Gautami Kawale and Shreya Jain, alongside Janaki Amrite, Associate VP of Content Syndication and OTT Partnerships at Pocket Aces. The discussion emphasized the transformative role of technology in democratizing both access to content and aspirations, creating a space where everyone has a voice. Deshpande shared YouTubes commitment to enabling creators to build sustainable careers, transcending barriers of language, literacy, and background. Gautami Kawale, Founder of Slayy Point & The Crash Pad, highlighted the responsibility content creators hold when engaging with Gen Z audiences. Janaki Amrite spoke about Pocket Aces commitment to positive representation through channels like Dice Media and FilterCopy. Beauty influencer Shreya Jain discussed navigating stereotypes in the beauty and makeup industry, sharing her journey of maintaining authenticity while shedding light on makeups role as both an art form and a major industry. The session underscored the importance of responsible creation and inclusion, inspiring attendees to reflect on their own creative roles and the potential of digital platforms to promote positive, diverse voices. The second panel discussion, titled Digital Advertising through the Gender Lens, was moderated by Anushree Bhattacharyya, Editor, Education and Brand and Marketing, Financialexpress.com. This engaging panel featured industry leaders: Anurag Agnihotri (Managing Partner - Creative, Ogilvy West), Karthik Nagarajan (CEO, Hogarth), Neena Dasgupta (Founder & CEO, The Salt Inc.), and Zairus Master (Chief Business Officer, Honasa Consumer Ltd-Mamaearth). Anushree kicked off the session by delving into how digital advertising is evolving with gender inclusivity in mind. Anurag Agnihotri discussed his approach to portraying women as strong, independent figures in advertising, especially in campaigns where the aim is to break away from traditional stereotypes. Zairus Master shared insights on Mamaearths consumer-centric branding, which places an emphasis on progressive storytelling that resonates with modern, urban audiences. Karthik Nagarajan tackled the topic of stereotypes in product marketing, especially within categories like beauty and personal care. Neena Dasgupta discussed how content creation on platforms like OTT and YouTube is contributing to a more nuanced portrayal of women. She noted that women-centric content often performs well on OTT platforms, reflecting a shift in audience preferences. The panel closed with a shared sentiment on the importance of creating content that is aspirational, breaking stereotypes, and representing both men and women in roles that reflect todays society. The discussion provided valuable insights on how advertising can be a powerful tool in reshaping gender perceptions and promoting inclusivity in brand storytelling. The event was infused with energy and laughter, thanks to a special performance by renowned comedian Neeti Palta. Her sharp wit and relatable humor based on gender portrayals, biases and stereotypes brought a fresh, lively vibe, engaging the audience and drawing waves of laughter from the guests. With her unique perspective on everyday life and her natural ability to connect with diverse audiences, Neeti turned the event into a memorable experience, leaving everyone in high spirits. The event wrapped up with an engaging and deeply inspiring fireside chat featuring actor Taapsee Pannu, moderated by Mitrajit Bhattacharya, IAA Mancom Member and Founder of The Horologists. The session celebrated Taapsee's fearless spirit, impressive body of work, and commitment to impactful storytelling. Reflecting on her career from her Telugu film debut to her success in Hindi cinema, Taapsee shared insights into her journey, the challenges of taking on complex, women-centric roles, and her drive to explore diverse characters. She spoke about her memorable roles in films like Pink, Mulk, and Saand Ki Aankh, which echo her commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating for womens empowerment. In addition to her acting, Taapsee discussed her entrepreneurial ventures and her passion for breaking stereotypes. Google India and YouTube were the presenting partners, while UNICEF the knowledge partner and TVS the associate partner for this event. Republic Digital was the digital news partner and Crome Talkies, AdGully, Indian Television, Manifest, Mediabrief, MxM India were web media partners, whereas Free Press Journal & Hindustan Times were the print partners for this event. This edition of IAA: Voice of Change summit included powerful voices that engaged in meaningful and inspiring discussions making it another milestone in the journey of the movement, reinforcing our commitment to a more positive and inclusive gender portrayal in media. With the festive season driving consumer optimism and economic vitality, businesses have been intensifying efforts to stand out in a competitive landscape. Marketing strategies evolve to keep pace, leveraging both digital and in-store engagement and fostering an omnichannel approach that seamlessly blends online and offline messaging. Bacardi, a prominent player in the alcobev sector, has been tapping into this festive fervour with a thoughtfully curated portfolio and experiential marketing initiatives designed to resonate with evolving consumer preferences. In conversation with Adgully, Mahesh Kanchan, Marketing Director, India and Neighboring Countries at Bacardi, speaks about the companys consumer-driven approach this season, highlighting the launch of Indian-made Legacy Premium Whisky, specialized festive packaging inspired by regional artistry, and a lineup of creative campaigns. He shares insights into how Bacardi has been meeting consumer demand for premium, culturally relevant offerings, while strengthening brand loyalty through experiential activations. Mahesh Kanchan observed that this festive season saw a definitive shift towards premium, high-quality experiences, with consumers eager to explore unique offerings and experiment with new flavours. He added that this shift not only reflects a taste for quality, but also a longing for shared experiences that create meaningful connections. India gathers to toast festive occasions, these trends are set to grow, with consumers seeking memorable, elevated experiences to celebrate together. At Bacardi, we are perfectly positioned to lead this festive wave with a diverse portfolio that embraces Indias love for innovation and nostalgia. As cocktail culture flourishes and world-class bars become central to celebrations, consumers are increasingly drawn to premium offerings. Iconic brands like DEWARS, PATRON, and BACARDI Carta continue to be favourites, while new offerings like DEWARS whisky highballs, tequila-based Picante cocktails, and the local flavors of BACARDI Mango Chilli and BREEZER Mango Peach cater to a growing desire for exploration. We are also excited about the nationwide rollout of LEGACY, our first made-in-India premium whisky, which arrives at the perfect time offering an exceptional experience that beautifully complements Indias festive celebrations, Kanchan further said. While stating that the Bacardi kept consumers at the heart of everything it does, Kanchan informed that this festive season, the company introduced special festive packs for LEGACY, it inaugural Indian made premium whiskey, which is now available pan-India. These packs draw inspiration from the rich artistic traditions of Indias diverse regions, featuring traditional art forms such as Nakshi Kantha from the East, Kalamkari from the South, Jaali Work from the North, and Warli Art from the West. This curated collection celebrates the unique cultural fabric of the country and the enduring spirit of art and craft that transcends time. We also introduced special festive limited edition packs for the 12 YO, 15 YO, and White Label editions of DEWARS, the worlds most awarded blended scotch, he added. Further to this, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Creative Lab Saw This, Made This campaign celebrated creativity and self-expression. Through this campaign, mixologists were invited to craft unique cocktails inspired by iconic Indian monuments. At its core, Saw This, Made This embodies the belief that creativity resides within everyone, empowering consumers to explore their personal narratives through mixology. In this second phase, Saw This, Made This will now take inspiration from the festive season, encouraging mixologists to create cocktails inspired by the festival of lights, Diwali. As we mark the year-end with a bang, were also tapping into Indias love for music through exciting artist collaborations, particularly with Bryan Adams seven-city India tour kicking off in December. Through these campaigns, we aim to elevate the festive spirit and connect with our consumers better, celebrating not just the occasion, but also the rich stories that accompany it, Kanchan said. He further said, Experiential marketing is a powerful tool for creating meaningful brand experiences that significantly enhance customer engagement and loyalty. With recent studies reaffirming that experiential marketing can elevate purchase intent by approximately 30%, and increase loyalty to brands for 40% of consumers, the impact of these strategies is evident. During the festive season, which are inherently social occasions, this aspect becomes particularly relevant as consumers actively seek out themed experiences. From investing in customized workshops to hosting interactive events, experiential marketing can be critical during this time, enabling Bacardi to create genuine brand extensions that leave lasting impressions ensuring the company and its brands remain top-of-mind and relevant to consumers during key celebrations. When asked how the company stay in-tune with the preferences of consumers in terms of product innovation and marketing, Kanchan replied, At Bacardi, our purpose is to be the worlds top catalyst for unforgettable experiences by making moments that matter. With an active pulse on consumer trends, we are always actively listening to consumers through direct and indirect feedback to build in directions that resonate. Our long-term vision and culture rooted in 3 Fs Fearless, Family, and Founders Mentality enable us to remain agile, entrepreneurial and attuned to what truly matters to new-age consumers enabling us to craft connections that are not only memorable, but also long-lasting. He further added that the launch of Legacy Premium Blended Whisky has been deep rooted in consumer preferences. Its the only Indian Made Premium Whisky which has a unique blend of Scotch Malts and Indian Grain whisky giving it an impeccably smooth taste. Likewise, our flavour innovations on Bacardi, which is Bacardi Mango Chili, is based on Indian consumers Sweet & Spicy taste preferences, Kanchan said. Alison Cook is, and has been since she was hired 22 years ago, one of the Houston Chronicles most-read writers. Her fanbase, however, goes beyond those interested in the local restaurant scene it stretches outside the Houston city limits, too. She has inspired a generation (or two) of restaurant critics around the United States. In Extremely Online times, short videos of influencers eating free fast food in their car tend to get more eyeballs than a well-informed, 2,000-word restaurant review based on at least three paying-out-of-pocket visits. But I believe those deeper-dive reviews still matter; that context, thoughtfully chosen words, fairness and expertise still matter. That a restaurant, with all its moving parts, is deserving of such time and effort. Readers, too. Alison's work is a perfect case study. COOK BIDS FAREWELL: Restaurant critic Alison Cook is leaving the Houston Chronicle after 22 years Advertisement Article continues below this ad As announced this week, Alison's last day at the Chronicle is Nov. 27. To help send her off in style and for those who have been swiping through too many car-food reels and missed the memo that Houston is home to one of the country's best restaurant critics I asked a few food writers to share something about Alison and/or her work. Heres what they said. *** Bill Addison, restaurant critic, Los Angeles Times Two steps into the Chocolate Bar, begins a 2003 review by Alison Cook, the dark-velvet aroma of cocoa beans twines through the infantile crannies of my brain. Im 7 years old again Im only months into my career as a restaurant critic in Atlanta, and Im spending all my free time studying the American masters of the genre. Alisons reviews in the Houston Chronicle are my best weekly teacher. She constantly finds fresh, magnetic words to describe what shes feeling and sensing and contextualizing through food, even something as seemingly commonplace as chocolate ice cream. Shes funny. Shes authoritative; I trust her when she praises. Alison is everything I want to be as a reviewer hell, as a writer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It didn't surprise me when, the following year, she wins her first of two James Beard Foundation restaurant criticism awards for her pieces on the ice creams at the Chocolate Bar, Thelmas Bar-B-Cue and the cosmic truth, as Alison calls it, of Roznovsky's cheeseburgers. Two decades later, Im more convinced than ever that we should all be studying Alisons life work. Imperatives today rightly call for food critics to illuminate cities through the pluralism of their communities, through narratives of identity and how they entwine with skill and leadership. Alison has been incorporating these principles into her writing since the 1980s. Her curiosity never waned. Neither did her chops. She set a standard that few of us will ever meet. Also, the thing no one dares say aloud? Restaurant criticism is an exhausting occupation. Enjoy some downtime, dear Alison. Thank you for the years of inspiration and excellence. Pat Sharpe, restaurant critic, Texas Monthly I consider Alison a friend and a mentor (even though we live in different cities and hardly ever see each other, and even though shes younger than me). We got to know each other when she was writing brilliantly and often hilariously about the states foodways at Texas Monthly in the eighties. I was her editor for part of that time, and reading her was always fun. She could be as eloquent on the joy of chewing ice as she was about a meal at one of the finest restaurants in the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If you dont believe me, read her essay on Ice toward the end of the Texas Food Manifesto, from 1985, where she had this to say: I have [recently] developed the critical standards necessary to ice connoisseurship an insufficiently recognized field of Texas endeavor. One wants ones cubes to be on the small side, so as to fit more easily into ones mouth. And one wants them a tad cloudy: crystal-clear ice, pretty as it looks, is the rock-hard, tooth-breaking kind. A satisfying crack is paramount to the ice aficionados enjoyment of his cube; that opaque Dairy Queen type of ice, honeycombed with air, is simply too easy to chew and not nearly noisy enough. In the rest of that long essay, she nails what Texas and its wildly diverse food scene are all about. Its as true today as it was nearly four decades ago. Pete Wells, former restaurant critic, The New York Times We all know in our hearts that a great hot dog eaten standing up while mustard and relish run down your wrists can be more fulfilling than a four-hour dinner in a place where ladies put their purses on little velvet stools. But when a restaurant critic says so, some people will act as if youd just told them that alligators have fur and live on the moon. It violates their sense of the natural order of things. Alison Cook never cared what those people thought. She knows the truth about hot dogs and purse stools. Im pretty sure she knows exactly where alligators live, too. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In her reviews, which Ive followed for years, she writes honestly about restaurants. She doesnt pretend that fancy equals good, although if a very fancy restaurant happens to be serving wonderful food, her excitement about it will ring out in every word she writes. Youll hear the same excitement when she tracks down some new barbecue joint , or checks in on her favorite Tex-Mex enchiladas, or finds a banh mi that resets all her expectations of Vietnamese sandwiches. Shed spend a lot less time in the car if shed just stick to the usual suspects. Texans will drive vast distances as if it were nothing, but I am still amazed by how much ground Alison covers. Like all the best journalists, she understands that a great story is worth going out of your way for. And the stories shed find on the outskirts of her city and beyond were, as often as not, stories that probably werent going to get told unless she told them. No doubt at times this was very wounding to certain chefs whose entire self-images were built on the idea that what they cooked was inherently more important than a kolache Alison found out on some stretch of highway on the other side of Gods left elbow. But Alison doesnt write for chefs. She writes for readers. Brett Martin, GQ correspondent and James Beard Award-winning food writer There is a moment that has happened every single time Ive been lucky enough to dine with Alison: She tastes something. Her eyes go wide. She gets a mischievous look that suggests a child about to be caught doing something terribly naughty and secretly thrilled at the prospect. Suddenly, you cant help but feel like an excited co-conspirator. She says something like, That is filthy. And I mean that in the best way. Or even, if I remember right, That is disgusting. And I mean that in the best way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some of those meals, of course, were mediocre, and some of the dishes probably disgusting in not the best way; Alison, with her wealth of experience, would duly recognize and record those flaws. But, whatever chefs and restaurateurs who have felt her sharper criticisms might believe, it has always been obvious that she goes into every meal with one hope: to be surprised and delighted. That endless appetite, she taught me, is the single greatest (and maybe only) requirement for the job she did so well for so long. Ten or so years ago, coastal urban food writers like me began to discover Houstons incredible culinary wealth. We soon learned, sheepishly, that one of history's great marriages of city and critic had been going on for decades. Alison has told me that when she arrived in Houston it was the citys intense weirdness" that let her know it would be her forever home. Obviously she meant that in the best way. COOK ON MICHELIN: The Michelin Texas 'selection' is here, and Houston Chronicle critic Alison Cook has opinions Hanna Raskin, founder of The Food Section and James Beard Award-winning food writer Alison has worked 10 times as hard and twice as long as most critics of her stature, so it's hard to argue that she ought to keep punching the clock at the Houston Chronicle. But I hate that young food journalists won't have the opportunity to look to Alison as a model. Surely her writing wasn't effortless, but seemed that way because it reflected a clear world view that held ethical standards, brave artistry, readers' interests, and cheeseburgers in equally high esteem. Alison was open-minded before that became the default critical attitude, but also was never shy about standing up for her state making her columns essential reading for folks who'd never set a toe in Texas. Thank you, Alison! And here's hoping those cubs don't sleep on your archives. Matthew Odam, restaurant critic, Austin American-Statesman Getting to know (and love) Alison has been one of the best benefits to a career full of perks. Her wit, brilliance and dont tell her I said it heart make her one of the best storytellers in the business. She might not be from Texas, but she got here as soon as she could and left a big mark. Brett Anderson, food writer, The New York Times Alison landed at the Houston Chronicle not long after I took my first daily journalism job next door in Louisiana, at The Times-Picayune. I knew her byline from the old Gourmet, which compelled me to pay closer attention to her work. And Im glad I did. Her writing became a regular source of inspiration and a model for the kind of work I aspired to produce myself: a mix of eloquent essays, serious reporting and smart service journalism. We soon became friends. And whenever we met (restaurants were always involved, either as venue or subject matter) I marveled at her undiminished enthusiasm for restaurants for the delight they can bring, for the stimulation and meaning they provide communities and diners. Alisons knowledge and interests go well beyond food. Its part of what makes her work stand apart. To borrow from one of Alisons own reviews, her writing springs from a lifetime of experience, not a finger held to the wind. Business Today, Indias leading business news platform, celebrated the 21st edition of its prestigious Most Powerful Women in Business (MPW) list on November 8 in Mumbai. The event was a grand gathering of visionary women leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from a diverse array of industries, coming together to discuss challenges, achievements, and new opportunities for women in Indian business. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group. Together, they unveiled the MPW Special Issue, featuring the inspiring stories of the remarkable women who made it to this years list. In his address, Goyal highlighted Indias longstanding respect for female leadership and applauded the NDA government's initiatives to foster womens empowerment. He also reassured attendees about India's resilience to potential trade challenges, following Donald Trumps re-election as U.S. President, emphasizing that India is regarded as a trusted partner by the democratic world. Goyal further suggested that India is willing to lower tariffs on products with minimal domestic competition, such as certain heavy motorcycles like Harley Davidson. This year, Business Today recognized 60 outstanding women across multiple industries, including 12 new faces, underscoring the diversity and dynamic growth of female leadership in India. Alongside these rising stars, four returning honorees reaffirmed their enduring influence in their fields. Additionally, two trailblazers were inducted into the MPW Hall of Fame for having made the list a record seven times. Themed Balance. Work. Life. Safety, this years event explored the nuanced balance that women maintain between professional and personal spheres and advocated for greater gender equity and inclusivity in the workplace. Among the distinguished honorees were Schauna Chauhan, CEO of Parle Agro; Ananya Birla, Founder & Chairperson of Svatantra Microfinance; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India); Prativa Mohapatra, VP & Managing Director of Adobe India; Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare; and Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder of Indian Angel Network. For the complete list of this years MPW honorees, visit btmostpowerfulwomen.com/2024. The event included thought-provoking panel discussions where leading voices shared their insights and personal journeys. Prabha Narasimhan from Colgate-Palmolive (India) emphasized the value of resilience, stating, Grit, gumption, and guts are common to both men and women. What makes it interesting for women is that we often undersell ourselves. Padmaja Ruparel of Indian Angel Network discussed societal barriers for women and the importance of risk-taking: In most societies, including India, women face preconceived notions. Women are also not always nurtured to take risks in the workplace. Prativa Mohapatra of Adobe India, Pavitra Shankar of Brigade Group, and Radhika Gupta of Edelweiss AMC also offered their perspectives on multitasking, resilience, and the evolution of work-life balance. Gupta noted, Women are natural multitaskers... what we traditionally refer to as feminine skill sets are exactly what workplaces need. The panel also delved into topics like the need to close the gender gap in corporate leadership and empower women as investors. Shefali Goradia of Deloitte South Asia emphasized the need for equal representation at leadership tables, while Amisha Vora of Prabhudas Lilladher Group encouraged women to shift from cautious savers to confident investors. In her remarks, Nirupa Shankar of Brigade Group reflected on the changing concept of work-life balance, highlighting a move toward work-life integration, while Devita Saraf of Vu Group underscored the importance of setting boundaries for mental well-being. Since its inception in 2003, Business Todays Most Powerful Women in Business list has honored women who have made remarkable contributions to their industries. This years event not only celebrated these accomplishments but also reinforced the importance of addressing gender disparities and creating an environment where women leaders can thrive. On the occasion of Childrens Day, Cloudnine, Indias premier birthing center in India has launched a heartwarming campaign that emphasizes the deep bond between doctors and mothers. The campaign highlights the trust that expecting and postnatal mothers place in their doctorsmany of whom honor this bond by naming their children after those who supported them throughout their pregnancy journey. Our doctors dont just care for mothers; they form deep, lasting relationships, becoming an integral part of their lives, said Suresh Pandiyan, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals. This campaign celebrates the unique bond between doctors and mothers, with many mothers choosing to name their children after their doctors as a symbol of the trust and care they received. The features real-life stories of mothers who named their children after Cloudnine doctors, symbolizing the compassion, expertise, and unwavering support they experienced. Through this campaign, Cloudnine reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional care, ensuring every mother and child receives the attention they truly deserve. Havas CX, the global customer experience network of Havas, continues its rapid growth with an expansion into Singapore, strengthening its presence across Southeast Asia. With a network spanning 18 major Havas Villages worldwideincluding hubs in London, Paris, New York, and Mumbaithis strategic expansion will bring together the UI/UX and experience design expertise of Think Design along with the capabilities of Ekino, the technology and digital transformation specialist operating in Singapore since 2017. Expanding our CX capabilities in Southeast Asia, with Singapore serving as the strategic hub, is a key part of our broader Converged growth strategy in the region, shared Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India, Southeast and North Asia (Japan & South Korea). While we establish a robust UI/UX design capability through Think Design, in the coming months, well be introducing more of Havas CX Networks services into Southeast Asiareinforcing our commitment to delivering transformative customer experiences in one of the worlds most dynamic digital economies. David Shulman, Global CEO of Havas CX Network, shared, "As brands seek to create deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences, the need for seamless, integrated experiences has never been greater. By expanding our CX capabilities in Southeast Asia, starting with Singapore, we are reinforcing our dedication to customer-centric innovation throughout the region, providing solutions that resonate with audiences at every step of their digital journey. To create a seamless brand experience through the integration of creativity, design, and technology, Think Design will work closely with BLKJ Havas, supported by Ekinos robust tech capabilities to deliver innovative, impactful solutions that enables brands to better engage with their audiences. This will be jointly led by Deepali Saini, CEO of Think Design, and Rowena Bhagchandani, CEO of BLKJ Havas. Both will continue to report into Rana Barua. On the launch, Deepali Saini and Rowena Bhagchandani shared, We are excited to integrate our CX capabilities into the region, positioning Singapore as a leading hub for digital innovation to drive significant growth across the region. The representation of the LGBTQ+ community in Indian media has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, shifting from marginalization to increasing visibility and celebration. For too long LGBTQ+ characters were seen performing stereotypical roles or treated as caricatures, often depicted through lenses of humour, victimhood or tragedy. Today, however, we see a growing movement toward inclusive storytelling that reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience without marking it as different. Shows like Taali, which features Sushmita Sen as a transgender woman, showcase the power of human storytelling. They highlight not just the journey of gender transition, but also universal themes of identity, love, and struggle. Similarly, Rainbow Rishta, an Indian queer docu-series streaming on Prime Video, presents real-life stories of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating love and relationships. It breaks free from limiting tropes and focuses on the human side of relationships, exploring the challenges people face in their pursuit of love and happiness. Shows and films like Made in Heaven, Taali, Rainbow Rishta, Maja Ma, and Four More Shots Please are excellent examples of progress. They present LGBTQ+ characters as multifaceted individuals with real struggles, desires, and relationships. These stories broaden the scope of LGBTQ+ experiences, making them relatable to wider audiences while focusing on themes of love, acceptance, and identity. Even in Bollywood, were beginning to see a shift. Films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan broke barriers by openly addressing same-sex relationships, albeit with humour, but in a way that didnt diminish the authenticity of the experience. Brijen Desai, Account Director, White Rivers Media, noted, OTT platforms are driving a significant shift in LGBTQIA+ storytelling, offering authentic, diverse narratives that move beyond stereotypes. These platforms allow creators to explore professional, personal, and everyday challenges, making characters more nuanced and relatable. He added, Audiences are responding positively to this evolution, engaging with content that broadens understanding and celebrates varied perspectives. By depicting LGBTQIA+ characters as professionals, parents, and friends, stories gain authenticity. This global response signals a new era of valued, diverse storytelling that fosters inclusion and true representation. From real to reel Sankalp Tripathi, Creative Director, Dice Media - Pocket Aces, believed that while significant strides have been made in securing legal justice and societal acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community, one essential element remains: normalcy. He explained, The LGBTQIA+ community has fought a long battle for justice and acceptance, not just in India but across the world. However, alongside legal justice and societal acceptance, one crucial element remains normalcy. While many people may reserve their opinions due to court rulings, their mindset often doesnt change. According to Tripathi, the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows plays a pivotal role in reshaping societal views. The portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows reflects societal taboos while simultaneously challenging them. Stories have the power to make people think, and in that sense, they become a form of triumph. The real struggle lies in the fact that every human mind adapts at its own pace. But the process of normalising societys outlook on the LGBTQIA+ community will, over time, gradually evolve into a triumph. And triumph is inevitable. Through these diverse portrayals, OTT content not only highlights real-life struggles but also plays a key role in reshaping attitudes and fostering acceptance. Sumitro Sircar, PR Professional and Queer Content Creator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows are essential in reflecting and challenging real-life struggles. He shared, Diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows play a vital role in reflecting and challenging real-life struggles and triumphs within the community by presenting authentic, multifaceted experiences that resonate with audiences. For instance, Pose (USA) portrays the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the struggles of transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ people of colour while also celebrating their resilience and triumphs in the face of adversity. Sircar also pointed to Made in Heaven (India), which explores the complexities of same-sex relationships within a conservative society. It showcases both the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their pursuit of love and acceptance, he explained. Shows like Sex Education (UK) tackle pressing issues such as coming out, sexual identity, and mental health, offering relatable scenarios that reflect the real struggles faced by young LGBTQIA+ individuals. On the other hand, Heartstopper (UK) presents an uplifting narrative, focusing on young love and friendship while celebrating the triumphs of LGBTQIA+ youth in a supportive environment. OTT promoting inclusive storytelling Inclusive storytelling on OTT platforms is playing a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and reshaping societal perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community. By offering diverse and authentic portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters, OTT shows are challenging traditional norms and fostering greater empathy among viewers. Sumitro Sircar highlighted how diverse LGBTQIA+ characters in shows are both reflecting and challenging real-life struggles. He pointed to Pose; (USA), which depicts the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on the struggles of transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ people of colour while celebrating their resilience. Similarly, Made in Heaven (India) explores same-sex relationships in a conservative society, shedding light on the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face in their pursuit of love and acceptance. Other shows like Sex Education (UK) address coming out, sexual identity, and mental health, resonating with the real struggles of young LGBTQIA+ individuals today. Meanwhile, Heartstopper (UK) presents an uplifting narrative, showcasing young love and the triumphs of LGBTQIA+ youth in a supportive environment. By bringing these varied and multifaceted stories to the forefront, OTT platforms reflect the realities of the LGBTQIA+ community, challenge outdated norms, and foster understanding and empathy among audiences. Sankalp Tripathi emphasized the shift in public thinking that is happening as LGBTQIA+ stories become more visible. While legal justice and societal acceptance are crucial, the real battle lies in normalcy, he said, adding, The portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in OTT shows challenges societal taboos and promotes a change in mindset. These stories make people think and gradually reshape attitudes, fostering acceptance over time. According to Tripathi, the normalizing of LGBTQIA+ characters is inevitable, and with each portrayal, the publics outlook is evolving toward greater empathy and understanding. The Shift in LGBTQIA+ Representation in Mainstream Media: Essential or Forced? Ella DVerma, Digital Content Creator, observed that this went back to the fact that LGBTQIA+ representation in itself is a statement. Every movie since the beginning of time has had a boy and girl falling in love; it can never be overdone simply because we consider it the norm. Anything other than that hetero-normative narrative is a bold choice, and so it may be perceived as overdone, but hello! India literally has the largest LGBTQIA+ population in the world. About time our media did too, she said. Sumitro Sircar also weighed in, saying, The increasing representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in mainstream media is essential to authentic storytelling, as it reflects the diverse realities of society and provides a platform for voices that have historically been marginalized. Shows like Pose (USA) and Heartstopper (UK) offer genuine narratives that resonate with real-life experiences, allowing viewers to connect with LGBTQIA+ characters in meaningful ways. This representation not only enriches storytelling but also fosters understanding and empathy among audiences. At the same time, Sircar noted that there are instances where representation can feel forced, particularly when it is included as a checkbox rather than an integral part of the narrative. For example, some shows may introduce LGBTQIA+ characters or storylines without sufficient development or context, leading to superficial portrayals that do not resonate authentically. A notable example of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ representation is the recent rejection of filmmaker Onirs script for his film, We Are, by the Indian Defence Ministry. The script, inspired by the real-life story of a gay officer who quit the Indian Army, was ultimately not approved. Sircar had the opportunity to watch the rescripted version of the film, renamed We Are Faheem and Karun, at an international film festival. He shared, I was deeply moved by it, as I could relate to the story of being in a queer relationship. The film not only inspired and educated me about authentic storytelling, but did so in the most romantic way. He also expressed his confusion over why Netflix removed Tees, a film by Dibakar Banerjee, after watching it at a film festival. The film portrays the real-life struggles of a lesbian couple, convincingly played by Huma Qureshi, and contributes to the ongoing conversation around LGBTQIA+ representation. Ultimately, while the shift toward greater representation is crucial, Sircar emphasized that it must be approached thoughtfully and with depth. Authentic storytelling requires that LGBTQIA+ characters are intricately woven into the narrative, contributing to the overall story rather than being included solely for diversitys sake. This balance ensures that representation is both meaningful and impactful, enriching the media landscape and reflecting the complexities of real-life experiences. Metaphy Labs, a Jetsynthesys company, has announced the public launch of its ground-breaking AI solution, WardenAI, which took place at the Indo-Spanish Dialogue in the presence of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. This launch signifies a pivotal advancement in harnessing AI for social good. Metaphy's partnerships in Spain have been a key driver for this development. It has secured Letters of Intent (LOIs) and early collaborations with notable organizations such as the PRISA Group, starting with the Huffington Post, CadenaSER, and the Heretics Group, as well as the University of Navarra. These partners recognize the transformative potential of WardenAI to support their missions while fostering AI-driven growth, accountability, and innovation. Warden: Revolutionizing AI for Impact WardenAI is designed to address some of the worlds most pressing challenges. The AI safety and trust platform protects individuals, businesses, and governments against emerging AI threats, across all devices and channels in real-time. It is built to promote Right to correct information by providing stakeholders with access to a source of truth. During the launch, Varun Sharma, Co-founder, Metaphy Labs and WardenAI, demonstrated WardenAI's real-world use case in Burkina Faso. News emerged of misinformation circulating out of Burkina Faso, with stories of guerrilla donations foreign funds allegedly fuelling groups promoting propaganda and instability. Local communities, already vulnerable, were caught in a whirlwind of doubt, mistrust, and fear. WardenAI teams sprang into action, and its AI tools went to work. Using the models ability to process and analyse data from over 200,000 sources in near-real time, it uncovered key patterns in just 72 hours, tracing the origins of the misinformation and exposing a coordinated disinformation network. The AI flagged over 5,000 suspicious narratives, identifying core messages that were fuelling division and unrest. Metaphy has been doing pioneering work in AI. With the launch of WardenAI, we have once again broken new ground in the way AI can be harnessed and applied to solve societal problems. Fake news and misinformation is a global issue and WardenAI demonstrates how it can be tackled and its adverse impact mitigated with technology, said Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO, Jetsynthesys. Recent studies estimate that false news spreads 70% faster than the truth online. The financial and social costs of fake news are staggering it is estimated to cost the global economy $78 billion every year, while its impacts undermine social cohesion and trust in public institutions. We believe that WardenAI is poised to redefine the way AI supports and empowers societies and we are thrilled to see this vision align with the broader Spain-India collaboration and the shared support from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, said Rakesh Sreedhar and Varun Sharma, Co-founders, Metaphy Labs and WardenAI. Spanish Government Endorsement Spanish Prime Minister Sanchezs endorsement of Metaphys mission exemplifies Spains commitment to fostering responsible AI. This support, combined with the Spanish governments alignment on policies and resources, solidifies Metaphys joint efforts to create an AI ecosystem that upholds transparency, trust, and ethical standards. The launch aligns seamlessly with the broader Spain-India collaboration and the 2026 vision for a resilient and forward-looking AI ecosystem that benefits society. Global media consulting firm MediaSense has broadened its reach across North America and Asia by acquiring R3, a specialist in creative and media advisory. This acquisition marks MediaSenses second major expansion in half a year, following its earlier purchase of PwCs Marketing & Media advisory division in May 2024. The integration of R3 allows MediaSense to offer a wider range of services, now extending into marketing operations, including creative and content management. The acquisition aligns with MediaSense's growth strategy, established after Apiary Capital's investment in the firm in 2021. This development enhances MediaSense's capabilities, positioning it to help clients improve effectiveness within a connected marketing ecosystem that increasingly demands unified management across media, data, content, and technology. While MediaSenses previous acquisition of PwCs team bolstered its financial compliance services, the addition of R3 strengthens its advisory expertise in marketing operations and bolsters its influence in North America and Asia. MediaSense now supports clients with combined media spending of over $60 billion, including advisory roles for companies like Amazon and Unilever. The company will see a 30% rise in staff, reaching more than 230 employees, with R3 co-founders Greg Paull and Shufen Goh joining the leadership team. Both companies will maintain their individual brands for now. MediaSense CEO Graham Brown emphasized that this acquisition aligns with client demand for holistic guidance across various sectors and regions. He highlighted the alignment in values with R3, citing both companies commitment to value creation and effective client support. Greg Paull of R3 expressed enthusiasm about the merger, noting that together they form a comprehensive, independent global advisory firm capable of supporting client transformations in marketing through robust partnerships and expertise. Shufen Goh echoed the sentiment, emphasizing shared goals and values, with both companies striving to provide best-in-class support for clients' marketing organizations and investments. Bombay High Court | Image : Agencies The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has upheld a mans conviction for raping his 55-year-old mother-in-law, calling the act shameful and underscoring the deep violation of trust. Justice G.A. Sanap, presiding over the case, noted that the victim, who was of the same age as the convicts mother, would never have imagined that her son-in-law would commit such a deplorable act, now leaving her with a lifelong stigma. The appellant defiled the womanhood of the prosecutrix, who, in her wildest dreams, could not have anticipated such a deplorable act, observed the court. Justice Sanap further emphasized the trust breach, highlighting how the accused had exploited his familial relationship with the victim. The accused challenged his 14-year sentence, issued by a sessions court in March 2022, arguing that the incident was consensual. The High Court dismissed this defense, emphasizing that the woman would not subject herself to the stigma and distress of a police report if the act had been consensual. The incident reportedly occurred in December 2018. According to the prosecution, the convict, who was separated from the victims daughter, had quarreled with the victim, demanding that she intervene to reconcile his marriage. On the pretext of discussing matters further, he allegedly lured her to his residence, consumed alcohol, and committed the assault. The High Court found the evidence submitted by the prosecution sufficient to uphold the sentence, deeming the punishment proportionate to the severity of the crime. Fresh off Caroleene Dobsons defeat in Alabamas Congressional District 2, some Republicans in the state are taking another look at the states congressional district map, just one year after a panel of federal judges approved a new map for the state. I can tell you that there is talk and its not going to go away, Terry Lathan, former chair of the Alabama Republican Party, said Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Mobile. An election might be two years from now, but that does not mean our legislature might not take another look at it. It does not mean that we have to not file court cases and go to court over it. Dobson lost to Democrat Shomari Figures of Mobile, 54.5% to 45.5%, in the Congressional District 2 race. District 2 was designed as an opportunity district for Black residents to vote for a candidate of their choosing, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Alabamas initial congressional district map likely violated the Voting Rights Act. Following Figures victory, Alabama will have two Black members of Congress serving simultaneously for the first time in history. The district was labeled likely Democratic by Cook Political Report. Had the district been in existence in 2020, it would have favored President Joe Biden, a Democrat, by 12 points. Dobson was the clear underdog in the race, as she acknowledged in her concession speech. Lathan said the district lines, drawn by a court-appointed special master, were odd. I dont know that it went wrong as much as the lines, the way the courts drew the lines, Lathan said Tuesday. I dont think were finished with this. But you have to accept the outcome of the race. It was very oddly drawn lines for CD-2. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, argued the district lines put representatives in a difficult position. Carl, who is leaving Congress in January, said he is not pleased with the way the lines are now because of the difficulties it poses, geographically, for the two members of Congress who represent portions of South Alabama. Its just about impossible for anyone in District 1 and District 2, both, to do the district justice, Carl said after speaking during the Forum Alabama breakfast Thursday hosted by the Mobile Chamber at the Battle House Hotel in Mobile. You cant serve two masters, he said. Dothan is so much different than Mobile, and vice versa. It will be hard for anyone in this (1st congressional) district to serve two masters. Shomari will have the same problem (in congressional District 2) serving between Montgomery and Mobile. Looking at projects in Montgomery, Mobile will feel left out and vice versa. Its the nature of the beast. Legislative challenge State Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, declined to comment on redistricting in the state in advance of a trial in Milligan v. Allen, the court case challenging Alabamas initial congressional district map. Livingston sponsored the map proposed by the legislature following the Supreme Courts ruling in 2023. That map, which was rejected by a three-judge panel, would have raised the voting age population in District 2 to 40% Black. Under the current map, Black voters make up 48.7% of the districts voting population. Livingston said there were no plans to address the map in the legislature at this point. Lets let it run its course of action in the courts, and then well see where we are, Livingston said. Jeannie Negron Burniston, communications director for the Alabama Republican Party, said in an email the party had not heard anything concerning redistricting in the legislature. Ongoing court case There is a chance that federal judges in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama will decide to redraw the district lines. The injunction in Milligan v. Allen that was upheld by the Supreme Court was preliminary. That injunction allowed for the map drawn by the courts to be used in the 2024 race. A trial in the case is expected next year. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who campaigned with Figures in Mobile ahead of the election, said Alabamas resistance to the new map is reminiscent of its resistance to voting rights during the Civil Rights era. State officials here in Alabama fought all along the way to not put into effect that which the very conservative Supreme Court interpreted of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which is the crown jewel of the Civil Rights movement, Holder, chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said while campaigning with Figures. (Alabama officials tried to) push back against the very conservative Supreme Court in a way that echoed which occurred from Alabama back in the 60s. Its almost a resistance that is what gives me concern. A representative from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office, which is defending Alabama in the court case, did not respond to a request for comment. Lathan argued that Alabama has been treated differently than other southern states during the latest round of redistricting. When we see Louisiana and South Carolina, they got overturned. Then why isnt Alabama possibly going to be overturned? Lathan said. If we see two other states overturned like we have, I think its fair for us to go, why Alabama?... Why do they get a free pass, and Alabama doesnt? So, well see if that conversation happens. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed last week to hear arguments in a case challenging Louisianas congressional district map, which was created earlier this year by the legislature after a federal district court ruled that the states initial map likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The new map created two majority-Black congressional districts. A group of non-African American voters challenged the new map, and a panel of federal judges agreed the map was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court set that decision aside in May so the map could be used in the 2024 election. Also in May, the Supreme Court threw out a ruling from a lower court that held South Carolinas newly drawn congressional district map was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Whats an Alabama food everyone should try once? This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers that very question, and what we learned through the responses is that Alabama produces a lot, and we mean a lot, of good foods. Thats why we decided to put together this list of just a few of the many responses. Some of them are brand specific, like Conecuh Sausage and Milos Sweet Tea, while others, like chocolate gravy and boiled peanuts, can differ depending on where you get em, but all of them. Some, like Slocomb tomatoes and Chilton County peaches, are dependent on where in the state theyre grown. Regardless, theyre all Alabama foods that everyone should -- no, need -- to try once. You can read some of the suggestions below, and you can read all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page. A Cracked Black Pepper sausage dog (which I topped with sauerkraut, chopped onions, sweet relish and Pepper Jack cheese) is just $2 at the new gift shop. Conecuh Sausage One of the responses that came up the most was Conecuh Sausage, and for good reason. Made in Conecuh County, its a hickory-smoked sausage that can bring some serious flavor to...well, just about anything. To try it, you can pick it up in most Alabama grocery stores or head over to The Conecuh Sausage Gift Shop in Evergreen to try a Conecuh dog with all the fixins. Just be sure to bring a cooler along with you -- youre going to want to stock up on the stuff while youre there. Read more: 5 Conecuh Sausage dishes to put on your Alabama bucket list Golden Eagle Syrup has always been made with just four simple ingredients: cane sugar, corn syrup, molasses and honey. ( Josh Hamilton) Golden Eagle Syrup Golden Eagle Syrup opened its doors in the small town of Fayette, Ala., in 1944, and since then it has become a breakfast and holiday staple for many families across the South. The syrup is made with ingredients like cane sugar, corn syrup, molasses and honey for a simple sweetness thats one-of-a-kind. While pancakes feel like the most obvious way to try it, readers also suggested putting some on homemade biscuits one cold morning or baking it into your next pecan pie. Read more: One of the most unique syrups youll ever taste comes from small-town Alabama The orange rolls at the All Steak Restaurant in Cullman, Ala., are featured on the Alabama Tourism Department's list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Orange rolls Orange rolls are an Alabama food that might not be as well known as some of the others on this list, but dont think that makes them less deserving. A lot like cinnamon rolls, but with a bit of orange juice thrown into the mix, orange rolls are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. All Steak Restaurant. Known as the Home of the Orange Roll, the popular eatery has been making em since 1934 so you know theyve got the recipe just right. Read more: The story behind these legendary Alabama orange rolls Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q in Cahaba Heights, Ala.(AL.com file photo/Beverly Taylor) Alabama White Sauce Go to any barbecue restaurant in the state, and theres a good chance youll find their take on Alabama white sauce up for grabs on the menu. While its typically served with smoked chicken or turkey, the creamy, mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce is good on just about anything. Among some of the noteworthy places readers suggested you try it are Miss Myras Pit Bar-B-Q in Cahaba Heights as well as Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, which also sells it by the bottle if youd like to take some home. (Spoiler alert: you will.) Read more: Southern Living says this Alabama barbecue sauce is one of Souths iconic recipes Priester's Pecans is a relaxing place to stop and enjoy the front porch, the free samples, the gift shop and much more. (Photos by Michelle Matthews)Michelle Matthews Priesters Pecans While readers could agree that Priesters Pecans is an Alabama food everyone should try once, one thing they couldnt agree on is what everyone should try first. Some folks said Priesters honey-glazed pecans were the way to go, others felt it was Priesters pecan pies that deserved a mention, and so on. So to save you time, we suggest you head over to Priesters Country Store in Fort Deposit and try it all (including Betsys cheese straws, just to be thorough). Read more: Southern Living says this Alabama country store is among the Souths most charming Sawyer's Produce in Malvern is run by Jane Sawyer and her husband, whose parents started growing Slocomb tomatoes decades ago. Slocomb tomatoes You might think that a tomato is a tomato, but when it comes to tomatoes grown in the small town of Slocomb in Geneva County, youd be wrong. Its not an easy thing to explain -- theres been some debate about whether its something in the soil -- but for whatever reason, tomatoes grown in Slocomb are just better, and our readers know it. To try it, youll need to wait until tomato season, then grab a fresh one from your produce stand of choice and make yourself the best tomato sandwich youre ever going to eat. Read more: 17 ways to make the perfect tomato sandwich Ribs are a must at Dreamland Bar-B-Que, founded in 1958 in Tuscaloosa. Several locations of the barbecue joint can now be found in Alabama, including two in Birmingham.(AL.com file photo/Robin Conn) Dreamland Barbecue We should start off by saying many, many barbecue joints in towns big and small all over Alabama were suggested by readers as worthy of this list, and Dreamland was certainly one of em. With more than 60 years in business, Dreamland has become a legendary spot thanks to its menu of smoked meats, banana pudding and signature sauce, which some folks suggested was worthy of a spot on this list on all on its own. We suggest trying it at the original location in Tuscaloosa to get the full effect, but you can also head to other locations across the state. Read more: The Mount Rushmore of Alabama Barbecue Chilton County peaches at the Durbin Farms Market in Clanton, Ala.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Chilton County peaches While the rest of the country might think Georgia is where you go for good peaches, people in Alabama (including our readers) know that Chilton County peaches are just as good -- dare we say, even better? Like Slocomb tomatoes, its hard to say what makes them so sweet. It could be the soil or the climate or something else. All we know is that once youve had a fresh Chilton County peach, you wont want any other kind. To try em, youll have to wait until peach season. Then, you can try to find them at a local produce stand or head to Peach Park in Clanton to grab a bushel (and maybe a scoop or two of their signature peach ice cream too). Read more: 6 Chilton County peach dishes to put on your Alabama summer bucket list Jennifer Turned scoops spicy boiled peanuts for a customer at Gloria's Produce. (Photo by Michelle Matthews/mmatthews@al.com) Boiled peanuts Its hard to imagine anyone living in Alabama hasnt tried boiled peanuts, but we guess anythings possible. Its a simple concept -- raw peanuts boiled in seasoned water -- yet somehow its become a Southern delicacy. Now, as far as trying them, you have a few options. Theres usually a pot of them at any self-respected gas station and, if you drive long enough, youre bound to pass a farmer selling them on the side of the road. That said, you can also head to the Alabama Peanut Company, with locations in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, to try the beloved dish in a variety of flavors. Read more: A history of boiled peanuts and why an Alabama has a marker dedicated to them Chocolate gravy is a Friday morning special at Stagg's Grocery in Florence, Ala.(Haley Laurence/haley@redclaymedia.com) Chocolate gravy There were several gravies readers suggested worthy of this list, including tomato gravy and even gravy made with Conecuh sausage, but chocolate gravy is the one that seemed to stand out. If you like your biscuits at breakfast to be more sweet than savory, chocolate gravy is the way to go. To try it, you can try to make it at home, either from scratch or with a mix. Another option though is to head to some of the Alabama restaurants, mostly in North Alabama where the dish is more common, that feature it on their menu, like Blue Plate Cafe in Huntsville and Staggs Grocery in Florence. Read more: 5 Alabama restaurants to get chocolate gravy Who doesn't love Milo's sweet tea? (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com)al.com Milos Sweet Tea Cmon now. We all know that any list of Alabama foods everyone should try once is going to include Milos Sweet Tea. It needs no explanation, so were just going to tell you that if you havent tried it -- bless your heart -- you can do so by grabbing a jug in the tea section of your location grocery store. Just make sure you dont grab unsweet by accident. Alabama state Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, has pre-filed a bill that would give all rights and duties of a parent to unmarried fathers who voluntarily acknowledge paternity. According to the bills text, it would only apply if the mother of the child approves and would not apply in cases of domestic or family violence. Sellers has named his bill The Good Dad Act and told ABC 33/40 that its purpose is to give children the most wholesome environment possible. Hopefully, this will prevent detrimental effects that arise when a child is raised by only one parent, he said. The bill would also prevent parents from taking a child out of Alabama without the permission of the other parent or the court. And it would require a judge to consider joint custody and shared parenting time as the best option in cases involving child custody, visitation, or child support, unless later evidence show otherwise, according to its text. Sellers bill is currently pending action in the House Committee on Judiciary. China, Peru reap more development opportunities in strengthened economic, trade exchanges 10:57, November 13, 2024 By Jiang Bo ( People's Daily 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. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, cooperation between China and Peru has yielded fruitful results in various fields, with a series of pragmatic cooperation projects contributing to Peru's economic development and livelihood improvement. A worker poses for a picture with blueberries he has just harvested in Trujillo, Peru. (People's Daily/Yan Huan) About 500 kilometers from Lima, Peru's capital, a busy harvest scene unfolds at a blueberry farm owned by Camposol, a company based in the city of Trujillo. Since entering the Chinese market in 2009, Camposol has steadily increased both the variety and volume of its exports to China, with products like blueberries, avocados, and grapes gaining growing popularity among Chinese consumers. In April 2009, China and Peru signed a free trade agreement (FTA), which officially came into effect in 2010 and serves as a catalyst for bilateral trade growth. In June of this year, the two countries announced the completion of negotiations on upgrading the FTA. Thanks to the FTA, Peru's non-traditional products have begun to reach Chinese households. Peru has become the largest supplier of blueberries and avocados to China, with products such as quinoa, grapes, maca, and alpaca wool, among others, gaining popularity in the Chinese market. It is reported that China and Peru are actively negotiating on issues such as the export of high-quality Peruvian frozen fruits to China, and positive progress has been made. According to Luis Miguel Baanante Cerdena, general manager of Camposol China, the Peru-China FTA has provided significant impetus for Peruvian agricultural products to enter the Chinese market. By reducing trade barriers and lowering market access, the FTA has created new opportunities for Peruvian producers, driving the development of Peruvian agriculture, he added. In recent years, China has become the company's fastest-growing and most promising market. In order to further expand exports to China, the company established an office in Shanghai in 2017, the general manager said. Currently, the company's sales network covers most regions in China. A woman poses for a picture at the exhibition booth of Peruvian brand Warmpaca at the 7th China International Import Expo, Nov. 9, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Wang Chu) The Chinese and Peruvian economies are highly complementary. With joint efforts from both sides, China has become Peru's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years, and Peru is the second largest investment destination of China in Latin America. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume reached $37.69 billion. According to Peruvian statistics, over the past 14 years, Peru's exports to China have grown by 325.9 percent, with an average annual growth of 13.2 percent. Teresa Mera, vice-minister for Foreign Trade of Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said that the increasing market demand in China has driven the vigorous development of Peru's export industry. The signing of the FTA has greatly enhanced the level of trade between Peru and China. Since the agreement came into effect, Peru's non-traditional exports to China have increased by 227 percent, making Peru the second largest fruit supplier to China in Latin America. The increasing economic and trade exchanges between China and Peru are bringing new opportunities to more and more Peruvian small and medium-sized enterprises. The Peruvian alpaca wool product brand Warmpaca has joined the China International Import Expo for seven consecutive years and has gained popularity among Chinese consumers. Today, Warmpaca products are sold in more than 30 shopping malls in China. The brand has also expanded to e-commerce platforms, selling over 30,000 products each year. Julio Perez Alvan, president of the Peruvian Association of Exporters, said that since 2010, China has grown into the fifth largest export market for Peruvian non-traditional products, up from the ninth place, which demonstrates the enormous potential for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The association will promote more high-quality Peruvian products to China, aiming to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, the president added. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Chef Akifumi Sakagami of Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera. Ginza Onodera When Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera opens Nov. 16, the concept doesnt seem like one that usually comes with fine-dining credentials: a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Located at the West on West strip center in West Houston, 12270 Westheimer, Kaiten will be the first location to open on the mainland after the Japanese brand debuted in the U.S. in Honolulu earlier this year. The concept is a more casual offshoot of Sushi Ginza Onodera, one of the most recognized and Michelin-celebrated restaurants specializing in raw seafood preparations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a new culinary landmark in Houston, a city where diverse cultures converge, we are committed to providing a delightful and memorable dining experience rooted in the local community, said CEO Shinji Nagao in a statement. We look forward to sharing our Japanese culinary excellence with all Houstonians. HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants A selection of sushi from Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera. Ginza Onodera Kaitens Houston menu prices were not available on Tuesday, but in Hawaii, locals have noted how a meal at the restaurant can easily average $100 per person. Its not a complete surprise given how multi-course meals at sister concept Sushi Ginza Onodera can easily cost more than $300 per customer (the former New York City location started at $450). Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fish is sourced from Japan and is prepared in the trendy Edomae style, where seafood is aged through curing, pickling or even lightly cooking seafood to amp up and preserve the flavor of sushi. Kaitens Houston menu will also included Texas-inspired dishes, according to a press release, but no further details were available. MORE FROM BAO ONG: Six Houston restaurants awarded one star as Michelin Guide announces its first Texas selections Akifumi Sakagami is the executive sushi chef behind Kaiten. He helped launch the Ginza Onodera brand in 2013 and has grown its various concepts to 20 total locations across Japan, China and the U.S. Kotaro Sato, who helped open the Hawaii location, is the executive chef in Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the opening, Kaiten will offer a special promotion from Nov. 16-18. Three hundred gift cards, valued up to $100, will be given to customers who spin a wheel. The restaurant also plans to offer deals for 3 piece sets of Yamayuki blue fin tuna and salmon. Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice-elect Sarah Stewart told lawmakers and state leaders Tuesday that courts can do more to help people who break the law steer away from repeat crimes and toward productive lives. Stewart, a Republican who defeated Circuit Judge Greg Griffin of Montgomery in last weeks general election, will take over for retiring Chief Justice Tom Parker in January. Stewart spoke to the Alabama Reentry Commission, a panel created by the Legislature in 2021 to recommend policies that can help men and women leaving incarceration find jobs and stability. The commission has set a goal of reducing Alabamas prison recidivism rate by half by 2030. Stewart talked to the commission about her ideas to achieve that goal and her philosophy that the court system has a core mission of delivering justice. So what are we trying to do with that criminal defendant? Stewart said. Obviously, were trying to make sure that theres some consequences, that people are accountable for their actions to society. But what were really trying to do is keep them from offending again. We are trying to get that recidivism rate as low as we can get it. Alabamas chief justice oversees the states trial courts, a system of about 265 judges, 2,100 employees, and a budget of close to $160 million. Stewart told the commission she will establish a new criminal division within the Administrative Office of Courts. Bennet Wright, executive director of the Alabama Sentencing Commission, will lead the division. Wright will continue in his job with the Sentencing Commission, which researches criminal justice policies and advises the Legislature. Stewart said Nathan Wilson, who is clerk of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, will serve as the director of the Administrative Office of Courts. Stewart is finishing up a six-year term as an associate justice on the nine-member, all-Republican Supreme Court. Before that, she was a circuit judge in Mobile for 13 years. She practiced law for 14 years before becoming a judge. Stewart said Alabamas recidivism rate is about 36%. The Council of State Governments Justice Center reported the states rate was 29% in 2018. Thats the percentage of people who were reincarcerated within three years of release. The rate improved from a decade earlier. It was 34% rate in 2008. Stewart said the state can do more to bring the rate down. Stewart said Alabama can expand and improve its use of accountability courts, which offer alternatives to incarceration for offenders. The courts vary by county and judicial circuit and include drug courts, mental health courts, and courts for veterans. Stewart said her other priorities as chief justice would include the juvenile justice system and pay, retention, and training of employees in the court system. The Reentry Commission includes state lawmakers and representatives from the Alabama departments of Corrections, Labor, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Human Resources, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Alabama Community College System, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and other organizations. Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward is the chairman. The commission is due to report its recommendations to the Legislature early next year. A spokesperson for U.S. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said claims circulating on social media that the Alabama Republican lied about voting for Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., for Senate majority leader are untrue. Laura Loomer, a right wing activist who has claimed 9/11 was an inside job and was seen with President-elect Donald Trump on the campaign trail, posted on X -- formerly Twitter -- on Wednesday that an insider who works for a U.S. Senator told her Britt was lying about her secret ballot vote. She (Britt) put out this press release saying she supported Rick Scott, its all over her socials, but we know 100 percent she didnt. She just wants political cover, the insider said, according to Loomer who posted the quote on X. SCOOP: Senate insider who works for a US Senator tells me Senator Katie Britt @KatieBrittforAL is lying about voting for @SenRickScott. She put out this press release saying she supported Rick Scott, its all over her socials, but we know 100% she didnt. She just wants https://t.co/43cq2PTTHJ Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 13, 2024 Britt stated in a press release Wednesday that she had used her first vote to elect Sen. Scott but that she supports the winner of the election, Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota who was elected Wednesday to lead Republicans in the Senate. Britts office said Wednesday that allegations she did not vote for Sen. Scott are misinformation. Some Senate members chose to abstain from the initial vote, which explains the disparity between the two votes. Senator Britt voted for Rick Scott on the first ballot, Britt Spokesperson Amy Hasenberg told AL.com in an e-mail Wednesday. On his X page on Wednesday, Sen. Mike Lee, who hosted a forum on Tuesday night for Senators vying for the leadership role to answer questions, an event Britt attended, thanked her for supporting Sen. Scotts efforts. Thank you, @KatieBrittforAL, for supporting @ScottforFlorida in his run for majority leader Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 13, 2024 Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On his X page, Scott affirmed that Britt voted for him. The S.S. United States journey down to Mobile to become the worlds largest artificial reef was delayed this week due to concerns over a tropical disturbance forming in the Gulf of Mexico, the ships conservancy announced Tuesday. Okaloosa County [Fla.] is monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could impede safe delivery of the vessel to its destination in Mobile, Alabama, and is finalizing complex arrangements, reads a post to the conservancys Facebook. A new date has not been set but will be shared as soon as it is finalized. Anyone interested in watching the ships journey can track it using this link created by Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The ship, once dubbed Americas Greatest Ocean Liner, was originally scheduled to leave its current Philadelphia dock at midday on Thursday. It was originally supposed to dock in Norfolk, Va., after leaving Philadelphia, but 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. Once the date is reset, it will take roughly two weeks for tugboats to tow the ship down to Mobile. In Mobile, contractors will begin the process of ensuring it is safe for ocean life and poking holes in its hull to make it land upright at the bottom of the Gulf. This process is predicted to take a year to complete after which the ship will take its final journey to a location about 20 miles south of the Florida Panhandle region in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, according to the Okaloosa County Commission. The exact location for the reef has not been decided yet, officials said in a recent release. Originally designed as a top-secret, convertible troop carrier during the Cold War in 1951, the S.S. United States has 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, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne. The state board that approves borrowing and spending on prison construction projects met Wednesday morning to consider next steps in plans for a new mens prison in Escambia County. The Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority, which includes the governor and other state officials, passed resolutions on the transfer of real property and the design and construction contracts for the prison, slated to have 4,000 beds. The Escambia County prison will be the second built under a plan approved by the Legislature three years ago. It will be adjacent to the aging Fountain Correctional Facility, which opened in 1928 and will close when the new prison is built. The Specialized Mens Prison Facility in Elmore County is under construction and expected to be completed in May 2026. That 4,000-bed Elmore County prison, which includes medical, mental health, and education facilities, will cost about $1.25 billion to build and equip. The authority today decided to name the new Elmore prison the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. Ivey has spearheaded efforts to build new prisons in Alabama for the first time since the 1990s. The governor did not attend todays meeting. (Alabama Department of Corrections) Commissioner John Hamm proposed the idea of naming the new Elmore facility the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex, and the governor ultimately gave it her blessing, Gina Maiola, communications director for the governor, said. There is no governor in Alabamas history who has done more to improve the states corrections system than Governor Ivey, so it is fitting that one of the new facilities will bear her name. And her work on this issue is certainly not done. The Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex is about 47% complete, according to the ADOC. It will include 720 beds for medical and mental health care, as well as substance abuse treatment, rehabilitative programming and vocational training in a complex that includes 54 buildings and more than 1.4 million gross square feet. In October 2021, the Legislature approved a $1.3 billion plan to build two 4,000-bed prisons, one in Elmore County and one in Escambia County. The cost of the Elmore prison rose sharply after an initial estimate of $623 million. Lawmakers will have to find additional funding to proceed with the second prison in Escambia County. There is not yet a cost estimate for the Escambia County prison. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who is a member of the corrections finance authority and is also chairman of the Senates General Fund budget committee, said lawmakers would have to develop a plan for funding the second prison when they meet in regular session starting in February. To my estimates, we have enough to get finished up with Elmore and to get going with where we are on the other, Albritton said. We dont know how much more its going to take until we get a price on Escambia. The plan approved by the Legislature in 2021 included up to $785 million in bonds, $400 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, and $135 million from the state General Fund. The finance authority was not able to sell the fully authorized amount of bonds. It sold $509 million in bonds in 2022. So selling additional bonds is an option, Albritton said. Tighten belts. Look at borrowing power. Look at where we are with the other $250 million that we have available for borrowing, Albritton said. Were looking all around. Ivey and legislative leaders have said the new prisons were an essential part of the solution to problems identified by the Department of Justice in a lawsuit over unsafe conditions in Alabamas mens prisons, filed in December 2020. Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, a member of the corrections finance authority, said he believes the state is on the right track with building the new prisons. Building prisons is not sexy, Singleton said. I would rather spend money on building schools or doing something else. But the federal government has said that we need to do something about our prisons. Plus, its just inhumane at some of these facilities that we have where we have rapes, murders and all kinds of atrocities are going on. And we need a safer work place for our state employees who go in there each and every day and want to return to their families. And also a safe place for those inmates who are being housed there. Just because they go there, that doesnt mean there should be a death sentence while they are there. Read more: Alabamas new $1 billion prison will be larger than a lot of county seats U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., did not get her first choice of Senate majority leader, but she says she will support Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota who was elected Wednesday to lead Republicans in the Senate. Now, its time to rally behind Senator Thune, come together as unified Senate Republicans, and hit the ground running to advance President Trumps agenda and deliver real results for the American people, Britt said in a statement Wednesday. Britt said she cast her first ballot for leader for Rick Scott, R-Fla. She was focused on finding a leader who would significantly overhaul how the Senate has been operating and make it actually work for the American people, she said Wednesday. See also: Britts office calls claims she lied about voting for Scott misinformation Thune beat out two other competitors, Sens. John Cornyn and Scott, by gaining majority support from GOP senators in a secret ballot vote in two rounds of voting. Scott was eliminated on the first round and the final vote between Thune and Cornyn was 29-24, according to several people who requested anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Britt attended a forum organized by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) Tuesday night to assess potential majority leaders. Britt said she sought a candidates to prove their abilities to move President Trumps agenda forward, restore the appropriations process to regular order, and end omnibuses and decentralize power and empower committees in the Senate. Throughout this process, I proudly kept my promise to put Alabamas values, people, and priorities first, she said. Prior to Wednesdays vote, Britt had not said who she would back for majority leader. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville joined others in the Senate to endorse Scott ahead of the vote. (Britt)ll make a decision on her own, he told radio host Andrew Mclain on a Monday episode of Talk 99.5s The Line. Im not going to try to persuade her. Its not about her; its not about me, its about representing the people. And again, shell have to make that decision. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A male and a female were shot to death Tuesday night in southwest Birmingham. The victims were among several shootings throughout the city in the span of several hours, including a teen who suffered life-threatening injuries outside of Woodlawn High School. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said police were alerted to a vehicle that was on the sidewalk by an abandoned house in the 1300 block of Princeton Avenue S.W. The caller reported multiple bullet holes in the car. Officers approached the sedan and saw the victims unresponsive inside of the car. Both were pronounced dead on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. Their identities have not yet been released, but the Jefferson County Coroners Office said they were a young man and a teen girl. A man and a woman were found slain inside a bullet-riddled car on Princeton Avenue S.W.(Carol Robinson) Wade said a passerby noticed the vehicle was moving slowly in reverse and came to a stop on the sidewalk in front of two vacant houses. No one reported hearing gunfire, Wade said. The double killing marks the citys 137th and 138th homicide this year. Of those, 10 have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal. The city on Monday surpassed the total of homicides in Birmingham for all of last year when a 45-year-old man was shot dead while driving on Parkway East. Anyone with information in Tuesdays double slaying is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-2541764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A 14-year-old boy has surrendered to police a deadly shooting late last month that left a boy dead, authorities said Wednesday morning. The victim of the homicide was only publicly identified as a juvenile male. Our homicide investigators have been diligently working this case since day one and Im proud of their commitment to make sure justice is served, said Police Chief William Jackson. While I commend their work in making these arrests, in no way should that overshadow the life lost that night. This case is especially tough to work considering a young life was taken in such a violent act, and those responsible for the crime are juveniles, the chief continued. Its another reminder that our work isnt finished. Parents, I urge you to speak with your children. Violence is never the answer, and I assure you no matter the age of those responsible for committing such acts, you will be arrested and charged, accordingly. On Friday, two suspects -- a 17-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy -- were located and arrested. A Montgomery County man is under arrest after authorities say he fired shots at law enforcement officers during a central Alabama standoff. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Monday, an ALEA trooper tried to stop a 2020 Dodge Ram pickup truck on U.S. 231 near County Road 7707 in Pike County. The driver failed to stop and a chase ensued. The pursuit ended when the driver crashed on Alabama 94 in Montgomery County. After the crash, a standoff took place between the driver and law enforcement. ALEAs State Bureau of Investigation, SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiation Unit responded, as did Montgomery County sheriffs deputies. Maxie Doyal Evans, 47, of Ramer, was armed with a handgun and fired at officers, ALEA Lt. Jeremy Burkett said. No one was injured. After negotiations, Burkett said Evans was taken into custody without further incident. Evans was taken to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for treatment. He is facing charges of attempting to elude as well as gun charges, Burkett said. Evans will be booked into the Pike County Jail once released from the hospital. Opponents of Alabamas efforts to censor books at public libraries, criminalize librarians or remove library board members need to get organized and be unafraid of attending library board and city council meetings and speaking out to lawmakers, according to speakers at a town hall meeting Tuesday aimed at pushing back at policies curtailing operations at public libraries. The urgent plea comes as the culture wars over libraries and book bans continue to animate in Alabama during a year in which book censors and Republican leaders have taken prominent roles overseeing the states library service, and where a showdown is expected next year over legislation that could lead to criminalizing librarians. It also comes at a time of a stark divide between groups like Clean Up Alabama, which alleges that libraries are filled with inappropriate content for children; and Read Freely Alabama, which argues that the entire objection over family-friendly libraries is a ruse aimed at eliminating content they find disagreeable. These issues are not going away, said Anne Johnson, chair of the Fairhope Library Board. They may accelerate in the next few years. Criminalizing librarians The urgent call comes as the anti-censorship non-profit group, Read Freely Alabama, is preparing strategies to combat legislation in the spring that could equate libraries with adult bookstores when it comes to enforcing obscenity laws. Under HB4, the same obscenity laws that apply to stores that sell XXX-rated content would extend to public and K-12 libraries and would require librarians to remove material if its challenged by anyone who views a book to be obscene or harmful to minors. The legislation also applies to activities within the library that exposes a minor to someone who is dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, or who is stripping and engaged in lewd dancing. The bill, if adopted, would criminalize Drag Queen Story Hour events that have taken placed before in Alabama. Angie Hayden, a founder of Read Freely Alabama, speaks during a town hall meeting about how censorship is affecting Alabama's libraries on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in Fairhope, Ala. Seated next to Hayden is Elizabeth Denham, a writer and podcaster who fought against a book ban attempt in Spanish Fort.John Sharp Angie Hayden, co-founder of Read Freely Alabama and a Prattville woman where the culture war over libraries is now part of a federal lawsuit, called HB4 a terrifying bill that is pushed by extremists who are not being pushed back against by the public. Most people are not plugged in and dont see It happening, Hayden said during the one-hour town hall meeting at the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship. Approximately 75 people were in attendance. Thats why gatherings like this are important, she said. Most people are not aware of what is happening. These extremists, if we dont show up, we are handing everything over to them. The thing about extremists is they are dedicated whereas the more reasonable majority is falling short as we are not as dedicated, loud, and consistent. That is where we need to be better. She added, I think we are afraid to be loud. If youre in room with one of (the pro-book censors), you wont look like one of the irrational ones. Alabama is one of 17 states attempting to change obscenity laws to include librarians, educators and museums, according to the EveryLibrary Institute. Only one state Arkansas has approved legislation that could lead to the criminalization of librarians. That law led to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 18 plaintiffs challenging the new law as a violation to the First and Fourteenth amendments to the Constitution because it consisted as a content-based restriction on speech that is not narrowly tailored, is overly broad, and is vaguely worded. Hayden said she believes the lawsuit, or others, will likely lead to the U.S. Supreme Court. Its probably inevitable, she said. I dont think they will stop. We are stubborn ladies here as well. We are not going to stop. The sponsor of HB4 in Alabama, state Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, did not return a call for comment. Similar legislation died during the waning days of the legislative session last spring. None of the Baldwin County legislative delegation all of whom are Republicans -- attended the town hall in which they were invited. Local regulations Alabama State Sens. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston; and Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, on the floor of the Alabama State Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the State House in Montgomery, Ala.John Sharp State Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, said he would prefer the regulation of libraries be handled on the local level and not enforced through the state. Elliot is the sponsor of SB6, a bill he pre-filed this summer which would give city councils and county commissions more flexibility in removing library board members. The legislation says that a board member could be removed by a two-thirds vote of their respective appointing authority. I like Arnold Mooney and appreciate where he is coming from, I just like the idea of setting those types of policies in the state Capitol, Elliott said about HB4 in an interview with AL.com. He was not at the town hall meeting. It should be determined by local officials, Elliott said. Im more of a small government guy and we dont need to be making rules in Montgomery about what is in your local library. Lets make each locality decide what is OK in them or what is not. Regarding SB6, Elliott said its about placing guardrails and alerting library officials about what is appropriate content within the public venues. He also said that unlike other government boards in Alabama, there is no ability for a local elected board to remove a library board member in Alabama. If there is a lack of accountability in government, that is always a bad thing, Elliott said. All were trying to do is provide a path to accountability with some guardrails to it. I think its the most reasonable approach to the legitimate concerns (about library content). Content questions Books that have either been banned from a library or challenged at an Alabama library on display during a town hall meeting hosted by the organization Read Freely Alabama on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in Fairhope, Ala.John Sharp Elizabeth Williams, the Baldwin County chapter organizer with Read Freely Alabama, questions whether the content that organizations like Moms for Liberty and Clean Up Alabama find objectionable are problematic at all. Books that have been challenged or removed from libraries throughout Alabama were on display at the town hall meeting. They included LGBTQ-themed books, but also books from famed authors like Kurt Vonnegut and Judy Blume. Williams said none of the books contain pornographic material. She said that in some cases, books in the adult sections were challenged. The 2022 book, "The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance" written by journalists Cynthia Tucker and Frye Gaillard, is among the books that have been challenged at an Alabama library in the past 1-1/2 year or so. It was displayed among the books challenged at libraries during a town hall meeting on how book censorship is affecting Alabama libraries on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in Fairhope, Ala.John Sharp One of the books that has been challenged is entitled, The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance, by journalists Cynthia Tuckman and Frye Galliard, which isnt about LGBTQ issues, but is described as a powerful series of essays on the role of the South in Americas long descent into Trumpism. Its not about the books on the shelf or protecting the children, its about walking back the progress marginalized people have made and defining narrowly who should be seen as an acceptable person in public space, Hayden said. Thats what it is about. Full stop. Representatives with Moms for Liberty did not respond to requests for comment. Clean Up Alabama was also not immediately available for comment. An Alabamian wont be leading the Pentagon for the second consecutive administration after Donald Trump said Tuesday he intends to nominate Fox News host and decorated war veteran Pete Hegseth for defense secretary. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, who chair the House Armed Services Committee, had been among the leading contenders for the post. Had he be nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate, Rogers would have been the second straight Alabamian to be defense secretary. Lloyd Austin, the current secretary of defense in the Biden administration, is a Mobile native. I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as The Secretary of Defense. Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First, Trump said in a statement issued Tuesday evening. With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down, the president-elect went on to say. Hegseth, a Fox News host for eight years, graduated from Princeton University and Harvard University, and is an Army veteran who served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. He received two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantrymans Badge for his service. Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our Peace through Strength policy, Trump said. In the lead up to the president-elects announcement, Trump was expected to lean toward cabinet members 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. Trumps 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 werent 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. Lily Bou carries her uncles helmet as she walks with her brother, Jordi, at the end of funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters place a strip of black tape over the HFD logo on a fire truck during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Houston firefighters march to the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters march to the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The family of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III is escorted to his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer An honor guard stand on the back of a fire truck with the casket of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III as they arrive to his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The procession for firefighter Marcelo Garcia, who was killed in the line of duty responding to a fire in the East End last week, arrives at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for Garcias memorial service. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Houston firefighters Marcelo Garcia, 42, died on Thursday, Nov. 24 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Courtesy/City of Houston Mourners arrive to the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A member of the honor guard carries a folded American flag into the sanctuary during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Rev. Steven Tran prepares incense during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters stand near photos of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III during his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Rev. Steven Tran prays at the beginning of the processional of the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A pallbearer places a crucifix on the casket of fallen Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III during the funeral service at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A firefighter wears memorial ribbons on his uniform during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Houston firefighters pray during funeral service for firefighter Marcelo Garcia III at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Fire fighter from Station 23 listen as Max Archer, engineer operator, speaks during funeral service for Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Houston fire chief Thomas Munoz comforts Rosa Giannukos, mother of fallen Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III, during a presentation to the family at his funeral service at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Houston Firefighters salute during the funeral of firefighter Marcelo Garcia III at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Members of the Houston Fire Dept. Pipes And Drums stand in the balcony during the funeral service firefighter Marcelo Garcia III at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A bagpiper leads the funeral recessional at the end of the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rosa Giannukos, mother of fallen Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia, is escorted after his funeral service at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Her granddaughter, Lily Bou, left, carries his helmet that was presented to the family. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A funeral program is placed in a firefighters cap during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rosa Giannukos, center left, follows her sons casket from the sanctuary during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rosa Giannukos, center left, follows her sons casket from the sanctuary during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Lily Boy carries her uncles helmet at the end of funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A member of the fire department honor guard stands on the back of a fire truck during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters salute during the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters and pall bearers stand in the back of a fire truck with the casket of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III during his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer When Marcelo Garcia came into the world, he was so big, his uncles nicknamed him Ox. It was a name that stuck with him through a life that, according to his family, he lived to the fullest. Garcia, 42, died Nov. 6 after being injured by a collapsed wall at a warehouse fire in Houstons East End. He is the first Houston firefighter to die from injuries at a fire scene since 2013. Erica Garcia, sister of fallen Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia, pauses as she speaks during his funeral service at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer My brother was larger than life, even from the day he was born, said Erica Garcia, his big sister, as she spoke before hundreds of mourners at his funeral Wednesday. He was my hero, and now hes everyones hero. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Firefighter Marcelo Garcia remembered as son of Houston's East End Thousands of people, including hundreds of uniformed firefighters, packed into downtowns Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the Catholic service. Houston firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia, III, who died fighting an East End warehouse blaze, was laid to rest Wednesday, as thousands of people packed Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart to mourn his death. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer The night before, hundreds of people circled an East End funeral home to pay their respects to Garcia and his family. Today, we lost a brother, a brother who woke up every day to make a difference, said Fire Chief Tom Munoz. Through tears, He called the fallen firefighter a true hero" and told Garcias mother and father that in his death, they had gained 3,600 new sons and daughters through the family of the Houston Fire Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Well be here for you each and every day, Munoz said. Garcia was born and raised in Magnolia Park, and for the last six years, had worked at the firehouse where his friends and family still live. Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz, left, and Mayor John Whitmire arrive to the funeral services for Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Hes not just a firefighter, hes a special person Mayor John Whitmire said in a eulogy. When he was off-duty, he was a public servant. An obituary handed out to attendees said Garcia was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was a mentor to young athletes at Milby High School and in Memorial Park, and was known for helping others in community, with acts as simple as cutting a neighbor's grass. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A program is shown inside a firefighters hat during the funeral for Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A graduate of Texas State University, Garcia joined the department in 2015, and transferred to Fire Station 23 in 2018. During the service, officials announced Garcias name would be added to the Wall of Honor at the Houston Firefighters Memorial Garden in north Houston, as well as to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. An honor guard carry the casket of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III as they arrive to his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Garcias flag-draped casket was brought to the funeral in the back of a fire truck. Hundreds of uniformed firefighters lined up outside the church as the casket was carried inside. His body passed underneath a giant U.S. flag hoisted between two fire trucks as it entered the cathedral. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the service, Garcias family was presented with the departments medal of honor, as well as U.S. and Texas flags and his fire helmet. They were also given with a gold medal from the International Association of Fire Fighters, inscribed with his name, and the three words, "Dedication. Honor. Sacrifice." Houston fire chief Thomas Munoz comforts Marcelo Garcia Jr., father of fallen Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III, during a presentation to the family at his funeral service at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Garcia was survived by his parents, his sister and a large extended family. As the funeral ended, the department rang a bell eight times to mark Garcias passing. After, a citywide radio call bid him farewell. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Firefighters and pall bearers stand in the back of a fire truck with the casket of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Ox Garcia III during his funeral at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Houston. Garcia, 42, of HFD Station 23, died on Nov. 6 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville strongly suggested that Democrats won swing state Senate races through voter fraud, falsely hinting the candidates received more votes than Donald Trump. Alabamas senior senator hinted at fraud during an appearance Tuesday night on The Sean Spicer Show podcast, where Tuberville also repeated debunked claims that Kamala Harris won every state without voter ID laws while Trump was victorious in every state with stringent voter ID laws. One of the things I really want to do is straighten this dang voting up across our country, Tuberville said when Spicer asked how he would be a legislative sledgehammer for President Trump, as the senator wrote in an op-ed on Breitbart. Efforts to immediately reach Tuberville were unsuccessful. We didnt get killed down ballot but let me tell you something: Donald Trump pulled out more people to vote for him than Harris, Tuberville said. And how in the world can some of these senators receive more votes the Democrats than President Trump? Tuberville asked. It doesnt add up to how this all went about. But in the four swing states where Democratic Senate candidates won -- Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada -- no candidate received more votes than Trump, who swept every swing state. Tuberville didnt explicitly blame voter fraud for the Democrats success in those states while Trump Im not saying anything other than people need to think that their vote counts and we can get more people out to vote, Tuberville said. We need to get this straight voter ID, he said. You know, Kamala Harris won every state that was no voter ID. She did not win one that wasnt voter ID. So think about that. USA Today fact checked the claim, which had been circulating on social media, and found it false. 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, the fact check found. All U.S. airlines and other commercial operators have been banned from flying into Haiti for at least 30 days, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday. The announcements came as a third U.S. carrier, American Airlines, confirmed on Tuesday that one of its aircraft had also been hit by gunfire on Monday while traveling over Haitian airspace. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways on Monday confirmed separately that their aircraft had sustained gunshots. American has canceled all flights to Haiti until February. American Airlines spokeswoman Amanda Maldonado said the gunfire that hit Flight 819 was discovered in Miami after the plane landed safely at Miami International Airport on Monday from Port-au-Princes Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Out of an abundance of caution, a post-flight inspection was completed, indicating the exterior of the aircraft had been impacted by a bullet, she said. We are working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident. The airlines daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince has been suspended through Feb. 12, she said. On Monday Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways flights were also hit by rounds over Port-au-Prince airspace. The Spirit flight was a mile east of Toussaint Louverture International Airport when it was fired on, and the JetBlue fight had just taken off and was bound for New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport. No passengers were injured, the airlines said, but a spokesperson for Spirit said that a flight attendant sustained minor injuries. In response to the incident, JetBlue announced cancellation of flights until Dec. 2, while American Airlines said flights would be canceled until Thursday. Spirit, which canceled flights out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport into both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, said flights were canceled pending an investigation of the shooting. The FAA issued the Notice to Air Mission, known as a NOTAM, prohibiting U.S. civil aviation operations in the territory and airspace of Haiti below 10,000 feet after initially issuing the prohibition until Monday. The notice applies to all operators of civil aircraft registered in the U.S except when the operator of such an aircraft is a foreign air carrier. Exceptions are made for emergencies and flights authorized by the U.S. government or agency with approval of the FAA. Haitian-owned Sunrise Airways says neither the ban nor Mondays shootings have affected its flights. The airline, which flies to several Caribbean destinations, operates flights between Miami International Airport and Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien. This marks the second time this year air travel in and out of Haiti has been disrupted by the countrys escalating gang violence. After gangs launched coordinated attacks in late February to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry the countrys airports were closed for nearly three months. Kesner Pharel, a Port-au-Prince economist, said that between the closure of the airport and the main seaport which recently stopped accepting cargo ships after two crew members were kidnapped and a snipers bullet injured a dock worker Haiti will see even more difficult days ahead. Fewer people coming in the country mean less money flowing through the economy, he said, which will contribute to extreme poverty and misery. Haitian leaders have not said anything about the shootings, which occurred during a day in which police and gangs were engaged in several firefights, and after members of a gang coalition threatened violence after the ruling presidential council ousted Prime Minister Garry Conille and tapped businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime to replace him. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader on Monday called the shooting at the airplanes an act of terrorism. Haiti has been on the U.S. State Departments highest travel warning, Level 4, even before the 2021 assassination of the countrys president, Jovenel Moise, plunged the country into a constitutional crisis and ramped-up violence by armed gangs. _____ 2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Confiscated leaflets. Burned T-shirts. Shouted accusations recorded on video. The tangled tale of union supporters attempting to organize an Amazon warehouse in Alabama took another turn last week, when an administrative judge ordered a third union election in Bessemer - more than two years after the last vote tally. Amazon has promised to appeal the ruling, meaning it could be some time before anything is resolved - including determining the final vote total in the last election, which took place on March 31, 2022. But tucked away in Judge Michael Silverstein 87-page ruling filed last Tuesday are glimpses of what went into the high-stakes workplace votes in Bessemer that pitted old-style organizing tactics against a $2 trillion 21st century tech juggernaut. Silverstein found six unfair labor practices and two post-election objections by the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union. After nearly two weeks worth of testimony over three months, Silverstein struck down 15 of the unions complaints and nine objections. He also dismissed two objections by Amazon, while the company withdrew another five. But he also documented the fight to unionize a mammoth 885,000-square-foot facility with about 6,000 hourly employees - many of whom stayed less than a year on the job. Here is full coverage of the Alabama Amazon unionization effort Topic of the week meetings Silverstein, in his ruling, called Amazons Vote No campaign full-throttled, with the company bringing in 20 employee relations professionals and eight paid consultants. Their job - to blanket the warehouse, where 20 million retail items are stored, with posters, send out mass text messages and engage workers in group sessions and one-on-one conversations. The meetings, for example, were held in training rooms in small groups of 50 for 30 minutes. Employees were paid during the sessions, and their badges scanned as they entered. During the meetings, workers heard about the topic of the week, giving the company position on unionization. Amazon said these sessions werent mandatory, but some employees testified they were told by their managers that attendance wasnt optional. Paid consultants also spoke with individual employees on the floor or during breaks. By Amazons count, 18,631 of these engagements had taken place by the time of the election. Employees also received Text-Em-Alls or TEAs - text blasts to the entire workforce, similar to ones they received for COVID protocols or weather warnings. When the company received reports in January 2022 that union representatives were visiting employees at home, they sent out a text stating, When these individuals contact you either by phone or at your home, it is your choice whether to speak to them. The law allows unions to make inaccurate and untruthful statements and promises when trying to get your vote. If it sounds too good to be true, it may be. We encourage you to do your own research. Messages such as VOTE NOW and VOTE NO followed employees into the bathroom. The unionization effort The union responded with its own tactics. Instead of the national press attention of the first campaign, which featured celebrities such as the actor Danny Glover and the rapper Killer Mike making appearances, the focus remained on interacting with employees. The union gave regular updates through Twitter, held weekly meetings with workers at the nearby Fairfield Inn, ran phone banks and garrisoned 100 organizers for home visits with employees. Union supporters displayed banners, brought a box truck with LED screens to the parking lot to show messages of encouragement, handed out T-shirts and used megaphones. In one memorable instance, supporters projected the word YES onto the side of the building next to the companys large VOTE banner for more than two hours one night in February. Tensions ran high, according to the ruling documents. On Feb. 11, 2022, union supporters were handing out T-shirts in the parking lot. One man wearing a company lanyard approached, asking for a shirt. A few minutes later, workers noticed the shirt on fire in the parking lot, the man leaning against a post with his arms folded and a smirk on his face. This came at the same time as a video recording an altercation on Feb. 11 between pro-union and pro-company employees. One employee in a yellow vest attempted to record a video of union supporters with a bullhorn and was told this violated labor law. The employee with the phone making the video denied the allegation, and the two shouted obscenities at each other. Silverstein noted that, while Amazon sent out a text asking employees to report harassment from union members, it did not acknowledge the incident with the T-shirt. Union members also put flyers in breakrooms and bathrooms, which eventually led to one of the objections that struck down the election. Silverstein stated, in his opinion, that Amazon ran a relentlessly anti-union campaign during both the 2021 and 2022 elections, specifically targeting Union flyers and only Union flyers from its breakrooms. The confiscation was unlawful, he said. An unlawful threat One incident illustrates the problems of determining when a labor law violation happens. One worker who was wearing a union button was approached by a company representative and asked how she felt about the union stuff. She told him she had no opinion, he asked if she was sure, if she had any questions for him, and moved on. While the company representative denied asking the employee for her name or to see her ID badge, Silverstein noted his explanations seemed unpersuasive. The judge wrote that the incident was a close call according to labor law, but ruled it was a violation because of the nature of the information sought by the question about union stuff. Another company representative, according to testimony, told employees that he didnt see why Amazon would keep the fulfillment center open if it voted for a union, as it had so many other facilities which were not unionized. This was a violation given the lack of objective fact in the statement, and an unlawful threat of plant closure. If a third union election is ordered, the RWDSU will face at least one fact against it - the past two elections have gone for the company. The last vote total was closer, with initial results showing 875 votes for RWDSU representation, 993 votes against. Another 311 ballots remain under challenge, even though the election has already been set aside. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday said he intends to nominate Matt Gaetz, the rabble-rousing congressman from Florida who almost fought an Alabama colleague on the House floor last year, as attorney general. It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States, Trump said in a statement. Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice. Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Gaetz nearly came to blows with U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, on the floor of the House in January 2023 during the contentious 14th vote for speaker. Rogers, one of Kevin McCarthys top backers in the California congressmans bid for speaker, had to be restrained by Rep. Richard Hudson, R.-N.C., as a visibly angry Rogers confronted Gaetz. Rogers lunged toward Gaetz after McCarthy finished chatting with the Florida congressman, who had withheld support for McCarthys bid. Gaetz, who represents the Florida panhandle, was also floated as a possible challenger to Democrat Doug Jones for Alabamas U.S. Senate seat in 2020. Gaetz declined to run for the seat; Tommy Tuberville defeated the incumbent Jones. The attorney general is the nations top law enforcement official and heads the Justice Department, which Trump has vowed to overhaul. The president-elect has faced two federal criminal cases from the DOJ relating to his attempts to interfere with the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 resurrection. Those cases are expected to be shut down. According to Trumps statement, Gaetz will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department. Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution, the statement continued. We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matts leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again. Staff Reports news@albanyherald.com ALBANY Six students from Albany State Universitys Academics Afield chapter, along with three mentors, visited the Mike Commander Archery Range on Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area in Dougherty County recently to develop their skills as accurate and prepared deer hunters. Academics Afield, a program of Georgia Wildlife Federation, is a college-level program designed to teach curious new hunters the knowledge and skills needed to source their own sustainable protein while also contributing to wildlife conservation. At the archery range, students practiced safe use of crossbows and determined effective shooting distances. Range Safety Officers welcomed the students to the public range provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and provided classroom resources for the program. Public shooting ranges are made possible by state hunting license fees and federal taxes on sport shooting equipment. Learning to hunt without a mentor can be incredibly daunting, Bre Bashford of the Georgia Wildlife Federation said. Programs like Academics Afield makes the journey of someday self-identifying as a hunter a real possibility. Bashford dedicates significant time to working with Academics Afield students, helping them understand the connection between hunting and wildlife conservation, and addressing common barriers that often prevent new hunters from entering the field. The biggest challenges new hunters face are a lack of knowledge and skills, uncertainty about where to hunt, and not having anyone to go with, she said. Academics Afield tackles these challenges by providing step-by-step skill development through classroom instruction and range time; familiarizing students with the process of locating and accessing public land; and fostering a supportive community of new participants and experienced mentors. Mentor Bailey Eldridge volunteers her time with Academics Afield because, she said, I believe in the power of education to ensure the future of responsible hunting and conservation. Its important to me that others understand not only the skills involved in hunting, but also the deep respect we owe to wildlife and the land. Hunting is more than just a personal pursuit its an opportunity to build a community, share traditions and create lasting memories. Being able to guide new hunters and help them experience the joy of being outdoors, while also teaching them the importance of ethical hunting practices, is incredibly rewarding. College students are ideal candidates for the national effort of engaging more people in hunting because they are at an age when recreational activity is at its peak and they are eager to explore new interests. Additionally, college students tend to have more financial flexibility compared to youth audiences and are in the process of shaping their long-term identities. Academics Afield is supported by the GEORGIA R3 Initiative, including Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International, and Ducks Unlimited. Key funding comes from National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro/Cabelas Outdoor Fund, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Georgia Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation. By Ross Williams Georgia Recorder ATLANTA 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 recently in a hearing that featured expert testimony on topics including AIs role in hospitals across the state. Doctors already are 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, Erskine 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 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. 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? 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. 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 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. 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 also have 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 the 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. How do you deport the roughly twenty million individuals living illegally in the United States? For a lot of reasons, this will be a huge challenge, and likely a costly one when was the last time the government did anything even remotely correct without it busting the budget? Well, for one thing, you could try offering incentives for people to make their deportation easier than it might otherwise have been. Trump and his new Border Czar have agreed that the top priority will be removing illegals who either committed crimes before they came to the United States or and this is the top priority those who have committed crimes since coming to the United States. Since these are people likely to strongly resist such deportations, this will represent a challenge to the Border Guards and ICE Agents who will have to deal with it in practical terms. But what about the other twenty million or so people in the U.S. illegally? How about this: First, offer them an option. Go home on your own, and you will be eligible to apply for legal residency, along with anyone else who wants to come to America and who hadnt broken our laws to get here. To qualify, all they have to do is leave and on the way out, file documentation indicating that they had been illegal residents, but were now exercising their option to go to the end of the line and eventually be legally admitted to America. Thats the carrot and even though it might take ten years to gain entry, it will be legal, and with a path to eventual citizenship, the one open to everyone who plays by the rules. What about the stick? Tell this same population that if the government has to take actions to deport them, they will have to wait for more than the current ten years before even getting to the end of the line for legal immigration, lengthening the time before they can return to America, but this time as legal immigrants. Since anybody here illegally has at least the chance of running into legal problems and then forcibly deported, many will leave voluntarily. Now, how about those who are here illegally who had come from their native countrys prisons in an if you let me out I will leave deal between them and their home-countrys criminal justice system? Before we spend mega-bucks trying to identify, track down and forcibly deport them, offer them a modified version of the program (above) for illegals who arrived here without a criminal record? Heres the carrot: If you voluntarily leave the U.S., and file a notice of your departure while acknowledging your criminal record prior to their illegal immigration, you, too, would be eligible to return, getting in the end of the line in ten (or perhaps twenty) years. That would be a long wait, but likely longer than the prison sentence they got out of by agreeing leave prison and come to the U.S. Its not a great carrot, but consider the following: The stick would be, if you came here illegally after being released from prison in your homeland for felony crimes of any sort, as well as violent misdemeanors, and instead of voluntarily leaving you wait to be caught by ICE or the Border Patrol, you will serve out your prison sentence plus ten years before being deported; and once back in your home country, you will never be allowed back into the U.S. under any terms. If you serve your sentence here and then are deported, and sneak back in, you will be imprisoned for a no-parole term of at least ten years before again being ejected from America. Repeat offenders will face a life-without-parole sentence here in the U.S. Finally, for those who had been charged as criminals in their home country but who had not yet been convicted and incarcerated, if you choose to leave on your own, and as above you register with ICE regarding your status and reason for leaving, you would be for return to the U.S. under the following terms. First, to be eligible to get in line for legal immigration, youd have to the resolve the legal issues youd fled to America to avoid, either by going to trial and being acquitted, or for being convicted and having served the full term imposed by the judge. At that point, and after ten years post-resolution, youd be eligible to return to the immigration line after ten years. The stick here is that if you have to be caught and deported, you would not be eligible for legal re-entry until twenty years after the resolution of your legal issues in your home country. Obviously, certain types of crimes would make illegals ineligible for return under any circumstances. Such exceptions might include anyone convicted of murder, of sexual assault, or especially child sexual abuse, and other violent crimes and of course, gang members, either here or in their home country. Such persons would be incarcerated in the U.S. for a period of ten years before being deported without appeal. Any attempt to return to the U.S. after being deported would be punished by from twenty-five years to life without parole. For people who are murderers, violent criminals or those who abuse people sexually for whom recidivism is statistically almost impossible they should be punished for being here, then sent home, and punished far more harshly if they attempt to re-enter the United States. This will not solve the problems of mass deportation of illegals, not when there are an estimated more than twenty million illegal immigrants residing in the United States. But by offering a meaningful carrot with hefty stick penalties for those who break the revised rules for illegals who are also criminals we have a decent chance of vastly reducing the numbers of people the government will need to search for, find and hold for deportation. As President Obama proved, it is possible to deport at least five million people without difficulty or harsh public outcry. Ned Barnett is a long-time political operative and widely-published author who has focused on important issues facing America. In addition, he is currently working on a book, slated for publication in late 2025 or early 2026 on how to win political campaigns, based on experience dating to the 1976 campaign, where he worked for President Fords South Carolina campaign. He can be reached at nedbarnett51@gmail.com or 702-561-1167. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, via Picryl // public domain In a video posted on X on November 7, 2024, two days after the election, Trump detailed a plan to dismantle the Deep State. In this three-minute video, Trump explained how he would take a series of measures to shatter the Deep State. In this video, Trump made the same mistake JFK made when JFK said he was going to break the CIA into a thousand pieces after the Bay of Pigs fiasco. By announcing his intention in advance, JFK signed his death warrant. Trump has now declared war on the Deep State as president-elect. Because he spoke before he was inaugurated, giving him the power to act, Trump alerted the Deep State that he represented an existential threat to its survival. The bottom line is that the Deep State cannot afford for Trump to become president on January 20, 2025. Trump put the Deep State on notice that his first order of business was to investigate and prosecute in three areas: Image by X. 1. The two assassination attempts on his life, with its indisputable charge that some in the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security showed criminal negligence, forcing those individuals to cooperate with the special counsel; 2. The weaponization of the DOJ, the FBI, and certain intelligence agencies against President Trumps 2016 and 2024 campaigns and Trump personally, going back to 2015, with emphasis upon exposing the truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the Mueller investigation farce; and 3. The voter fraud that stole the 2020 presidential election, based on the discovery of secret cryptographic algorithms embedded in State Board of Elections voter registration files to facilitate the creation, hiding, and voting of falsified voters to be available for use in various election fraud schemes, with particular focus on mail-in ballot irregularities. Furthermore, one of the biggest threats to the CIA and the intelligence agencies is Trumps unyielding determination to declassify documents that will jeopardize many agencies existence, including the DOJ, FBI, DHS, CIA, and NSA. The documents released will reveal many hidden intelligence agency conspiracies, including the effort to hide the Hunter laptop story from damaging Bidens chance of victory in 2020, in particular, the statement by more than 50 former intelligence agents that the Hunter laptop was Russian disinformation. Exploring intelligence agency misdeeds and failures back to the 2012 Benghazi terror attack would be a horror show for scores of top intelligence agency officials, as well as Obama and Biden administration senior officials. The Deep State alternatives are limited: either devise a scheme that denies Trump the presidency, hopefully eliminating the Electoral College in the process, or, if nothing else works, the only other alternative will be to utilize the entire law enforcement and military power of the Deep State to assassinate Trump. On November 10, Judge Juan Merchan granted Trumps motion to stay the November 12 hearing at which he was to decide whether the Supreme Courts July decision on presidential immunity requires him to vacate the guilty verdict in Trumps criminal hush-money case. The judges order also put a stay on the November 26 sentencing date in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case. Trumps lawyers argued that granting a stay for both dates was necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trumps ability to govern. Judge Merchans order did not specify new dates for either the decision on immunity or the sentencing. Given that a New York County court is outside the reach of the DOJs policy against prosecuting cases against sitting presidents, Department of Justices jurisdiction, Judge Merchan can dismiss the case, delay it until Trump leaves the White House, or order Trump to appear for his sentencing and, if he does not, put out a warrant for his immediate arrest and imprisonment. Trumps attorney, Mike Davis, made the last possibility less likely by openly challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James during a November 7 interview. I dare you to continue your lawfare against President Trump, Davis said. In his second term...because, listen here, sweetheart, were not messing around this time. And we will put your fat ass in prison for conspiracy against rights. I promise you that. So, think long and hard before you want to violate President Trumps constitutional rights or any other Americans constitutional rights. Its not going to happen again. If Judge Merchan ignores Daviss warning, his decision to proceed with the sentencing, could trigger Antifa and Black Lives Matter riots that would rival or exceed 2020s street violence. The mainstream media, parroting CIA narratives, would exploit the Trump incarceration with a frenzy of news stories pressing the electors in the Electoral College not to cast their votes for imprisoned felon Donald Trump. With the CIA blackmailing some 40 electors to vote along with the anti-Trump electors, the Electoral College will be unable to cast enough votes to elect either Trump or Kamala Harris. The election would be thrown into the House of Representatives, with the proceedings rapidly devolving into a circus. With the Electoral College in limbo and the House of Representatives in turmoil, the mainstream media would begin pushing for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Electoral College. If you think getting two-thirds of the House and Senate to vote for the amendment is hard, think again. A panicked Congress faced with a country burned by Antifa and Black Lives Matter, street brawls, chaos in the cities, and, eventually, martial law may find enough GOP members of the House and Senate to reach the two-thirds vote required to send the amendment to the State legislatures for ratification. A CIA willing to blackmail Electoral College electors would undoubtedly be willing to blackmail members of Congress and senators. Trump can take steps to prevent this worst-case scenario from becoming a reality. First, Trump can fire his entire New York legal teama team that did not defend Trump successfully at trialthe same team that has no legal strategy to block Judge Merchan from going ahead with the sentencing hearing. Next, Trump needs to hire one or more top constitutional lawyers to prepare an emergency motion as fast as possible with the Supreme Court, requesting that sentencing be postponed until Trumps appeals take their course. Trump should seek to replace all the current electors in the Electoral College with a demand to be allowed to submit the new electors to extreme vetting. At the same time, Trump can demand a total forensic recount of all GOP candidates who lost their race for a House seat by less than two percent. The suspicion is that the Democrats used cryptographic algorithms to steal close down-ballot races by voting false nonexistent voters. Finally, under no condition should Trump appear in a New York City courtroom (or anywhere else in New York City) until after January 20, 2025. A Trump decision to continue directing the transition from within the confines of Mar-a-Lago until Inauguration Day would be prudent. GodsFiveStones.com is a tax-deductible 501(c)3 foundation created by Jerome R. Corsi, Ph.D., and Karladine Graves, M.D., managed by Capstone Legacy Foundation. As reported on GodsFiveStones.com, Andrew Paquette, Ph.D., has discovered cryptographic algorithms in the State Board of Elections voter registration databases in New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona and yet to be reported in New Jersey, Texas, and Hawaii. As noted in a statement on Donald J. Trumps election victory published on November 8, 2024, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano explained that the algorithms allowed false voter registrations to be printed and concealed, which could be used in various election fraud schemes, including counting absentee ballots by nonexistent voters. By exposing the scheme, Dr. Corsi prevented the creation of millions of fraudulent votes for Kamala Harris. I am delighted with the roster of people Donald Trump will have at his side as he heads into the White House. (Some more than others, of course, but all are good.) Trump 2024 is a far cry from the naive neophyte who entered the White House in 2017 when the Republican establishment treated him as if he had the plague and left him dependent on people who proved to be weak or damaging. I dont even consider this Trump 2.0. This is MEGA MAGA TRUMP, and the administration comes in loaded for bear, ready to rip apart the entire Democrat government infrastructure that is smothering America. What I love most of all is Trumps decision to appoint Pete Hegseth to act as his Defense Secretary. The military is both Americas last and first line of defense against foreign enemies inside and outside of Americas bordersand for decades now, the Democrats have been chipping away at it. Democrats have demoralized the military by snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in Vietnam (we won the Tet offensive), Iraq (wed won until Obama pulled us out, leaving a vacuum for ISIS and Iran), and Afghanistan (we were at least maintaining until Biden gave us the most humiliating retreat in American history). Image by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Democrats have structurally weakened the military by focusing on climate change, not defense. And Democrats have corrupted the military at a core level by bringing racial identity politics to what was once the best-integrated institution in America and by flooding it with people who have a deviant sexual agenda. Pete Hegseth promises to stand against all of that. The worst thing I can say about Hegseth is that hes Ivy League educated, which is always something to worry about in those who graduated after 1984 when those institutions became ideologically corrupted. His B.A. from Princeton and Masters in Public Policy from Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government make him suspect in my eyes. However, everything else about the man offsets those concerns. A member of the Minnesota Army National Guard (just like Tim Walz), Hegseth actually served as an infantry officer in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He eventually received two Bronze Stars and a combat infantry badge. Since leaving active duty, Hegseth has worked hard to improve life for military veterans. Hes also written multiple books with strong conservative themes, including The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, which attacks the Democrats relentless war on troops and the military itself. Just to provide a contrast, remember that the left loved Obamas Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, who served two years in the Army (1964-1966), and then spent the rest of his life as a politician and Deep State operative. Speaking of Panetta, Hegseth is rightly opposed to Panettas greenlighting women in combat roles. As I wrote when Panetta made this decision, its an appallingly bad idea: Pete Hegseth 5 days ago: "I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles." pic.twitter.com/0W3LDSakud Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 13, 2024 Hegseth also has practical solutions to achieve good outcomes without exposing the troops, such as giving Israel free rein in fighting Iran: Trump's new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth: Zionism and Americanism are the front lines of Western civilization. Let Israel deal with Iran. We should not restrain them. It's ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/OgM8mhchvZ Vivid. (@VividProwess) November 13, 2024 Newly appointed Defense Secretary @PeteHegseth speaking earlier: "I think this is a moment for the Israeli government to take action against Iran to prevent an Iranian bomb." pic.twitter.com/MBal01a3wC Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) November 13, 2024 You can see why leftists would hate Hegseth. Some of the attacks are funny, as with Elizabeth Warrens completely clueless take on his qualifications: A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense. I lead the Senate military personnel panel. All three of my brothers served in uniform. I respect every one of our servicemembers. Donald Trumps pick will make us less safe and must be rejected. https://t.co/6ADUJSm8x6 Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 13, 2024 Joe Walsh, a NeverTrumper, sounded equally foolish: An utterly unserious pick. A middle finger to everyone who currently serves in the U.S. Armed Services. https://t.co/Qila35g3mL Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) November 13, 2024 However, theres a frantic fury to the attacks against Hegseth that goes beyond the usual leftist animus toward anyone Trump would choose. Theyre throwing everything at himsuch as the fact hell be immune to lobbyist dollars (which Democrats clearly see as a negative): Politico unintentionally building grassroots support for Pete Hegseth by leading with this quote on background from a defense industry lobbyist. https://t.co/dGZk65KezN pic.twitter.com/m9mduDg8iG Yashar Ali (@yashar) November 13, 2024 Other attacks on Hegseths qualifications came from Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) (Im shocked... [B]eing a serviceman does not make you qualified to lead the Department of Defense...); actor Wendell Pierce (Pete Hegseth is the epitome of white privilege); and the inimitable Joy Reid (who laughs about a Fox weekend morning show host helping to fill Trumps clown car). The rank and file are even bringing up Hegseths obvious joke about washing his hands (and I say that as someone who is very OCD about clean hands). Reid may be laughing, but, as I said, theres more than a whiff of panic here; theres a stench. Why would that be? I think it relates to the CNN report that the Pentagon is mapping out ways to stage what is effectively a coup against President Trump by classifying his orders as unlawful and refusing to follow them. Were I the only one saying this, Id take me with a grain of salt. However, Lee Smith, one of the smartest political analysts youll find, thinks that a coup is on the table, and he traces this to Barack Obamas last hurrah. In a must-read essay entitled Obama Isnt Going Anywhere, Smith examines how Obama has been running a shadow presidency since he left the White House in January 2017. It was he who seeded the Russia Hoax, got Biden into the White House when Kamala, his preferred candidate, flamed out in 2015, controlled Bidens policy, and gave Biden the boot to give Kamala a second chance. Obama also refused to leave D.C., breaking a presidential tradition going back to George Washington. Looking back, every one of Obamas efforts failed to cement his legacy, as evidenced by the fact that he could not keep Trumpthe new, fully-loaded Trumpout of the White House. This is where we begin to see what will be Obamas last hurrah: Getting our constitutional military, once the most trusted part of the American government, to undermine President Trump, effectively staging a military coup (something previously unimaginable in America). Or as Smith writes, Now Obama is looking for another play, and it appears that it involves splitting the armed forces. Smith analyzes in some detail what the CNN report has to say about how Pentagon officials are gaming ways to prevent Trump from exercising his constitutional powers as president and commander-in-chief of U.S. military forces. While I urge you to read the whole essay, its the conclusion that may explain the panic about Pete: Does the resistance really intend to move pieces in place to split the military or are they just bluffing to get Trump to back off on campaign promises that will topple two of its pillars? It might seem strange to threaten to destabilize the country on behalf of defense bureaucrats and illegal aliens, but the former constitute a crucial part of Obamas network, and giving the latter the vote, as Trumps landslide victory shows, may be the Democrats best chance to win national elections in the near future. Its tempting to read the Brooks scenarios and the CNN report as resistance porna performance of the rituals and motions that this class has accustomed itself to over the course of the past eight years, as it now braces for the return of the president it did its best and failed to destroy. Would Obama fracture the military to once again cripple Trumps term in office? The former president is in a decidedly weaker position and facing a battle-hardened Trump. Still, it would be reckless to assume the best from the man who already proved his willingness to weaponize the national security apparatus against his political opponent. The president-elect shouldnt take any chances. Trumps appointment of Hegseth, a battle-hardened veteran and a trustworthy outsider, shows that Trump isnt taking any chances. I just hope that Hegseth is prepared for the Pentagon rebellion he may be facing and, if it occurs, moves swiftly and courageously to end even the whiff of sedition or a coup. According to an article published at GB News, Justin Trudeaus government is reportedly refraining from identifying more than 900 Nazis who fled to Canada after the war, including a number of Ukrainian SS Waffen soldiers; per another item out at True North, Trudeaus bureaucrats cited national embarrassment as the reasoning behind the decision. Obviously thats entirely disingenuouswere expected to believe that now these people are worried about a national embarrassment? Where has that sense of awareness been since, oh I dont know, the entire time Trudeau has been prime minister?! Has anyone seen how this man holds a hammer? Here is Justin Trudeau embarassing himself by holding a hammer incorrectly for a photo-op This trust fund baby has never worked a hard day of labour in his life He is the definition of WEAK men create HARD times pic.twitter.com/z0w9zFmDSA The Pleb Reporter (@truckdriverpleb) April 5, 2024 What about the way he sits? How often he sobs on the national stage? What about the time that he commissioned social media content so he could strut through an office like he was some kind of slick and talented executive? Justin Trudeau is so queer VC: truenorthrise on Instagram pic.twitter.com/ptZibY4twU Olivia Murray (@americaliv1) November 12, 2024 (No doubt the taxpayers were on the hook for that.) Does anyone remember what Trudeau wore when he went to Mali? I'm thinking Trudeau's stylist team may have been watching Team America World Police while enjoying a certain recently legalized substance when they put together Justin's Mali outfit.#cdnpoli #Trudeau pic.twitter.com/IkmbhoeOn0 David Jacobs (@DrJacobsRad) December 23, 2018 For anyone not tracking, hes wearing extremely pricey PELTORs, as if hes actually a member of special forces, or has actually accomplished an admirable military career and actually served his country. Of course none of thats true, and hes simply cosplaying kind of like the time he visited India: Seriously. Trudeau charged taxpayers for these shoes. Trudeau is dressing for the job he wants, not the job he has #TrudeauTravels #TrudeauInIndia pic.twitter.com/n4X9maqJHS Ontario Proud (@ontarioisproud) February 23, 2018 This isnt to insult Indian garb or traditional dress, but Trudeau isnt Indian, so he just looks like a dork. You know one of the things I love about Trump? He doesnt pretend to be something hes not. Hes a billionaire, and when he showed up for his McDonalds shift and his garbage route, he reported for duty in his signature (very expensive) suit, because thats who he is; he didnt dress down and try to disingenuously insinuate hes some working class guy like the rest of us. But back to the Nazis. Canada is clearly a haven for Hitlers former goons (Ill never forget the standing ovation the Canadian government gave to a Nazi veteran) so all those Kamala Harris voters looking for an escape from the literal Nazi Trump are going to be in for quite a shock; after Trump was officially declared the winner on election night, search engine data revealed that a number of Americans began to consider a permanent move out of the country: As election night wore on and Vice President Kamala Harris path to 270 electoral votes dwindled, some Americans were contemplating a move to the Great White North, Google data shows. Moving to Canada along with immigrate to Canada saw a more than 5,000% spike in online searches. Canada can have them. As progressives like Trudeau routinely tell us, the threat of Hitlerian ideology and policy are so great that it warrants bold accusations against anyone with any national loyalties of being Nazis and fascistsbut he wont actually name names of bonafide Nazis when given the chance to expose people who actually shed blood for the Third Reich. This man is such a goon, and the Canadian government should be embarrassed. Hat tip: Arnold Cusmariu. Image: YouTube video screen grab, edited. Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Bluesky (@octaviajnews.bsky.social), TikTok (@octaviaj_news) and Facebook (Octavia R. Johnson). Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast-paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. On November 5, America resoundingly rejected the hateful race rhetoric and divisive lies of Democrat identity politics. This included record numbers of black and Hispanic voters disenchanted by the election-year promises of Democrats that translate into deteriorating economic opportunities for racial minorities. But Bernie-blue Vermont didnt get the memo, and has continued to shamelessly push anti-MAGA propaganda spewed by the mainstream media in public schools, by paid teachers. A Vermont newspaper proclaimed almost triumphantly how the teachers were soothing the children with Huxleyan hate propaganda: In the wake of a presidential election that will send Donald Trump back to the White House, leaders of Vermont's most racially diverse school districts are taking steps to reassure students, parents and staff who are feeling anxious about the future. Trumps campaign was rife with anti-immigrant rhetoric, and he has vowed to roll back the rights of transgender youth. That prompted school leaders in Burlington and Winooski home to hundreds of students who are racial minorities, immigrants and refugees to send out messages both before and after the election about ways to discuss the results. Did the teachers counsel the kiddos that Trump is Hitler, and they will all be deported soon? Nothing like kiddie fear-porn by public servants inflicted on others children the school does not recognize the diversity of a child who might be a conservative. In Vermont, wearing a shirt that says There are only two genders gets kids disciplined and sent home so much for free speech and intellectual diversity in the schools preaching they are preserving democracy. Many Vermont public school ideologues are so utterly divorced from reality that they have unmoored themselves from their duties: teachers are not supposed to indoctrinate others children with their personal political views (or, as here, toxic delusions). The school superintendent said, Many students were feeling angry and sad and had questions about laws that might change as a result of the election. Counseling feelings (including political emotions) in woke Vermont has been elevated in schools above math, reading, and writing. Did some students express feelings of joy, relief, and hope that the race-baiting and hateful attacks on Vermonters for their crime of whiteness are finally in their death throes? Did some children express relief that they would no longer be pressured by their teachers to secretly change their genders with hormones and Mommy doesnt need to know? The superintendent with no clothes sent out a letter stating, in a democracy, its important that citizens on multiple sides of issues are able to share their thoughts in a space free from bullying and harassment. Thats pretty rich Vermonts public schools are hostile spaces for non-woke students. Pride flags and BLM political banners still don classroom walls competing political views are strictly verboten. These are safe spaces only for uni-party indoctrination and vapid Marxist victim-drivel. Another superintendent advised teachers, Please avoid major or consequential assignments for students this week and be ready to make exceptions based on [sic] students and [sic] colleagues mental health needs. The post-election guidance encourages educators to create space for processing the news using questions including How does this make you feel? and What do you wonder/question? It also states that students may have questions you cannot answer and advises teachers not to rush to intellectualize and to model not-knowing. There is an awful lot of modeling of not-knowing (about the Constitutions and proper roles for teachers) exhibited by these notices. In the post-election indoctrination sessions, teachers are counseled not to inundate students but we also want to be culturally relevant and responsive to students needs. Just not responsive to the conservative students needs they are portrayed as hateful, racist misogynists who seek to deport anyone of color and take away trans-childrens rights to be sterilized for life. This is reality in Vermont public schools safe spaces for one party; NO space for the evil right-wing fascists who just won a national mandate. The canary in the woke social-justice Vermont coal mine is still coughing and choking, but more and more parents and children just want to be able to breathe again. The U.S. Constitution does not permit government to endorse one political party over another using tax dollars. Vermonts schools never received that memo either or just crumpled it up and threw it in the trash. Attorney-farmer John Klar hosts the Small Farm Republic Substack and podcast from his Vermont farm. His recent book is Small Farm Republic: Why Conservatives Must Embrace Local Agriculture, Reject Climate Alarmism, and Lead an Environmental Revival. Image generated by AI. Suddenly, they have standards again. Playtime is over. Cat's coming back. What else can one conclude with this kind of news from the New York Times? A C.I.A. official has been charged with disclosing classified documents that appeared to show Israels plans to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack earlier this year, according to court documents and people familiar with the matter. The official, Asif W. Rahman, was indicted last week in federal court in Virginia with two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. He was arrested by the F.B.I. on Tuesday in Cambodia and brought to federal court in Guam to face charges. The documents were prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyzes images and information collected by U.S. spy satellites. It conducts work in support of clandestine and military operations. Mr. Rahman, who worked abroad for the C.I.A., was set to appear in Guam on Thursday. The information in the documents is highly classified and details interpretations of satellite imagery that shed light on a possible strike by Israel on Iran. They began circulating last month on the Telegram app. That was quick. Based on the sparse info in the story, he appears to have been a highly vetted CIA officer with responsibility abroad, and his absence of social media presence suggests a clandestine capacity. He was busted on U.S. Election Day in Cambodia, meaning, the lawmen had been working on the matter before that, probably dating from the leak itself reported on Oct. 19. The Cambodia locale was the kind of place they might lure someone for an arrest, so he could have been based pretty much anywhere within flying distance of Phnom Penh. But betting markets and polls had shown that Trump was the likely next president around the time of the leak, so they may have been motivated to get this guy based on what was coming. He may have been motivated to leak based on the same likelihood. The institution strives to save itself, preserving some kind of appearance of professionalism, which was hardly the case in the recent past. The questions the New York Times is unlikely to ask is what kind of culture infests that agency that someone like this could so blithely leak data on a political matter around a country he didn't like? Was it widespread? In the past, this was treason, surely the most unforgiveable sin to a spy agency and CIA officers knew how to keep secrets. Not anymore, apparently. The pickings must be fabulous for many enemy and even friendly foreign intelligence agencies. And what culture was in place at CIA that this alleged creep would hate Israel so much he would harm it and the U.S.'s relationship with it, using his classified clearance like a lever to get his job done? Was it the same culture that bred this Amy McFadden creature, who merrily posted pictures of Palestinian paragliders coming down to massacre Israeli women and children in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on her social media, the severity of which she would have known about as a top intelligence official? Were they all of one woke mind? And what agency culture was in place that he could leak so easily and then expect to get away with it? An Aldrich Ames, burrowed deep for years in secrecy, he was not, he leaked the same way other recent leakers did apparently because a lot of them have clearances, a lot of them are doing it, and because penalties for doing it were so low if not unlikely. Army SPC Bradley Manning, let out of prison by President Obama after he claimed to be transgender, and getting free surgery on the government's dime while he was at it, was the perfect example beginning in 2010. There were similar low standards with Air Force E-4 Reality Winner who also leaked to help terrorists and support the enemies of Israel in 2018 and got let out early. The common-ness of the activity and its methods seems to have enabled the lawmen to scoop Rahman up fairly quickly, because so much is known about the existing low standards and methods. They busted him fast and this isn't the only example of a propensity to suddenly behave instead of ignore by these agencies. There's sort of a pattern emerging now: Witness the case of the FEMA official who was fired this weekend for telling her rescue teams to bypass homes with Trump banners, a grotesque politicization of the agency's mission, given that someone calling for help under the rubble of a hurricane-damaged home could have been studiously ignored by these FEMA officials, who noted in their records that they ignored homes because of the Trump signs based on her orders, while the residences next to them without Trump banners would have been offered aid. Prior to the hurricane, the agency and the press that slavishly printed their press releases had denied that aid had been politicized, despite complaints of no aid from conservative enclaves in North Carolina and elsewhere. President Trump was denounced as a conspiracy theorist by the New York Times for making the charge. Now it turns out he was right all along and subsequent statements from the fired official, Marn'i Washington, as well as a recent report that FEMA officials were suddenly banging on Trump-sign doors in North Carolina to see if they got FEMA aid after the Florida story broke, suggests that she was not the only one doing it. Again, they fired Washington quickly, less than a week after the whistleblower story ran, with FEMA chief Deanne Criswell basically saying she was shocked, shocked this could happen. They're being good, you see, probably to avoid scrutiny and a reckoning as Trump dispatches Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to ask them 'what do you do here,' as the common meme goes, with their Department of Government Efficiency put there to hose out the muck in government. That didn't happen when the IRS was caught during the Obama administration of targeting Tea Party activists and the miscreants involved were allowed to retire with full pensions. It also didn't happen when an FBI official was caught falsifying a FISA request in order to spy on an innocent Trump campaign activist (the official got a slap on the wrist and was allowed to keep his law license), or when it colluded with once-woke Twitter to censor American free speech during the election of 2020. It didn't happen when the FBI targeted parents at school board meetings as terrorists, individuals posting on social media, or Latin Mass enthusiasts as potential terrorists. Nobody was busted for those violations of the First Amendment at all. It didn't happen at the Transportation Safety Administration, which blacklisted then-Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on the terrorist watchlist, forcing her to undergo extensive scrutiny and intrusive searches any time she flew an airplane, while illegals rode without identification for free. Whoever made that illegal decision is still on the job. I suspect Elon and Vivek are not only going to unearth a lot of government waste as their scrutiny goes on but a lot of wokery and a lot of corruption and perhaps even crime as they just try to find ways to make government more efficient. In the meantime, the swamp tries to shield itself, in a sorry bid to claim it had standards all along, even though we can all see that that's pure Eddie Haskellism in their sudden claims to being choirboys all along. Image: Wikipedia, government logo // public domain Last week, the Daily Wire revealed that FEMA workers in Florida received instructions from their supervisor, Marni Washington, telling them to avoid houses with Trump signs. Over the weekend, FEMA self-righteously apologized and let everyone know that it had fired Washington. Now, though, Washington has gone on the Roland Martin show to explain that what she did is standard FEMA operating practice. Listening to her muddy use of language, the real question is whether those Trump supporters are actually dangerous or if they just give FEMA workers the sadz, an institutional attitude thats not Washingtons fault. In the video below, you can hear Washington, a FEMA reservist who also had a day job (from which she was fired, too), explain that she doesnt have any specific evidence about dangerous Trump voters. Instead, for privacy reasons, FEMA records will just record that a certain community was dangerous. Thats why if there are too many hostile encounters, FEMA workers will just avoid a whole neighborhoodand Trump signs were associated with this level of hostility. Washington added that she didnt even vote in this election, admitting that she was too busy, although she implies that shes non-partisan (which may, of course, be true). Image: X screen grab. Washington explained that there are a lot of safety rules for FEMA workers. For example, if they see people who painted purple markings on their property, that means that the homeowners will shoot trespassers. FEMA workers avoid those houses. What does stand out is how Washington describes those houses that can cause a whole neighborhood to be blacklisted. Thus, she says that homeowners saying drain the Swamp was considered a reason to avoid homes in a community. That raises the question, of course, about what standard for avoidance workers exercised. Were they avoiding homes where they felt genuinely threatened, or did they feel threatened merely because a homeowner was grumbling about the current government? There is a differenceand the giveaway about the high level of sensitivity FEMA workers might have shown is that Washington says nobody needs to work in a hostile work environment and that three or four encounters that have made the team uncomfortable may mean abandoning an entire street, especially if there are lots of Trump signs on the street. The problem is that a hostile work environment or a comment that makes people feel uncomfortable is not the same as a dangerous work environment. Grumbling, non-dangerous people are taxpayers entitled to FEMA benefits, the same as everyone else. In other words, whats really at issue here is whether FEMA workers are legitimately walking away from dangerous situations or if theyre abandoning people whose political views are opposed to their own. Without further investigation, the blame game doesnt quite work here. Its entirely possible that FEMA has an institutional practice of discriminating against Trump supporters. Its equally possible that some people are legitimately threatening FEMA workers for both political and non-political reasons and that this time around Trump signs were a good indicator of potentially dangerous hostility, making it reasonable to avoid those neighborhoods. The one thing thats clear is that Marni Washington is not an outlier. The only thing thats unclear is whether the practice itself passes muster. Yesterday, Apples global head of accessibility, Sarah Herrlinger, attended and spoke at the Web Summit Lisbon 2024 event. During her speech, Herrlinger discussed Apples ongoing effort to make its devices easy to use for everyone and emphasized the role of AI in helping people with disabilities. Apples head of accessibility talks about the role of AI in helping people with disabilities iFeed, a Portuguese news outlet, reported every detail that Herringler shared at the event. To catch you up, Apple has had an accessibility-focused team since 1985. Herringler pointed out the same and emphasized Apples commitment to ensuring accessibility as a human right long before it was a regulatory requirement. Apples effort in this regard has been visible for years now. At present, there are a number of accessibility features integrated into its software and products. Herringler even used artificial intelligence (AI) as an example and discussed how it can help people with disabilities. Herringler mentions plenty of examples during her speech She noted that features like Eye Tracking allow physically challenged people to control their devices with their eyes. On top of that, Herringler mentioned the role of the Sound Recognition feature. The feature helps people with hearing issues to identify important environmental sounds. She added sirens, smoke alarms, and doorbells as an example in her speech. In addition, Herrlinger highlighted how the Assistive Touch feature in Apple Watch has become handy for users. The feature allows users to navigate and use their watch with simple hand gestures. Worth noting Apple Watch Series 9 or later supports the Double Tap gesture. It allows users to interact with their watch without even touching the screen. Talking about the tech giants accessible design philosophy, Herringler further noted the clinical-grade hearing features built into the AirPods Pro 2. She highlights that Apple not only sees accessibility in its devices as innovation but also as a way to combat social stigma. Apple has been in hot water in the European Union (EU) for a long time now. The company may soon be facing a hefty fine from the EU over its anti-steering Apple Store policies. It has just been over a week since that report surfaced and another warning is knocking on its doors. Now, the EU has warned Apple over geo-blocking its online storefront of its media services. The EU warns Apple to stop geo-blocking practices Apple has long been offering and restricting content delivered through Apple Media Services to specific markets around the globe. For the uninitiated, Apple Media Services is an umbrella term for the companys online storefronts and streaming services. It includes the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, the iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. However, the Commission appears to have a different opinion about this practice. In a press release published today, the EU slammed Apples geo-blocking practice, saying it was discriminatory. The EU mentions that Apples practice violates two EU regulations. A part of the press release notes, The Geo-blocking Regulation prohibits unjustified discrimination between EU customers on the basis of their nationality, residence, or place of establishment when they want to buy goods and services from traders located in a different Member State. In addition, the Services Directive appears to have a similar provision. The tech giant has one month to reply to the EU Apple now has a deadline of one month to reply to the CPC Networks findings and propose commitments. In the reply, the EU expects the Cupertino tech giant to state how it will address the geo-blocking practices. If the iPhone maker fails to address the raised concerns, authorities can take enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Its worth noting that there is no mention of any possible fine in the press release. In the past, Apple had agreed to different directives that were more in line with EU regulations. Time will tell how Apple tackles this new issue. Android 15s latest beta release offers a surprising new feature: Modes. With the second quarterly platform release (QPR2) of Android 15, Google has expanded its popular Do Not Disturb setting into a more customizable experience. The Modes feature allows users to create various profiles with specific rules for notifications, display settings, and more. This update is now available on the Android 15 QPR2 Beta for Pixel phones. The new Modes menu, which appeared in the QPR2 Beta 1 update, introduces a level of personalization previously unavailable on Android. Users can craft unique Modes, each with a custom name, icon, and activation trigger. This flexibility means users can tailor their devices behavior based on specific situations, such as work, sleep, or driving, allowing for a streamlined experience without constant adjustment. Previously, Androids Do Not Disturb could be scheduled or customized, but the new Modes feature goes far beyond these settings. Android 15 qpr2 Do Not Disturb with custom modes Each Mode in Android 15 QPR2 Beta can be assigned a unique set of preferences for notifications and display settings. Users can select from 40 icons to represent their custom Modes, making it easy to identify active profiles at a glance on the status bar, lock screen, or always-on display. For example, one Mode could silence notifications during work hours, while another could allow alerts from family members only when sleeping. Users can toggle Modes manually or set them to activate automatically with triggers, giving them more control over their Android experience. According to Android Authority, users can access the new Modes through the Settings app or a Quick Settings tile. This setup makes it easy to activate or switch between Modes as needed. Android enthusiasts expected this level of customization in future versions, such as Android 16, slated for release in 2025. Instead, Google introduced it early in the Android 15 QPR2 Beta, with a full release anticipated by March 2025. An exciting addition to Androids toolkit As reported by Android Authority, this development hints at a broader trend of increased flexibility and functionality within Androids operating system. The introduction of Modes aligns with other customization tools, such as wallpapers and widgets, that make Android a go-to platform for those who prioritize personalization. While still in beta, the feature holds promise for Android users eager for more options in managing notifications and screen behavior Google has confirmed that the Pixel Watchs next update will not arrive until March 2025, a departure from its usual monthly release schedule. The announcement came after the company skipped an October update, releasing the November 2024 update on Tuesday for all three generations of Pixel Watches. Update schedule change for Pixel Watch The delay marks a significant shift in Googles approach to updates for its smartwatch. The Pixel Watch 3, which received its first post-launch update, along with the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, saw the continuation of the Wear OS 5 rollout. However, the tech giant clarified that the next update would not be available until March 2025, a three-month gap. While monthly updates have been the norm for the Pixel Watch, the upcoming delay does not drastically affect user experience. Most of the updates released so far have focused on bumping the security patch level, with minimal new features introduced through system updates. Users can expect new features to arrive via the Play Store in the interim, as the smartwatchs update cadence has traditionally offered fewer features compared to Pixel phones. Why the delay? Googles decision to delay the next update could be part of a larger strategy to better allocate engineering resources. The company might be aiming to provide more substantial updates on a quarterly basis, allowing for more polished and well-tested features. While this is a departure from the usual rapid update cycle, it could also signal a shift toward more refined and larger-scale upgrades in the future. The shift will likely allow Google to focus on improving the quality of updates, rather than merely maintaining a fast release schedule. The next update is now expected to arrive in March 2025, with more details to follow closer to the release. Google has resumed Wear OS 5 updates for the Pixel Watch. The company had pulled the update for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 in September. Google seems to have addressed the bugs causing problems while booting. Google halted updates for the Pixel Watch in September Google is usually quick to send out updates for its Pixel devices. These include the Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Watch smartwatches. Google started rolling out the Wear OS 5 update to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 in September. However, the company had to halt the new update as reports about the update soft-bricking these premium smartwatches started emerging. Google was quick to acknowledge the issue with the new Wear OS version and confirmed it was fixing the update. Specifically speaking, some Pixel Watch devices were soft-bricking after installing the update. It was fairly easy to fix the affected Pixel Watch and get it working on an older version of the Wear OS. Fixing a Pixel Watch that has experienced a soft brick involves resetting the device from Fastboot mode and restoring data. Needless to say, this isnt as convenient as tapping on the display a few times. Wear OS 5 update resumes for all Pixel Watch models Google didnt confirm when it would roll out the Wear OS 5 update after fixing the issue causing problems for the Pixel Watch. However, the company appears to have quietly released the update. According to 9to5Google, Verizon uploaded the November 2024 Pixel Watch updates, referred to as AW2A.241105.012. The changelog for the Pixel Watch 3 Wear OS 5 update mentions November 12 as the release date. It is important to note that theres no October update for the Pixel Watch. Interestingly, Google has admitted the update fixes booting issues by stating it includes a fix for how The watch face wouldnt load on reboot. Its no surprise that major tech giants are in the firing line of the European Commission (EU) for different reasons. More recently, the EU warned Apple over its geo-blocking practices and ordered it to reply in one month. Talking of tech giants, Google is another name that has announced that itll run a small time-limited test in which it will remove EU news from the search results. Google will remove content from EU news publishers as part of a small time-limited test The decision comes as a response after EU regulators and publishers asked Google for additional data about the effect of news content in Search. The Mountain View giant notes that this temporary test will help it assess the impact on the search experience of its users and traffic to publishers based in the EU. The planned test will affect 1% of users in France, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands. Its worth noting that the company will only remove EU news articles from Search, Google News, and Discover. Google also adds that it will continue to show results from websites and publishers based outside of the EU. The company will further resume displaying results from EU news publishers once this test is over. Despite being a small test, it appears to be a toned-down warning for the news publishers in the EU. The test will supposedly help determine the impact on traffic to EU publishers The test will help EU news publishers assess how much traffic theyd miss out on without Google. For Google, the test results will tell whether or not its users in the EU care about news results. The fact is that Google has been battling hard against regulations that force it to compensate publishers for their content. In the EU, Google has been running a licensing program for publishers called Extended News Previews (ENP). The company started it to comply with Article 15 of the European Copyright Directive (EUCD). All in all, itll be interesting to see the results of this test and how Google plans to proceed with its operations in the EU in the long run. A judge's gavel rests on a book of law. Dreamstime, HO / TNS A Galveston County jury found a 24-year-old Pearland man guilty of capital murder Tuesday for a 2021 League City killing that prosecutors said was part of a months-long crime spree, according to a news release from the Galveston County District Attorney's Office. Police arrested Devan Jordan in late 2021 following the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Johnson outside his home in League City. Johnson and his wife were returning home after a dinner at the Capital Grille on Westheimer when Jordan, who had followed the couple for nearly 30 miles, killed Johnson. Prosecutors said Jordan, who was out on bail for another capital murder charge at the time of his arrest, was responsible for a series of similar crimes involving wealthy victims who were followed home and robbed, according to the release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The State presented evidence of an aggravated robbery in an exclusive neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, two aggravated robberies in Fort Bend County and an aggravated robbery in Houston," the release stated. "All of these offenses involved the surveillance of high-end vehicles and wealthy occupants of those vehicles by multiple armed and masked suspects who then followed the victims after they left the restaurant, usually to their home, where the gang robbed them." According to the release, the gang's modus operandi involved following potential victims from upscale restaurants to their homes. Officers from a variety of departments, including the Houston Police Department, the Sugar Land Police Department, the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Galveston County Sheriffs Office determined through surveillance and DNA evidence that Jordan was an active member of the robbery gang. Investigators connected Jordan to crimes in California through DNA found on a victim's cellphone, according to the release. Jordan became the center of outcry in 2022 after he was released from jail on a $1 million bond given to him by a Galveston County judge in Johnson's death. Jordan, who was 21 at the time, had previously been released from the Harris County Jail on a $500,000 bond after he was accused in the 2021 killing of Joshua Sandoval. While a verdict has not been reached in that case, court records show that his bond has since been revoked. Jordan's release lead to a civil complaint letter filed against former Judge Jason Luong, who initially presided over the Sandoval case. The letter accused Luong of contributing to the death of Johnson by granting Jordan bail. Advertisement Article continues below this ad EDITORIAL: We recommend Andrea Beall for the 185th Criminal District Court "This letter is to simply show how Judge Jason Luong has broken Texas Penal code that resulted in the death of the victim Jeffrey Johnson, the destruction of multiple families as well as putting the public at risk of harm," the letter read. Luong was defeated by Judge Andrea Beall in the 2022 Democratic Primary elections. Jordan's conviction carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to the release. Lately, Samsung patents have revealed the potential path the company could take in future devices. The most recent ones revealed some of the technologies the company could implement in a tri-fold smartphone or even a rollable device. A new patent from Samsung describes a system where the phone vibrates only at the point where you touch it. However, the system is designed to replace physical buttons. The USPTO received the patent application in February 2023, but it didnt publish it until this month. It describes a system of sensors and small vibration motors located on the edges of a curved screen. Samsungs patent describes phones that vibrate only where you touch to replace physical buttons Interestingly, the patent (via MSPoweruser) seems to go against the current trend in the smartphone industry. Companies are ditching curves for flatter screens and sides. Anyway, Samsungs patent allows the implementation of virtual buttons to replace physical buttons while offering haptic feedback that simulates them. Basically, the patents technology would allow you to tap the edges of the screen to turn the volume up/down, turn the phone on/off, and even launch apps. The system functions by utilizing a combination of touch sensors and multiple small vibration units strategically placed throughout the designated pressed area. A touch sensor triggers the small haptic unit specific to that area when it detects your finger. Of course, you would need to implement a certain level of pressure to avoid accidental touches. A description in the patent makes it pretty clear that Samsung considered removing physical buttons on Galaxy smartphones. By virtue of its convenience, a touch panel increasingly replaces existing physical input means, such as a keypad. Further, interest in a touch panel to receive a variety of inputs by employing a force sensor on a display device is growing, the filing says. Of course, a system like this needs security measures to maintain its integrity. The patent describes a shield surrounding the small haptic motors. Not only does this protect them, but it also isolates the touch response to a specific point. A frame and multiple layers of adhesive would secure everything in place. Plus, theres a layer of waterproofing against dust and liquids. The implementation of the patent seems unlikely today As with any patent, we may never see the system described in a commercial device. This particular one seems especially complicated to implement in todays tech industry. Currently, Galaxy devices are all about flat screens and flat edges. Anyway, if Samsung ever reconsiders doing away with physical buttons, at least we know they have the technology for it. Former Houston Police officer Gerald Goines is led into the courtroom before he was sentenced to 60 years behind bars on a pair of felony murder convictions on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 in Houston. Goines was found guilty of felony murder in the 2019 deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Elizabeth Ferrari, sister of Dennis Tuttle, holds a photo of her brother and Rhogena Nicholas, outside the courtroom after former Houston police officer Gerald Goines was sentenced to 60 years behind bars on a pair of felony murder convictions on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 in Houston. Goines was found guilty of felony murder in the 2019 deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The family of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas gather outside the courtroom after former Houston police officer Gerald Goines was sentenced to 60 years behind bars on a pair of felony murder convictions on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 in Houston. Goines was found guilty of felony murder in the 2019 deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Gerald Goines, the former Houston police officer whose lies led to two deaths, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer After a month in prison, former Houston police officer Gerald Goines has requested a new trial with his lawyers accusing civil attorneys of withholding a Harding Street raid victim's cellphone a device they believe could have been a vital piece of evidence. A judge ordered Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials to bring Goines from the Pack Unit in Navasota to Harris County for a hearing over why Dennis Tuttles cellphone went to civil attorneys for their own litigation rather than the Harris County District Attorneys Office as they prosecuted the former narcotics officer. Had the phone been given to prosecutors, Goines defense team likely would have searched it for evidence to help their client, who was sentenced in October to 60 years in prison. Goines lawyer, Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube, alleged the civil lawyers shared troves of records with prosecutors early in the case but withheld the phone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This evidence raises the issue of whether Mr. Goines ever, undercover or through a confidential informant, sold drugs to Dennis Tuttle, Deborde Hochglaube wrote in the motion. MORE ON GERALD GOINES: Former Houston cop will likely keep pension, despite murder conviction. The hearing over whether Goines will have a new trial is set for Dec. 4, with defense attorneys issuing a subpoena to obtain the phone, according to court records. Federal prosecutors have also sought Goines return to court that same week on separate Harding Street-related charges including tampering. Officials with the Harris County District Attorneys Office declined to comment on any aspect of Goines' request until after the hearing is held. Tuttle was killed alongside his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog during the botched January 2019 raid that began with a neighbors false 911 call declaring their home a drug den. Goines then orchestrated a full-fledged heroin operation with minimal effort to investigate the allegations. As Goines and other Squad 15 officers stormed the couples Harding Street home, Tuttle opened fire striking four officers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the officers shot and killed the couple, whom Goines lawyers depicted as drug dealers at trial a characterization Tuttles son vehemently disputed. No heroin was ever found in the home. The deaths prompted a massive lawsuit against the city of Houston and officers who participated in the raid with claims of excessive force and constitutional violations. An exhibit list for the civil case includes much of what jurors saw at Goines criminal trial, along with depositions with former police chief Art Acevedo and other squad members. At trial, Goines defense team showed messages from Nicholas phone indicating she may have sent texts about dealing drugs, but Houston police investigators dismissed her communications as irrelevant to Goines falsifying a search warrant affidavit used to enter the home. The same lawyers questioned the whereabouts of Tuttles phone during Goines trial, saying they never saw it in the evidence provided by Harris County prosecutors. The prosecution purportedly never had the phone either and the device was discussed in at least one hearing in March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Goines defense team learned in an exhibit list filed after Goines trial came to an end that the plaintiff lawyers had Tuttles cellphone and pulled data from it in October 2021, according to federal filings. One of the civil lawyers, Mike Doyle, said police missed Tuttles phone while combing the cluttered Pecan Park home for evidence after the raid. Family members later found it. There's nothing on the phone that has anything to do with Goines criminal conduct, Doyle said. In other words, this is the continued smear based on made-up stuff because (Goines) never even knew anything about them. Another civil lawyer, Boyd Smith, in an attempt to thwart DeBorde Hochglaubes subpoena Wednesday, alleged Goines' lawyers knew about the phones existence and whereabouts since October 2021 but made no attempt to obtain or inspect it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anthony Gordon cannot wait to finally work with Thomas Tuchel having been desperate to join Englands new boss when he was managing Chelsea. The 23-year-old has established himself in the national team set-up since making his debut in March, building on his impressive performances for Newcastle. Gordon made a big-money switch to St James Park from Everton in January 2023 having gone close to joining Chelsea the previous summer. Tuchel was in charge as the Blues pushed to sign the forward and the pair will at last get a chance to work with each other when he begins as England head coach in the new year. It was quite close to be honest, Gordon said of the Chelsea move. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him especially. I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me. It didnt end up happening. It was a big opportunity for me that didnt end up happening and Im looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later. Asked if he spoke to Tuchel, Gordon said: Spoke to him after the game, we played Chelsea when I played for Everton. I shook his hand and that was about it, he said some really complimentary things to me that Ill keep to myself. I felt a lot of warmth from him which then in turn made me really want to play for him, but I didnt get that chance. As much as Gordon had been looking forward to working with Tuchel at Chelsea, he seemed surprised when it suggested to him that the German considered deploying him as a left wing-back. He responded by saying he did not care where he played given his confidence to perform wherever deployed an assuredness he is taking into Thursdays crunch Nations League clash in Greece. Anthony Gordon was part of Englands Euro 2024 squad (Bradley Collyer/PA) Failure to win at a sold-out Olympic Stadium in Athens will see Lee Carsleys side miss out on automatic promotion to the Nations League top tier, meaning play-offs would await in Tuchels first camp. Gordon brushed aside talk it was a surprise for Tuchel to not even be attending this months fixtures, so too the idea players feel they need to impress the 51-year-old. I wouldnt say for the new manager to be honest just because thats way too far into the future, Gordon added. We have got to be present with whats in front of us. Were facing a Greece team who have just beaten us, and weve still got Lee in charge and we have to impress him. All focus is on that right now and putting that game right from last time we played them. When I was a new mother, I found it hilarious how almost any behavior my baby exhibited could be associated with teething. Were they cranky? Teething. Sleepy? Teething. Drooling or puffy? Definitely teething. Eating a lot? Teething. Not eating? Totally teething. Deciding that parts of my body were chew toys? You guessed it: teething. Of course, it didnt help that I had little shark babies, who posed teeth before they were eight weeks old. And maybe my babies were, in fact, constantly teething. But theres certainly no doubt that the two tiny creatures in this video are. They are chewing on anything close by! (Lets just hope it doesnt include each other.) In this video, we see a small baby sitting in a molded play seat on the carpet next to a German Shepherd puppy. Though there are a variety of shape and sensory toys on the tray in front of her, her attention is all on a remote control shes somehow gotten ahold of and is in the business of chewing. Related: German Shepherd Teaching Puppy Brother How to Howl Is the Epitome of Cuteness (My kids also liked to teeth on remote controls. And phone cases. What gives?) Meanwhile, a German Shepherd sits nearby, chewing happily on the edge of the babys tray. I swear they both have teething toys, writes their mom in the caption. The baby, Juniper, and the dog, Oakley, are being raised side by side. And though I have to tip my hat to a mom who braved not only a new baby but also a new German Shepherd puppy at the same time, its an arrangement that works well or them, and its clear that the pair already have an extraordinarily special bond. In other videos you can see them sitting side my side or lying together. Though Oakley is only ten weeks old and Juniper is over eight months, they are still just two babies figuring out life together. And breaking in their new teeth. In one clip, Oakley even steals Junipers pacifier. I cant wait to show Juni this clip when shes older, her mom writes. Thats about to be the most protected baby on the block, writes someone in comments. Dogs and Babies Over the course of human history, countless babies have been raised alongside dogs. Though puppies are known for being nippy, basic supervision between your dog and your baby should teach them both a healthy respect and way of interacting with each other. In this video, its clear that though Oakley and Juniper love being around each other, Oakley is perfectly aware that the baby is less mobile and a lot more delicate than he is, even if she is a good six months older. Soon, Oakley will be a grown dog, but Juniper has years and years of her own puppy childhood stage ahead of her, and were sure that Oakley will be an excellent companion. German Shepherd Puppies At ten weeks, most German Shepherd puppies are already in the twenty to twenty-five-pound range, so its important for Oakley to quickly learn boundaries and rules when it comes to not accidentally nocking his favorite sister down. Like many large dogs, German Shepherds have a longer growing period. Some do not consider male German Shepherds to be full grown until they are three years old. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. It's impossible to imagine how one sweet baby didn't get adopted. He's soooo cute. The grey kitten is just the sleepiest, cutest, most lovable little guy. But sadly no one brought him home during an event for Smittens Rescue in San Diego, California. Someone needs to go and bring Dijon home! A kitten is the perfect addition to the family before the holidays...just saying. The shelter posted about the rescue cat in a heartbreaking video online. We swear Dijon is a cutie. Just look at the way he rests his head on his caretaker's shoulder. Related: Kitten Has Most Inspiring Recovery After Being Paralyzed by BB Gun "Dijon waited all day at our adoption day event to be adopted but no one adopted him," the shelter lamented in the text overlay. Not even the shelter could understand why the cat remains in their care. "His foster helped him become comfortable and he did so well and met so many people!" they explained. But yet he has yet to be adopted. Poor guy! The comments section is hoping that someone comes through for the cat. "WHY? Hes beautiful and so sweet," wondered one commenter. "Dijon is so sweet. I hope his forever person finds him soon," someone else agreed. "Cats are literally my kryptonite. I want them all. I need to win the lottery and just rescue cats," added another commenter. "Please adopt this sweet baby this little one deserves so much love and a forever home," begged another commenter. Adopting From Smittens Rescue The commenters have it completely right this time Dijon needs a new mom or dad. The kitten is still available and can come home with you today! If you're really feeling generous and live in the San Diego area, you can adopt multiple pets from Smittens Rescue. Just go to the website and look through their available pets. It's worthwhile to book a visit with the facility so you can see if you and your desired animal are a match! There are lots of reasons why an adoption will or won't go through. But making sure you and the animal vibe is a good way to get the process off to a good start. It's also a good idea to ask yourself some questions before adopting. Consider if you rent or own your property. Will you need to get permission to have a pet? Also consider your energy level and time you have available to commit to an animal. Some young animals, like this one, will probably need a little training. So only adopt if you have that time to give. As we said, Dijon really is a good option for someone looking to adopt. He'll be the best company we can already tell. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. The British Museum is to receive the highest-value gift in UK museum history as it acquires 1 billion worth of Chinese ceramics. Trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation are to donate 1,700 pieces to the London museum, based in the citys Bloomsbury area. British businessman Sir Percival David, who lived from 1892 to 1964, collected the items in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and China, with his passion for the country leading him to become fluent in Chinese. The David vases are among the items being donated to the museum (British Museum/PA) The collection has been on loan to the museum since 2009 in the specially designed bilingual Room 95, with an online catalogue available to view across the world, as Sir Percival wanted his private collection to be used to inform and inspire people. Director of the British Museum Dr Nicholas Cullinan said: I am humbled by the generosity of the trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation in permanently entrusting their incomparable private collection to the British Museum. These celebrated objects add a special dimension to our own collection and together offer scholars, researchers and visitors around the world the incredible opportunity to study and enjoy the very best examples of Chinese craftsmanship anywhere in existence. The donation will bring the museums collection of Chinese ceramics to 10,000 pieces, making it one of the most important collections of the ceramics of any public institution outside the Chinese-speaking world. The chairman of The Sir Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art and The Sir Percival David Foundation Academic and Research Fund, Colin Sheaf, said: In every respect, this gift achieves the three objectives which most preoccupied Sir Percival as he planned for the collections future. To preserve intact his unique collection, to keep every single piece on public display together in perpetuity in a dedicated gallery, and to ensure the collection would remain not only a visual display of surpassing beauty, but also an inspiration and education for future generations of academics, students and non-specialists alike. Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant added: Thanks to the huge generosity of the Sir Percival David Foundation, I am thrilled these world-famous Chinese ceramics will now be displayed permanently in the British Museum, where the collection will educate and enlighten future generations for many years to come. I am immensely grateful for this phenomenal act of generosity and very much hope it will help set a trend for others. Highlights from the collection include the David vases from 1351, which revolutionised the dating for blue and white ceramics with their discovery, and a chicken cup used to serve wine for the Chenghua emperor and Ru wares made for the Northern Song dynasty court around 1086. After their donation, pieces will be lent to the Shanghai Museum in China and Metropolitan Museum in New York as part of the British Museums support of exhibitions worldwide. The final transfer of ownership to the British Museum will be subject to the Charity Commissions consent. A woman who was with Nikita Hand in the hotel where she claims she was raped by Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, has told a High Court she was surprised to learn of the alleged sexual assault. Ms Hand, who is claiming civil damages against McGregor and another man, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the alleged incident in December 2018. Mr McGregor is facing an accusation in the civil action that he brutally raped and battered Ms Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin. She is also suing another man, James Lawrence, for sexual assault on December 9 2018. Ms Hand, who has no automatic right to anonymity, has accused Mr McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel bedroom in south Dublin. Giving evidence on Wednesday, Danielle Kealey told the court she was with Ms Hand in south Dublin as part of a Christmas work party. Ms Kealey, who was called to give evidence by Remy Farrell SC, for Mr McGregor, said she did not know Ms Hand well. She told the court that they were collected by Mr McGregor from the salon at around 10am on the Sunday morning and after collecting Mr Lawrence, they were taken to the Beacon Hotel. Asked to described the mood in the penthouse, she said everything was fine and everyone was in good form. She told the court that she knew Ms Hand and Mr McGregor went into the bedroom, but doesnt know much about it. She said she did not know what was happening in the room, and that when she returned to the main room of the penthouse, everything was fine. Everything was fine and no one was in bad form. I didnt notice anything that happened, Ms Kealey said. Asked if anyone appeared upset, she said no. Ms Kealey said she was contacted by Ms Hand in the days after the alleged incident, claiming she had been raped. Asked for her reaction, Ms Kealey said: I was surprised because I didnt see anything. I told her I hadnt seen or heard anything. She also told the court that Ms Hand had asked her to delete messages between the two. Nikita Hand at the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) The court also heard from Dr Charlotte Murphy, a forensic scientist with Forensic Science Ireland, who examined samples taken from Ms Hand and her clothing 10 hours after the alleged incident. The court heard that straps of a jumpsuit worn by Ms Hand were damaged beyond normal wear and tear. She said that one strap was ripped off, which was consistent with pulling. Dr Murphy said that traces of semen were found on Ms Hands jumpsuit and pants, and that DNA taken from swabs of her vagina, were one thousand million times more likely to match the DNA of Mr McGregor than anyone else. Mr McGregor has not attended court on Wednesday as he had food poisoning overnight, according to Mr Farrell. Judge Owens said the case can proceed as it is a civil case. A domestic abuser sentenced to a whole life order for the murders of his ex-partner and her new boyfriend has lost a bid to have his jail term reduced at the Court of Appeal. Marcus Osborne was jailed in March for the knife attack which left Katie Higton, 27, with 99 injuries; and Steven Harnett, 25, with 24 wounds including mutilated genitals; after which he compared them to Romeo and Juliet and said they could die together now. Leeds Crown Court heard that Osborne, who was 35 when he was sentenced, lay in wait for Ms Higton and attacked her as she entered the house they once shared in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in the early hours of May 15 last year. He then used Ms Higtons phone to pretend to be her to lure Mr Harnett to the house before killing him while four children were inside the property, going on to rape another woman at knifepoint. Earlier on Wednesday, Osbornes lawyers told the Court of Appeal that the sentence should be reduced as the judge had failed to take into account his guilty pleas, and that the whole life order was not necessary. But three senior judges dismissed the appeal bid, with the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr describing the killings as planned and brutal murders motivated by sexual jealousy. She said: (The sentencing judge) was entitled to consider this was not a borderline case, and to be in no doubt as to its gravity, being of such exceptional seriousness that even a very long minimum term would not amount to just punishment. The facts of these two murders, together with their associated offences and taking into account relevant aggravating factors, are so horrific, that whole life terms were appropriate, despite the applicants guilty pleas. At the end of the day, these were two planned and brutal murders motivated by sexual jealousy and involving sexual conduct, committed in circumstances designed to maximise the depravity of the murders by an individual with a history of significant violence against one of the victims, and previous domestic partners. Katie Higton was killed by her former partner (West Yorkshire Police/PA) Osbornes sentencing hearing was told that Ms Higton had been in a relationship with him for five years, but left him in early May last year after an assault which was the last straw. Ms Higton had complained to police that the relationship was coercive, controlling and physically abusive in the last two years and that she had been regularly assaulted, including one incident when he threw a cat at her. In the days before the murders, she also told West Yorkshire Police that Osborne had told her he would slit her throat if she said what he had done, and that if she ever got a boyfriend he would kill them both. Osborne was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence offences on May 12 last year and bailed with conditions not to go back to their home, but spied on Ms Higton over the following days and found out about the developing relationship between her and Mr Harnett by hacking into her Snapchat account. He later admitted two counts of murder and single counts of rape and false imprisonment, and already had convictions for violent offences against two previous partners. The sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, said that Osborne was heard saying: I warned you I was going to kill you this is your fault this is happening as he attacked Ms Higton, and was described as washing himself between killings, laughing and jeering. He later invited a neighbour into the living room to see the bodies, which the judge said was as if you were proud of what you had done. Steven Harnett (West Yorkshire Police/PA) She said that the crimes were horrific and that even a very long minimum term would not amount to just punishment. John Elvidge KC, for Osborne, told the court in London that his guilty pleas should have been given heavy weight as they spared the rape victim from having to give evidence. But Baroness Carr, sitting with Lord Justice Jeremy Baker and Mr Justice Bennathan, dismissed the challenge, stating that some of Ms Higtons injuries were inflicted with the intention of disfiguring as well as killing and that the original sentencing decision cannot be impugned. She said: We do not accept the submission that the judge inappropriately reduced the weight to be attached to the applicants guilty pleas. Osborne attended the hearing via a video link from HMP Wakefield, wearing a grey Adidas jumper, and did not react as his appeal bid was dismissed. The introduction of family pension pots could help to close the pensions gender gap, a report has suggested, with an estimated two in five women and one in three men potentially heading towards poverty in retirement. More should be done to empower women to invest and consider the options to grow their retirement wealth, according to Scottish Widows, which made the findings. A shift in approach towards joint financial planning is also needed, so that women do not lose out in the event of a divorce or when retirement annuities which give the annuity holder an income for the remainder of their life are purchased, the report argued. The report said: Men tend to have bigger pension pots, to be older and to die at an earlier age than their spouses, which means many women lose a significant source of their retirement income when their partner dies. It suggested that family pension pots could help to overcome some pensions gender inequalities. Such pots could work by a couple selecting their pension provider and workplace pension contributions collectively going into the same pot. The report said: If the couple were to get divorced the plan would be split between the two automatically. It added that if the couple bought a retirement annuity: This could become more consistent with an annuity provided for both rather than the typical status quo that sees annuities purchased for only one partner, which is then lost on their death. Jackie Leiper, managing director, Scottish Widows, said in the report: Without further action, the gender pensions gap will never close. The report made a national retirement forecast to indicate the retirement lifestyles and retirement income (after paying tax and housing costs) that people are on track for, based on their current behaviour, across private pensions, other long-term savings, inheritance and the state pension. Researchers estimated that 42% of women risk facing poverty in retirement, compared with 35% of men. The forecast took into account a set of retirement living standards defined by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), as well as expenses such as housing costs for those who expect to rent or continue to pay off a mortgage in retirement. Those deemed by Scottish Widows to be at risk of poverty in retirement could potentially have a retirement lifestyle that falls below the minimum standards as defined by the PLSA. The Women and Retirement Report from Scottish Widows has been tracking womens retirement savings for two decades. Only 38% of women invest outside pensions, in assets such as shares and property, compared with 55% of men, researchers found. Among young women aged 18 to 24, only 34% invest, compared with 64% of men in the same age group. Scottish Widows called for a Lifetime Savings Commission to be set up, which would consider the challenges of retirement savings, the role of housing and the need to build financial resilience. Ms Leiper added: Progress has been made on the gender pension gap over the last two decades thanks to game-changing interventions like auto-enrolment and improving equality on womens pay and role in society. But we are still a long way from where we need to be. Without drastic action, the gender gap will take another 20 years to close, and there is a very real risk that we wont see pension parity for many generations to come. Various surveys were carried out for the report, including a YouGov survey among more than 5,100 people across the UK in March and April 2024. Paul Leandro, a partner at consultancy Barnett Waddingham, said: This research underscores the pressing need for modernisation. While society has progressed, pension structures have remained frozen in time and women continue to face the brunt of this systemic misrepresentation. If our pension system is to work for everyone, we must actively tailor it to the realities of everyones individual lives. There is no universal or simple fix to this problem. By simply telling women to contribute more, we are overlooking the inherent fiscal, behavioural and societal issues that are contributing to the continuation of the gender pension gap. We must work not only to encourage better saving habits, but also make core changes to the infrastructure of our pensions system. A Government spokesperson said: We are committed to closing the gender pension gap and building on the success of automatic enrolment, which has brought millions of women into pension saving for the first time. Our landmark pensions review will explore options to ensure under-pensioned groups have the dignity and security they deserve in retirement, and more than 15 million pension savers could benefit from our forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill with the potential for an average earner to have 11,000 more in their defined contribution pot by retirement when saving over a career. We will also continue to track the collective efforts of government, industry and employers to tackle this issue through our gender pension gap reporting. Civil servants are calling for permission to work a four-day week, saying the move is critical to attaining a good quality of life and could help save the Government more than 21 million a year. The arrangement would more than halve staff turnover and free up money to hire an extra 2,345 workers, officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) estimate. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants and carried out the research, says it shows sickness absence could also drop from 4.3 average working days lost per staffer annually to 1.5 days. Civil servants in Defra are calling for a pilot scheme of the arrangement (Johnny Green/PA) Whitehall officials are campaigning for Defra to carry out a pilot four-day week scheme within the department so that managers can assess the arrangement. Statisticians within the department who are members of the PCS say the Government could save 21.4 million from the move. That figure is based on Institute for Government modelling of the year 2016-17 and updated to reflect a rise in salaries, staff numbers and turnover since then. In a survey of more than 1,200 members carried out by the PCS as part of its research, 80% of respondents said the change would give them health and wellbeing benefits. General secretary Fran Heathcote said the study suggested any opposition to employees working a four-day week was purely ideological because the arrangement has financial benefits too. Why else would an employer stand in the way of progress? she said. Our members are resolute in their belief that a four-day week is critical to attaining a good quality of life, improving their health and wellbeing and helping them to meet caring responsibilities, while all the time increasing their productivity. Director of the 4-Day Week Campaign Joe Ryle, who wrote a foreword to the research, said the time has come to trial the arrangement in Whitehall. As hundreds of British companies in the private sector have already shown, a four-day week with no loss of pay can be a win-win for both workers and employers, he said. The Government last week dropped official concerns about South Cambridgeshire District Councils four-day week after the authority faced opposition from the previous Tory administration. At Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Kemi Badenoch attacked Sir Keir Starmer over the move, asking him: If he is going to bail out the public sector then can he tell us this: does he think it is appropriate as the Ministry for Housing has done to approve a four-day week for councils that is not flexible working but is actually part-time work for full-time pay? Sir Keir replied: Questions based on what were actually doing are usually better than fantasy questions made up. What did they deliver in 14 years? Low growth, a stagnant economy, a disastrous mini-budget, a 22 billion black hole and now she wants to give me advice on running the economy? I dont want to be rude but no thank you very much. A Defra spokeswoman said there were no plans for a four-day week. Music from the blockbuster Gladiator sounded out during the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace ahead of the King attending the global premiere of the movies sequel. A medley of hits from films and musicals, ranging from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Hairspray and ABBA, was performed on Wednesday during the traditional military spectacle. The Band and Bugles of The Rifles performed on the Buckingham Palace forecourt (Aaron Chown/PA) The special recital of soundtracks was staged on the day of the monarchs celebratory reception at the Palace in honour of the UKs film and television industry and prior to his red-carpet night out at the Royal Film Performance screening of Gladiator II. The Battle, by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, featured in the original Gladiator movie to accompany the first fight scene. The band played a medley of hits from films and musicals (Aaron Chown/PA) The new guard, the Queens Gurkha Engineers, marched with the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, from nearby Wellington Barracks to the Palace to take over the duty from the old guard. Songs played included John Williams The Symphonic Marches which incorporates the Raiders March from the Indiana Jones movie Raiders Of The Lost Ark and the Imperial March from Star Wars. Soldiers marched with the band during the Changing the Guard ceremony (Aaron Chown/PA) Also performed was Hairsprays You Cant Stop The Beat, as well as an ABBA medley. An independent review of rail fare prosecutions and enforcement has been ordered by the Government following claims of train operators taking disproportionate action. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced on Wednesday that regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) will analyse how suspected fare evasion is handled. This will include an assessment of whether ticketing terms and conditions are clear for passengers, and when prosecution is appropriate. Industry body the Rail Delivery Group has previously estimated that around 240 million is lost through fare evasion on Britains railways each year. Ms Haigh said: Make no mistake, deliberate fare-dodging has no place on our railways and must be tackled, but innocent people shouldnt feel like a genuine mistake will land them in court. An independent review is the right course of action, and will help restore passengers confidence in the system. It is clear that ticketing is far too complicated, with a labyrinth of different fares and prices which can be confusing for passengers. Thats why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier. ORR director of strategy, policy and reform Stephanie Tobyn said: We welcome the opportunity to conduct this review. It is important passengers are treated fairly and dealt with consistently and proportionately when ticketing issues arise, whilst also balancing the legitimate revenue protection interests of operators and taxpayers. Ms Haigh is encouraging the ORR to draw upon advice from independent experts, including legal and industry specialists, as well as passenger representatives. A number of recent cases of passengers being prosecuted over small amounts of money have been highlighted in the media. Engineering graduate Sam Williamson said he feared getting a criminal record and being fined hundreds of pounds after being told he was being prosecuted by Government-owned operator Northern because he unknowingly used a railcard at the wrong time, resulting in a 1.90 underpayment. Northern dropped its action against him following media coverage. The Department for Transport instructed Northern to review its ticketing policy, which resulted in the operator withdrawing all similar live prosecutions and a pledge to analyse historical cases. Alex Robertson, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, said: We welcome the Secretary of State for Transports announcement of a review into improving revenue protection practices. We will be sharing with the review what passengers have told us about how confusing the current ticketing system is. People who have made an innocent mistake should be treated with understanding and not immediately assumed to be guilty. We also know fare evasion costs the railway hundreds of millions of pounds every year, money which could be better used to improve services for passengers. Positive action on revenue protection with a focus on ensuring penalties are given only to those who deserve them will help build trust and confidence in the railway. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is seen during a Houston ISD board of managers meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, Oct.10, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer The Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center building on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 9: Israel Garcia, 17, and his classmate Nazar Bevzenko, 17, look for a classroom to study for an upcoming exam at Carnegie Vanguard High School on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Houston. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag Houston ISD board of manager member Paula Mendoza, right, listens during a Houston ISD board of managers meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, Oct.10, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Houston ISD will consider the potential sale of several properties, discuss newly-released test scores and consider changing the entrance requirements for Carnegie Vanguard High School at its Thursday board meeting. After considering a change to its rules on selling, leasing or exchanging school-owned property, the board will convene in closed session to consider putting 19 properties up for sale. The board will also consider a new policy outlining the appeal process for students sent to Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs, or DAEPs, and will consider removing the magnet International Baccalaureate program from Fondren Middle School for the 2025-2026 school year, at the school's request. The board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the district's central office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Property sales In closed session, the Board of Managers will consider declaring up to 19 properties as surplus and begin authorizing sales procedures. Most are the site of former elementary schools, and one had been designated as the potential site of a future Career and Technology Education Center proposed in the failed bond. The sites include facilities at Brookline, Chatham, Dodson, Fairchild, Fonwood, Grimes, Harper, Rhoads, Ryon, Terrell, as well as the South Area Office and East Area Office. Acreage at Haviland, Kirby and Orem, North Forest, North Forest Mesa, Southbank, and/or Tidwell is also listed on the agenda. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beginning-of-year scores The Houston ISD board will receive a presentation on newly released beginning-of-year test scores from the Northwest Evaluation Association's Measures of Academic Progress. The scores mark the first year-over-year comparison in standardized testing under the leadership of the board and state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. Miles introduced the MAP exam in HISD in the fall of 2023 to monitor students academic progress. The national, adaptive exams which thousands of students take three times a year measure academic achievement and growth in math, reading and science for grades three through eight. The district's elementary and middle schoolers improved in most math and science testing but declined in elementary reading in both English and Spanish. It also remains below the national average, except for in sixth and seventh-grade science, although the district's students generally narrowed the gap in math and science. Reading in the district remains a half year to a whole year behind the national average, according to the report MAP scores are also used as a predictor for students' STAAR performances, and the share of third graders projected to meet grade level in STAAR math and reading tests improved by 10 percentage points. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carnegie requirement change Gifted-and-talented students may have to meet additional academic requirements if they want to apply to attend Carnegie Vanguard High School as freshmen for the 2025-26 year, per a new agenda item. Carnegie Vanguard High School is the only high school in the district where students must be designated as gifted-and-talented to attend. Under the proposed new rule, students would also need to score at least an 80 on an academics matrix to be eligible to attend the school. The new admissions criteria would require students to score an 80 average of above in their four core classes math, reading, science and history to be eligible to attend the school in the following academic year. If they dont, theyll have to earn an 80 on a separate part of the matrix, which is calculated based on a combination of their grades and their performance on the reading and math State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams. If they don't have STAAR scores, their scores on the GT assessment, known as the Iowa/Logramos, will be used. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HISD recently focused on property sales for cash at board member Ric Campo's prompting and considered the selling less than one acre of property at 0 Mesa Drive to an adjacent property owner. An agenda item at the Nov. 14 meeting will consider changing its rules to allow property sales proceeds to be deposited into the district's general fund as well as its Capital Renovations Fund. Planning for a smooth transition at the Grangemouth refinery should have started five years ago, MSPs have been told. Representatives of Petroineos, which owns the Scottish plant and has announced plans to close the refinery in the second quarter of next year, appeared before the Economy and Fair Work Committee on Wednesday. Iain Hardie, the firms head of legal and external affairs, told MSPs the site lost on average 385,000 per day last week and expects a 150 million loss this year. The closure decision which was announced last year and confirmed in September could risk up to 400 jobs at the site as it looks to change into an import terminal. Mr Hardie said the company approached the Scottish and UK governments five years ago to discuss potential changes. We have launched Project Willow, a study which will look at low-carbon manufacturing options for the site, he said. But lets be clear, the purpose of that study is not and will not enable a smooth transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a non-fossil fuel-based economy. If that was to have been put into effect, that piece of work would have had to happen five years ago. Lets be very clear, we came to the Scottish and UK government five years ago with that proposition, but we didnt move on. Under questioning from committee convener Colin Smyth, who pushed Mr Hardie on the just transition for workers on the site, he said: We have very clearly articulated to the Government in Holyrood and Westminster for a number of years the challenges that our business was facing. Those challenges are driven in part by politics set by this Government around the ban on new build petrol and diesel cars post-2030, so in that context, I think its hardly surprising that thered be an announcement, as a manufacturer of petrol and diesel fuel, that we would have to transition away from that at a point. Michelle Thomson is the local MSP for the refinery (Andrew Milligan/PA) Michelle Thomson, the local MSP for Grangemouth and the committees deputy convener, asked if Government investment in the site could allow for a pause to transition the workforce into other jobs. I think weve moved past that stage, Mr Hardie said. If the Government wish to make an intervention, that intervention should have been made many, many months ago. The company, he said, cannot wait for what ifs from Government and has to make decisions based on current information. Weve heard a number of times about politicians leaving no stone unturned in order to continue the refinery operations, but thats come to nought, he said. If we were to wait for (Government help), we would have grown roots. In the wake of the announcement in September, Ms Thomson said she had been in talks with a potential buyer for the site. Mr Hardie said there had been discussions with interested parties, but no credible offers. Such talk, he told the committee, had caused issues with staff. The vacillations around whether or if there will be an investor, whether or if there will be a purchase, has caused significant disruption to our staff and were really, really, keen to manage that, he added. Andy Farrell believes taking on Argentina will be the perfect test of Irelands character after they let a few people down during a deflating defeat to the All Blacks. The Six Nations champions were dealt a reality check at the start of their autumn campaign when New Zealand capitalised on a raft of errors to become the first visiting team to triumph in Dublin in more than three years. Head coach Farrell has kept faith with 14 of the 15 players who started the underwhelming 23-13 loss as his side prepare to host a dangerous Pumas side at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening. Felipe Contepomis men sit fifth in the Test rankings and have already toppled the Kiwis, world champions South Africa, Australia and France this year. Andy Farrell (centre right) believes his team are ready to respond against Argentina (Brian Lawless/PA) Pressure is good, its what concentrates the mind you see where your characters at, said Farrell. We want to win all of our games but the opposition are always going to have a say in that. I think this is perfect because weve got another top, top drawer opposition coming and we want to test ourselves because we feel like we let a few people down last week. Its the best medicine for you, to get back on the horse. Centre Robbie Henshaw has replaced Bundee Aki in the only alteration to Irelands starting XV. While Farrell has been heartened by his players response in training, he saw no signs of what was to come against the All Blacks during last weeks preparation. Cian Healy is set to win his 133rd Ireland cap this weekend, moving level with Brian ODriscoll on our all-time appearance list! #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/ITY9bEfwyj Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 13, 2024 When you get punched on the nose, how you react is different to training and preparing well, he said. Weve trained well, weve been very honest and open in that regard, which tends to focus the mind in training anyway. But it was good last week, so its about dealing with the moments in front of our face as the 80 minutes progresses. Thats what we need to get better at. When youre a pretty honest group it makes it easier to find solutions and get to the point straight away and make sure we turn the page as soon as we can. Excited to see these two in green! #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/6oCPU1XF68 Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 13, 2024 Uncapped Leinster duo Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast have been included on a rejigged bench. Farrell feels rookie fly-half Prendergast is primed for the demands of international rugby, despite his limited experience at provincial level. The 21-year-old, who has an opportunity to put pressure on first-choice 10 Jack Crowley after being preferred to Ciaran Frawley, started all three matches of the recent Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa, having been an unused squad member during the senior teams two-match summer series against the Springboks. Hes ready. For a young fella thats not had much game-time provincially, hes obviously had more of late, but in an ironic way hes probably been patient enough, Farrell said of Prendergast. Sam Prendergast has a chance to make his mark from the bench (Brian Lawless/PA) Because, in his own mind hed probably thought hes been ready for quite some time because hes that kind of kid, a confident kid. The experience that hes got from being around the squad, hes comfortable in his own skin. The reason for taking him on the Emerging tour was to make sure that he understood what it was to grab hold of his team and show that he is in charge. He showed that in abundance, weve seen the knock-on effect from that in the squad in the last couple of weeks. In his own mind hes ready; hes a young kid thats in a pressurised-type position. Hes going to make his mistakes, but thats the nature of anyone coming through. A man has been charged with murder following an altercation. Vadims Zmicerevskis, 45, died after an incident at the junction of Green Lane and St Thomas Road in Spalding on Monday, Lincolnshire Police said. Viktors Zeglovs, 33, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder, and a 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of affray has been released on bail while the investigation continues. The force said all three people involved are believed to be known to each other. Zeglovs will appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Inspector Matt Dickinson said: We know how concerning and frightening it will be for people to hear about this investigation and we are making it a priority to find out what happened. We initiated CPR but, very sadly, Mr Zmicerevskis was pronounced dead shortly after emergency crews arrived. We are now assisting detectives in carrying out house-to-house inquiries and collating valuable CCTV evidence. We really need all the help we can get from the public, and were asking you to come forward with anything at all you think might help. Lincolnshire Police said footage of the incident, which has been shared on social media, could cause immense distress to the victims family. When Justin Welby steps down he will be succeeded by the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. There are more than 100 bishops in the Church of England, including 42 diocesan bishops. Here, the PA news agency take a look at some of the names who could be in the running. Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London Sarah Mullally is Bishop of London (PA) The former nurse was the youngest person to be appointed chief nursing officer for England in 1999 She sits in the House of Lords and was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council in March 2018. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2005 for her contribution to nursing and midwifery. She is married with two children and is a novice potter. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell gives a blessing during his enthronement as the 98th Archbishop of York (PA) He spent a brief spell in the film industry and also at St Christophers Hospice in south London before being ordained a deacon at the age of 25. He became the 98th Archbishop of York in 2020. He is married with three sons. Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford As we praise God, we also remember those who cannot be with us. Join in with Bishop @Guli_FD, as she says a Grace for Easter. Amen. pic.twitter.com/ihOVeXoxfd The Church of England (@churchofengland) April 4, 2021 Born in Iran, Bishop Gulis family fled in the wake of the Iranian revolution in 1980, when she was just a teenager. Her brother Bahram was murdered in the revolution, and she previously spoke about how it affected her family. She told BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs: Weve spent a lifetime coming to terms with it. In a sense, it was his sacrifice that brought us here. I dont think my mum and my sister and I would have left if we hadnt had a very good reason to. So he gave us the gift of a chance of a new life in this country. She has been Bishop of Chelmsford since April 2021 and is the lead bishop for housing for the Church of England. She is married with three children. Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich The Bishop of Norwich, Right Reverend Graham Usher greets the King and Queen at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk (PA) The ecologist and keen beekeeper is the churchs lead bishop on the environment. He became the 72nd Bishop of Norwich in June 2019 and is patron or president of more than 25 charities. He is married with two children. Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells The Bishop of Bath and Wells has assisted at the coronation of all our monarchs since 1189. Rt Rev Michael Beasley, explains more about his role in the coronation of King Charles III.@BathWells #Coronation pic.twitter.com/X3yLpNmPjK The Church of England (@churchofengland) April 30, 2023 The former epidemiologist was a member of the Church of Englands Covid task force in the pandemic. He was also part of efforts by Unicef and the NHS to launch vaccinaid.org which raised more than 10 million in support of vaccination for low-income countries. He is married and became the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells in 2022. Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester Hundreds gathered over the weekend for our Petertide Ordinations @LeicsCathedral. The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, The Lord Bishop of Leicester, presided at two joyful services, ordaining five priests and five deacons. Meet our #NewRevs https://t.co/65oDNV74d3 pic.twitter.com/HeftZAOiOT Diocese of Leicester (@leicestercofe) July 1, 2024 Born in Indonesia, he studied chemistry at the University of Sheffield and then worked with the Crown Prosecution Service. He became the seventh Bishop of Leicester in 2016. As well as being a supporter of Leicester City and Leicester Tigers, his interests are said to include music and hill walking. He is married and at one stage worked in Guinea in West Africa with the local church alongside his wife. Alexei Zimin (left) pictured with actor Jude Law in 2016 - Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Lexus RX An anti-Putin Russian television chef who owned a restaurant in Soho has been found dead in Serbia during a tour to promote his new book about democracy. Alexei Zimin, 52, was considered a household name in Russian high society before he left the country after criticising the Kremlins illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. He set up his new home and businesses in London but remained the host of a popular cookery show on Russian broadcaster NTV. It was axed in 2022 after he posted anti-war messages following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zimin had previously said that he and his top-rated restaurant Zima in central London, which has donated money to Ukrainian refugees, had been the target of threats. He was found dead by the owner of an apartment he was renting in Belgrade after he failed to respond to messages for several days, according to Russian and Serbian media reports. There have been no official reports on the cause of his death. Shot, a Russian Telegram channel with close contacts to the Russian security services, quoted Zimins relatives as saying that he had not been ill and his death was a complete surprise. The father-of-one had been in the Serbian capital to promote his new book Anglomania, which he wrote in Russian. The book an homage to Britain focuses on how modern ideas about democracy, freedom and human rights originated in the UK. It is not for sale in Russia. Alexei Zimin made numerous television appearances, including with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, right Serbia has a large expatriate Russian community and is the only country in Europe to maintain direct flights to Russia. Blic, a Serbian news website, also reported that a state prosecutor had ordered a full autopsy with an additional toxicology report. A toxicology report is not usually carried out but a source told the outlet that there were no traces of a violent death. Zimins restaurant in Frith Street, where he was executive chef, is constantly ranked as one of the top Russian restaurants in Britain and is described as serving a modern twist on traditional Russian dishes. Zima had also become a well-regarded hangout for Londons anti-war Russian expatriate groups. Confirming his death on Instagram, a spokesman for the restaurant wrote: For us, Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person ... Thank you to everyone for the words we [have received] today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you. In May 2022, three months after the start of the war in Ukraine, Zimin penned an anti-Putin message on his Instagram account: Russia will be free, one way or another. The Kremlin has banned criticism of its war in Ukraine and any celebrities or television stars who have failed to fall in line have lost their jobs. Numerous critics of the conflict have also died in mysterious circumstances, in and outside of Russia. Asked whether he was sorry to lose his cookery show in 2022, Zimin responded: No. Im sorry that we are participating in the war. Stop the war. Withdraw the soldiers. Bring the soldiers home. Zima in Frith Street has become a hangout for Londons anti-war Russian expatriate groups - Instagram Zimin said he had received threats on social media when Zima announced it was giving 10 per cent of its profits to the Red Cross to help Ukrainian refugees. They told us, You are Russian, you must die,... You must close the restaurant, and similar things because we cook Russian cuisine. We did not know why this was happening to us. Although we did not lose customers, it was very hurtful and frustrating, he said in a 2022 interview. Born in Dubna, a town 50 miles north of Moscow, Zimin took up cooking at a young age. He also saw himself as a journalist first as a society and cookery writer and later, sparked by Putins invasion of Ukraine, as a political writer. He had also been the deputy editor of Afisha, a Russian society and lifestyle magazine, as well as Russian GQ. Ksenia Sobchak, a Moscow-based Russian socialite and Putins goddaughter, described Zimin as a wonderful and very talented person. He created a common Russian club for us in the centre of London but he was never a radical, she said on Telegram. Its very, very sad. Argentina's president, Javier Milei, has called the climate crisis a socialist lie. Photograph: Martin Divisek/EPA Argentinian negotiators representing the government of the climate science denier Javier Milei have been ordered to withdraw from the Cop29 summit after only three days, adding to concerns about the stability of the Paris agreement. More than 80 representatives from the South American country are in Baku, Azerbaijan, for two weeks of negotiations about climate finance for the energy transition. Argentinas far-right leader has previously called the climate crisis a socialist lie, and during his election campaign last year he threatened to withdraw from the Paris agreement, though he has since backed down. On Wednesday, representatives from Mileis government were ordered to leave the Azerbaijani capital. Speaking to the Guardian, Argentinas undersecretary for the environment, Ana Lamas the countrys most senior representative on the climate and nature after Milei dissolved the environment ministry confirmed the decision, which was first reported by Climatica. Its true. We have instructions from the ministry of foreign affairs to no longer participate. Thats all I can tell you, she said. Lamas said the decision applied only to Cop29, when asked if Argentina was planning to leave the Paris agreement. There is widespread concern about the future of the climate accord after the election in the US of Donald Trump, who has pledged to exit the agreement for the second time. Before the talks, the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said a second US departure might cripple the global deal to limit heating to below 2C above preindustrial levels. There are fears that other countries may leave the international climate agreements, including those led by climate deniers such as Argentina. On Tuesday, Milei spoke with Trump, after which Mileis spokesperson said Trump had told his Argentinian counterpart he was his favourite president. Carla Chavarria, a climate change management specialist, said Argentinas decision to withdraw from Cop29 talks would be bad for its future. Argentina withdraws its delegation from Cop29 in Baku, losing its voice in climate finance negotiations. At a key moment to secure resources against the climate crisis, the country is left out, weakening its future and its ability to adapt, she wrote on X. The Citizens Association for Human Rights, an Argentinian group present in Baku, said: We participated in the negotiation group on the gender program in the climate change convention with [Argentinas representative]. It is sad to see Argentinas absence from the negotiations after having led on this issue in many of the previous Cops. Mileis administration has sought to roll back environmental rules to drive economic growth since he became president last year, including relaxing rules about protections for forests and glaciers. Julieta Zelicovich, a professor of international relations at the Universidad Nacional de Rosario in Argentina, said Wednesdays decision was a bad sign for a trade pact between the EU and South Americas Mercosur bloc. Without environmental commitments, any possibility of announcing an agreement at the G20 collapses. If the government wanted to move forward on trade agreements, this is a very wrong step, she said. Oscar Soria, the Argentina director of the Common Initiative thinktank, said: Argentinas decision to leave the Baku talks is a sharp departure from its traditional climate policy, not a surprise under Mileis government, who have pressured Argentine diplomats to take untenable positions in the past. This decision is purely ideological and goes against the best interest of the country, whose economy was severely impacted by the climate crisis. Like in other instances, such as the decision of Argentina to leave the Summit of the Future last September, this is yet another sign of an unhinged far-right policy that uses high-profile moments as a burlesque show for the pleasure of the global far-right movement. Assisted dying is already available to more than 200 million people across the world - Getty Britains proposed law to legalise assisted dying is to be voted on by MPs for the first time on November 29 and, if passed, will make it legal for terminally ill people to end their lives. Its an option already available to more than 200 million people across the world, including those in Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands as well as 10 American jurisdictions and Victoria in Australia. The Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who has introduced The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, insists that in Britain assisted death would include the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world. Whats the difference between assisted dying and euthanasia? Assisted dying is when a terminally ill, mentally competent, patient receives lethal drugs from a healthcare professional to end their life. This is at the patients request and involves the patient administering it themselves. This is not yet legal. Euthanasia is the deliberate act of ending a persons life to relieve suffering. The patient may not be terminally ill. It can be voluntary, where the person makes a conscious decision to end their life, or involuntary, where the person does not give their consent (for example, they may be in a coma). It is illegal under English law. How would one initiate the process of assisted dying? The first step would be to discuss your wishes with a doctor, presumably your GP, who will become, in the terms of the Bill, the coordinating doctor, guiding you through the assisted dying pathway. Somewhat controversially, the Bill will allow doctors proactively to suggest assisted dying to their patients. The legislation states that while doctors are not obliged to raise it, they can use their professional judgement to decide if and when to discuss the issue with a patient. They must, however, also detail the patients diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and the possibilities for palliative and hospice care. Who will be eligible? Candidates for assisted dying must be residents of England and Wales and must be registered with a GP for at least 12 months. This is to stop suicide tourism, with people coming from overseas to end their own lives in the UK. They must be terminally ill and expected to die within six months, yet also have the mental capacity to make the choice. According to the Bill, it must be deemed to be a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure. Those deciding to end their lives will need to be terminally ill with six months to live, and go through a rigorous three-week process, declaring their wish to die in front of witnesses and seeking doctors approvals and a ruling from a High Court judge. The Bill specifically excludes those with disabilities or mental illness alone. What will be the process of assisted dying? The candidate must make two separate declarations of their wish to die, which must be signed in front of a witness. Afterwards, their co-ordinating doctor plus another independent doctor will be responsible for assessing their eligibility. The Bill deems that you must have the mental capacity to make the decision, your condition must be terminal and that you will die within six months. To make an informed judgement, the doctors will consult with specialists in the particular condition and arrange an evaluation of the patients mental capacity. There will need to be at least seven days between each doctors assessment. Then a High Court Judge will hear from at least one of the doctors and might also question the patient or anyone else they deem appropriate before ruling that they should be allowed to self-administer a fatal medication. Then a further 14 days must pass after the judge has made the ruling before they can go ahead with their wish to end their life. How quickly do you die? According to a guide prepared by the University of California San Francisco, people who take these medications typically fall into a deep sleep within 10 minutes, followed by a coma, respiratory depression and death shortly afterwards. Death typically occurs within two to five hours, although it can happen very quickly. The University of California San Francisco prepares loved ones for the dying experience, warning them that their relative or friend will exhibit symptoms of dying that dont cause them to suffer but can be startling for loved ones to witness. These can include deep gasping breaths, gurgling sounds and changes in facial colour to pale or blue. How long would the process or pathway take? At least three weeks, given the required seven days between the doctors assessments and 14 days following the judges ruling. It could take longer, depending on the availability of the doctors and the judge, although there will be flexibility if the person is likely to die sooner. The dying persons decision must be confirmed at every stage and they could change their mind at any time. How would people end their life? There are strict protocols within the Bill to ensure the safe prescribing, transportation and administration of all medication. The medication must be self-administered: 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. This is different from certain other jurisdictions, where a fatal mediation can be administered by doctors if you are unable to do it yourself. The assisted dying process must be overseen by a trained medical practitioner who will be expressly forbidden from taking any action to end the persons life. The medication will be prepared by a doctor unlike in Victoria, Australia, where patients receive a powder in a locked box, which they must mix up themselves. The Bill states that a doctor can prepare the substance for self-administration and also prepare a medical device enabling the person to self-administer. They can also assist the person to ingest or otherwise self-administer the substance. But the decision to self-administer the approved substance and the final act of doing so must be taken by the person to whom the substance has been provided. The Bill isnt specific about where the medication should be taken but information guidelines provided to patients in California and Victoria, suggest the medication can be taken at home, or in a hospital or hospice. Patients in those jurisdictions are encouraged to think carefully about where they take it, who is with them and the arrangements for their body afterwards. What is the approved lethal substance? The Bill does not specify a medication. It simply says that the Secretary of State will be required to state one or more drugs. In other countries where assisted dying is legal, high doses of the barbiturates pentobarbital and secobarbital are the preferred medications. Patients will most likely be required to take anti-nausea medications beforehand and drink juice or lick lollipops to counteract the bitter taste and soothe any burning sensations. Who is advocating for the Bill? Dame Esther Rantzen, who has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, advocates the Bill, maintaining it will give those suffering from terminal illness the dignity of choice. Dr David Nicholl, a neurologist and human rights activist, believes it will improve the quality of conversation between doctors and patients. Meanwhile the neurosurgeon Henry Marsh wrote in the Bulletin for the Royal College of Surgeons that there is clear demand for assisted dying in this country despite good palliative care as is shown by the fact that many people (who can afford it) go to Switzerland for an assisted death. Indeed, Dignitas helped 571 Britons to die between 1998 and 2023. The new law would only apply to England and Wales, although a separate bill is being discussed in Scotland and legislation is underway in Jersey and the Isle of Man. Who is opposing the Bill? There are many opposers to the Bill. Dr Gordon Macdonald, the chief executive of campaign group Care Not Killing, believes that safest law is the one we already have, while Dr Gillian Wright, a former palliative care doctor, maintains that the Bills safeguards are too difficult to manage. Paralympian and House of Lords crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson told the BBC that she fears for the impact on vulnerable and disabled people, as well as the risk of coercive control and the ability of doctors to make a six-month diagnosis. A Telegraph poll shows readers are divided equally on the matter, with 47 per cent against the Bill and 53 per cent in favour. If the Bill goes through, when will the change in law happen? Any change in the law would not be implemented until next year at the earliest. There is still a way to go before the Bill becomes law. If it passes the first debate and vote 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. The high court has ruled in favour of the Catholic church and against expanding vicarious liability beyond the employer-employee relationship. Photograph: Fortgens Photography/Getty Images The Catholic church has won a landmark case limiting its liability for the abuse of children by priests not under its direct employment. Lawyers immediately warned the case could have far-reaching consequences for abuse survivors and called for legislative change to ensure institutions were held to account. Last year, Victorias highest court delivered an unprecedented ruling that the church was vicariously responsible for the abuse of a five-year-old child, known as DP, by assistant priest Father Bryan Coffey. Vicarious liability is typically used to hold employers responsible for the wrongful or negligent actions of their employees during the course of their employment regardless of whether the employer was at fault. The 2023 ruling was significant because Coffey, as an assistant parish priest, was not directly employed by the church. The Victorian court said that despite the lack of a formal employment arrangement, the church was vicariously liable for Coffeys actions because he was a servant of the diocese whose role gave him the power and intimacy to access and abuse children. The Victorian court of appeal said the diocese was all-powerful in the management of clergy within a diocese and that the activities of an assistant parish priest were under the direct control of the priest, who reported to the bishop. Related: Flights to Bali cancelled after volcano spews dangerous ash cloud 9km into air In a real and relevant sense, Coffey was the servant of the diocese, notwithstanding that he was not, in a strict legal sense, an employee of it, the court ruled. The decision was expected to pave the way for countless survivors to seek greater compensation for their abuse. But the Catholic church on Wednesday successfully appealed the ruling in the high court. In a summary of its judgment, the high court said that expanding vicarious liability beyond the employer-employee relationship would create uncertainty and indeterminacy. A majority of the high court held that the principles of vicarious liability are confined to employment relationships, holding that the high court has repeatedly refused to extend the boundaries of the doctrine of vicarious liability to include independent contractors, or by reference to policy considerations, the summary stated. Expanding the doctrine to accommodate relationships that are akin to employment would produce uncertainty and indeterminacy. As the priest was not an employee, there could be no finding of vicarious liability on the part of the diocese. Wednesdays decision prompted calls for law reform. The lawyers for DP, Ken Cush and Associates, said their client was disappointed that the compensation for the sexual abuse of Coffey has been taken away by the law in Australia being unable to find the Bishop vicariously liable. He hopes the Australian parliament will swiftly fix the law to help others, the firm said. DP said the case had been a hard journey but thanked the court for its consideration and his legal team for their advocacy. Other firms raised concerns about the consequences of Wednesdays ruling for survivors. Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer John Rule, who specialises in abuse cases, said it put Australia at odds with similar jurisdictions such as the UK and Canada which allowed institutions to be held vicariously liable for abuse that occurred on their watch. The church has known about its priests abusing children for centuries and did nothing to stop it, Rule said. Unfortunately, this decision means that in some cases the church will be able to again evade responsibility for the scourge of child abuse in its ranks. Ross Koffel, executive chairman at Koffels Solicitors and Barristers, said the decision was a catastrophic blow to the victims of abuse by religious clergy and volunteers at other institutions. He said the NSW government had already changed the law to hold organisations vicariously liable. But those laws were not retrospective, he said, something that could be changed with a simple amendment. Jason Parkinson, principal at Porters Lawyers, said state government needed to urgently consider reforms to make clear that a priest or anyone in a religious capacity is the equivalent of an employee for the purposes of vicarious liability. Its up to each state government to urgently pass that legislation, he said. Otherwise were going to have despondent people taking their own lives. Theres no doubt about that. The high court delivered two separate rulings on Wednesday relating to another legal argument commonly used by the church the use of permanent stays to halt abuse compensation claims. Permanent stays are granted in cases where a court rules no fair trial is possible, including due to the passage of time and the death of key witnesses. In two separate cases, the high court rejected the use of stays by the Queensland government and the Salvation Army to block survivors claims for compensation. The Salvation Army had sought to permanently stay or halt a compensation claim brought by an abuse survivor known as RC, who alleged abuse at a residential home in 1959 and 1960. He alleged he reported the abuse and that the Salvation Army had a duty of care to protect him from harm. The Salvation Army applied for a permanent stay because of the death of the alleged perpetrator and other witnesses. It argued the deaths meant it was unable to mount a fair defence to the claim. Guardian Australia revealed last year that this argument was being adopted regularly in historical abuse cases, causing profound harm to survivors, who face enormous barriers delaying their ability to come forward. The high court overturned the decision granting the Salvation Army a permanent stay on Wednesday. It also partially overturned a decision to grant the Queensland government a permanent stay for an abuse case brought by a former resident of a state dormitory in the 1950s. A nurse who witnessed a police officer pulling a Taser on a 95-year-old nursing home resident said she had never seen anything like that and at first thought it was a torch. Sen Const Kristian James Samuel White is on trial accused of the manslaughter of Clare Nowland, who died in May 2023 after being tasered. White has pleaded not guilty. Appearing as a witness on Wednesday, the registered nurse Rosaline Baker told the court she had questioned why police were attending the rest home, and at first thought the Taser was a torch. In my years of experience as a nurse, almost 50 years, Ive never seen anything like that, Baker told the New South Wales supreme court. I was very, very concerned when she was falling to the ground. White tasered the great-grandmother who moved with the aid of a walking frame and weighed 47.5kg in a Snowy Mountains nursing home in May 2023 after repeated requests for her to put down a steak knife. Nowland had been carrying the serrated steak knife in one hand and was supporting herself on her walker with the other hand when White discharged the Taser to disarm her. Nowland died a week later from a head injury caused by being tasered, the court has heard. Whites barrister, Troy Edwards SC, has told the court it is not in dispute that the injuries caused by White tasering Nowland ultimately killed her. But he argued that Whites use of the Taser involved a reasonable use of force. The prosecutor, Brett Hatfield SC, has argued that White was guilty of manslaughter by way of criminal negligence or by way of an unlawful and dangerous act. Prof Susan Kurrle, a geriatrician who appeared as a witness on Wednesday, told the court that Nowland displayed behaviour consistent with moderate to severe dementia. She said it had impeded her ability to understand what was happening to her and to comply with instructions. The court heard Nowland had made several attempts to escape the aged care home and there were incidents where she was agitated, aggressive, refused assistance from staff, wandered and disturbed other people. The jury was shown CCTV of Nowland climbing into a tree and becoming stuck. Footage also showed her ramming a staff member with her walker. Kurrle told the court these instances were increasing ahead of the night she was tasered. It is clearly in the three months before her death that the behaviours changed fairly dramatically, Kurrle said. When cross-examined by Whites barrister, the geriatrician said Nowlands medication had been reduced. Kurrle agreed when asked if Nowlands increased aggressive behaviour could have been caused by the reduced dosage. Kurrle also agreed under cross-examination that, given her behaviour, it would have been appropriate for Nowland to have been in a dementia-specific unit. The Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma, however, did not have one. The court heard that people with dementia could show increased strength when they were upset or angry. Baker was one of three staff working the evening Nowland was Tasered. Baker told the court she was responding to a call for help from another resident at about 3am when she found Nowland moving slowly in the corridor with her walker. She was holding two steak knives and a jug of prunes. Related: Shonky awards: Choice names NIB and Meta among worst Australian products and services of the year I just greeted her and asked her if she needed any help, Baker told the court. Baker detailed how on multiple occasions she tried to coax Nowland, who began wandering into residents rooms and around the facility, to hand over the knives. Baker tried to call Nowlands daughter for support and, after she was unable to reach her, she called triple 0 to request an ambulance. The officer told me that the police was coming and I actually inquired why them the police officer said you said she had a knife, thats why they are also coming to assist with the ambulance officers, Baker told the court. Baker said she had told police that when she asked Nowland to hand over the knives she had pointed it at her. The trial, before Justice Ian Harrison, continues. Video has emerged of Australias ambassador Kevin Rudd in a 2021 interview describing Donald Trump as a village idiot. Photograph: Aaron Bunch/AAP Kevin Rudds historical criticisms of Donald Trump have caught the eye of some in the US president-elects inner circle and prompted renewed debate about whether the incoming administration could seek retribution. This week Dan Scavino, a senior adviser to Trump, reposted Rudds congratulatory statement to the president-elect on social media with a gif of an hourglass. Related: Pentagon stunned after Trump picks Pete Hegseth for defence secretary That move has reignited suggestions that the incoming president may prefer another Australian representative in Washington when he takes office in January. A new video emerged earlier this week of Rudd in an interview in 2021 describing Trump as a village idiot and not a leading intellectual force. Rudd last week after the US election deleted old social media posts criticising Trump. The former prime minister is Australias highest profile envoy in one of its most important diplomatic posts. His status highlights the distinction between career diplomats and political appointees and the processes for sending them abroad and home. While some Australian critics are calling for Rudd to be replaced, others including his predecessor and former Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos have warned that kowtowing would be a damaging move. The Albanese government continues to stand by Rudd as the best person to serve as Australias ambassador to Washington DC. But could Trump do anything to remove him? How is an ambassador appointed? Diplomatic appointments are governed by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. When a country nominates a new ambassador, the advance clearance process involves a demarche a formal request from one government to another that allows the destination country to raise any significant objections it may have. The convention allows the host to reject a nominee but its usually a routine approval process. Once accepted and dispatched, the appointee presents credentials formally on arrival, usually in person to the host countrys leader. That approval transcends a change of host-nation administration. Could Trump really fire Rudd? Under article 9 of the convention, the host nations leader can declare a countrys head of mission or any other member of its diplomatic staff persona non grata, requiring that persons withdrawal and with no explanation required. The home country is then expected to either recall its diplomat or terminate their official responsibilities at the mission. In the US, the expulsion precedent dates back far further, to 1793, when Frances first ambassador, Edmond-Charles Genet, attracted the ire of President George Washington for encouraging American privateers to join the French Revolution in violation of Washingtons neutrality position. How big a deal would it be if he did? It would be a huge diplomatic incident if Trump was to declare Rudd persona non grata under the Vienna convention. Expulsions of lower-level diplomatic staff from countries with which the US has tensions occur more regularly, for example where they may be accused of being undeclared intelligence operatives. But formally invoking article 9 against the head of mission of a friendly country would be an extraordinary move. The Australian National University international law professor Donald Rothwell says he doubts Trump would take that step. I just cannot perceive that the Vienna convention would be relied upon in the case of an Australian ambassador, Rothwell says. As things stand at the moment, it would cause a very significant rift in diplomatic relations. But he says the Australian government may be put in a position of saying we really need to replace this ambassador to ensure there is a good relationship and ensure the Aukus nuclear submarine deal succeeds. Rothwell suggests any formal persona non grata declaration would be fatal for the submarine pact. If the Vienna convention trigger was pulled and the Australian ambassador was declared persona non grata in the midst of Aukus treaty still winding its way through the parliamentary processes [in this country], its doubtful whether Aukus would survive. Are there other ways the president could force a change of ambassador? The convention isnt the only option for Trump, if he decided he wanted a different Australian ambassador. Instead of using the formal expulsion process, with all that it would imply for the two countries ties, he could make it known across the administration and on Capitol Hill that his governments agencies were not to deal with Rudd. Even less formally than that, if he simply reiterated his displeasure with Rudds perceived attitude to him as hes already done once, ahead of the election his supporters may take that as a cue to make access more difficult, making Rudds position extremely difficult. Related: Australias high-speed rail dream is doomed if stations are built in wrong place, ex-MP says Trump has already forced one other Five Eyes allys ambassador to withdraw over personal criticisms, albeit made as contemporary assessments at the time, and not historical reflections as Rudds were. In late 2019, during the first Trump administration, Britains ambassador Kim Darroch was forced to resign after cables he wrote back to London were leaked. The cables included frank assessments of Trump as insecure and incompetent and described his administration as diplomatically clumsy, inept and dysfunctional, predicting that it would crash and burn. I do not know the ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US. We will no longer deal with him, Trump wrote on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, in July 2019. Darroch resigned a month later, saying it had become impossible for him to carry out his role. The then British prime minister, Theresa May, awarded him a life peerage to the House of Lords on his return. Joetta Stevenson walks around the block of Harlem and Suez Streets in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. Stevenson was part of a grass-roots effort to door knock to try to get some last-minute people to having their properties tested for creosote contamination. The UP/EPA deadline for testing is Friday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Contractors for Union Pacific drops a well pipe into a hole under the sidewalk while setting up a testing site in Fifth Ward for contaminants in the area near the Union Pacific rail yard on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 in Houston. Several testing sites are being installed near the Union Pacific rail yard near Liberty Road to test for potential creosote vapor intrusion. This is the first of several tests supervised by the EPA. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Union Pacific representatives set up a table at the United States Environmental Protection Agency-led meeting with the Fifth Ward community affected by creosote contamination on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Joetta Stevenson stands between an empty lot and a new construction home near Harlem and Suez Streets in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. Stevenson was part of a grass-roots effort to door knock to try to get some last minute people to sign on to having their properties tested for creosote contamination. The UP/EPA last day deadline for testing is this Friday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Men work on a parking lot for a new construction building at 2707 Kirk Street in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. There has been a grass-roots effort to door knock in Fifth Ward areas to try to get some last minute people to sign on to having their properties tested for creosote contamination. The UP/EPA last day deadline for testing is this Friday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Contractors for Union Pacific measure sand poured into a hole under the sidewalk while setting up a testing site in 5th Ward for contaminants in the area near the Union Pacific rail yard on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 in Houston. Several testing sites are being installed near the Union Pacific rail yard near Liberty Road to test for potential creosote vapor intrusion. This is the first of several tests supervised by the EPA. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A new parking lot being built for a new construction building at 2707 Kirk Street in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. There has been a grass-roots effort to door knock in Fifth Ward areas to try to get some last minute people to sign on to having their properties tested for creosote contamination. The UP/EPA last day deadline for testing is this Friday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Joetta Stevenson walks around the block of Harlem and Suez Streets in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Men work on a parking lot for a new construction building at 2707 Kirk Street in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Joetta Stevenson walks around the block of Harlem and Suez Streets in Fifth Ward on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Sandra Edwards trudged down Suez Street under Tuesdays beating sun, knocking on doors less than half a block east of the Union Pacific rail yard in Fifth Ward. For decades, the yard was home to an open-air wood treatment operation, where rail ties were dunked in a toxic creosote mixture. The substance leached into the earth, contaminating some of the neighborhoods groundwater. In 2019, Texas Department of State Health Services found the area had multiple clusters of cancer diagnoses, which neighbors attributed to the creosote operation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since then, Edwards has grown accustomed to showing up at her neighbors homes. She has knocked on doors to help with Texas A&M research, knocked to gather information for the city of Houston, knocked to get people to community meetings. This time, the cancer survivor was on a more urgent mission. Union Pacific planned to wrap up soil sampling in the area on Friday, so she and several neighbors agreed to look for residents who had still not given permission for their land to be tested. Out of 342 properties in the initial focus area, owners of just over half the properties 187 have signed off on testing so far. The task of getting more signatures frustrated Edwards. You see how big that one is? she asked, gesturing at an empty, overgrown lot on Erastus Street across from the Union Pacific property line. It would be nice to test it. Its untouched, youre going to get some results. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But she doubts the site will get sampled, she said, because they cant find the owner. Wrangling property owners for soil testing A few doors down, Edwards had a different issue: twin garage doors opened into newly constructed townhomes, a pristine for sale sign set up by Land & Luxe Realty. She said most of the developers who have recently bought property around the rail yards perimeter do not want to let Union Pacific test their land. Edwards said these townhomes had sprung up in the last year. They were built after Houston Mayor John Whitmire raised concerns over continued real estate development near the yard and halted new city permitting within a section of the adjacent land. She then pointed to another multi-unit property nearby, this one a rental: Hes got two residents that were saying they want their property tested, (but) he doesnt want to do it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joetta Stevenson, president of the Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood, had a bit more luck. Stevenson came across one homeowner who spoke Spanish, and handed her a translated flyer on the process. The woman's daughter, interpreting for her, said, Shes going to call them now. Shes going to call them right now. These final door-knocking efforts followed months of promotion by Union Pacific and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staff. EPA spokesman Joe Robledo told the Houston Chronicle that if a homeowner came forward at the last minute before the Nov. 15 deadline, we would try our best to get their properties sampled this week. The EPA staff leading the process can be reached directly by interested residents. Their contacts are listed on a landing page explaining the research process. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Leisa Glenn, of Impact Greater Fifth Ward, tries to find her family home on a map with assistance from Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Superfund Remedial Program Manager John Meyer, second left, following a meeting with community members affected by creosote contamination on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center in Houston. Glenns family has been living in the house on Lavender Street just across from the rail yard owned by Union Pacific. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Union Pacific faces mistrust Union Pacific has for years known about a plume of creosote in the groundwater under a suite of homes, which it tests and reports to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The company long held that once residents were switched to city water, there was no pathway for the contamination to affect them, though many neighbors did not believe that claim. The latest creosote investigation is driven by Union Pacific but overseen by the EPA. It is designed to prove whether the creosote contamination from the wood preserving operation which Southern Pacific ran from 1911 to 1984 before its merger with Union Pacific is a current danger to nearby residents. Since kicking off the new research in 2023 with tests to show if chemical vapors can travel up through neighborhood soil, Union Pacific and the EPA have faced scrutiny during their updates to the community. Most meetings have been packed with residents, with new voices each time expressing skepticism over the process. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We do not trust yall, longtime rail yard neighbor Joe Ballard said at the latest open forum last Thursday, urging Union Pacific and EPA to move forward and clean the area up. Yall know the stuff is there. But while some stages of the testing process can be done without community buy-in, property owners who opt out of soil sampling are also opting out of targeted cleanup. Robynn Tysver, a spokeswoman for Union Pacific, said the company worked for 15 months to maximize the number of residents included in the research. We canvassed the neighborhoods six times, knocking on doors and talking to residents face-to-face, and we sent seven mailers to each property owner with information about the soil tests. We also launched a social media campaign earlier this year to broaden our reach, Tysver said. Properties left out of soil sampling investigation The EPA representatives familiar with contaminant investigations said it was common for property owners to resist soil testing on their land. So far, only 55% of have agreed. EPA decisions regarding risk and cleanup will be determined on a property-by-property basis, so properties that were sampled will have results and will be eligible for follow up, said Robledo, the agency spokesman. As community members like Edwards and Stevenson made last-ditch efforts to afford more of their neighbors that chance, critics of the process worry the boundaries of the research were too narrow. Attorneys Jason and Casey Gibson represent almost 4,000 plaintiffs in ongoing litigation against Union Pacific. They are concerned that the 342-property sample size stretches only a block or two around the rail yard perimeter. There's a ton of people that live out there that were not included, Jason Gibson said, noting that if they stretched those boundaries the company would have a better sense of how many people were affected. Some of these properties have had multiple generations of family members who have died from various types of cancer, he said. Robledo said EPA staff were approached by several community members newly interested in soil testing after the agencys last community meeting, but none owned property within the targeted sampling zones. The EPA said in a past presentation for community members that the 342 parcels were chosen because they were close to the creosote operation and most likely at risk of contamination. EPA highly encourages you to consider agreeing to sign that access agreement because it is the only way your property will get tested, said agency project manager Casey Luckett Snyder at the presentation last year. The average family faces inflation-busting council tax rises of more than 100 in April, the Government has announced. The Prime Ministers press secretary said town halls would be told they could put up the levy by as much as 5 per cent next year three times the rate of inflation. Across England this year, the average Band D council tax bill stands at 2,171. The Governments decision means local authorities will be able to increase the band D levy by up to 109 next year. For those in the most expensive Band H households, last years 4,342 bill will increase by 217. The huge rise, which is three times the 1.7 per cent rate of inflation, comes despite Angela Rayners claim in September that council tax would not be increasing. The vast majority of councils will have to put up bills by the maximum amount as the result of a 2.4 billion shortfall in the amount of money expected to be required by local authorities to pay for social care and other priorities next year. In the most expensive area, Rutland, the increases would be even higher: up 127 to 2,670 for Band D and up 254 to 5,340 for Band H. The Governments clarification of its council tax policy comes after Sir Keir Starmer was challenged on the issue during Prime Ministers Questions. Asked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch whether the current 5 per cent cap on council tax rises would be maintained, he declined to answer. She asked: Will the Prime Minister confirm that he will keep the cap on council tax? Sir Keir replied: On the question of councils, she knows what the arrangements are. The Tory leader said: I think the House will have heard that the Prime Minister could neither confirm nor deny whether the cap on council tax was being raised. After Prime Ministers Questions, Sir Keirs press secretary said the council tax cap would be kept at its current level of 5 per cent. It comes after a Government minister admitted earlier this week that local authorities will be expected to raise 2.4 billion from council tax next year. In a written parliamentary question, the Conservatives asked Labour how much of the increase in local government spending, announced in the Budget, will come from higher council tax. The response from Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said local government core spending power would rise from 64.8 billion in 2024/25 to 68.5 billion in 2025/26 as part of the Governments upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement. While core spending power is set to rise by 3.7 billion, grants are only rising by 1.3 billion, leaving a 2.4 billion black hole in local government finances that will have to be filled with council tax rises. The Conservatives said this rise would represent a 6.6 per cent increase in council tax across the board, or 143 for Band D households. Making up a 2.4bn shortfall Mrs Badenochs spokesman said that now the Government has ruled out an increase of more than 5 per cent, it had to explain how local authorities would fill the 2.4 billion shortfall. In September, the deputy prime minister who is in charge of local government finance denied council tax would increase. Asked by Mrs Badenoch, who was then shadow communities secretary, whether she would take this opportunity to reassure the House that the Government has no plans to increase council tax as they assured us before the election, Ms Rayner replied: Yes. During the 2023 local election campaign, Sir Keir called on the Tories to abandon that years 5 per cent increase and said that if he was in government, he would freeze council tax. However, he did not commit to freezing council tax if Labour won the next general election. Until the Coalition was elected in 2010, there were no limitations on council tax rises. But Eric Pickles, the local government secretary, brought in a law that told local authorities they could not increase council tax bills above a certain level without getting it passed in a local referendum. Given that councils know their residents are unlikely to agree to an increase, a local referendum has seldom been called. Last year, under the Tories, the council tax cap was set at 5 per cent, but local authorities, including many Conservative-run ones, said they were so short of money that they needed to be able to increase bills by a higher level. Some authorities which have had financial problems have been given special permission to put up bills by more than 5 per cent. Birmingham was allowed to put up its bills by 10 per cent this year and 10 per cent the following year. 03:45 PM GMT That is all for today... Thank you for joining me for todays politics live blog. 03:13 PM GMT Assisted dying would force NHS to cut health services elsewhere, says Streeting Legalising assisted dying would force the NHS to cut services elsewhere, Wes Streeting has warned. The Health Secretary said if a proposed Bill becomes law, his department would have to direct funds away from other services as it has not been included in its budget. Mr Streeting, who opposes the draft legislation which has been brought forward by a Labour MP and which is due to be voted on for the first time later this month, told Times Radio today: It would be a big change. There would be resource implications for doing it. And those choices would come at the expense of other choices. You can read the full story here. 02:50 PM GMT Readers react to second edition of Starmer-Badenoch PMQs Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clashed for just the second time at PMQs today as the Tory leader focused her ammunition on potential council tax rises. Telegraph readers have been reacting to the exchanges in the comments section of todays live blog: 02:12 PM GMT Tories: Our economy cant afford Labour Businesses cannot afford the crippling rise in National Insurance Keir Starmer is imposing on them. It means more small businesses shutting down, low growth, and fewer jobs. Our economy can't afford Labour. pic.twitter.com/fFElCeGfnC Conservatives (@Conservatives) November 13, 2024 01:50 PM GMT No 10: 5pc cap on council tax rises will be kept in place No 10 has now confirmed that the 5 per cent cap on council tax increases will remain in place next year. Kemi Badenoch had pressed Sir Keir Starmer on the issue at Prime Ministers Questions but he failed to answer on whether the cap would be kept in place. The decision to keep the cap at 5 per cent - significantly above the current rate of inflation which is 1.7 per cent - means the average family is likely to see bills increase by more than 100 next April. 01:30 PM GMT Corbyn: Hospital league tables are a disastrous idea Hospital league tables are a disastrous idea. You do not improve standards by shaming hard-working NHS staff, damaging morale and adding unnecessary stress. We should support - not scapegoat - our medics. That means giving them the resources they need to provide care for all. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 13, 2024 01:15 PM GMT Starmer wont make more time available for MPs to debate assisted dying Bill Sir Keir Starmer refused to make more time available for MPs to debate an attempt to legalise assisted dying. MPs will debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill for the first time on November 29. Sir Alec Shelbrooke, a Conservative MP, expressed concerns about the short space of time to discuss the Bill and asked the Government to commit to making two full days available in the House of Commons to look at the draft legislation. Sir Alec said: Otherwise, Prime Minister, people like myself may decline a second reading over fear that we may not get to be able to debate these issues in full. But Sir Keir replied: I do think there is sufficient time allocated to it but it is an important issue. The Bill has been brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater under the Private Members Bill process. Legislation introduced by individual MPs still has to go through the same parliamentary stages as government proposed laws but less time is made available for them. They are typically only discussed in the Commons on Fridays. However, the order paper for the Commons is ultimately controlled by the government which means more time could in theory be allocated. 12:59 PM GMT Farage urges Starmer to proscribe Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Nigel Farage urged Sir Keir Starmer to proscribe Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp and suggested doing so would mend some fences with Donald Trump. The Reform leader said: Has the time not come Prime Minister to proscribe what is so obviously a terrorist organisation and in doing so not just do the right thing but maybe mend some fences between this Government and the incoming presidency of Donald Trumps given that the whole of his Cabinet have been so rude bout him over the last few years. Sir Keir said: I am glad to see the honourable member making a rare appearance back here in Britain. He has spent so much time in America recently, I was half expecting to see him on the immigration statistics when we see the next batch. He added: The point he makes about Iran is a very serious point and we will work across the House and with our allies on it. Obviously on the question of proscription we keep them under review. Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, is pictured during PMQs 12:51 PM GMT Starmer denies role offered to Sue Gray was invented Sir Keir Starmer denied that the job he had offered Sue Gray to be his envoy for the nations and regions had been invented. It emerged yesterday that Ms Gray will not be taking up the offer. Tory MP Lincoln Jopp asked Sir Keir: Now that Sue Gray has remarkably turned down the opportunity to be the Prime Ministers special envoy to the nations, will the Prime Minister now finally admit that it was an invented job on taxpayers money for one of his cronies and if it wasnt, is he going to hire a new one? Sir Keir replied: It wasnt. 12:42 PM GMT Lib Dem leader presses Starmer over Trump Jrs Zelensky comment Sir Ed Davey asked Sir Keir Starmer whether the UK and European allies were considering ways to increase funding to Ukraine after US president-elect Donald Trumps son posted on social media that Volodymyr Zelensky will soon lose his allowance. Speaking at PMQs, the Liberal Democrat leader said: A senior adviser to president-elect Trump, Donald Trump Jr, has shared a post on Instagram that declares that President Zelensky will soon, within the next few weeks, lose his allowance. If the Trump administration does withdraw support from our brave Ukrainian allies, will the UK and Europe step up to fill the gap? Will he seize frozen Russian assets, not just the interest, but the assets underlying that, so it can fund a huge boost to the Ukrainian forces in their fight against Putins war machine? Sir Keir Starmer said: As he knows, weve been resolute and strong in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and I have been speaking, as he will know, in recent weeks with other leaders about how we put Ukraine in the best and strongest possible position at this time and I will continue those discussions. 12:37 PM GMT Sir Ed Davey grills Starmer over impact of NI tax raid on GPs Sir Ed Davey told Sir Keir Starmer that he had been contacted by GPs in his constituency who are very worried about the impact of the employer National Insurance rise. The leader of the Liberal Democrats said: I hope he can think again. Will he at least exempt GPs, community pharmacists and other health and care providers from this tax rise? Sir Keir said: I hear the point he makes and I understand the concern. We have made a huge investment in our NHS, the biggest ever investment in our NHS for many, many years and certainly almost all the people working in the NHS ar every, very pleased to see that investment in them and in their service. On the question of GPs we will ensure they have got the resources that they need and the funding arrangements will be set out in the usual away later this year. 12:23 PM GMT Tory leader: Labours Budget was designed to milk the private sector Kemi Badenoch said Labours ideological Budget was designed to milk the private sector and hope nobody would notice. She said: Now his Cabinet ministers are all queuing up for public sector bailouts to his tax mess. If he is going to bail out the public sector then can he tell us this: Does he think it is appropriate, as the Ministry for Housing has done, to approve a four day week for councils that is not flexible working but is actually part time work for full time pay? Sir Keir Starmer replied: Questions based on what we are actually doing are usually better than fantasy questions made up. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, is pictured during PMQs today 12:18 PM GMT NI tax raid will be disaster for small businesses, warns Badenoch Kemi Badenoch said: The fact is the rise in employers National Insurance is going to be a disaster for small businesses around the country. She referred to a woman called Kelly who had run an after school club business for more than 20 years which supports 500 families. In 2024 her National Insurance cost was about 10,000 but in April this will rise to 26,000. The Tory leader said: What is the Prime Ministers message to Kelly and the 500 families her small business supports if it goes under? Sir Keir Starmer replied: I would say this to Kelly: We inherited a very badly damaged economy, we inherited a 22 billion black hole and we were not prepared to continue with the fiction. I would say to Kelly that we are fixing the mess that we were left. Mrs Badenoch hit back and said: He has nothing to offer except platitudes. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, is pictured during PMQs in the House of Commons - House of Commons/PA 12:14 PM GMT Labour did not realise NI raid would hit hospices, says Tory leader Kemi Badenoch suggested Labour had failed to realise that its plans to increase employer National Insurance contributions would hurt care homes and hospices. She asked: Did they not realise that care homes, GP surgeries, childrens nurseries, hospices and even charities have to pay employers National Insurance? Sir Keir Starmer replied: We have put more money into local authorities than they did in 14 years. 12:11 PM GMT Budget tax raid created social care funding gap, warns Badenoch Kemi Badnoch said the Budget and the increase to National Insurance contributions for employers had created a social care funding gap. She asked Sir Keir Starmer: How much extra does he expect local authorities to raise [to cover the gap]? Sir Keir said: It is all very well this knockabout but not actually listening to what I said three minutes ago is a bit of a fundamental failure of the Leader of the Opposition. I just said 600 million. 12:08 PM GMT Starmer dodges Badenochs question on council tax cap Kemi Badenoch started by focusing on Cop29. The Tory leader said Sir Keir Starmer had made unilateral commitments on tackling climate change which will make life more expensive for everyone back home. She then asked: Speaking of making life more expensive, will the Prime Minister confirm that he will keep the cap on council tax? Sir Keir replied: She talks of the trip to Cop, I am very proud of the fact that we are restoring leadership on climate to this country. He added: On the question of councils, she knows what the arrangements are. Mrs Badenoch said: I think the House will have heard that the Prime Minister could neither confirm nor deny whether the cap on council tax was being raised. 12:05 PM GMT Starmer defends NI tax raid on GP surgeries The first question Sir Keir Starmer faced at PMQs was about the threat posed to GPs by the Budget National Insurance increase. The Prime Minister said the Government had to take touch decisions - prompting groans from opposition MPs. He said he had put forward a Budget with an extra 25.6 billion for the NHS and social care and insisted GPs would be given the resources they need to stay afloat. 12:02 PM GMT PMQs now underway Prime Ministers Questions is now underway in the House of Commons. Sir Keir Starmer started by speaking of his honour at attending the Armistice Day commemorations in Paris on Monday this week. He also referenced his attendance at the Cop29 climate change summit in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday. He said he had focused on British energy security and the jobs of the future. 11:44 AM GMT Pictured: Starmer leaves No 10 ahead of PMQs at noon Sir Keir Starmer is pictured this morning as he left No 10 Downing Street to attend Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons - Leon Neal /Getty Images Europe 11:30 AM GMT Streeting NHS plans are reheated Blair-era reforms, claims think tank Wes Streetings proposed NHS changes are reheated Blair-era reforms, according to the Institute of Economic Affairs think tank. Dr Kristian Niemietz, the free market think tanks editorial director, said: These are reheated Blair-era reforms. In the early 2000s, the Blair government tried to shake up NHS performance by publishing star ratings of NHS trusts that ranked them by performance, micro-managing underperforming ones, and giving high-performing ones earned autonomy. Those reforms had some success back in their day, but it is not quite clear what exactly Streetings measures would add to that now. Streeting says that he wants NHS trusts to be run as efficiently as global businesses. There is ultimately only one way to achieve that, and that is to turn them into precisely that: businesses, which rely on patient satisfaction for their survival. 11:13 AM GMT Coming up: Starmer to face Badenoch at PMQs for second time Sir Keir Starmer will face Kemi Badenoch at Prime Ministers Questions for the second time from noon today. You will be able to watch the clash in the House of Commons at the top of this page. 11:04 AM GMT Diane Abbott: Streeting reforms are pretext for further and faster privatisation Diane Abbott claimed Wes Streetings NHS reforms were a pretext for further and faster privatisation of the health service. The veteran Labour MP tweeted: Wes Streetings cascade of abuse of NHS managers and medics is a pretext for further and faster privatisation. She also said: Just yesterday NHS chiefs told Streeting they have not been given sufficient resources to meet his waiting list targets. They are right - they have not. Demanding unreachable targets when funds are inadequate will just deepen the crisis in the NHS. 10:50 AM GMT NHS is already living on borrowed time, warns Streeting NHS staff are feeling bruised and battered after 14 years of austerity, Wes Streeting told the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool. I know it wont be easy to turn the tide but my message to you today is a message of hope, he said. The Health Secretary said the challenge is huge but the prize is enormous. Concluding his remarks, he said: The NHS is already living on borrowed time and if a Labour government cant improve the NHS then it simply wont survive. But if we get this right we can look back on our time with pride and say we were the generation that took the NHS from the worst crisis in its history, got it back on its feet and made it fit for the future. 10:44 AM GMT Streeting promises zero tolerance for failing NHS trusts Wes Streeting said NHS trusts will no longer be treated as if they are all performing the same. He said providers which are doing well will get more freedoms about how they spend their money but those which are judged to be doing poorly will be met with a central grip to challenge their performance. He said: If performance dips I reserve the right to take those freedoms away and for those judged to be persistently failing, we will act, going from zero consequences for failure to zero tolerance. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, delivers a speech at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool - Peter Byrne /PA 10:40 AM GMT NHS is too hierarchical, says Health Secretary The Health Secretary criticised the NHS for being too hierarchical. Wes Streeting told an NHS Providers conference in Liverpool: The NHS in 2024 is more hierarchical than almost any other organisation that I can think of. Even our armed forces... are less locked and centralised into command and control. He said that there was too much centralised control of the health service and he wanted to lead an NHS where power is moved from the centre to the local and from the local to the citizen. He said that the centre should define the overall strategy for the health service and establish systems for accountability. 10:34 AM GMT Streeting: We stand by our decision to prioritise the NHS Wes Streeting said tough choices were made at the Budget in order to provide the NHS with more funding. The Health Secretary said: We stand by our decision to prioritise the health service. Healthy businesses depend on a healthy workforce and a strong economy depends on a strong NHS. But he said reform needed to do a lot more heavy lifting in the health service. 10:30 AM GMT Health Secretary: Inconventient truths about NHS must not be stifled Wes Streeting rejected the suggestion that NHS performance league tables would demoralise staff. He said he believed staff would appreciate the honesty. He told the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool: A culture that puts sparing political blushes or protecting the reputation of the NHS above protecting the interests of patients is one that stifles inconvenient truths being spoken to power, that silences whistleblowers and ultimately puts patient safety at risk. The Health Secretary said he believed that honesty is the best policy. 10:27 AM GMT NHS has not been able to meet patient promises since 2015, says Streeting Wes Streeting is now on his feet in Liverpool as he addresses the NHS Providers conference and sets out his plans for health service reform. The Health Secretary said the NHS has not been able to meet its most important promises to patients since 2015 as he highlighted lengthy waiting lists for both physical and mental healthcare. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, delivers an address at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool - Peter Byrne /PA 09:56 AM GMT Lib Dems demand urgent clarity over hospice funding The Liberal Democrats said Wes Streeting needed to provide hospices with urgent clarity over the funding they will receive in 2025. The Health Secretary said this morning that hospices would not be given an exemption from a National Insurance increase but signalled grant funding could rise to help mitigate the impact of the Budget tax raid (see the post below at 08.48). Mr Streeting said an announcement on hospice funding for the next financial year will be made before Christmas. Helen Morgan, the Lib Dems health and care spokesperson, said: We need urgent clarity on what extra funding hospices will receive and whether it will fully cover the cost of the National Insurance tax hike. Many hospices are already on the brink and this tax hike risks pushing them over the edge. The simplest thing would be for the Government to listen to hospices and exempt them from this tax rise. Its not too late for ministers to swallow their pride and admit theyve got this wrong. 09:29 AM GMT Coming up: Streeting to deliver speech at NHS Providers conference Wes Streeting will set out his plans for health service reform when he addresses an NHS Providers conference in Liverpool later this morning. We are expecting the Health Secretary to deliver his address just before 10.30am. You will be able to watch the speech live at the top of the page. 09:16 AM GMT NHS league tables risk demoralising staff, warns most senior A&E doctor New league tables designed to drive up standards in the NHS could demoralise staff and lead to short term target chasing, Britains most senior A&E doctor has warned. Dr Adrian Boyle, the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said the new accountability measure could hurt morale, with knock-on effects for recruitment and retention, writes Amy Gibbons. The Health Secretary will use a speech this morning at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool to announce that hospitals and other providers will be assessed on performance and placed in public league tables. Asked if he was worried about the impact on staff morale, Dr Boyle told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Yes, Im also concerned that it will lead to short-term target chasing... Weve got some really serious problems around with our estate, our capital planning, our IT, and we havent seen any reform of the interface around social care and NHS work. And theres a real danger if people just start focusing on the league tables they wont put the effort into trying to sort out those really serious problems that weve got. He said measuring good and bad performance in the NHS was surprisingly hard, adding: There is a risk that this will demoralise staff, and you will see that in poorly performing areas recruitment and retention of staff - and that will go right down to a clinical staff - will become even harder. 08:48 AM GMT Hospices will not be made exempt from Budget NI raid, says Streeting Hospices will not be given an exemption from Rachel Reeves Budget tax raid on National Insurance, Wes Streeting said. But the Health Secretary signalled hospices could be given more funding to help mitigate the impact of the decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions. Asked if he could confirm that hospices would be given an exemption from the rise amid warnings it could force some to close, Mr Streeting told the BBC: There wont be an exemption in that way but one of the reasons that I havent yet announced the allocation for hospices is I am looking very carefully at what we can do through the hospice grant to recognise that pressure and also recognise the underlying challenge about the balance of state and statutory funding versus charitable contributions. Asked when he would be able to confirm hospice funding for next year, Mr Streeting said: We will make an announcement on the hospice grant before Christmas because I recognise that people need to be able to make decisions about the next financial year. 08:45 AM GMT Good NHS leaders will be paid more to work in bad trusts Good NHS leaders will be given financial incentives to take over poor performing trusts, Wes Streeting said. Asked if strong candidates would be offered higher salaries to work in challenging organisations, the Health Secretary said: Absolutely. Where we have got the worst performing areas and areas that have been consistently challenged because of wider system pressures, we will incentivise the best leaders to go into those areas. He added: I am very comfortable with paying exceptional leaders good salaries to go in and do a great job. What I am not prepared to do is pay high salaries for poor performance and to pay people off only for them to turn up somewhere else. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, speaks to broadcasters this morning 08:31 AM GMT Streeting vows to rid NHS of rotten apple leaders Wes Streeting said the guilty secret of the NHS is poor senior managers earning six figures who are managed out of one job only to then be re-hired in another part of the health service. The Health Secretary said such people were rotten apples and rotten apples are unacceptable as he vowed to get rid of them permanently. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: Where we have poorly performing senior managers I will make no apology for managing those people out because people know, and this is the guilty secret of the NHS, there are very senior managers who are paid on average, lets not forget, 145,000 a year who are managed out, given a pay off in one trust and then reincarnate in another NHS trust. Those might be the rotten apples and I want to recognise that there are some outstanding leaders right across the NHS but those rotten apples are unacceptable and give the rest of the profession a bad name so we have got to manage those out as well as investing in leadership development training and crucially setting free the highest performers so we have less top down, less centralisation, less management by diktat from the centre. 08:16 AM GMT Health Secretary: NHS will not have a future if reform fails Wes Streeting said the public should have confidence that the Government can turn the health service around. The Health Secretary told Sky News: The NHS is broken but it is not beaten and what we are doing as a Government on both investment and reform should give people the confidence that we can turn this around and make sure that the NHS, publicly-funded, free at the point of use that has been there for us for the last 76 years will be there for in the next century. But we have got to get this right because if we fail then the NHS will not have a future. 08:11 AM GMT NHS league tables will not mean more bureaucracy, insists Streeting Ranking hospitals and other NHS providers in new performance league tables will not result in more tick boxes and more bureaucracy, the Health Secretary insisted. Wes Streeting said the Governments reforms would actually mean less of that. He told Sky News: There are lots of people working in the NHS who when they see the headlines around league tables and transparency might assume therefore more targets, more tick boxes and more bureaucracy. Actually what we want to do is to have less of that and a real focus on the things that really matter in terms of patient care, patient safety and good quality outcomes. 07:55 AM GMT Poor performance too often tolerated in the NHS, says Streeting Poor performance has too often been tolerated in the NHS and that has to change, Wes Streeting said this morning. The Health Secretary said he would make no apology for wanting to manage out the worst managers in the health service. He told Sky News: I want to support great leaders, I want to develop great leaders, because they can be the difference between high performance and great patient care or poor performance and poor patient safety. When we talk about very senior managers, I will make no apology whatsoever for wanting the best and for wanting to incentivise the best leaders going into some of the most challenging areas. But I also make no apology for wanting to manage out the worst, as we would in any other workplace, in any other business or any other context but where poor performance has too often been tolerated in the NHS and what happens with that merry go round of poor managers is they get made redundant or managed out, given a pay off in one area and they pop up in another area and there have been too many examples of that too. 07:50 AM GMT Public expect us to sack NHS leaders who are just not up to it, says Streeting The public rightly expect the Government to get rid of NHS leaders who are consistent poor performers, Wes Streeting said this morning. He said senior managers who are just not up to it will be managed out of the health service under new Government reforms. The Health Secretary told Sky News: Where people consistently fall short and where they are just not up to it, then we will manage out poor performance as well. I think that is what the public rightly expect. They want to know that the investment that is going into the NHS will be put to good use in a well-led, well-managed NHS that delivers great patient outcomes and that is part of the package we are announcing today, just one of a number of reform announcements we will be making in the coming weeks and months. The Health Secretary will use a speech this morning at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool to unveil plans to axe poor leaders. He will also announce hospitals and other providers will ranked in public league tables. A Doctors Without Borders ambulance in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in May. Photograph: Giles Clarke/Getty Images The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said that at least two of its patients were killed after one of its ambulances was stopped and attacked in Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince. MSF said its staff members were violently attacked on Monday after members of a vigilante group and law enforcement officers stopped the ambulance, which was transporting three young people with gunshot wounds. The ambulance was halted about 100 meters from the MSF hospital in the Drouillard area of the capital, when police officers attempted to arrest the patients. Police then diverted the ambulance to a public hospital, where law enforcement officers and members of a self-defence group surrounded the ambulance, slashed the tires, and teargassed MSF staff inside the vehicle to force them out. Related: Its indescribable: the hospital on the frontline of Haitis devastating gang war The wounded patients were taken a short distance away and at least two were executed, the group said. MSF said its staff members were violently attacked, insulted, teargassed, threatened with death, and held against their will for more than four hours before being allowed to leave. The MSF ambulance was damaged and put out of service in the attack. The act is a shocking display of violence and it seriously calls into question MSFs ability to continue delivering essential care to the Haitian people, said Christophe Garnier, MSFs head of mission. The MSF emergency clinic was last year briefly forced to close after a severely wounded patient suspected of being a gang member was dragged from an ambulance outside, beaten and shot dead. MSF is one of the last international humanitarian aid groups still operating in Haiti, which has plunged deeper into turmoil since the president, Jovenel Moise, was murdered in his mansion in 2021. Thousands of people have died amid fighting between security forces, self-defence vigilante groups and a coalition of politically connected gangs called Viv Ansanm (Living Together). The humanitarian crisis has been compounded by the fact that several clinics and hospitals have been forced to close because of the violence, including the biggest public hospital, the General hospital. The arrival of a Kenyan-led international policing mission in June prompted a brief lull in the bloodshed, but recent weeks have seen a renewed surge in violence as the heavily armed gangs push on with an attempt to seize total control of the countrys capital. The United States on Tuesday banned all civilian flights to Haiti for a month, a day after three jetliners approaching or departing from Port-au-Prince were hit by gunfire. Tractors were driven around Parliament Square when farmers demonstrated against UK food policy in March this year - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images Police have imposed a tractor ban on farmers planning a mass protest over the Chancellors inheritance tax raid. Protesters have been warned they face arrest if they use vehicles to block roads in central London next Tuesday. Thousands are set to invade Westminster over the changes announced by Rachel Reeves in last months Budget, which prevent all farms from being passed on without inheritance tax. From next year, farming assets worth more than 1 million will be liable for 20 per cent inheritance tax, fuelling warnings that many families will be forced to break up their land. While the Treasury claimed the changes would only affect a small number of farms, analysis by the National Farmers Union suggested that three quarters of food produced by British farmers would be hit by the raid. A protest has been organised to coincide with a mass lobby being held by the NFU, who will meet MPs to make the case for reversing the tax raid. Police have said they are in discussions with organisers over the protests, but have warned those taking part that they have powers to prevent roads being blocked. Those powers could include the Highways Act 1980, which makes it an offence for a person, without lawful authority, to wilfully obstruct a highway. We are equipped with legislation to prevent obstruction and breaches of the peace in the eventuality of such tactics being used by protesters, said a Metropolitan Police source. Organisers have urged supporters not to risk alienating the public by using disruptive tactics adopted by European farmers, such as barricading roads, burning tyres and blockading city centres. Clive Bailye founded The Farming Forum and helped to organise the planned demonstration - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian Clive Bailye, the founder of The Farming Forum and one of the marchs organisers, told The Telegraph: Weve been asked by the police not to bring tractors into London in what is effectively a tractor ban. But were not planning to do that. This is not about causing disruption. We dont want trouble or blockades, especially given the family nature of the event. But if Tuesday doesnt work the Government has picked a fight with the wrong people. If it comes to it, farmers can shut down every road and we dont want to do that. Other planned rallies include a Back British Farming rally in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, on Tuesday, while on Saturday some farmers are planning to blockade the Welsh Labour Party conference in Llandudno using tractors and muck-spreaders. Using private message networks, Enough Is Enough, a Welsh campaign group, has urged farmers to assemble outside the conference centre, telling supporters: Our Government isnt working or listening to you, please take this opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with us in Llandudno this Saturday. Gareth Wyn Jones, a TV farmer and campaigner in Wales, is among the groups supporters. He and dozens of Welsh farmers are planning to take strike action by withholding food supplies from supermarkets in a week-long national stoppage. Farmers are in despair In a statement, Enough is Enough said: We simply cannot allow the destruction of our industry to continue and responsibility to feed our nation be taken away. This is a last resort but we as farmers are in despair as we simply cannot afford to provide food to the public. On Wednesday, Mr Wyn Jones challenged Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, on BBC Politics Live over the inheritance tax changes. He told her: This is going to be the last nail in the agricultural coffin. My familys been on this land for 375 years. I want to pass this down to my boys... youre taking that away from me... shame on you. Mr Jones is understood to be one of the activists behind Saturdays planned blockade of the Welsh Labour Party conference and is expected to also be on Tuesdays march in London. Police have been warned against treating farmers in a harsher manner to their handling of pro-Palestinian or Just Stop Oil activists, who have repeatedly blockaded roads and targeted high-profile buildings. Mike Neville, a retired Scotland Yard detective chief inspector, said: The public do not want to see a contrast between the way the farmers are policed and the way more fashionable left-wing protesters are treated. They will not want to see farmers kettled while pro-Palestine activists are allowed to march freely and do what they want. Jeremy Clarkson, the TV presenter who has become a farmer, is expected to address the protesters on Tuesday - Ellis O'Brien/Television Stills Jeremy Clarkson, the Top Gear presenter turned farmer, who is expected to address protesters on Tuesday, suggested that some protesters were treated less harshly than others in an interview with The Sun last week. Perhaps if I had draped my tractor in a Palestinian flag, it would be different, he said. It seems that if you are from Just Stop Oil or protesting about Gaza, you can do what you want. The We Just Want To Feed You march will take place on Whitehall, opposite Downing Street, after organisers from The Farming Forum deemed Trafalgar Square too small to hold the expected 20,000 attendees. Mr Bailye, an arable farmer from Staffordshire, said: This will be the biggest protest by the rural community for decades. It will deliver a strong message in the heart of London that family farms and the rural community stand united against the Governments catastrophic Budget. Children on toy tractors will lead a procession between Whitehall and Parliament Square, signifying the impact of the devastating budget on the future of farming and the countryside. Thousands of UK farmers are planning to protest in London next week - Gareth Fuller/PA Farmers have threatened their first national strike to protest against the government inheritance tax raid. Thousands of UK farmers are planning to protest in London next week, with a march through the capital and a National Farmers Union (NFU) rally set to take place on Nov 19. But the Welsh pressure group Enough Is Enough said British farmers have simply had enough and called on those who are able to begin a week-long strike from Nov 17. In a leaked statement, they said: We are being suffocated by a Government that seems determined to destroy our livelihoods, our future and our ability to feed the nation. This country will be facing massive food shortages with potential significant price increases and the demise of the rural economy along with serious implications of food security. We simply cannot allow the destruction of our industry to continue and our responsibility to feed our nation be taken away. This is a last resort but we as farmers are in despair as we simply cannot afford to provide food to the public. We ask this Government to talk to us, to listen to us, and allow us the freedom and flexibility to feed our nation. More than 10,000 farmers could march against the tax next week - Paul Grover for the Telegraph A source told The Times: We are calling on everyone that can strike to do so, but we recognise not everyone can because of the contracts they might be under. Its more of a statement to say this is what will happen if the Government carries on down this road, there will be food shortages. The Enough Is Enough group was formed last year to oppose the Welsh Labour Governments plans to reform farming through a sustainable farming scheme. This would have required farmers to ensure 10 per cent of their land had trees and 10 per cent was treated as wildlife habitat to allow them to receive government subsidies. The protests culminated in hundreds of tractors blocking a main road in Cardiff as thousands of farmers descended on the Welsh parliament in February this year. More than 10,000 farmers could march against the tax next week, with about 2,000 expected at the NFU rally. The plans come after Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, announced in her Autumn Budget that farms worth more than 1 million would be subject to a 20 per cent inheritance tax levy from April 2026. Many farmers believe this will stop them handing down their assets to future generations. Figures from the NFU and Defra have suggested as many as two thirds of farms would be hit with large tax bills. The Rev Martin Seeley, the Rev Stephen Conway, the Most Rev Dr Thabo Makgoba and the Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells (L-R) The Archbishop of Canterburys resignation has intensified demands for accountability as a child sex abuse scandal engulfs senior clergy. Victims of John Smyth, who abused up to 130 boys and young men across four decades and three continents, have since called for two bishops and an associate minister to resign. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, the Rt Rev Julie Conalty, the Bishop of Birkenhead, who is the deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, admitted that the Archbishops resignation alone is not going to solve the problem, as she spoke of the need for institutional changes. The Rt Rev Julie Conalty, the Bishop of Birkenhead has spoken of the need for institutional changes - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images As pressure mounts, The Telegraph has identified the four most senior Anglican leaders who are accused in the Makin review of being aware of allegations against Smyth before they were made public in 2017 and who are still in post. The Rt Rev Stephen Conway The Rt Rev Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Lincoln is among the most senior clergymen to be called on to resign. He was serving as the Bishop of Ely in 2013 when one of Smyths victims, who wishes to remain anonymous, informed the diocese of abuse allegations. While the diocese did pass on some information to the police, and wrote a letter to Cape Town, it did not take sufficient action to ensure that either were followed up, according to the report. The Makin review found Bishop Conway had been in a powerful position to reinforce the referral to South Africa, to ensure that a police referral had been made and was being investigated, and to make sure that the full extent of the concerns regarding this disclosure of serious abuse was being fully pursued. However, under his leadership, opportunities were missed to formally report concerns to the police and to follow up on a letter sent to the Cape Town diocese. The Rev Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Lincoln - Charlotte Graham Speaking to The Telegraph, the victim who reported the concerns said: If a single person is responsible for the failure of finding and stopping Smyth, it is Stephen Conway. There was a failure to stop the most prolific abuser the Church of England has ever seen and the buck stops at Stephen Conway. Andrew Morse, a victim who was severely beaten by Smyth as a teenager, backed calls for the bishop to resign. He said: Conway should resign for obstructing the Smyth victims in our long road to justice. I cannot see how someone so closely associated with the problem can be part of any solution. In a statement published on Monday, the Bishop of Lincoln said: In light of the review, I understand that there were further actions I could have taken following my reporting of the disclosures made to us in the Diocese of Ely about John Smyth. I am sorry that I did not pursue these actions at that time. In 2013, in following the safeguarding advice, policy and practice of that time, I believed that I had done all I could and that the allegations were being responded to appropriately. I know that as a bishop, I must continually strive, then as now, for the best safeguarding practice in our diocese, and I am firm in my personal commitment to the support of all victims and survivors. The Rt Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells Another bishop facing pressure to stand down over the scandal is the Rt Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells, the Bishop for Episcopal Ministry at the Anglican Communion Office in London. In 2013, Bishop Wells was working for the Archbishop of Canterbury as his personal chaplain at Lambeth Palace. It was Bishop Wells who received the safeguarding referral from Bishop Conway that raised allegations against Smyth. But the report found that she failed to follow up on this referral with the police. Instead, Bishop Wells told Bishop Conway she would, according to the review, leave it to the diocese to pursue and to take no further action until the police had provided further advice. The reviewers found this advice never came and there was no evidence she followed this up. She suggested to the review that safeguarding was not part of her brief at the time. The Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells, the Bishop for Episcopal Ministry at the Anglican Communion Office Calling for her resignation, the anonymous victim stressed that the bishop had clear knowledge of the abuse in 2013 but failed to follow up in any way. In a statement, Dr Bailey Wells said she was appalled by the abuse perpetrated by Smyth and that she recognised the immense courage of victims who came forward. She added: I served as chaplain to Archbishop Justin from 2013-2016. When I was asked to bring this matter to his attention I had confidence that it was being overseen elsewhere, and part of a police investigation. I was not aware of the nature or extent of the allegations. I regret that I did not do more to verify the assurances given or query assumptions. The Most Rev Dr Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town In 2013, Bishop Conway wrote to the Rev Garth Counsell, then Bishop of Table Bay, Cape Town, who is now retired, to raise safeguarding concerns about Smyth. An email sent by Bishop Counsell to the diocese of Ely on Aug 27 2013, states that he has established that Smyth belongs to one of the parishes in the diocese of Cape Town. The Bishop also said that he will consult with the Archbishop of Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, as to the way forward. The Most Rev Dr Thabo Makgoba, the Archbishop of Cape Town - Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images However, the Makin review noted that on Sept 10, Bishop Conway reported that he had received a brief response from Cape Town and that he does not think that much action will be taken. Smyth died in Cape Town in August 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police a police investigation that began after Smyths abuse was the subject of a Channel 4 News report. The review concluded that, tragically for his victims, he was never brought to justice for the abuse. The Archbishop of Cape Town said he was numbed and deeply saddened at the Archbishop of Canterburys resignation, but added that his courageous decision to accept accountability is an important step towards eradicating, root and branch, the scandal of abuse in the church worldwide. In a statement he said: The Anglican church in Cape Town in which John Smyth worshipped for a year or two, 20 years ago, and again in the final months of his life has reported that it never received any reports suggesting he abused or groomed young people, but there is no room for complacency. The Rt Rev Martin Seeley The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and a member of the Lords Spiritual, is also named in the Makin review as someone who was allegedly aware of concerns about Smyths conduct. A former Anglican clergyman, Rico Tice, told the Makin review that he was asked by Bishop Seeley about John Smyth in the 1990s when he was applying for ordination. Mr Tice said the question was asked during an interview by Bishop Seely, who at that time was a selection secretary on the Churchs Advisory Board of Ministry in London. Bishop Seeley told the review he has no recollection of asking such a question, or being asked to do so. The Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich - Keith Mindham/Alamy Mr Tice is an evangelical Christian who served as an Anglican clergyman at All Souls Church, in London, until earlier this year, when he quit over the introduction of same-sex blessings. In a statement on Tuesday, Bishop Seeley said we know that no words can undo the damage done to peoples lives both by [Smyth] and by the failure of individuals in the Church and other institutions to respond well. I would like to add my profound gratitude and appreciation for the victims who came forward to reveal the horrific extent of Smyths abuse, for their courage, grace and dignity. He added: The Church and its associated organisations clearly must be deeply penitent and learn from this review, and continue to be committed to implementing ongoing robust safeguarding procedures, across all parts of the Church. The diocese has been contacted for comment on Mr Tices allegation against Bishop Seeley, which is reported in the Makin review. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal as Lucius and Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II Ridley Scotts Gladiator II opens in much the same way as the first: with the unleashing of hell. This time round, however, our hero Lucius (Paul Mescal), the illegitimate son of Russell Crowes Maximus, isnt the one doing the unleashing. Hes a humble farmer cue a hands-through-wheat shot, though this time the grain has been harvested and also a conscript in the Numidian army, which is amassing on the walls of one of the northern African provinces fortified ports. Why? Because the Roman Army, led by general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), has a phalanx of galleons en route. The Mediterranean sun is beating down on both sides and is joined soon enough by showers of arrows and blazing projectiles that arc through the air like flaming Christmas puddings. As battle is met, one poor unfortunate gets skewered to the frame of his own trebuchet by a bolt from a rival ballista. Thats Scott setting the grisly tone but also sending the viewer a message. For the next two and a half hours, matey, your attentions going nowhere. It should be said right away that Scotts long-awaited real-time sequel set and released 20-some years after his Oscar-winning original isnt quite as strong as its predecessor. But its worth saying straight after that Gladiator II is still the years most relentlessly entertaining blockbuster: a Roman epic that cant resist Roman all over the place. The film zig-zags madly from ribald comedy to sweeping action, then quivering melodrama, with servants gliding in and out of the shadows. The King greets stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal at the premiere on Nov 13 - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal beam at the premiere If the original Gladiator was the cinematic equivalent of a six-course meal, think of this one as an exploding buffet table. Yet despite its tonal unruliness and extraordinary sweep Scotts Constable-like compositional eye is put to good use yet again its a rivetingly lean and energised watch. Mescals Lucius wants revenge on Rome, the city which killed his father, sent him into exile as a child, murdered his friends and common-law wife a long list. Lucius arguably makes for a less interesting hero than his father, but Mescal is always watchable, with a stocky, swarthy, brooding presence that calls to mind a young Richard Harris or Oliver Reed. And his bod surpasses Crowes: the shoulders alone are like freshly baked sourdough loaves. Gladiator II is the years most relentlessly entertaining blockbuster - Dave Benett/WireImage In this quest for vengeance, Luciuss chief ally is Denzel Washingtons Macrinus, a quick-eyed schemer who takes him into his stable of gladiators after his capture during the North African campaign. Washingtons relaxed command of this juicy role translates into pure pleasure for the audience: every gesture radiates movie-star ease; every line comes with an unexpected flourish. Unfortunately hes so good he rather eclipses the rest of the cast, though Tim McInnerny and Alexander Karim are among those to make impressions in fun supporting roles. Denzel Washington as Macrinus - Cuba Scott Elsewhere, enough stately theatrics ensue that Derek Jacobi simply manifests. (Jacobis Gracchus is one of two welcome holdovers from the original, along with Connie Nielsens Lucilla.) And then there is whatever Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are doing as Romes fraternal co-rulers, Caracalla and Geta: two coked-up Shoreditch rotters who have somehow ended up wearing togas and running the worlds greatest empire in 200 AD. Fun is Scotts primary aim here, from the shadowy plotting that threatens to bring Rome crashing down to the Colosseum showdowns themselves, which range from more intimate man-on-rhinoceros action to a massive naval battle, as two rival teams wage war in shark-infested waters. Scott has made a spirited defence of the sharks inclusion which a historian had previously argued had no basis in reality. Reality notwithstanding, isnt this like asking a chef to defend the cherries on the top of a cake? If youre annoyed theyre there, maybe desserts are not for you. 15 cert, 148 mins. In cinemas from Nov 15 Active seniors - Betsie van der Meer/Stone RF Euthanasia laws in the Netherlands could be relaxed to allow healthy old people to choose to die if they undergo six months of counselling. The Dutch parliament is expected to soon debate making euthanasia available to the over 75s even if they are not ill, after a survey last week found it had overwhelming public support. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia in 2002. It is currently only legal for people suffering from terminal illness or unbearable physical or mental suffering with no prospect of improvement. MPs in the UK will discuss and vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales on Nov 29. Assisted dying involves giving patients the means to kill themselves, usually lethal drugs, while euthanasia is carried out by a doctor, usually by lethal injection. In the Netherlands, both euthanasia and assisted dying, which is carried out under a doctors supervision, is legal with safeguards including consulting a second physician, which are meant to ensure the decision is voluntary and considered. In a survey of 20,000 Dutch people, 86 per cent supported legalising euthanasia for healthy people over the age of 75, provided they had consultations with medical professionals first. I find it very strange. As humans, we did not choose to be born and we cannot choose to die either, said Bertil, who responded to the survey and whose healthy 91-year-old mother wants to die. The Dutch parliament will soon debate a completed life Bill, which was proposed by D66, an opposition liberal party. Under its proposals, people over 75 could apply for euthanasia, which would trigger a minimum of six months counselling with an end of life counsellor. That period is meant to ensure the decision to die is voluntary and serious. People lacking the mental fitness to choose euthanasia, such as those with dementia, would not be allowed to apply. While public opinion is in favour, lawmakers are divided over the proposal, with some wanting the minimum age reduced and others opposing the idea outright. Coalition parties such as Geert Wilders PVV and the BBB farmers party have made the issue a free vote among MPs, which makes it hard to predict if the Bill will pass. The Dutch Medical Association has warned that some elderly people wanting to die could be suffering from depression or loneliness, which are problems that could be addressed without euthanasia. It seems more likely that it concerns people who need help with living than with dying, the doctors said of the Bill. The survey by the RTL broadcaster found that 53 per cent of respondents could imagine choosing euthanasia if they considered their life to be complete; while 44 per cent of them said there should be no age limit at all, 39 per cent backed a much younger minimum age of 18 or 25 years old. More than 9,000 people died by euthanasia or assisted dying in the Netherlands in 2023, which was a 4 per cent increase from 2022 and 5 per cent of all deaths in a country of about 17.8 million people, while 66 of those killed were couples who had chosen to die together. About 90 per cent of them suffered from cancer, heart or lung disease, nervous system problems or a combination of illnesses. In recent years, five people younger than 30 with autism were euthanised in the Netherlands. In April last year, the Dutch government announced it would widen its right to die laws to include terminally ill children between one and 12 years old. Rising numbers of euthanasia cases in the Netherlands, and other countries such as Canada and Belgium, have raised concerns that legalising assisted dying in the UK could be a slippery slope. When it comes to euthanasia, the slippery slope is not hypothetical, said Robert Clarke, who was lead counsel on the landmark Mortier case against Belgiums euthanasia laws at the European Court of Human Rights. Earlier this year, the director at legal advocacy organisation ADF International said: We see two things happen in every jurisdiction that has gone down this road. The numbers go up almost every single year. And there is pressure to expand the qualifying conditions, In England and Wales, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would make it legal for over-18s who are terminally ill to be given assistance to end their own life. A similar Bill is being debated in Scotland. Under the bill, a doctor must prepare the lethal substance but the person must take it. The person must be expected to die within six months and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled, informed and independent wish to die. Two independent doctors must be satisfied the person is eligible. A High Court judge must hear from one of the doctors and can question the dying person under the Bill. Almost half (46 per cent) of the UK public support the legalisation of assisted dying for non-terminal diseases, compared with just one in five (20 per cent) who oppose, according to research from Savanta for LBC published on Wednesday. The survey found 50 per cent of people supported assisted dying for patients with degenerative diseases with a longer life expectancy than the currently proposed six-month period. 61 per cent of people said they were concerned terminally ill patients might be pressured to end their life prematurely, if the legislation was passed. Weapons seized as part of the FBI foiling an Iranian assassination attempt on Trump - FBI Iran hired a hitman to assassinate Donald Trump weeks before the presidential election, the US said on Friday as it announced criminal charges against three suspects. The Department of Justice (DoJ) revealed it had thwarted the murder-for-hire plot ordered by the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in revenge for Mr Trumps fatal 2020 strike on the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. DoJ officials waited until days after Mr Trumps sweeping victory in the White House race to disclose there had been yet another attempt on the president-elects life. Mr Trump had been widely expected to resume his hardline stance on the Islamic Republic if he regained the presidency. He has pledged to return to a maximum pressure campaign in a second term in office. The charges announced today expose Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including president-elect Donald Trump, Christopher Wray, the FBI director, said. Trump plans to target Tehrans oil sales Mr Trump intends to aggressively target Tehrans oil sales after taking an Iranian assassination attempt personally, sources close to the next US president said. Hitting the Iranian oil industry will form part of a wider strategy designed to throttle the Islamic Republics funding of its Middle Eastern allies, insiders aware of Mr Trumps plans told the Wall Street Journal. People tend to take that stuff personally, Mick Mulroy, a former top Pentagon official, said. If hes going to be hawkish on any particular country, designated major adversaries, its Iran. When he takes office in January, Mr Trump will rapidly go after foreign ports and traders who handle Iranian oil, insiders said. In the indictment unsealed on Friday, the FBI said the Iranian regime had in recent years begun outsourcing its targeting of political enemies to organised crime groups and violent criminals. Investigators learnt of the newly-disclosed plan to kill Mr Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an alleged Iranian government asset. An Afghan national who immigrated to the US as a child, Mr Shakeri spent 14 years in prison in New York following a conviction for robbery. It was while behind bars that the FBI said he met a web of criminal associates who participated in Tehrans assassination plots. He was deported from the US in 2008 and is believed to be in Iran. Shakeri ordered to provide kill plan Mr Shakeri met with an official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on Oct 7, the anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks on Israel, according to the complaint. He was ordered to provide a plan to kill Mr Trump within seven days of the meeting. If he was unable to carry out the assassination attempt within the proposed time frame, the IRGC official instructed Mr Shakeri to put it on hold until after the US election on Nov 5. The Iranian regime believed that Mr Trump would lose his third White House bid, and it would be easier to assassinate him afterwards, according to the filing. Mr Shakeri claimed to the FBI that he did not intend to murder Mr Trump within the timeframe proposed before the election. Other US and Israeli citizens allegedly targeted The Iranian government also allegedly tasked Mr Shakeri with killing other US and Israeli citizens based in the US. They included Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American journalist and activist who is an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime. Ms Alinejad said she was shocked to learn of the plot from the FBI, which involved an attempt to target her at Fairfield University, where she was scheduled to give a talk. I call on the US government and the future president of the United States to be tough on terror, she said. The FBI identified two accomplices of Mr Shakeri, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, both of New York, who were charged separately in the plot on Ms Alinejad. Both men are in US custody and made a court appearance in New York on Thursday, the DoJ said. Two of Mr Shakeris other targets were Jewish American citizens living in New York, for whose murder he was allegedly offered $500,000 each. It is claimed he was also tasked with targeting an Israeli tourist in Sri Lanka. Security bolstered for Trump Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of seeking to assassinate prominent US officials in retaliation for the death of Soleimani. US officials said in July that they had bolstered security for Mr Trump following intelligence that suggested Tehran was aggressively targeting the Republican candidate. It followed the charging of a Pakistani man who was suspected of attempting to carry out political assassinations at the behest of the Iranian government. The State Department has also announced a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged Iranian mastermind behind a plot to assassinate Mr Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton. A former White House official said the new administration would look to isolate Iran by building on a maximum pressure sanctions regime that Mr Trump pursued during his first term. I think you are going to see the sanctions go back on, you are going to see much more, both diplomatically and financially, they are trying to isolate Iran, the official said. Meanwhile, Elon Musk reportedly joined a call between Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, following his defeat of Kamala Harris in the US election. It remains unclear what role the billionaire, who played a critical role in Mr Trumps 2024 campaign, will play in the Republicans second administration. During the 25-minute call, Mr Musk promised to continue to support Kyiv with his Starlink satellites, according to the website Axios. 09:25 PM GMT Thats all for today Thanks for tuning into out live blog of Irans alleged assassination plot against Donald Trump. This blog is now closed. 08:33 PM GMT Pictured: Hitmen photographed university where target was due to speak Alleged Iranian hitmen took photos of Fairfield University where their target Masih Alinejad was due to speak Alleged messages identifying assassination target sent to Farhad Shakeri 08:11 PM GMT Trump: Nothing will deter me from restoring peace in the world Donald Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. 08:02 PM GMT Iran campaigning to silence and kill Americans, says FBI FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg accused Iran of campaigning to silence and kill Americans. The charges announced today further demonstrate the IRGCs continued campaign to silence and kill Americans who criticise the Iranian regime, he said. We have successfully disrupted the defendants alleged plots to fulfil Irans goals of permanently eliminating voices of opposition. 07:53 PM GMT FBI pledges to aggressively pursue those behind assassination plot FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy has pledged that the bureau will aggressively pursue those responsible for the assassination attempts. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue justice against anyone attempting to use violence to violate our freedoms and way of life, he said. This case is an example of yet another flagrant attempt by the Government of Iran, not merely to silence those who speak out against them, but to take the lives of American citizens exercising their constitutionally protected rights here in this country. 07:49 PM GMT Iran planned brazen attempts to gun down Americans, says FBI director The director of the FBI has accused Iran of planning brazen attempts to gun down American citizens. Christopher A. Wray said: The charges announced today expose Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including President-elect Donald J. Trump, other government leaders, and dissidents who criticise the regime in Tehran. Mr Wray added that the countrys actions wont be tollerated and pledge to use the full resources of the FBI to protect US citizens from Iran. He said: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organisation has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on US soil and that simply wont be tolerated. 07:43 PM GMT Iran poses grave threat to US national security, says Merrick Garland The US attorney general Merrick Garlland said Iran poses a grave threat to US national security. He said: There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran. We will not stand for the Iranian regimes attempts to endanger the American people and Americas national security. 07:39 PM GMT This has to stop, says New York attorney New York Attorney Damian Williams said attacks on US citizens have to stop. Mr Williams, whose jurisdiction the crimes fall under, said: This has top stop. He added that the justice department will be unrelenting in pursuing bad actors and will stop at nothing to track them down. Todays charges are another message to those who continue in their efforts we will remain unrelenting in our pursuit of bad actors, no matter where they reside, and will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who harm our safety and security, he said. 07:24 PM GMT Have your say 07:23 PM GMT I dont want to die, says alleged target of Iran assassination plot A woman claiming to be one of targets of Irans assassination plot has said: I dont want to die. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist living in the US, said she was shocked to learn she was allegedly targeted by the same hitmen tasked with killing Donald Trump. Ms Alinejad posted a video of herself on X, formerly Twitter, claiming she received a phone call from the FBI telling her that two men hired by Iran to kill Donald Trump visited her house to her house in Brooklyn. The Iranian dissident called on the President-elect to be tough on terror. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe, she said in an emotional plea. X/@AlinejadMasih 07:10 PM GMT Iranian hitman charged with terrorism offences The Iranian hitman accused of plotting to kill Donald Trump has been charged with terrorism offences. Farjad Shakeri, who remains on the run and is believed to be in Iran, has been charged with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He was also charged with conspiracy to violate the international emergency economic powers and and sanctions against the government of Iran, which carries a further maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 06:51 PM GMT Iranian assassins could spend 200-plus years in prison The alleged Iranian assassin and his co-defendants could spend 200-plus years in prison, unsealed documents show. Farjad Shakeri, 51, and his two co-defendants, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathan Loadholt, 36, have all been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. They have also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mr Shakeri and Mr Rivera, from Brooklyn and State Island respectively, appeared before a New York judge yesterday and detained pending trial. 06:45 PM GMT Iran targeted Trump in revenge for death of IRGC leader Iran targeted Donald Trump in revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, unsealed criminal charges claim. Soleimani, the former IRGC Qods Force commander, was killed by a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020 under Mr Trumps presidency. The charge sheet claims the hit planned on the president-Elect was an attempt to take vengeance for Soleimanis death and to silence dissidents. The IRGC is actively targeting nationals of the United States and its allies living in countries around the world for attacks, including assault, kidnapping, and murder, both to repress and silence dissidents critical of the Iranian regime and to take vengeance, it is claimed. 06:28 PM GMT Iran ordered Trump hit on October 7 anniversary Iran ordered the assassin to kill Trump on the anniversary of October 7, newly unsealed criminal charges show. According to the documents, Farjad Shakeri was tasked with killing the President-elect exactly a year after Hamas, backed by Iran, massacred some 1,200 Israeli civilians in a cross-border raid. Mr Shakeri is alleged to have claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Mr Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC. The Iranian government also allegedly tasked Mr Shakeri with killing other US and Israeli citizens based in the US. Two of his marks were Jewish American citizens living in New York, for whose murder he was offered $500,000 each, the charge sheet claims. It is claimed he was also tasked with targeting an Israeli tourist in Sri Lanka. 06:17 PM GMT Trump will attempt to isolate Iran, insiders claim When he takes office in January, Donald Trump will attempt to isolate Iran by rapidly going after foreign ports and traders who handle Iranian oil, insiders said. A former White House official said the new administration would look to isolate Iran by building on a maximum pressure sanctions regime that Mr Trump pursued during his first term. I think you are going to see the sanctions go back on, you are going to see much more, both diplomatically and financially, they are trying to isolate Iran, the Wall Street Journal said. I think the perception is that Iran is definitely in a position of weakness right now, and now is an opportunity to exploit that weakness. Former top Pentagon official Mick Mulroy said: People tend to take that stuff personally. If hes going to be hawkish on any particular country, designated major adversaries, its Iran. 06:12 PM GMT Iranian hitmen surveilled Brooklyn home The associates of the Iranian hitmen accused of planning to assassinate Donald Trump staked out a home in Brooklyn, New York. Farjad Shakeri ordered two co-defendants to attempt to murder a US citizen based at the property either going into or out of her house, unsealed criminal charges show. Mr Shakeri allegedly sent Carlisle Rivera, one of the co-defendants, a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill the target. You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it, Mr Shakeri allegedly said. Dont think about going in. In is a suicide move. A gun allegedly sezied from the hitmen by US law enforcement 06:00 PM GMT Alleged Iranian assassin promised $100,000 for hit Farjad Shakeri promised $100,000 to his co-defendants to carry out murder, the lawsuit claims. The co-defendants, named as Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, allegedly repeatedly attempted to carry out the hit on an unnamed defendant. 05:55 PM GMT Iranian assassins associates spent months surveilling US citizen Two co-defendants of the suspected assassin, named as Loadholt and Rivera, spent months surveilling a US citizen of Iranian origin residing in the United States. The alleged target is an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and has been the target of multiple prior plots for kidnapping and murder directed by the Iranian government, the charges claim. 05:50 PM GMT Iranian hitman spent childhood in the US Farjad Shakeri, the Iranian hitman charged with planning to assassinate Donald Trump, immigrated to the US as a child, according to the unsealed criminal charges. The charge sheet states he was deported in or about 2008 after serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction. Mr Shakeri is accused of using a network of criminal associates he met in prison in the United States to supply the IRGC with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations of IRGC targets. 05:45 PM GMT Trump to renew maximum pressure campaign on Iran Donald Trump is planning to ramp up sanctions on Iran as part of a maximum pressure campaign, sources claim. The measure are designed the throttle the Middle Eastern powers oil sails, as well as undercutting its nuclear programme and support for regional proxies, The Wall Street Journal reported. The measures echo Mr Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Tehran during his first administration. A smiling Joe Biden listens to Donald Trump - AP/Evan Vucci The hand that grinning Joe Biden extended towards Donald Trump inside the Oval Office was not necessarily one of friendship. The two men have spent the last six years exchanging bitter blows on the campaign trail. Mr Trump dubbed Mr Biden Sleepy Joe and a genuine danger to American democracy. He in turn said via his press secretary that the former president fits into the general definition of fascist. But for Mr Biden, Wednesdays transition meeting was an opportunity to bow out gracefully, showing the cameras and the country that he could put the peaceful transition of power above political animosity. The handover was of course draped in a thin layer of smugness, with the sitting president being the only Democrat to ever beat Mr Trump. Were doing everything we can to make sure youre accommodated, and were going to get a chance to talk about some of that today, Mr Biden said. He had even worn a purple tie the colour of bipartisanship and ignited the rooms fire to fend off this weeks cold snap in DC. The scene, set with red roses and bathed in the glow of the dancing flames, looked like something more akin to two old guys sharing stories than political enemies discussing transfer of the highest office in the most powerful country in the world. Behind them were paintings of four founding fathers around a central portrait of FDR, the president Mr Biden is most often compared with. Busts of Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr snuck into the camera shot on either side. A fair bit had changed since the last time Mr Trump was in the Oval Office to meet his predecessor. When Mr Trump and Barack Obama met in 2016 Mr Trump was as magnanimous in victory as his rival was gracious in defeat. Politics is tough, and its in many cases not a very nice world, he said, in an apparent nod to the coup that forced Mr Biden out of the presidential race earlier this year, and something he repeatedly used to beat a beleaguered Mr Biden over the head while on the campaign trail. It is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much, he added. There was also a hint of triumphalism about the president-elects body language, as he stepped back into the office he fought hard not to leave after the 2020 election. Trump was still displaying the power gestures that we are used to seeing with him, said Darren Stanton, a former police officer and behavioural expert. He was adopting the reverse steeple hand gesture, which is what is called an authoritarian gesture. Someone using that is saying they are very confident in their field they are a very important person. The power poses by the two leaders - Al Drago/Bloomberg Mr Biden, meanwhile, sat with his hands on his knees, a stance Mr Stanton said was designed to show he was still in control at least for now. Whether hes done that consciously or unconsciously, hes still trying to assert his authority as an existing president, he said. Both men managed to make the meeting look natural despite the awkwardness of their situation. There is no escaping that, despite the pleasantries, Mr Trump believes Mr Biden has been squatting in his home for the last four years. For Mr Biden, Mr Trump is an arsonist returning to the scene of the crime. His jovial demeanour, however, may suggest that he is well aware that it is no longer his problem. Back in 2016, when Barack Obama held his own transition meeting with Mr Trump, the pair spoke on camera for three minutes. Mr Obamas set up was much colder and more stark no dancing flames or warm smiles here. The 2016 setup saw an empty and cold fire place. The then-president wore a black suit, as if for a funeral. Between the two men sat a bowl of apples rather than the bouquet that sat off to the side, next to Trump. This time, the press spray lasted barely 40 seconds with reporters ushered out of the warm room almost immediately after Mr Trump and Mr Biden had finished speaking. As reporters shouted questions over each other and White House staff tried to bundle them out of the room, Mr Trump inclined his head to defer management of the press to Mr Biden. The president ignored him and smiled again for the cameras. The light plane with three people aboard landed safely without landing gear at Newcastle on 13 May 2024 after circling the airport for hours to burn off fuel. Photograph: AP A small plane was forced to perform a wheels up emergency landing in Newcastle due to a pre-existing fracture on its landing gear that snapped after takeoff and caused its front wheel to jam, an investigation has found. The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air turboprop plane, operated by Eastern Air Services, took off from Newcastle airport on 13 May this year headed for Port Macquarie carrying two passengers as a charter service. Related: Shonky awards: Choice names NIB and Meta among worst Australian products and services of the year However, almost immediately after taking off, pilot Peter Schott discovered the landing gear failure and alerted air traffic control and various authorities about the situation. The plane did not travel towards Port Macquarie, instead circling in the vicinity of Newcastle for four hours as it burned fuel to reduce the fire risk of an inevitable wheels up landing on its belly. News crews broadcasted the events live. As the plane landed without significant damage, cheers erupted at an operations room set up at a nearby defence base at Williamtown as well as from locals who had gathered at Newcastle airport. Schott and his two passengers a 60-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman walked away uninjured. On Wednesday, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released the findings of its investigation into the incident, which included examining components from the plane at its technical facility in Canberra. As the pilot retracted the landing gear during the initial climb, mechanical crunching noises were heard, and the pilot saw that the red indicator lights on the landing gear control handle remained illuminated. An air traffic controller subsequently visually confirmed that the nose landing gear was only partially retracted, the report said. ATSB director transport safety Stuart Macleod said that Schott followed emergency extension procedures to try to rectify the issue, but these proved unsuccessful. He then performed a holding pattern for about four hours to burn fuel. Detailed examination of the steering link at the ATSBs technical facilities in Canberra, including with the use of a scanning electron microscope, identified a pre-existing fatigue crack on the fracture surface, which had initiated from a surface flaw, Macleod said. Related: Sex worker allegedly assaulted in Sydney brothel as women strike for better pay When the steering link fractured, either during take-off or the gear retraction sequence, the nose wheel was able to rotate beyond its normal operational limits, and a significant left rotation led the nose gear shimmy damper to become jammed against a door hinge within the nose wheel well, he said. The pilot managed fuel considerations to reduce the risk of fire, engaged company personnel and air traffic control for assistance, liaised with emergency services and prepared the passengers for the wheels-up landing, minimising the risk of injury and ensuring the evacuation was conducted safely, Macleod said. Leisa Glenn, of Impact Greater Fifth Ward, tries to find her family home on a map with assist from United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Superfund Remedial Program Manager John Meyer, left, and a representative from Houston City Council member Letitia Plummers team following a meeting with community affected by creosote contamination on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center in Houston. Glenns family has been living in the house on Lavender Street just across from the railyard owned by Union Pacific Railroad for decades. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Contractors for Union Pacific measure sand poured into a hole under the sidewalk while setting up a testing site in 5th Ward for contaminants in the area near the Union Pacific rail yard on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 in Houston. Several testing sites are being installed near the Union Pacific rail yard near Liberty Road to test for potential creosote vapor intrusion. This is the first of several tests supervised by the EPA. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer EPA officials promised to trace the impacts of elevated toxin levels in Fifth Ward near where a creosote plume has spread below the neighborhood adjacent to a Union Pacific rail yard. Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday presented data for 78% of the sites in the first phase of testing they began with Union Pacific contractors in October. The tests were designed to determine whether the creosote plume sitting under the neighborhood could be contaminating indoor air. The agency found six creosote-linked chemicals and five other dangerous substances so far in groundwater, sanitary sewers, storm sewers and underground gas, though the results do not yet prove dangerous gas entered nearby homes. EPA told community members the partial test results showed some concentrations up to 283 times its initial screening level for napthalene and 52 times the level for benzene; both substances are linked to creosote contamination and to cancer. Still, a large majority of the test sites fell below sensitive screening levels for all chemicals, thresholds the EPA uses to see where further data is necessary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We need to determine whether or not there's a risk to people's health from this contamination, if it's migrated into the neighborhood, and we need to determine if cleanup is necessary to protect people," Casey Luckett-Snyder, EPA's project manager, said at the agency's first session reporting. "Right now, the data that you've seen so far, that's not in any place where you're going to touch it, breathe it or bathe in it," she said. Union Pacific said in a statement that the company is committed to transparency throughout the testing process. "In conjunction with the upcoming soil sampling and additional vapor testing this summer, the vapor results represent the most comprehensive testing conducted in Fifth Ward to date," the Union Pacific statement said, adding the EPA's scientific explanations are "crucial to drawing accurate conclusions about the next steps." Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the results presentation was a first for the agency, community members who had voiced concerns for decades about the contaminated groundwater were frustrated that officials emphasized a lack of evidence for community danger. The open-air chemical wood treatment that started in 1899 and ran until the 1980s prompted decades of community activism, and both scholars and local officials did their own assessments before the EPA got involved. EPA and Union Pacific test vapor intrusion in Fifth Ward Ken Ellis/Staff "It's more of the same old, same old," said Walter Mallett, who lives near the area of concern. He said that to people who have been coming to meetings for years, the new research feels like a rewind, and does not account for the period when many of them got sick: "I'm not interested in the tests for right now, I want tests from 30, 40 years ago," he said. "I wish I had a magic time machine to go back and see what happened 40 years ago, and to tell you all what you may have been exposed to, what your fathers or your brothers or your sisters or your mothers were exposed to 40 years ago, when this creosote plant was operating," Luckett-Snyder said as audience members raised concerns. "I do not." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vapor intrusion testing also found several toxins that EPA officials have not connected to the creosote operation. "This investigation is about today. It's about, what are the conditions at the site today? Is it safe to remain here? Do we need to have a buyout of houses in certain areas?" said Jim Blackburn, an environmental attorney who had pushed for the testing. "The problem with doing this in full public view is that we're getting information as it's developed, but it is so far incomplete." A voluntary relocation program spearheaded by former Mayor Sylvester Turner in July has been gradually taking shape, though some residents remain unsure of whether they should participate and Turners successor, John Whitmire, has raised doubts about its rollout. CITY HALL: Whitmire raises alarm over new real estate development on Fifth Ward creosote site Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loren Hopkins, chief environmental science officer at the Houston Health Department, said she was impressed with how the testing has gone so far. "I think theyve done a great job, I think its super thorough," Hopkins said. She noted that their vapor intrusion testing results dont show very high levels of toxic chemicals overall, despite some samples including contaminants of concern. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Greg Davies and Bette Midler are among those who quit the platform This was first published on Nov 13, 2024, and has since been updated A host of celebrities talked of leaving the US if Donald Trump won the election. But in the wake of his historic victory, theyve already started a mass X-odus. Several high-profile people, charities, organisations and regular users have left the social networking platform, X, formerly Twitter, after owner Elon Musks explicit support for the Trump campaign. Account deletions on X hit a record high this week, after Trump revealed he had asked Musk to lead his new Department of Government Efficiency, which will be tasked with slashing government bureaucracy and regulations. The social media app BlueSky, started by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, says it has gained 700,000 users in the week following the US election, many of them reportedly Taylor Swift fans. Were excited to welcome all of these new people, ranging from Swifties to wrestlers to city planners, said Emily Liu, Bluesky spokesman. Many are also heading to Threads, an X-alternative network from Meta, which now has 275 million monthly active users, up 38 per cent from three months earlier. Others are gravitating towards emerging alternatives that promise a more civil discourse including the brand new Sez.us, a pro-democracy platform that launched on October 8. So who has said goodbye to X since Trump won the election? Jamie Lee Curtis Jamie Lee Curtis shared a picture of her deactivated X account on Instagram - Invision The Bear star posted a picture of her deactivated X account on Instagram, with the words: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference, in reference to the oft-cited Serenity Poem. Greg Davies Welsh comedian Greg Davies thanked his followers for the lovely messages over the years before deactivating his X account - WireImage The TV comedian shocked fans this week when he announced he was leaving X for good. He wrote: Hello all, Ill be leaving X in the next few days. Thanks for the lovely messages over the years. The TaskMaster presenter is no stranger to politics from 2007 to 2015 he was in a relationship with Labour MP Liz Kendall. Bette Midler American actress and comedian Bette Midler, 78, called Trump a downright moron The Hocus Pocus star deactivated her X account shortly after Trump announced victory, but not before using the platform to call him a downright moron. Prior to the result, she shared a photo of a bottle of champagne with a sticky note placed on it that read If Kamala wins, and a bottle of Drano drain cleaner with a note that read If Trump wins. John Pavolovitz John Pavolovitz, former youth pastor and author, wrote on X: Trump voters owe our children an apology - Media News Group The former youth pastor, activist and author of If God Is Love, Dont Be A Jerk has a picture of a Keep Calm and Vote Kamala t-shirt on his X profile, and recently tweeted: Trump voters owe our children an apology. But he wont be updating his X account any time soon. This week he tweeted to his 397k followers: Ive headed for bluer skies in reference to joining BlueSky. Ana Gomes Enough is enough, Ana Gomes wrote on her X account this week - Corbis News The Portuguese former diplomat and European MP left X this week with the words: I am quitting X now. Enough is enough. Cant stand the idea of helping, in any way, the desinformation and manipulation engineered by the sinister plutocrat who owns it and Nero/Trump. You may find me at Threads @ana_mrm_gomes. Don Lemon Don Lemon, 58, is an American TV journalist best known for being a host on CNN - Getty The former CNN presenter posted a video to his 1.5million followers to announce he was leaving X this week. I once believed that it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency and free speech, Lemon said. But I now feel it does not serve that purpose. George Monbiot I hope this will not be goodbye, but just hello in another, and better place, George Monbiot wrote on X - Rex Features The journalist and environmental activist started a thread on X, asking followers whether he should stay or leave the platform. This week he wrote that he would leave on January 20 the date of the Presidential inauguration. To my lovely freinds (sic) and followers here: I hope this will not be goodbye, but just hello in another, and better place, he wrote, revealing that he has joined BlueSky. The Berlin Film Festival Berlinale hosted its 74th International Film Festival in Berlin earlier this year - Getty One of the worlds most prestigious film festivals has announced it will soon be leaving X. In a post it said: The Berlinale has decided to say goodbye to X on Dec 31, 2024. Thank you for following us here all these years. The Guardian The Guardian announced it was deleting its official accounts - Shutterstock The newspaper put out a statement to confirm it will no longer post content on X and will be deleting its official accounts. The US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse, it said. Stephen King Stephen King is a prominant Democrat - Mario Tama/Getty Even the King of Horror is finding X too horrifying. The Carrie author, 77, wrote: Im leaving Twitter. Tried to stay, but the atmosphere has just become too toxic. Follow me on Threads, if you like. The day before he addressed speculation about himself and the platform, writing: I see theres a rumor going around that I called the Musk-man Trumps new first lady. I didnt, but only because I didnt think of it Theres also a rumor going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am. But apparently not for long. Alyssa Milano Alyssa Milano publicly endorsed Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election - Raymond Hall/GC Images The Charmed actress, who is currently starring in Chicago on Broadway, has joined the mass exodus of Hollywood stars leaving X. This week she deactivated her account with the words: Goodbye, X. Hello, Blue Sky. The actress is credited with sending the #MeToo movement viral in 2017. St. Pauli Social responsibility is one of the fundamental principles of FC St Pauli - Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty The traditionally Left-wing German football club has become the first major sports team to leave X, describing the social media site as a hate machine and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the German election in February. Racism and conspiracy theories are allowed to spread unchecked and even curated. Insults and threats are seldom sanctioned and are sold as freedom of speech, St Pauli wrote in a statement. It is to be assumed that X will also promote authoritarian, misanthropic and far-right content during the forthcoming German election campaign, thus manipulating the public discourse. Clifton Suspension Bridge Bristols Clifton Suspension Bridge - The Image Bank RF The Trump win was even a bridge too far for one of Bristols most famous landmarks. The Clifton Suspension Bridge & Museum posted on X this week: With the rise in inappropriate content and decrease in meaningful engagement with our followers, we have chosen to no longer post to this account. Marco Rubio, who Trump has nominated as US secretary of state. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters As Donald Trump rushes to fill out his cabinet and enact his America First agenda in the United States and abroad, a clear throughline for his foreign policy and national security team has been a vocal loyalty to the president-elect at least in this election cycle. The rapidly expanding roster includes established and some Maga supporters would say establishment foreign policy hawks, and a neophyte defense secretary who until this week was still a conservative commentator on Fox News. The putative team is a study in contrasts. Within minutes on Wednesday, Trump nominated the hawkish senator Marco Rubio to be his secretary of state and then chose Tulsi Gabbard a former Hawaii House Democrat who has been accused of defending Syrias Bashar al-Assad and said the west provoked Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine as his director of national intelligence (DNI). Like Trumps own reading of world politics, his personnel choices appear to be driven by an idiosyncratic and impulsive understanding of personal relationships and rivalries and a preference for a certain malleability of character as well. Clearly, these are loyalty choices in many respects, and thats thats not so unusual, said Dr Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund, a prominent thinktank. There are policy lines that run through these picks, but loyalty seems to trump professional experience in some cases. Related: Trump picks far-right congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general Former allies have spoken derisively of the process. The word loyalty is often used, said John Bolton, a former national security adviser under Trump. I think thats the wrong word. Actually, I think what Trump wants from his advisers is fealty, really a feudal sense of subservience. Among those who were discarded for apparent insubordination during the selection process were Mike Pompeo, Trumps secretary of state and CIA director, and his UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who criticised him during the campaign. He may get [fealty], but I will tell you that that will not serve him well over the course of his next term and it certainly wont serve the country well, said Bolton. Many, such as Rubio, hold views that are in the mainstream in Washington: they are China hawks, vocal supporters of Israel, and have hewed their skepticism of US support for Ukraine to match Trumps own. While not complete unknowns, Lesser said, theyre not, in a sense, from the known world, as far as the foreign security policy establishment is concerned. But others, such as Pete Hegseth, the military veteran and former Fox News commentator tapped by Trump for secretary of defense, pending a confirmation process, have no government experience and appear to have chosen for their theatricality and close rapport with the president-elect. Hegseth also appears primed to carry Trumps crusade against government efforts at inclusivity and diversity into the defense establishment. The dumbest phrase on planet earth in the military is our diversity is our strength, Hegseth said on the Shawn Ryan Show, a podcast, earlier this month. Others are more conventional choices. Michael Waltz, a Florida congressman who Trump has chosen as his national security adviser, is a former Green Beret who previously served as a defense policy director for secretaries of defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. There is a stark contrast between Waltz and Rubio, on the one hand, with [Pete] Hegseth on the other, said Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow and director of research in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution. Loyalty to Trump is a common thread. That said, he is somewhat forgiving, especially since Rubio once ran against him. Among establishment actors, the real concern is about Hegseth and his largely invented tirades against a supposedly woke military and chairman of the joint chiefs, said OHanlon. If there is a common denominator in the new-found cabinet, then it lies mainly in Trumps own vision of an America First foreign policy: one in which his brand of economic nationalism translates into foreign policy (making China an economic and therefore strategic rival); where support for Europe may be made contingent on US commercial interests; where US support for Ukraine is seen by the real estate developer as a losing deal; and where lip service is given to ending war around the world but Israels Benjamin Netanyahu is first told his country should do what it has to do in Gaza. Most of those views sit comfortably with the conservative foreign policy set in Washington, but the litmus test for many of the appointees has been Ukraine and Nato, where Trumps skepticism about the war has moved many in his party to oppose further aid for Kyiv. Many of those selected for the cabinet had openly supported US support for Ukraine in the past. Those now chosen for his administration appear to have received the memo. In choosing Rubio, Trump appeared to nod toward the reality that he does not hold carte blanche, including over the US Congress, and repeatedly noted that Rubio had managed the Washington gridlock and would continue to do so after a likely confirmation. I have worked with Marco Rubio for more than a decade on the intelligence committee and while we dont always agree, he is smart, talented, and will be a strong voice for American interests around the globe, said Mark Warner, a Democrat and the committee chair for the Senate intelligence committee. Rubios reported rival was Ric Grenell, a combative and controversial former ambassador to Germany under Trump who had feuded with Angela Merkel and other leading German politicians in one of the testiest periods for transatlantic relations in recent memory. But instead of choosing a close and loyal supporter, Trump went with the more conventional choice for secretary of state. I think what these picks suggest is that the idea that were moving towards isolationism is not correct, said Lesser. We may be moving towards more unilateralism but not isolationism in the classic way. You cannot hold those views about China or Israel or Iran without being, in some sense, internationally active. This article was amended on 15 November 2024. An earlier version misquoted John Bolton saying that Trump wants a futile sense of subservience from his advisers. This should have been feudal. Gaetz is more interested in sparring with political foes than in the dry business of government, according to his critics. Photograph: Nathan Howard/AP Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Matt Gaetz, a hard-right congressman from Florida known for inflaming tensions within the House Republican conference, as attorney general. Gaetz, a longtime Trump loyalist, gained attention last year after leading the successful charge to oust his fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. Gaetz and seven other House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to remove McCarthy last October, kicking off a weeks-long scramble to find a new speaker. Related: Trump picks far-right congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general McCarthy held Gaetz personally responsible for his removal and even funded an unsuccessful primary challenge against his former colleague. McCarthy suggested Gaetz pushed for his ouster because of an ethics committee investigation into allegations that Gaetz paid for and engaged in sexual relations with an underage girl. That investigation in effect ended on Wednesday night, however, when Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trumps nomination. In February 2023, the justice department declined to bring charges of sex trafficking against Gaetz, who has denied wrongdoing since the allegations first came to light. Even before McCarthys removal, Gaetz had cultivated a reputation as a rightwing firebrand who did not shy away from conflict with Democrats and fellow Republicans alike. Florida Man. Built for the Battle, reads Gaetzs bio on X, formerly Twitter. Gaetz followed his father into politics more than two decades ago. After serving in the Florida statehouse, Gaetz was elected in 2016 to represent a ruby-red chunk of the Florida Panhandle. Like Trump, to whom he is fiercely loyal, Gaetz is more interested in sparring with political foes than in the dry business of governance, according to his critics. On Capitol Hill, he has repeatedly disrupted House proceedings, including once barging into a secure facility where Democrats were holding a deposition hearing. In 2018, he was condemned for inviting a Holocaust denier to Trumps State of the Union address. A year later, he hired a speechwriter who had been fired by the Trump White House after speaking at a conference that attracts white nationalists. Months after the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Gaetz embarked on an America First tour with Marjorie Taylor Greene, the hard-right Georgia congresswoman, in which they amplified the former presidents false claims of fraud in the 2020 election. After House Republicans worse than expected performance in the 2022 midterms, Gaetz capitalized on his conferences wafer-thin majority to extract promises of rule changes from McCarthy, who had to endure 15 rounds of voting before becoming speaker in January 2023. Nine months later, Gaetz used those rule changes to force McCarthy out of the speakers chair. More recently, Gaetz has served as an adviser to Trump as the former president successfully sought a second term. According to ABC News, Gaetz helped Trump prepare for his September debate against Kamala Harris by peppering him with questions about his potential vulnerabilities, including Trumps multiple criminal indictments and his shifting stance on abortion access. As attorney general, Gaetz would have a powerful perch to prosecute Trumps political enemies, as the president-elect has promised to do. Gaetz may also attempt to purge the justice department of many longtime staffers, after Trump spread baseless claims that the federal government had been weaponized against him. But before Gaetz can take on the role, he will need the approval of the Senate, where he may face a chilly reception. With Senate Republicans 53-seat majority, Gaetz could still be confirmed, but some early warning signs appeared immediately after Trumps announcement. Susan Collins, a Republican senator of Maine, told reporters on Capitol Hill that she was shocked by the news. That shows why the advice and consent process [of Senate confirmation] is so important, Collins said, per Politico. And Im sure that there will be a lot of questions raised at his hearing. Members of Butte county sheriff search & rescue look for a man who got lost while gold panning in California's Plumas national forest, in November 2024. Photograph: Butte County Sheriff Search and Rescue An amateur gold panners dream of finding treasure during an expedition in California did not go as planned after he went missing for two days and was successfully rescued over the weekend. The panner and his companion had started trailing through northern Californias Plumas national forest on Thursday to search for gold. The companion became tired, so the missing hiker went to get water. That was the last time the two saw each other that day, according to the Butte county sheriffs office. The companion waited all day Friday at the same spot, spending another night outside. On Saturday morning, the panners partner decided to hike back to their truck, hoping the missing hiker would be there. When he wasnt, the companion called the police. A helicopter search crew eventually spotted the missing hikers campfire on a steep cliff, about 1,000ft below Milsap Bar Road and above the Feather River, about a 105-mile drive north-east from Sacramento. Due to the steep terrain, a hoist operation was ruled out and a joint rescue team from Butte County Search and Rescue and Cal Fire was deployed, the Facebook post from the sheriffs office said. A rescue team hiked through VERY THICK vegetation to reach him, and they found him in good health before helping him out of the canyon. Butte county sheriffs office highlighted the hikers readiness to go gold panning, posting several pictures of the hikers and saying that they were prepared to spend the night in the elements. Describing the missing hikers emergency shelter, the sheriffs office said: He had tarps and the ability to make a fire. In the current conditions, dehydration and starvation will kill you within days, but Hypothermia can kill you within hours. This type of 1800s-style expedition is not rare. Plumas county is known for its rich gold deposits. Some popular spots for panning are located along the Feather River and the North Fork, according to the countys website. Some locations, such as Rich Bar and Seneca, have historical ties to the gold rush. While many prospectors came to Plumas county with dreams of instant wealth, the reality of gold mining was often harsh and grueling, reads the Plumas county website. The work was physically demanding, and the chances of striking it rich were slim. Beginners can start with basic equipment such as pans and shovels, while experienced panners might use advanced tools such as sluice boxes. Success in gold panning requires knowledge of local spots, proper equipment use, and patience, according to the county. In Plumas county, the 19th-century gold rush spurred local business growth and created employment. Now, recreationally, gold panning still attracts tourists, with the county celebrating this history with festivals and re-enactments. Related: The modern-day gold diggers of California: It doesnt take much to catch the fever The influx of miners created a demand for goods and services, leading to establishing of businesses and the growth of local economies, reads the website. Merchants, blacksmiths, saloon owners, and other entrepreneurs thrived, catering to the needs of the gold-seeking population. Although most recreational gold panners nowadays dont expect to get rich out of their hobby, and might spend more money on equipment than they make in profit, an ounce of the mineral can sell for more than $2,000. Still, all that glitters is not gold. The gold rush in California led to violent conflicts against Indigenous people, resulting in tens of thousands of killings by settlers. Chinese immigrants working in gold mines faced intense discrimination after an influx of thousands of young Chinese men to California. Some Americans, believing these immigrants were taking jobs and income from others, pushed for restrictions on Chinese immigration and imposed a tax on all foreign miners in California. Elon Musk has written on X, the social media platform he owns, in defence of Allison Pearson Elon Musk and senior British politicians have led a growing backlash against police for investigating a social media post by a Telegraph journalist. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, Liz Truss, the former prime minister, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, and Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, have raised serious concerns after officers visited Allison Pearsons home. Pearson has told how officers from Essex Police visited on the morning of Remembrance Sunday to inform her that she was being investigated over a year-old post on X, formerly Twitter, which is now owned by Musk. She said police told her she was being investigated over a non-crime hate incident and described the Kafkaesque refusal of officers to disclose the contents of the post in question. Musk, the worlds richest man and a close ally of Donald Trump, weighed in to support the Telegraph writer. Posting on X, he wrote: This needs to stop. Elon Musk wrote on X: This needs to stop - Angelina Weiss/AFP via Getty The billionaire, who has been outspoken on free speech and the actions of the British police during the riots, labelled Sir Keir Starmer two-tier Keir, a reference to alleged two-tier policing that saw Right-wing protesters dealt with more harshly than Left-wing demonstrators. Musk made the comments in response to footage showing rioters hurling missiles at a pub in Birmingham, some of whom were masked and holding Palestinian flags. The Space X owner asked: Why arent all communities protected in Britain? Meanwhile, Mr Philp called on officers to stop attempts to police thought. The Conservative MP said: The police should not be wasting time and resources targeting journalists or the public for simply expressing opinions. Only where the criminal threshold is met should police become involved. I do not think officers should be policing thought only actual crimes that meet the criminal threshold. Freedom of expression must be protected, even where we disagree with the views being expressed. Police should concentrate on crime. Investigating opinions that are not criminal is totally unacceptable. Sir Iain said: What we are seeing is the police force turning into the thought police. The police have far more important things to do than following up on someones concerns about what someone wrote a year ago. This is definitely George Orwells 1984, very Big Brother-ish. I feel sorry for the police, who seem to be so badly led that officers are forced into this nonsense. What the public wants is for them to crack down on shoplifting, violent threats and anti-social behaviour. If you want to know what hate is, that is hate. They should deal with that rather than targeting journalists whose job is to speak freely. Allison Pearson has been subjected to appalling bullying, said Liz Truss - Heathcliff O'Malley for The Telegraph In a tweet, Ms Truss claimed the incident was yet another affront to free speech, adding: We must speak out and fight back against this appalling bullying of Allison Pearson. Mr Farage said: On Remembrance Sunday of all days, when we remember those who fell for democracy and freedom of speech, it is outrageous that Allison Pearson had to face police officers on her doorstep as the result of a freely-expressed opinion. This is Orwellian in the extreme. Im absolutely appalled that Allison and others like her have to live in fear for months without ever being told what has been said against them. People must be worried sick. We are very much in the territory of a thought crime here, where the accusers are called victims. A year before the police visit, Pearson had been frequently commenting on the October 7 massacre in Israel and the subsequent pro-Palestinian marches in London. Essex Police said officers had opened an investigation under the Public Order Act 1986 relating to material allegedly likely or intended to cause racial hatred. A police spokesman told The Telegraph: Were investigating a report passed to us by another force. The report relates to a social media post, which was subsequently removed. An investigation is now being carried out under section 17 of the Public Order Act. As part of that investigation, officers attended an address on Sunday Nov 10 to invite a woman to attend a voluntary interview on the matter. Police have indicated that the alleged post is being looked into as a criminal matter. In 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled that recording non-crime hate incidents was plainly an interference with free speech, with judge Dame Victoria Sharp stating that they were likely to have a serious chilling effect on public debate. This followed a legal victory by Harry Miller, a former police officer, who challenged Humberside Police after the force recorded a non-crime hate incident against him for allegedly sharing a transphobic limerick on Twitter. His initial legal failure in the High Court and subsequent victory in the Court of Appeal highlighted concerns about non-crime incidents. Last year, Suella Braverman, then the home secretary, told police they should only log hate incidents that were below the criminal threshold if there was a serious risk of harm and not just because someone was offended. She said: We have been clear that, in recording so-called non-crime hate incidents, officers must always have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds. Lich Vu speaks with a police officer during a traffic stop on 27 October. Photograph: Oklahoma City Police The Oklahoma City police department is facing criticism following the release of body-camera footage that shows a police officer forcefully throwing an elderly man to the ground last month. The citys police department released body-camera footage last week from 27 October that shows a police officer violently arresting 71-year-old Lich Vu after pulling him over during a traffic stop. The officer has been identified as Joseph Gibson, according to USA Today. Gibson pulled Vu over for an illegal U-turn on the NW 39th Expressway, according to police. In the initial minutes of the video, Vu, who is seated in his car with the door open and accompanied by his wife, can be seen communicating with Gibson amid an English language barrier. I didnt U-turn, he says. Gibson then asks Vu to sign a citation for an improper U-turn, saying that it is not an admission of guilt but rather confirmation that Vu will take care of the ticket at a later date. I dont know what youre talking about, Vu replies, adding that another driver hit his car. Me? Citation? She hit me and I got the citation? he says. Shortly after, Vu gets out of the car and gestures to the road in an attempt to further explain the situation to Gibson. Gibson then says they are done arguing about this. Vu replies, I want to show you, to which Gibson says, We argue in court If you dont sign this, you go to jail. Im ready to go to jail, Vu says. Gibson then says, Youre ready to go to jail? Ridiculous. He proceeds to head over to the other driver involved in the incident and issues her a ticket before returning to Vu. The two men continue arguing and at one point, Vu appears to tap Gibsons chest with the back of his hand. Vu then brings his index finger up to his mouth and says, You shut up. Gibson then grabs Vus arm and twists it before pinning him on to the ground. Separate surveillance footage from nearby businesses shows Vus head forcefully hitting the ground as Gibson places handcuffs on him. KFOR reports that Vu, who has bone cancer, suffered from a brain bleed and had to undergo surgery. He has remained in the hospital since the incident and is in and out of consciousness, but stable, according to family members who spoke to the outlet. Following the incident, Thuan Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma, called for Gibson to be terminated. We dont want our police department nor our [district attorney] to take it lightly. We want justice to be served, Nguyen told NBC, adding, We are always the last to be heard so no matter whether were the person that is at fault or not at fault, our statements are always last And so in certain cases, that indicates implicit bias. In a statement on Facebook, the Oklahoma City police department said that an investigation was immediately initiated and the officer was placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation. The Oklahoma City police department is dedicated to transparency and accountability. We want our community to know that this case is being thoroughly investigated, and the review process will take time to complete, it added. Chioma Nnadi, the editor of British Vogue, says a lot of celebrities are using Ozempic - Dave Benett/Getty Images Europe Ozempic could be behind a concerning return of skinny models, the editor of British Vogue magazine has said. Chioma Nnadi said that Ozempic, which has been lauded by many celebrities as a wonder drug, could be causing the pendulum to swing back to skinny. Asked about thin models dominating catwalks this fashion season, Ms Nnadi told the BBCs Today programme: We should be all concerned. I am very concerned, and I know many of my colleagues are very concerned, and I do think perhaps Ozempic has something to do with it. Were part of this moment where were seeing the pendulum swing back to skinny being in, and often these things are treated like a trend, and we dont want them to be. Ozempic is a formulation of the drug semaglutide, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is prescribed off-label for weight loss. In the UK, semaglutide is licensed for weight management and treating obesity under the brand name Wegovy. Semaglutide is a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of a naturally occurring intestinal hormone called GLP-1, which is released after a meal, making users feel full. Ozempic is a formulation of the drug semaglutide, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is prescribed off-label for weight loss - imyskin/iStockphoto Ms Nnadi added: I dont think we can pin it on any one thing. I do think that Ozempic has something to do with it, because were seeing a lot of celebrities who are using it, and I think theres a shift in the culture around how we think about our bodies, and how we address our bodies. She said she believes it is important that all bodies are represented, but conceded that many designers make their runway collections in sample size, which is between sizes six and four, limiting the models who can fit in the clothes. We as a magazine cannot change it on our own, because obviously, the designers are making clothes at a sample size, she said. Its something that is really worth talking about in fashion right now, because it is a real problem. Ms Nnadi, who was speaking before the launch of the Vogue: Inventing the Runway exhibition at Londons Lightroom on Wednesday, said that there was not enough body diversity representation this past season. She added: It felt almost like at certain shows the models were especially thin. Its hopefully not something that will endure, and its something that will hopefully be a wake-up call, and that this negative trend will not progress. The immersive exhibition, which explores the history of the modern runway, will be open until April 26. Lack of representation for larger sizes Ms Nnadi also said the magazine had championed certain plus-sized models such as Paloma Elsesser and Precious Lee on its cover, but conceded there wasnt enough representation of the kind across the industry. A Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2025 size inclusivity report into body shapes seen on the catwalks across New York, London, Milan and Paris found that of 8,763 looks across 208 shows and presentations, 94.9 per cent were a size US 0-4 (UK 4-8). It found that 0.8 per cent were plus-size (US 14+) and 4.3 per cent were mid-size (US 6-12). Commenting on the report, Emma Davidson, the fashion features director at Dazed magazine, told Vogue: For me, it was the worst season in a long time. It has felt like brands were turning their back on inclusive casting for a while, but this season, I sat in my seat a few times at shows where bigger models had previously been present, and it was so disheartening to see no representation this season feels like the nail in the coffin. Pete Hegseth interviews Donald Trump at the White House in 2017. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters The Pentagon has been stunned by Donald Trumps pick for defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, a national guard veteran and Fox News presenter who has called for a purge of generals for pursuing woke diversity policies. Hegseth has questioned whether the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen Charles Brown, was given the top job because he is black and accused him of pursuing the radical positions of leftwing politicians. Hegseth was a major in the Minnesota national guard who served as a prison guard at Guantanamo Bay detention camp and served in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming an outspoken rightwing critic of the military. He has argued for faster provision of more US weapons to Ukraine for its defence against Russia, but also called US Nato membership into question. His nomination is also a boost for the far right in Israel, as he has shown support for territorial expansion and suggested that Jews could build a new temple on the sacred compound around al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. Hegseth told an audience in Jerusalem in 2018: Theres no reason why the miracle of the re-establishment of the temple on the Temple Mount is not possible. The Israeli settler movement is also celebrating Trumps nomination of Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, as the US ambassador to Israel. In a visit to the region in 2017, Huckabee, an evangelical Baptist minister, said: There is no such thing as a West Bank its Judea and Samaria. He said: Theres no such thing as a settlement. Theyre communities. Theyre neighbourhoods. Theyre cities. Theres no such thing as an occupation a position dramatically at odds with current US policy and international law on occupied Palestinian territory. Trumps nomination of Hegseth, 44, a chatshow commentator with minimal managerial experience, to run the US military establishment with 1.3 million active-duty service members and the nearly 1 million civilian staff has taken Congress and the Pentagon by surprise. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the house armed services committee, said: There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job. Military officials described the choice as having come out of the blue, the Army Times reported, and it quoted an unnamed senior military officer as saying the choice raised concerns about whether Hegseth had the experience to manage a government department with a budget of more than $800bn. In his first term in the White House, Trump found himself at odds with the people he chose to run the Pentagon, but Hegseth has shown himself to be a loyalist with a shared hostility to the military establishment. Hegseth wrote in his memoir: The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired. On Browns appointment as chair of the joint chiefs of staff, Hegseth asked: Was it because of his skin colour? Or his skill? Well never know. There is concern in the top ranks of the US military that Hegseth could help Trump pursue retribution against generals and other senior officers who were seen to be insufficiently loyal to the president-elect in the past. In particular, Mark Milley, a retired general who was chair of the joint chiefs of staff in Trumps first term and who resisted Trumps calls to use troops against protesters, reportedly fears being recalled to service by Trump so he can be court-martialed. Milley recently told the journalist and author Bob Woodward that he now believed Trump to be a fascist to the core. The sheep is now being cared for by the Bird and Mammal Reception Centre in Heusden-Zolder in the Dutch-speaking province of Limburg A Belgian sheep that has not been sheared for five years cannot have its wool removed in case it catches pneumonia. The animal was rescued from its owners in Overijse in Flemish Brabant and taken to a shelter. The sheep is now being cared for by the Bird and Mammal Reception Centre in Heusden-Zolder in the Dutch-speaking province of Limburg. Rudi Oyen, a shelter employee, told the VRT broadcaster: If we shear the sheep at this point in the year, it will definitely contract pneumonia. Our sheep shearer thinks the sheep has not been sheared for at least four or five years. That is really extreme. Removing wool is out the question Pneumonia does not always prove fatal in sheep and can be treated with antibiotics, but Mr Oyen said there a several factors that must be taken into account. Fearful of the cold winter weather in Flanders, he warned: Its really not the right time of the year to shear sheep, but we have to do something, because now the critter is in pain. Faeces, for example, are getting stuck in the coat. We will probably have to shear the tail. But removing the huge mass of wool is out of the question for now. Maybe we can shear part of the wool, but I actually doubt that that is possible. Normally, you always shear down to the skin. He added: In fact, the sheep has been quite lucky, because the risk of myiasis is very high in such cases. Myiasis, also known as fly strike, is a painful condition caused by blowfly larvae feeding on the skin of the sheep that can be fatal. A donkey and horse were also seized in the same raid and taken to the Belgian shelter. The animals could barely walk because their hooves had not been looked after for several years. Mr Oyen said: Both animals had enormously long hooves. They could hardly walk as a result. We are now going to take X-rays of the legs to see how the hoof bone is doing. That way we will know if the animals can survive. This is not the first time a sheep has captured attention. Last year, the UK was enthralled by the story of Fiona, who was dubbed Britains loneliest sheep. Fiona was rescued after living alone at the foot of a cliff in Scotland for two years, having been separated from the rest of its flock. Its fleece had grown so huge, it had begun to drag on the ground. After Fiona was shorn, its fleece was sold for charity, with the wool being made into souvenirs. Hot volcanic ash spewing from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia - Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation /Xinhua/Alamy Live News Tourists have been stranded on the Indonesian island of Bali after a nearby volcano spewed hot towers of ash more than five miles into the sky, forcing airlines to cancel flights to and from the popular destination. Companies including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and AirAsia all grounded planes on Wednesday, after new activity at Mount Lewotobi a twin-peaked, 5,197ft tall volcano on Flores island, roughly 360 miles from Bali. It has two peaks; the Lewotobi Laki-Laki and the Lewotobi Perempuan. The volcano has been sporadically catapulting ash into the sky since an initial eruption last week, which killed nine people, injured dozens more and pushed more than 11,000 to evacuate. But on Tuesday alone, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spewed ash into the sky at least 17 times. According to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, the largest column was 5.6 miles tall. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki as seen from the Eputobi rest area in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara - National Disaster Mitigation Agency/Getty Images As volcanic ash spread towards Bali, numerous airlines said it was no longer safe to operate, leaving tourists stranded. The general manager of Balis I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport told the Associated Press (AP) that 46 flights including 30 scheduled to depart and 16 due to arrive had so far been affected. As it announced several cancellations, the low-cost carrier AirAsia said in a statement: Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to safe operations of the aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews ash and smoke as seen from Lewolaga village in Titihena - ARNOLD WELIANTO/AFP Meanwhile Korean Air said two of its flights headed to the holiday hotspot had been forced to turn back in mid-air because of the volcanic ash. The planes were collectively carrying about 400 passengers. Other carriers halting flights included Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Scoot and IndiGo. But some passengers stranded at I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport said they had felt abandoned. An electronic board displays cancelled flights at Balis I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport - SONNY TUMBELAKA/AFP Charlie Austin from Perth, Australia, who was on vacation in Bali with his family, told AP: The airline did not provide accommodation, leaving us stranded at this airport. Home to 280 million people, Indonesia sits in the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean which makes it incredibly prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity and landslides. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of the archipelagos 120 active volcanoes. Candles and flowers are shown outside Houston Fire Station 23, 8005 Lawndale St., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Houston. Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia with Station 23 died from injuries sustained while fighting a warehouse fire at 6536 Supply Row Blvd. overnight. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Road closures will take effect in downtown Houston early Wednesday morning as the firefighters and other Houstonians gather for the funeral of Marcelo Garcia, according to a Tuesday news release. Garcia was killed in the line of duty Nov. 6 while battling a fire in East End. A memorial service is planned for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and will be streamed on Houston TV, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association said in the release. Firefighters with the Houston Fire Department will gather ahead of the service at Houston Fire Station 8, located at 1818 Louisiana Street, for a funeral procession to the cathedral. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The following roads will be closed for the procession: Fannin Street between Pierce Street and Jefferson Street from 6 a.m. to noon. San Jacinto Street between Pierce Street and Jefferson Street from 6 a.m. to noon. St. Joseph Parkway between Pierce Street and Jefferson Street from 6 a.m. to noon. Louisiana Street between Pierce Street and Jefferson Street from 6 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Jefferson Street from Smith Street to San Jacinto Street from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Smith Street between Pierce Street and Jefferson Street from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Houston Mayor John Whitmire asked commuters to turn on their headlights Wednesday morning in honor of Garcia. Houston City Council also delayed its Tuesday public comment hearing and regular Wednesday meeting in observance of Garcia's service. A consolidated meeting will be held Thursday at 9 a.m., according to a Monday news release from the City of Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Garcia died after an exterior wall collapsed on him and another firefighter, who sustained minor injuries, while responding to a warehouse fire at 6536 Supply Row that broke out late Nov. 6. US President Joe Biden shakes hands with US President-elect Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office - SAUL LOEB/AFP Donald Trump told Joe Biden that politics is tough as he returned to the White House for the first time in four years for a transition meeting. The two men joked about the media and said they hoped the transfer of power would be smooth, a week after Mr Trump stormed to victory in all seven swing states, trouncing Kamala Harris. In a short appearance before the cameras ahead of their two-hour meeting, Mr Trump said: Politics is tough, and its in many cases not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much. Mr Biden said: Donald, congratulations. Looking forward to having a smooth transition. Were doing everything we can to make sure youre accommodated, and were going to get a chance to talk about some of that today. The meeting was also attended by the current and incoming White House chiefs of staff. Karine Jean-Pierre, Mr Bidens press secretary, said they held a substantive meeting and exchange of views, including on national security matters. It was the first time the two men had met since the presidential debate in June, when Mr Biden claimed Mr Trump had the morals of an alley cat while the Republican suggested his opponent was senile. Mr Trump did not hold a transition meeting in the White House for Mr Biden in 2021 because he did not accept the result of the election and initially refused to leave office. Mr Biden has said he will do everything he can to facilitate the change in personnel. Meanwhile, Mr Trump faced a setback on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, where John Thune, the South Dakota senator, was elected the Senate majority leader. Mr Thune had been criticised by some of the president-elects allies, who favoured a rival Trump loyalist, Rick Scott. Speaking after the vote, Mr Thune said the Senate would now turn to the task of confirming Mr Trumps Cabinet nominations, which are expected to continue this week. He said he was beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House, adding: This Republican team is united behind President Trumps agenda, and our work starts today. Mr Thune, Mr Scott and the Texas senator John Cornyn were the frontrunners to replace Mitch McConnell, the outgoing party chief in the upper chamber. Mr Thune is an ally of Mr McConnell, who has clashed with Mr Trump. Some on Mr Trumps team are concerned he could try to block some key appointments. Challenge for Trump The new Senate leader was the target of Mr Trumps ire in 2021 after he criticised the president-elects claim that the 2020 election had been rigged by Mr Biden. Peter Navarro, a Trump ally who served as a White House aide in his first administration, said before the vote: If John Thune or John Cornyn get control of the Senate, like Mitch McConnell did, were not going to have a Trump Cabinet. After the 2016 election, some of Mr Trumps planned appointments were delayed for months before they took office because of opposition in the Senate. Mr Trump has made several key nominations since his election last week, including Marco Rubio as his secretary of state and the former Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth as defence secretary. Mr Hegseth is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and has previously suggested women should not be allowed to serve in front line roles. He was also filmed accidentally throwing an axe at a military drummer in a stunt on Fox that went awry. Credit: Fox News On Tuesday night, Mr Trump announced that Elon Musk, the billionaire SpaceX founder, and his former Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy would co-chair a new commission on government efficiency, named DOGE. The remaining major appointments include Mr Trumps treasury secretary and attorney general. His choices so far suggest he has prioritised political allies that have pledged support for his America First agenda. Contenders for the US Treasury job include John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, and Howard Lutnick, who is currently working for the Trump transition team. Mr Ramaswamy, who withdrew from the Republican primary earlier this year after the Iowa caucus, has said he supports the abolition of the FBI. Mr Musk first suggested the role of a government efficiency commission in an interview with Mr Trump on his platform, X, in August. He has said he hopes to reduce the number of federal agencies in the US from more than 400 to 99 and reduce spending on woke diversity projects and other insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars. Mr Trump, Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy have all supported the abolition of the federal Department of Education, leaving individual states to deliver schools policy. Almost all of the day-to-day management of education is already devolved. DOGE, which is named after a meme cryptocurrency, will exist outside of the US government and will conclude its work by July 2026, the Trump transition team said. In his announcement, Mr Trump said the body would drive drastic change by making proposals on large scale structural reform. The recommendations would push the government to take a more entrepreneurial approach by focusing on federal bureaucracies and agencies, as well as slashing red tape and spending. Speculation mounted on Wednesday that Mr Trump is planning to appoint Alina Habba, a lawyer who represented him in several of his trials, as White House press secretary. She has said she would very seriously consider the role. Other contenders include Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old communications adviser who served as the Trump campaigns spokesman. 04:28 PM GMT The Trump-Biden remarks in full Joe Biden said: Donald, congratulations. Looking forward to having a, like we said, a smooth transition. Were doing everything we can to make sure youre accommodated, and were going to get a chance to talk about some of that today. Donald Trump responded: Well, thank you very much. And politics is tough, and its in many cases not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much. A transition thats so smooth itll be as smooth as it can get. And I very much appreciate that Joe. 04:23 PM GMT Trump and Biden make brief appearance before media Donald Trump and Joe Biden had a brief meeting in front of media in the Oval Office. The two men shook hands and spoke briefly, sitting in front of a roaring fire, before the meeting was thrown into chaos by members of the media shouting questions. 04:18 PM GMT Trump endorses Johnson to continue as Speaker Donald Trump endorsed Mike Johnson to continue as the top Republican in the House of Representatives today, according to reports. A source present for the GOP conference in Washington, DCs Hyatt Regency hotel told CNN that Mr Trump was with Johnson all the way. Mr Johnson, the Speaker of the House, is up for re-election, and reports surfaced yesterday that conservatives could launch a challenge against his leadership. When the Louisiana congressman addressed Republicans today, he is said to have called Mr Trump the comeback kid. 04:02 PM GMT Trump motorcade heads to White House Donald Trump has left a conference of House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel near Capitol Hill. His motorcade is now heading through the streets of Washington, DC to a meeting with Joe Biden at the White House. 03:54 PM GMT Pictures: Donald Trump meets with House Republicans after election win Donald Trump reacts as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington - REUTERS/Brian Snyder Donald Trump speaks as he arrives for a meeting with the House GOP conference - AP Photo/Alex Brandon 03:51 PM GMT Trump makes new appointments to White House staff Donald Trump has announced a flurry of new appointments to his senior White House staff: Dan Scavino will be appointed assistant to the president and deputy chief chief of staff James Blair will be appointed assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs Taylor Budowich will be appointed assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel 03:43 PM GMT Reports: Musk wanted to meet Biden with Trump Elon Musk privately expressed interest in joining Donald Trump for his meeting with Joe Biden, according to Politico. The Tesla billionaires suggestion is said to have prompted a backlash from Trump aides. Elon is getting a little big for his britches, one said. Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk sits as Donald Trump meets with House Republicans - REUTERS/Brian Snyder It seems unlikely that Mr Musk will be present for the meeting between the two men, but he flew into Washington, DC with Mr Trump this morning. 03:31 PM GMT Pictured: Trump heads down the steps of Trump Force One Donald Trump heads down the steps of his plane ahead of his visit to the White House Trump Force One taxis at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland - REUTERS/Brian Snyder 03:28 PM GMT Reports: Trump lining up Ukraine peace envoy As Joe Biden lays the ground to hand over power to Donald Trump, the president-elect is reportedly planning to appoint a Ukraine peace envoy tasked with ending the war in Russia. Youre going to see a very senior special envoy, someone with a lot of credibility, who will be given a task to find a resolution, to get to a peace settlement, a source told Fox News. Youre going to see that in short order. 03:21 PM GMT Melania Trump wishes husband success - but wont go to DC Melania Trump has confirmed that she will not meet Jill Biden at the White House, despite receiving an invitation from the First Lady. Her office said in a statement: Mrs Trump will not be attending todays meeting at the White House. Her husbands return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success. 03:18 PM GMT Where will Trump go before Biden meeting? Donald Trump landed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Wednesday morning, where staff had rolled out a red carpet for him. The president-elect was the first down the steps of his Boeing Trump Force One, accompanied by advisers and allies including Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire. Mr Trump climbed into his motorcade without speaking to reporters. He is currently addressing congressional Republicans about his administrations priorities. 03:11 PM GMT Watch: Trump returns to Washington, DC 03:10 PM GMT Melania Trump will not be at meeting When Joe Biden and Donald Trump meet at the White House today, there will be one key figure who wont be present - Melania Trump, the former first lady. Jill Biden extended Melania Trump the customary invitation last week, but Mrs Trump reportedly declined the offer, with sources citing a scheduling conflict. 03:05 PM GMT Welcome Hello and welcome to the live blog. Benedict Smith here. Well be bringing you all the latest updates as Donald Trump heads to the White House to meet with Joe Biden. Tomatoes grown industrially have been bred for high yields and large size, whereas wild varieties are smaller and sweeter. Photograph: David Talukdar/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock It is a common complaint in the produce aisle: tomatoes today might be big, but they are tasteless. Now researchers say they can remedy the problem by tweaking genes that affect sugar levels in the fruit. While their wild relatives produce small, sweet fruit, domesticated tomatoes grown industrially have been bred for high yields, resulting in varieties that are 10-100 times bigger. Now scientists in China say they have identified two genes that put a brake on sugar production in tomatoes during ripening, and created gene-edited versions of domesticated varieties to result in fruit that is large but also sweet. Prof Sanwen Huang, the director general of the agricultural genomics institute at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shenzhen, said it was necessary to balance the needs of consumers with those of producers and farmers. As farmers want larger tomatoes and higher yield, the consumers want sweeter tomatoes, he said. Our discovery of the sugar brake genes leads to [breeding of a] sweeter tomato without sacrificing fruit size and yield, breaking the negative relationship between yield and quality. Writing in the journal Nature, the researchers describe how they first explored the genomes of wild and cultivated tomato plants, identifying two similar genes associated with the sugar content of the fruit. They say the versions of these genes associated with high sweetness are prevalent in wild tomato plants, but have largely been lost in modern varieties. Further work revealed the versions of the genes found in domesticated tomato plants enabled the production of an enzyme that labelled another sugar-making enzyme for destruction within cells. By contrast, the versions of these genes found in wild plants limited the production of this enzyme, resulting in sweeter tomatoes. When the team used the gene-editing tool Crispr-Cas9 to make precise changes to the DNA of domesticated tomato plants, preventing these genes from working properly, they found the resulting fruit had up to 30% higher sugar content than those of unmodified plants. Unexpectedly, however, there was no significant difference in fruit weight or yield. While the gene-edited tomatoes had fewer, lighter seeds, they germinated as normal. The researchers say their work suggests the two genes work as sugar brakes during fruit ripening, probably to ensure there is enough energy for the development of seeds. Huang said the new tomatoes could end up in supermarkets within three to five years; the team noted other gene-edited tomatoes were already available in Japan. However, it might be a while before others can taste the fruits of such science: while new laws support growing of gene-edited crops in England and Wales, secondary legalisation needed to implement the law has not yet been passed. Senator John Thune of South Dakota. Photograph: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images John Thune, a Republican senator for South Dakota, will become the new Senate majority leader after winning an internal party ballot on Wednesday for the position left vacant by the imminent retirement of Mitch McConnell. His elevation following the second round of a vote among Republican senators that was held under secret ballot conditions propels him into a key role in advancing Donald Trumps agenda when the president-elect returns to the White House in January. Thune, currently the Republican whip in the Senate, beat John Cornyn of Texas 29-24 on a second ballot after an initial round that saw the elimination of the Florida senator Rick Scott, a favourite of Maga conservatives. The South Dakota senator won the backing of 25 of his GOP colleagues to Cornyns 15 in the initial ballot, with Scott getting 13 votes. I am extremely honoured to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House, Thune said in a statement after the vote. This Republican team is united behind President Trumps agenda, and our work starts today. Thune has previously been a critic of Trump and called his role in the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol inexcusable. Trump responded by calling him a Rino (Republican in name only) and calling for him to face a primary challenge in his 2022 bid for re-election to the Senate. Related: Republicans retake control of US Senate after Democrats lose majority But the two reconciled, and Thune visited Trumps Mar-a-Lago home last March and endorsed his presidential candidacy. Trump did not endorse any candidate in the election to replace McConnell, with whom he had a frosty relationship and often clashed. However, some of his most fervent backers including the entrepreneur Elon Musk, the rightwing activist Charlie Kirk and the broadcaster Tucker Carlson vocally backed Scott. Kirk, in particular, drew attention to Thunes past criticism of Trump in social media posts at the weekend. But the interventions seemed to backfire, with some senators voicing anger at the attempts of outsiders to influence their vote. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, continued to snipe at Thune after his victory, warning him that he was on notice to get Trumps agenda passed and have his senior appointments confirmed in Senate hearings. He has a short window to show us he will support President Trump, fill his cabinet, confirm his judges, and pass his agenda, Kirk wrote. If he does, we will support him. If he doesnt, we will work to remove him. However, Thune received words of support from another Trump backer, the South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, who said he had voted for him in the leadership election and predicted that he would be a reliable ally to Trump and Mike Johnson, the Republican House speaker. When it comes to enacting the Make America Great Again Agenda, President Trump will have no better ally than Majority Leader John Thune, Graham said. Commander Stephen Clayman says for far too long, deadly weapons have been far too easily accessible online - Yui Mok/PA Senior social media bosses will face fines of up to 10,000 if they fail to remove posts that glorify knife crime or advertise banned weapons under new legislation. Executives will be held personally liable for knife crime content on their platforms in the same way that the Online Safety Act holds them accountable for persistent abuses of their duty of care to protect children from harm online. The new laws, expected in a new crime and sentencing bill, will give police the power to issue notices to senior executives of online companies, ordering them to remove specific pieces of content, potentially within two days. This could include videos glorifying knife violence or adverts promoting the purchase of banned weapons such as zombie knives or ninja swords. The chief executive or nominated director of the company could be held liable for the fines, which will be civil penalties rather than leaving them with a criminal record. The plan is similar to measures in the Online Safety Act, where executives can face up to two years in jail for failing to protect children from harms such as child abuse. Zombie knives were outlawed by the last Conservative government - Joe Giddens/PA Ninja swords will also be banned under the new laws in the same way as zombie knives were outlawed by the last Conservative government. It will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport the weapons, with a maximum penalty of up to two years in jail. It is already an offence to carry such weapons in public, punishable by up to four years in prison. Anyone caught in possession of the weapons will face two years, while anyone caught selling knives to under-18s, including online, will also face two years behind bars. The number of knife crime offences reported by police forces across England and Wales is close to record levels, passing 50,000 for only the second time since records began. However, in London, they have already hit a record high of 15,859 in the year to June, up 16 per cent on the previous year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Nationally, the number of police-recorded knife crime offences which include their use in murder, rape, robbery and threats to kill has risen 3.6 per cent from 49,187 to 50,973. The only previous time the annual figures passed 50,000 was in 2020 when it reached 51,982. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: The epidemic of knife crime that has grown over the last decade is devastating families and communities right across the country. Thats why this government has set out an unprecedented mission to halve knife crime over the next decade and today were taking determined action to get lethal blades off Britains streets. That means tough new sanctions for technology executives who fail to tackle illegal knife sales on their platforms, and a comprehensive ban on ninja swords. These announcements follow the tireless campaigning of Pooja Kanda, whose son Ronan was killed in 2022 after his teenage killer unlawfully obtained a ninja sword online. Those who enable or perpetrate these crimes must face the full force of the law. Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for knife crime, said: For far too long, deadly weapons have been far too easily accessible online, with content promoting their use for protection and combat rife on many platforms and seemingly little being done to remove it. The Victorian Electoral Commission says it has detected higher rates of multiple ballot paper envelopes returned appearing to be from the same voters in the wards of Lalor and Baird. Photograph: Morgan Hancock/AAP The Victorian Electoral Commission has referred allegations of suspected postal vote tampering in two Melbourne council elections to police. The VEC on Wednesday afternoon said it had detected a high number of multiple returned votes in Knox city council, in Melbournes east, and Whittlesea city council which was overseen by administrators between 2020 and 2024 after governance issues, in Melbournes north, after voting closed in the states council elections last month. Both elections have been declared by the VEC and on Wednesday it requested the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Vcat) review the results in Whittleseas Lalor ward and Knoxs Baird ward. Peter Lockwood won Baird ward on a margin of 1.87% while Stevan Kozmevski secured a victory in Lalor on a 0.16% margin. There is no suggestions of wrongdoing by either candidate. Vcat will now determine the validity of the election and decide whether a new poll is necessary. Sign up for Guardian Australias breaking news email The Victorian electoral commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, said the suspected interference was a serious matter with significant penalties. The maximum penalty for the alleged offence is five years imprisonment and/or up to $99,000 in fines. Speaking to reporters, he said he was very disappointed over the alleged tampering. We take it extremely seriously, he said. He said some of the suspected fraudulent votes were included in the count. Related: Trump hush-money judge delays ruling on whether to throw out conviction It depends on whether they came in before the close of voting or after the close of voting. Some may have been admitted for the count, some not, he said. Bluemmel said 128 ballots in Whittleseas Lalor ward and 61 Knoxs Baird ward were detected as suspicious returns. He said after a similar incident in 2020, which led to a former Merri-bek councillor later pleading guilty to vote tampering, the VEC had made further safeguards and monitoring tools. Our proactive monitoring identified this and identified it quickly, he said. The VEC has also referred the alleged matter to the Local Government Inspectorate for an investigation into alleged electoral offences. The chief municipal inspector, Michael Stefanovic, said the LGI would work with the VEC to establish the nature of the matter and liaise with Victoria police regarding the appropriate response. Bluemmel said the VEC first referred the Lalor ward matter to the LGI on 30 October and police on 1 November. For Knox, the commission made referrals to the LGI on 6 November and to police on 7 November. The VEC said by law it was required to declare the election result for both wards before it could make a referral to the Vcat. In a statement, the VEC said it has detected higher rates of multiple ballot paper envelopes returned appearing to be from the same voters in both these wards following the close of voting. As required by law, the voter declarations on each multiple return were carefully examined. A number of multiple returns were set aside as rejected after comparison with the declarations from replacement ballot paper envelopes. This highlighted a pattern of irregularities, the VEC said. Victorias minister for local government, Melissa Horne, said it was a serious matter. Any instance of voter fraud is unacceptable, erodes community trust and diminishes the institutions where it has taken place, she said. The opposition leader, John Pesutto, said he was concerned about any potential threat to the integrity of the electoral system. He said he would work with the government to ensure every step is put in place to scrutinise the processes of election and make sure they are free, fair and accurate. Toxic friendship Gael Briton has always been adamant that she and her older sibling Ciara arent just sisters they are best friends. But it was Gaels husband who first recognised that her relationship with Ciara was toxic. Gael had overlooked the fact that Ciara was always cancelling plans, back stabbing and making her feel bad. Thats the part of it that annoys me the most Gael constantly feels as if shes in the wrong, her husband, Luke, explains. Shell jump to attention at every text message; analyse every phone call to make sure she hasnt offended her. Its exhausting for me so I can only imagine what it is like for her. Gael is uncomfortable using the word frenemy to describe her sister, as she insists she doesnt feel any animosity towards her, but when she undertook a simple new relationship toxicity test designed by psychologist Julianne Holt-Lunstad at Brigham Young University, in Utah, the score pointed to what psychologists call an ambivalent or love-hate relationship. Holt-Lunstads research, published in the most recent edition of New Scientist, suggests that ambivalent relationships can be so stressful that they damage our mental and physical health and can even age us prematurely. In her study, Holt-Lunstad hooked up 102 participants to blood pressure monitors for three days, which they triggered during any social interaction. Afterwards they recorded who they had met and rated them using the toxicity test. When Holt-Lunstad analysed the results, it was clear that blood pressure was higher during encounters with those who scored frenemy status. Gael admits that she feels both happiness and dread at the thought of seeing her sister. I love her but she definitely puts me on edge. I get insomnia when theres a plan to meet up and Im always on high alert at family gatherings when shes around, she explains. It takes about three days to recover. Holt-Lunstads research suggests that friends, parents, siblings, colleagues and even spouses can be in an ambivalent relationship, ie frenemies. Ambivalence can come in many forms, she says: they might lack interest in your life, regularly flake out on plans, or blow hot and cold with their affection. They might overshadow you (think Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announcing her baby news on the day of her friend Princess Eugenies wedding) or keep secrets (as per Monica in Friends, who did not tell her best friend, Rachel, that she was dating Chandler). After the news broke, Etiquette expert William Hanson described Meghans timing as a faux pas as upstaging the bride is a complete no-no - Raul Arboleda/AFP via Getty | Dave Benett/Getty Images for Loci Gael says she never knows how Ciara is going to be. She can be warm and loving or cold and chippy. This is despite the fact she has a far more lucrative job than Gael and has just got engaged. We get on like a house on fire 50 per cent of the time shes the funniest person I know and offers such good advice and support but she can also make me feel as if Ive done something wrong and I find myself wracking my brains as to what Ive done to offend her, she says. Its a constant source of upset and worry: Gael resents the fact that Ciara seemingly likes to punish her and that she doesnt value their relationship in the same way. Recently Ciara didnt invite her to her birthday drinks, Luke says. It was a very small gathering in a pub, admittedly, but I cant tell you how hurt Gael was to be excluded. Gael genuinely believes, though, that she and Ciara are still the best of friends. According to psychologist Dr Audrey Tang, this is how frenemies always start out two people who enjoy spending time together and doing the same things. But then a change in relationship status, career, or health affects the way one party is behaving; in some cases both sides are guilty. Perhaps youre in a happy relationship and they are not; perhaps theyve had a baby and you havent, Tang says. We wont know that we are involved in a toxic friendship until we begin to feel bad and this will be due to our so-called friend engaging in negative behaviour patterns such as breaking plans, putting us down, not validating our feelings or gossiping about us. According to Luke, Ciara does all these things but when he urges Gael to distance herself from her sister she wont hear of it. If she was a friend I could do this but shes my sister you have to take the rough with the smooth with family. Luke believes hes partly to blame; when he got together with Gael five years ago, the two sisters were living together and Ciara was single. Ciara, naturally, felt left out. Shes happily in a relationship now, though, so I dont understand why the behaviour continues, he says. But Gael believes the problem is more deep-rooted: shes always had to appease Ciara and worry about her thats how their relationship works. When we got our own lives and I stopped feeling sorry for her, the dynamic changed and I suppose toxicity crept in, she says. According to Tang, we can be subconsciously drawn to imbalanced relationships, and then because we consider them our choice we struggle to leave. Gael would love to reset her relationship with Ciara but when she tries to discuss the friction Ciara denies there is a problem or feels insulted. Tang, who has experienced four toxic relationships himself in adulthood, says toxic behaviour may not be deliberate, which makes it very hard to diffuse. The most toxic of her relationships was with a friend at work it ruined two holidays and sent her blood pressure skyrocketing; she recalls being too afraid to open WhatsApp and eventually the only option was to break the pattern and cut ties. In an ideal world, youll have a frank conversation and theyll listen to you and even feel grateful that youd flagged up their behaviour, she says. But many people lack self awareness when facing criticism. She suggests following the American author, Rosalind Wismans, SEAL approach to confrontation: Strategise; Explain; Affirm and then Lock in or out. This is the most important part deciding on whether you want the relationship to continue and on what basis, she says. If a relationship is causing untold stress and affecting other relationships in your life, say with a partner or other colleagues, the obvious solution is to cut ties. But if this person is always going to be in your life, you want to aim for a functional relationship, she says. Its about setting boundaries and adopting emotional strategies to address toxicity which means not letting discontents fester, and perhaps expecting less from the relationship, she says. Its ok to have different people fulfilling different needs. I have a very few close friends who are like family, but others might be the ones I go out with, the ones I laugh with, the ones I share secrets with. And theres nothing wrong with that some relationships thrive on a lack of responsibility. Toxicity can also stem from a listening problem, she says; you might be coming from a place of love but leaving your friend feeling dismissed. In particular, there are three common mistakes we make when it comes to listening to those we are close with, she says: spouting rehearsed advice rather than really listening; listening only to critique the speaker; and derailing them by topping their experience with our own. Instead we should aim to listen actively, Tang says, by asking open questions (beginning with who, what, when, how) and paraphrasing back to ensure weve understood accurately. We should also ask ourselves if perhaps were being a bit toxic, too: We might be coming from a place of love yet leaving them feeling dismissed. We could also do well to take Holt-Lunstads toxicity test, answering the two questions from our frenemys perspective. Or we could list what we bring to our relationships on a Friendship CV as suggested by Elizabeth Day in her book, Friendaholic. If we force ourselves to think about the sort of friends we are, we see relationships from a new perspective, Tang says. For example Im actually quite an unemotional friend; I can be very practical if you need my help but Im not good at sitting and holding your hand. Chances are, though, that even if you save yourself from one toxic relationship, youll end up in another. Holt-Lunstad maintains that the average person has as many frenemies as friends. Its a question of recognising the red flags, Tang says. Focus on setting boundaries and saving your energy for relationships that make you feel good. *Some names have been changed The review will look at whether ticketing terms and conditions are clear for passengers, and when prosecution is appropriate - Luis Alvarez/Digital Vision Train companies are to be investigated after prosecuting alleged fare-dodgers over sums less than 2, the Government has said. An independent review of rail ticket prosecutions and enforcement has been ordered by Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, after claims that train operators were behaving in an egregious way. It comes after a 22 year-old was prosecuted for an accidental 1.90 underpayment by Government-owned Northern Rail. The Rail Delivery Group trade association has previously claimed that about 240 million is lost through fare evasion on Britains railways each year. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), a regulator, will analyse how suspected fare-dodging is handled. This will include looking at whether ticketing terms and conditions are clear for passengers, and when prosecution for having the incorrect ticket is appropriate. Biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation Passengers have to battle a dizzying array of 55 million different tickets, the Labour Party claimed earlier this year. There are also a number of overlapping laws, train regulations and ticket terms and conditions that give added rise to confusion. Ms Haigh said in Parliament on Wednesday: Make no mistake, deliberate fare-dodging has no place on our railways and must be tackled, but innocent people shouldnt feel like a genuine mistake will land them in court. An independent review is the right course of action, and will help restore passengers confidence in the system. Thats why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier. Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, has promised to simplify the ticketing system and restore passengers confidence - ANDY RAIN/Shutterstock Northern pledged to drop all its prosecutions against holders of 16-25 railcards after The Telegraph asked how many others had been prosecuted in the same way as Sam Williamson, an Oxford University engineering graduate from Glossop. Mr Williamson was accused of committing a criminal offence after not realising his railcard did not apply before 10am, having used it together with an anytime ticket to obtain a discount. Referring to the railcard mix-up, Ms Haigh told the transport select committee: He ended up being prosecuted, which, I think we can all agree, should have elicited a slightly more generous response. Passengers should not be immediately assumed guilty Stephanie Tobyn, the ORR director of strategy, policy and reform, said: We welcome the opportunity to conduct this review. It is important passengers are treated fairly and dealt with consistently and proportionately when ticketing issues arise, whilst also balancing the legitimate revenue protection interests of operators and taxpayers. Alex Robertson, the chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, also welcomed the review and said: People who have made an innocent mistake should be treated with understanding and not immediately assumed to be guilty. We also know fare evasion costs the railway hundreds of millions of pounds every year, money which could be better used to improve services for passengers. Positive action on revenue protection with a focus on ensuring penalties are given only to those who deserve them will help build trust and confidence in the railway. Ms Haigh has said that innocent people should not feel like a genuine mistake will land them in court - Trevor Mogg /Alamy Stock Photo A spokesman for Northern Rail said: Northern has already commenced a review of its approach to enforcing ticketing, recognising that there are circumstances where the rules on ticketing may not be understood by passengers. It has also committed to temporarily suspending certain prosecutions whilst its review is undertaken. Rigorous enforcement against deliberate fare evasion, abuse, and violence will continue. We welcome the Transport Secretarys decision today to commence a wider independent review led by the ORR and we will work with the government and the ORR to ensure that we continue to put passengers first, with clear and easy to understand products and services. Elon Musk hugs Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in October. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP Donald Trump, president-elect of the US, announced on Tuesday that he has selected Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, with plans to reduce bureaucracy in the federal government by roughly a third. Musk had pushed for a government efficiency department and has since relentlessly promoted it, emphasizing the acronym for the agency: Doge, a reference to a meme of an expressive Shiba Inu dog. Trump said the agency will be conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government, and making recommendations for drastic reforms. In a video posted on X two days after the election, Trump said he would immediately re-issue my 2020 executive order, restoring the presidents authority to remove rogue bureaucrats. He wants to clean out the deep state. His promises echo his slogan on The Apprentice: Youre fired! And Project 2025, an influential and controversial blueprint for Trumps second term, lays out ways to make bureaucrats fireable. Related: Trump selects Elon Musk to lead government efficiency department Musk has extensive experience slashing corporate spending, and he has promised to cull federal payrolls in much the same way. He cut staff at X, formerly Twitter, by 80% after buying it in 2022, a move he said prevented a $3bn shortfall, but which has not otherwise paid off. Revenue is in steep decline and advertisers have absconded, making a comeback seem unlikely. As the CEO of SpaceX, however, he has garnered a reputation for launching rockets more cheaply than competitors by negotiating with suppliers and keeping operations lean. The billionaire does not seem to be under any illusions of what will happen after his proposed cuts, admitting that reducing spending necessarily involves some temporary hardship. Americans do want to spend less of their own money. Do they want austerity and less financial assistance from the federal government? Do they want the worlds richest person admonishing them to cut their expenses? Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is a wealthy biotech entrepreneur whose first time running for office was for the Republican nomination last year. He told ABC earlier this week that he was having high-impact discussions about possible roles in Trumps cabinet. He also has no government experience, but has pushed for cost-cutting in the corporate sector. After building a stake in the struggling online media firm BuzzFeed, he urged the company in May to cut staff and hire conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson. Musk has already asked Trump to appoint SpaceX employees to top government positions, the New York Times has reported. The president-elect promised to ban bureaucrats from taking jobs at the companies they regulate. Such a rule would seem to bar SpaceXs lieutenants from the Pentagons door. But Trump has never shied away from cronyism. The two are not trying to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest: Musks role in the government will be structured so that he can maintain control of his companies, the Financial Times reports. In his first term, Trump and his team struggled to fill the thousands of government appointments needed to run the federal government. The former New Jersey governor Chris Christie said the administration never fully recovered from its failure to find those appointees. Perhaps adding Musk to the equation is meant to prevent a repeat of such laggardness. In an extreme version of the new administration, Trump and Musk simply eliminate any position for which they cannot find a friendly appointee. In John Kennedy Tooles Pulitzer-winning 1980 novel A Confederacy of Dunces, the idiot hero, tasked with organizing an intractable pile of files at his new job, eradicates the companys mess. Ignatius J Reilly is no genius of organization, though; he is just throwing cabinets full of records away. It is easy to imagine Trump and Musk following his example. What will stand in Musks way, however, is one of his sworn enemies: labor law. Tesla is the only major US carmaker that does not employ a unionized workforce. The billionaire CEO wants to keep it that way. Federal government employees, by contrast, enjoy strong employment protections that would hinder Musks slash-and-burn approach to cost-cutting and possibly render it impossible. For all the different companies he runs, Musk has little experience managing public sector employees. He may find them less pliable lions than he is used to taming. Kira Lerner contributed to this report Donald Trump met with Joe Biden on Wednesday and promised a transfer of power that is as smooth as it can get, as the outgoing US president pledged his administrations every possible resource to pave the way for his successor. The two men, longtime political rivals who must now work together again to pass the reins of power, shook hands as they met in the Oval Office. Introducing Trump as both a former president and now president-elect, Biden congratulated him on his victory. Were looking forward to having, like we said, a smooth transition. Well do everything we can to make sure youre accommodated, what you need, and were going to get a chance to talk about some of that today, Biden said. Welcome back. Related: Donald, congratulations: Biden plays nice as Trump returns to White House Despite Trumps many excoriating comments toward Biden over the years, he thanked the president for the warm reception he received at the White House. Politics is tough, and its, in many cases, not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate very much a transition thats so smooth. Itll be as smooth as it can get. And I very much appreciate that, Joe, Trump said. Reporters attempted to shout questions at Biden and Trump, but both men ignored the queries. The meeting continued for roughly two hours after journalists were escorted out of the Oval Office. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, offered few specifics about the meeting, but she noted that Biden described Trump as gracious and prepared with a detailed set of questions. It was indeed very cordial, very gracious and substantive, Jean-Pierre said. National security was discussed. Domestic policy issues were discussed. Before meeting with Biden, Trump addressed House Republicans on Capitol Hill, celebrating his partys victories up and down the ballot last week while suggesting he might seek a third term as president. I suspect I wont be running again, unless you say, Hes good, we got to figure something else, Trump said, sparking laughter from fellow Republicans in the room. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of extending his tenure, even though the US constitution bars presidents from serving a third term. Introducing Trump on Wednesday, the Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, praised the president-elect as a singular figure in American history. They used to call Bill Clinton the comeback kid. [Trump] is the comeback king, Johnson said. Elon Musk joined Trump at the meeting with House Republicans, sitting in the first row, according to attenders. On Tuesday, Trump named Musk and the former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as co-leaders of a new Department of Government Efficiency. The announcement intensified concerns over how Trump and Musk, known for his slash-and-burn approach to cutting company expenses, might overhaul the federal workforce. Also on Tuesday, Trump named Pete Hegseth, a veteran and Fox News host with no political experience, to lead the Department of Defense. Trump continued his series of cabinet announcements on Wednesday with the news that Marco Rubio, a Republican senator of Florida, would be nominated as secretary of state. He also named Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, as director of national intelligence and Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman of Florida, as attorney general. All three nominations are subject to Senate approval, and Gabbard and Gaetz specifically may face numerous hurdles to confirmation. Related: Trumps cabinet picks and likely contenders so far As of Wednesday, Republicans had already won a majority in the Senate, but the House remained up for grabs as ballot-counting continued in 12 uncalled races. However, House Republicans appear poised to capture a narrow majority. Trump has already tapped at least three House Republicans for senior roles in his administration. In addition to Gaetz, Elise Stefanik will be nominated as ambassador to the United Nations and Mike Waltz, a Florida representative, will serve as his national security adviser. Republicans currently hold a razor-thin four-seat majority in the House, and if the outcome of vote counts remains as it stands today, a Republican speaker in 2025 would also have a four-seat majority. Johnson has said he expects Republicans to end up with a larger majority. But each Republican appointment or resignation from the House as Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota must do diminishes that majority. We have an embarrassment of riches, Johnson said on Tuesday. We have a really talented Republican conference. Weve got really competent, capable people here. Many of them could serve in really important positions in the new administration, but President Trump fully understands and appreciates the math here, and its just a numbers game. The meeting between Biden and Trump on Wednesday reflected a return to a traditional transfer of power, after the custom was somewhat abandoned in 2020. Underscoring the acrimony of the 2020 election, Trump eschewed the meeting after being defeated by Biden. Melania Trump was also invited to meet with the first lady, Jill Biden, but she declined the invitation. According to the White House, the first lady offered Trumps team a handwritten letter of congratulations for Mrs Trump, which also expressed her teams readiness to assist with the transition. Pete Hegseth with meteorologist Janice Dean at a Fox and Friends event in 2019 - John Lamparski/Getty Donald Trump has nominated a Fox News host who once injured a musician when missing a target in an axe-throwing contest to be his secretary of defence. An army national guard officer who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pete Hegseth is a former executive director of Vets For Freedom, a political advocacy group, and Concerned Veterans for America. However, his lack of national security experience means he could face trouble securing senate approval for his appointment. Mr Hegseth co-hosts Fox & Friends Weekend, having joined the network as a contributor in 2014. He is said to have developed a friendship with Trump at Fox, with the president-elect making regular appearances on the show. Credit: Fox News While taking part in an axe-throwing contest live on Fox in 2015, Mr Hegseth missed the target and injured a ceremonial drummer. The musician later sued the channel, saying he had been placed in the path of peril. He has also voiced unorthodox views on hygiene, claiming in 2019 that he had not washed his hands in 10 years because germs are not a real thing. I cant see them. In 2019, Trump's Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth said that he never washes his hands and can't remember washing them once in the past 10 years: "Germs are not a real thing. I can't see them." pic.twitter.com/4qNO1SL6Q0 Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 13, 2024 Mr Hegseth is passionately opposed to diversity programmes, and in a Fox appearance earlier this year called for the US military to focus on lethality rather than diversity and inclusion initiatives. These ideologies, political correctness, made their way into the ranks and generals and leaders didnt stand up and say, no, we should only be focused on readiness and meritocracy and lethality, Mr Hegseth said. The dumbest phrase on planet earth in the military is our diversity is our strength, he said on a podcast this month. Donald Trump has described Pete Hegseth as tough, smart and a true believer in America First - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Mr Hegseth has taken a hawkish view on Ukraine. In 2022, he criticised the Biden administration for not arming Kyiv fast enough and rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying it would give Vladimir Putin an opportunity to reload. He made headlines for his aggressive stance on Iran in 2020 when he urged Mr Trump, then US president, to bomb targets across the country in the wake of the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. These targets should include mosques and hospitals if weapons were hidden there, he said. In a statement on Tuesday evening, Mr Trump said: I am honoured to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my cabinet as the secretary of defence. Pete has spent his entire life as a warrior for the troops, and for the country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America first. However, his appointment has drawn criticism from officials and leaders, who voiced their scepticism about his level of experience. Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Mr Hegseth was undoubtedly the least-qualified nominee for SecDef in American history. Brace yourself, America, he added. Some US defence figures were dismayed by Mr Hegseths appointment. Who the f---is this guy? one defence lobbyist told the Politico news site. It appears that one of the main criteria thats being used is, how well do people defend Donald Trump on television? said Eric Edelman, who was the Pentagons top policy official during the Bush administration. Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota said he would reserve judgment on Mr Hegseth for the time being. Im not going to be negative right now, because I want to learn more about his background and his approach to this stuff. So hell go through the regular process, Mr Rounds said. I first met Hegseth when he started running Vets for Freedom around 2007. He is a highly effective and ferocious media, culture and political warrior for MAGA. And beyond loyal to and trusted by Trump. I figured Trump would pick probably pick him for Chief of Staff or Press https://t.co/4hnJCHXQg6 Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) November 13, 2024 Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the house armed services committee, said he was shocked by the appointment. I confess, I did not know who Pete Hegseth was until about 20 minutes ago, Mr Smith told reporters. He does not seem to have much of a detailed background in [defence] policy. The lack of experience is concerning. Mr Smith said the Pentagon was the biggest bureaucracy in the world and a hard thing to run. I think its going to be a challenge, he said. By contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed Mr Trumps selection, telling AP he believed Mr Hegseth brings a lot to the table. Hes got experience and I think hell be reform-minded in the areas that need reform, he said. The appointment of Mr Hegseth followed a series of other nominations on Tuesday, as Mr Trump assembles his Cabinet. Earlier in the day, he announced that John Ratcliffe, a former director of national intelligence, would lead the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr Ratcliffe rose to attention in 2019 as an ardent defender of Mr Trump during the Houses first impeachment proceedings against the then president. He was a member of Mr Trumps impeachment advisory team and strenuously questioned witnesses during the impeachment hearings. I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our nations highest intelligence positions, Mr Trump said in a statement. He will be a fearless fighter for the constitutional rights of all Americans, while ensuring the highest levels of national security, and peace through strength. Completing the series of announcements on Tuesday, Mike Huckabee, the Arkansas governor, was named as ambassador to Israel and Steven Witkoff, a long-time friend of Mr Trump, was made a special envoy to the Middle East. The president-elect also named Bill McGinley, his cabinet secretary in his first administration, as his White House counsel. Immigration advocates rally to urge Congress to pass permanent protections for DACA recipients and create a pathway to citizenship, near the U.S. Capitol June 15, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Drew Angerer/TNS University of Houston biology student Katia Elisea Escobar, 18, attends a rally outside the Harris County Democratic Party offices, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Houston. Katia is an undocumented immigrant and would be eligible for DACA if a Texas judge hadn't ended the program for new applicants. Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer From the time she waded across the Rio Grande with her mother, Frida Adame has known the uncertainty of living undocumented in America. She was 10 when she arrived in Texas from Mexico with her mother and sister. Her father was already in the U.S., but he was deported five years later. She's now 28, works hard, pays taxes, and has a network of friends and family here. But in the days after last week's presidential election, Adame's uncertainty turned into fear with President-elect Donald Trump's vow to uphold his campaign promise to deport the more than 11 million immigrants living in the United States without legal permission. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This includes those like Adame, a recipient of DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows people who came to the country when they were children to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. The program, initiated in 2012 by President Barack Obama, has protected approximately 500,000 young immigrants from deportation. In Texas there are nearly 90,000 DACA recipients, also known as "Dreamers." Trump sought to end DACA during his first term. He's determined to do it during the next. "I don't think I have been this scared as I am now," said Adame, who works as a project manager for the Ice Rink Events, one of the nations top ice-rink builders and operators that also runs the downtown ice rink at Discovery Green. "We've lived with the reality of uncertainty for a long time because we have not had permanent protection. It's completely different now. Even though we are productive people, with jobs, families, and who pay taxes, we are living in fear of losing everything." If you think this is not our problem, consider the economic hit of a mass deportation of the Dreamers alone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2021, DACA recipients paid an estimated $6.2 billion in federal taxes and more than $3 billion in state and local taxes, according to the Center for American Progress. In Houston, DACA recipients pay an estimated $246 million in federal taxes and $136 million in state and local taxes. It's important to mention that they pay taxes but can not vote. Adame has become an immigration advocate and member of United We Dream, a national youth organization fighting for citizenship for undocumented people. She's also a social-media influencer with more than 150,000 TikTok followers and uses social media to bring awareness to immigration issues. "Growing up, I was so afraid to speak up. I've been advocating for us for five years now, but this is the first time I'm really scared. We will continue to fight. They will not silence us," she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I invited Adame to speak to students at the University of Houston when I was an adjunct professor in 2023. Several of my students were DACA recipients and were grateful to hear her story. I worry about them and the many others on college campuses around the nation, as well their families and relatives who are minding their business, paying their taxes, and living as Americans, just without some of the paperwork. Trump's mass deportation plan isn't anything new. In 1955, President Eisenhower launched "Operation Wetback," the largest mass deportation of undocumented workers in U.S. history. It was named for a then-commonly used racial slur. An estimated 1 million people were deported using military tactics. They were herded on boats, buses and planes for Mexico, and some died during transport. The program only lasted a few months, but it left men broken and families devastated. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who has a California elementary school named in his honor and is also undocumented, is hopeful but is bracing for the storm. "It's hard to know what's going to happen but it looks like it's going to be a very dark period in our history," he said. "This is now the time to make sure we have the safety nets we need, whatever they may be ... If my freedom can't come from the Trump administration, I know it will come from all the people in my life who have supported me and made it clear that I'm their people." Vargas, who arrived in the U.S. from the Philippines when he was 12, revealed his immigration status in a 2011 essay in New York Times Magazine, My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant." It thrust him into the spotlight as a voice for immigrants and a sought-after speaker. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, with all his notoriety, legal documentation for citizenship has eluded him. "People have no idea how incredibly complex the immigration system in this country," he said. "If it weren't that way, there wouldn't be 11 million undocumented people here. Our path is as complex and as nuanced as this system. For someone like me with my resources, and I can't get documentation? I don't know the consequences under this next administration, and I'm ready for whatever that may be." Adame said she and others were urged by United We Dream staff to renew their DACA status by Friday even though their paperwork may not be expired. Her DACA status is up for renewal in May. It takes several months for DACA renewals to be approved, so the hope is that their paperwork will be ready by January when Trump takes office. It's an earnest effort to buy time. Kishwer Falkner was investigated after complaints by EHRC staff, concerned over a lack of independence and impartiality, as well as claims about bullying and harassment. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images The chair of the governments equality watchdog, who was appointed by Liz Truss and investigated after a series of complaints by staff members, has been given a 12-month extension in the role, ministers have announced. The decision to reappoint Kishwer Falkner as chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), first revealed by the Guardian, has left some staff members angry after they had hoped a Labour government might change the organisations leadership. However, the announcement by the governments Office for Equality and Opportunity said it was looking for a new chair, with a successor expected to be announced next year. It is understood that the extension was given largely because of the lack of time to find a replacement before her four-year term finishes at the end of this year. News that Lady Falkner would stay on in the role had dismayed some staff at the EHRC following a sometimes turbulent period in which she grappled with internal debates over transgender policy and was investigated over a series of complaints from current and past staff. Falkner, 69, a cross-bench peer who was given the job in 2020, when Truss was the minister for equalities, has denied any wrongdoing, with allies saying she has been unfairly targeted by some staff owing to her approach to trans rights. However, others in the EHRC say the complaints against her, understood to have come from about 12 staff members or former staff, were also connected to worries about a lack of independence and impartiality within the organisation, as well as claims about bullying and harassment. In May last year, it emerged that the EHRC had appointed a senior lawyer to look into the allegations, with the process then paused after leaks to the media from both sides of the debate. The inquiry was then restarted, but dropped a year ago after the then equalities minister, Kemi Badenoch, ordered a review of the process. The EHRC said it was closing the process, with the organisation seeking to work through any outstanding issues with all parties in confidence. Some staff members say the organisation remains split, with allies of the chair portraying the complaints as a witch-hunt against her by pro-transgender rights staff members after the EHRC backed changing the Equality Act 2010 so the protected characteristic of sex would mean biological sex, which would allow transgender women to be barred from single-sex spaces. Others in the organisation say that while some concerns and complaints were about transgender policy, the wider worries were about a lack of independence and impartiality by the EHRC, plus an internal culture they called toxic. David Isaac, who chaired the EHRC before Falkner was appointed, has previously expressed concern at what he called political pressure on the organisation to support a changed approach to equalities issues under the Conservatives. Announcing the extended term, Bridget Phillipson, who is the equalities minister as well as being education secretary, said: The government thanks Baroness Falkner for her work chairing the EHRC, during which the commission supported businesses, intervened in strategic cases of discrimination to support victims and contributed to government policy on improving equalities. I look forward to her continuing this work throughout the next 12 months. The remains of the SUV in which Valery Trankovsky was travelling when the bomb exploded - Baza/Telegram Ukraines intelligence service (SBU) has killed a Russian naval commander by detonating a bomb fitted underneath his car as he drove to work in occupied Crimea. The SBU described Valery Trankovsky, the assassinated officer, as a war criminal who ordered missiles to be fired at civilian targets across Ukraine. The b------ repeatedly attacked Odesa and other peaceful cities, killing many civilians. He was an absolutely legitimate target in terms of the laws and customs of war, an SBU source told Ukrainian media. The source also said that Trankovsky, who was killed in the city of Sevastopol, had personally ordered ballistic missiles to be fired at the city of Vinnytsia in July 2022. The attack killed 29 people and injured more than 200. Russia has not confirmed the death of Trankovsky, but the Kremlin-appointed mayor of Sevastopol admitted that a Russian serviceman had been killed. Russias investigative committee, which handles investigations into serious crimes, said it was treating the attack as terrorism and confirmed that an improvised explosive device had exploded. Trankovsky, who was chief of staff of the 41st missile boat brigade, had been travelling to work in a black SUV when the car bomb detonated. Video from the attack showed the drivers and front passengers seats completely destroyed. The blast had also peeled back the roof of the car, and parts of the front engine were strewn across the road. Paramedics were videoed lifting Trankovskys badly mutilated body into an ambulance. As a result of the explosion, the Russian captains legs were blown off and he died of blood loss, the SBU source said. Mash, a Telegram channel close to Russias security services, said the SBU had trailed Trankovsky for a week before planting its car bomb underneath the drivers seat. It also said that the car bomb was detonated remotely. He died from massive injuries and profuse blood loss, it reported. Valery Trankovsky was chief of staff of Russias 41st missile boat brigade The SBU has tracked down and killed several Russian commanders responsible for missile strikes against Ukrainian cities. Last month, a Russian air force commander was stabbed to death in woodland in Russias southern Bryansk region. In July last year, a Russian submarine commander was shot dead after being tracked through a park in Krasnodar, Russia, using data from a running app on his wristwatch. Assassinations have become an important way for Ukraine to spread fear inside Russian-occupied parts of its territory. Resistance networks have shot dead, stabbed and blown up dozens of collaborator officials. Palestinians wait to receive aid at a school where Unrwa distributes food parcels in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Israels plan to close the UN Palestinian relief agency, Unrwa, within three months is impossible and unrealistic without causing further untold suffering to the Palestinian people, its director of operations in Gaza has warned. Just returned from Gaza, where he said he had seen levels of suffering unprecedented since the war started, Sam Rose warned that Unrwa could collapse, with severe implications for schools and hospitals not just in Gaza but in the West Bank if Israel went ahead with its plan. He was speaking the day after the US government stepped back from taking any action against Israel for failing to meet most of its demands to improve the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Biden administration said the humanitarian aid operation into Gaza was not pristine but Israel was taking steps to meet the US demands, set out in a letter, including opening new crossings. One of the requirements was for Israel to recognise that Unrwa remained the only viable means of providing services to Gaza. But since that letter was sent, the Israeli parliament in October passed two new laws requiring the Israeli government to end cooperation and contact with Unrwa. The plan is due to be imposed within three months. Related: Almost unparalleled suffering in Gaza as UN says nearly 70% of those killed are women and children Unrwa operates in Gaza, the West Bank and in surrounding countries such as Jordan and Lebanon, where large numbers of Palestinian refugees live. It provides schools, hospitals and waste disposal services, as well as being the central organisation for the distribution of aid. Elise Stefanik, Donald Trumps choice as his administrations ambassador to the UN, has described Unrwa as a terrorist front and Hamas infiltrated, suggesting US funding for Unrwa, currently suspended until next year, will soon be ended permanently. More importantly, the future Trump administration is not expected to urge Israel to pull back from ending cooperation with Unrwa. Rose said he feared the full implications of Unrwas potential collapse had not been understood, warning the closure of such a large UN agency without any plan was unrealistic and impossible. Rose said that, under a previous order by the international court of justice (ICJ): Israel has got to do everything it can to facilitate aid reaching the people, so if they are banning Unrwa they are banning not just the single largest actor on aid but on services. This is not just about averting famine; it is about health services, schools, sanitation and creating the conditions in which children become much more vulnerable to disease. The people of Gaza have already endured so much suffering. We have some 15,000 children back in education its a drop in the ocean but our schools are being used as more than 100 shelters with management teams of about 20 people. If those shelters collapse, that is the end of the organising principle behind the assistance we provide. We are the only functioning part of the primary health system, representing two-thirds of the health provided including through mobile teams. If you take away the only functioning health system in Gaza with children already suffering from degraded health services, weakened immune systems and massively stressed, living in absolute squalor, the risk is that Gaza becomes a disease factory like a Victorian slum 150 years ago. Related: There is no alternative: Israels ban on vital Unrwa services will be a catastrophe for Gaza In those circumstances, to close Unrwa, including 9,000 teachers, is senseless. In the West Bank, we educate 50,000 people. Let us face it, they are going to have to hire exactly the same people. We are not perfect, of course. Were not, given the environment in which were working and the tools that we have at our disposal, but the independent review of Unrwa [conducted by the former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna] found Unrwa had the most robust system for neutrality of any comparable aid organisation. There is a question whether Unrwa simply collapses if the plug is pulled on it by Israel and 13,000 staff have to be made redundant. He said that redundancies on that scale would require pension and severance payments running into hundreds of millions of dollars that had not been addressed. Unrwa has 75 years of experience of providing services in emergencies, but also in recovery phases. So as well as this being legally reprehensible, its in the best interest of the Palestinian population that Unrwa be allowed to continue when this ends. Rose said: The testimonies we are receiving from staff in the north of Gaza are simply horrific, adding he understood if people felt the plan was to drive Palestinians from Gaza. It feels as if Israel has recognised that it can recreate the deterrent and they have reimposed the fear in the people, in the sense they have the power and know they are unaccountable. There have been all sorts of ICJ rulings and UN resolutions already, going back 30 years. So its hard to see any of this changing in the absence of pressure from the US. Yet he admitted: Its very likely that the US will continue the policy under the previous Trump administration in relation to support for Israel and opposition to Unrwa, but I guess we have just got to be ready to be shocked by anything that happens. Speaking at the UN security council on Tuesday, Israels ambassador, Danny Danon, said there was no imminent famine in Gaza and a UN agency report on Gazas food security, known as an IPC report, did not contain correct analysis. The obsession with vilifying Israel is detached from reality, Danon said. Israel continued to facilitate the delivery of aid and had established multiple access points, with dozens of trucks entering Gaza daily, Danon added. Aid routes remained operational, including the Ashdod port, and a new crossing had also just opened. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the security council that there should be no forcible displacement of people nor a policy of starvation, which would have grave implications under international law. The FBIs J. Edgar Hoover headquarters building is seen in Washington - AP/Cliff Owen An employee of the CIA has been charged with leaking Israels plans to attack Iran. Asif William Rahman was arrested by the FBI this week in Cambodia, The New York Times reports, with court documents showing he had top-secret security clearance. Rahman is to appear in court on the island of Guam on Thursday A federal investigation was launched in October into the alleged leak of two intelligence documents which detailed Israels preparations to attack Iran. Last month, Israel struck a number of Iranian military sites, including missile production facilities, in response to an earlier Iranian barrage aimed at Israeli air bases. The documents pertaining to last months investigation, which were seen by The Telegraph, include interpretations of satellite imagery that appear to have been prepared recently by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and analyse information gathered by US spy satellites and the National Security Agency. They were marked top secret, dated Oct 15 and 16 and were circulated last month on the Telegram messaging app. Analysts said the documents could have been leaked to delay or disrupt Israels retaliation. One document said that Israel was continuing to prepare munitions and covert drone activity, while the other outlined Israeli Air Force exercises involving ballistic and air-to-surface missiles. Both of the documents said the activities were believed to be in preparation for a strike on Iran. We cannot definitively predict the scale and scope of a strike on Iran and such a strike can occur with no further GEOINT warning, one document cautions. GEOINT is a military acronym for geospatial intelligence, which mostly relies on satellite images but can also include signal intercepts. The document adds: We have not observed indications that Israel intends to use a nuclear weapon, saying a recent dispersal of Israels Jericho II medium-range ballistic missiles, which are believed to have been built as nuclear delivery systems, was probably defensive. The United States does not publicly acknowledge the existence of Israels nuclear arsenal, which Israel itself has never admitted to. The second document described two large Israeli air force exercises including refuelling aircraft and an early warning aircraft. The Telegram channel accused at first of leaking the documents said the documents initially appeared in a separate private group with 7,000 members. We also reiterate that we have no connection to the original source, which we assume to be a whistleblower within the US Department of Defence, the statement said. In a separate statement, the Telegram group said an acquaintance had received the documents through an anonymous source. The group claims to be run by independent journalists and that it is not Iran-affiliated, but it refers to the Israeli government as the Zionist regime and uses Tehran time as a baseline. An Israeli army tank maneuvers near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on 20 October. Photograph: Tsafrir Abayov/AP A US intelligence official has been charged with espionage offenses following an investigation into the leak last month of highly classified documents detailing Israels plans for military attacks on Iran. Asif W Rahman, who works for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), will appear in court in Guam on Thursday charged with two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. The newspaper said FBI agents arrested Rahman in Cambodia on Tuesday following his indictment last week in federal court in Virginia. In October, the White House said it was deeply concerned by the unauthorized release of the papers, attributed to the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Security Agency, which were published on the Telegram messaging app. The documents related to Israels military planning for a retaliatory strike on Iran following the 1 October missile barrage that was Tehrans largest-ever assault on its regional foe and an escalation of the Middle East conflict sparked by the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October 2023. Related: Network of Israeli citizens arrested after spying for Iran, police say The first document was entitled Israel: air force continues preparations for strike on Iran and conducts a second large-force employment exercise and the second was Israel: defense forces continue key munitions preparations and covert UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] activity almost certainly for a strike on Iran. The NGA gathers and analyzes intelligence from US spy satellites for the defense department. Rahmans exact connection to the agency is unclear, but court documents show he held a top secret security clearance with access to sensitive compartmentalized information, which is typical for many CIA employees who handle classified materials, the Times reported. His arrest follows the sentencing to a 15-year prison term on Tuesday of the air national guard member Jack Teixeira in a case with striking parallels. Teixeira pleaded guilty earlier this year to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, namely highly classified military documents about the war in Ukraine, which he shared on the social media platform Discord. Prosecutors said the leak was one of the most significant and consequential violations of the Espionage Act in American history. The MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier jet, soon to go into service with the US Navy in the air-to-air refuelling role - Boeing A sophisticated drone winging over California while data-linked with a control station far away in Maryland has just laid the foundation for the US Navys future carrier air wings. Its about time. Navy leaders have said they want to transform the US fleets nine carrier air wings, which embark on the fleets 11 nuclear-powered supercarriers. Today there are no drones among the 60 or 70 aircraft fighters, electronic-warfare planes, radar planes and helicopters that normally populate a carrier air wing. The goal is for pilotless planes to eventually make up nearly two-thirds of each wing. The imperative is obvious. In general, an unmanned plane can fly farther than a manned plane can, and can fight without exposing a human pilot to danger. Drones might be the best way to address the extreme distances that would define any future war in the Pacific region. Despite this, the tradition-bound Navy has moved slowly to integrate drones with its air wings. The US Air Force has been operating large, armed, fixed-wing drones since the early 2000s: propeller-driven Predators and Reapers and, soon, jet-propelled Collaborative Combat Aircraft loyal wingmen. By contrast, the Navy still doesnt have an armed, fixed-wing drone despite experiments dating back 20 years. Tests with the X-47B Salty Dog prototype proved that an unmanned jet with a fully stealthy design that is, one without rudders can land on a carrier, but the USN has resisted combatant drones. Instead the fleets first carrier drone, the MQ-25 Stingray, will be employed strictly as an aerial tanker when it first goes to sea in the coming few years. Its maker Boeing has stated that it could easily be equipped for other missions, however, and the fact that it is unmanned and stealthy might easily make it the real-world first choice for missions into dangerous airspace. An X-47B demonstrator launches from a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush in 2013. The X-47B project proved that unmanned aircraft with fully stealthy shapes could operate from US carriers - Alan Radecki/US Navy/Northrop Grumman Wider changes should come in time, and the California-to-Maryland test has made them possible. On November 5, California drone-maker General Atomics the builder of the Predator, the Reaper and one of the initial loyal wingman models launched one of its MQ-20 Avengers for a critical test flight. The Avenger is essentially a stealthier, jet-propelled version of the older turboprop Reaper, currently the mainstay of the Air Forces armed drone force. Working with plane-maker Lockheed Martin and the Navy, General Atomics connected the MQ-20 via satellite to an MD-5 drone control station at a naval air station in Maryland, more than 2,000 miles away. The team not only executed airborne commands, but did so in a safe, controlled environment, General Atomics president David Alexander said. The MD-5 is basically an aircraft cockpit without the actual aircraft. A drone operator sitting in an MD-5 which includes a seat, a control stick and various screens can see what their drone sees and control it from anywhere in the world, as long as the radio link to the satellite and the drone is secure. The great thing about the MD-5 is that it will connect to a wide array of drone types, not just the MQ-20. The Navy is installing MD-5 control stations aboard its supercarriers in order to support the MQ-25 drone tankers initially but the stations are also compatible with any future naval versions of the Air Forces speedy loyal wingman drones. The Avenger used in the recent test, in fact, is a candidate for that role. With the MD-5s deep inside their hulls, the carriers will be ready for those majority-drone air wings the Navy is hoping for. It might take a while, of course: the fleet is already expecting its next main carrier fighter, the F/A-XX, to be a manned plane. The Air Force is now potentially going cold on its similar land-based fighter project, the Next Generation Air Dominance jet, and might even replace that with extra B-21 Raider stealth bombers, armed with air-to-air weapons and commanding squadrons of accompanying drones. The Navys F/A-XX might wind up being Americas only sixth-generation manned fighter. Nonetheless the F/A-XX is being designed from the wheels up to fly and fight alongside armed drones. By the time the new manned fighter is ready, potentially some time in the 2030s, a naval version of the Air Forces loyal wingman should be ready, too. There will probably be a transitional carrier air wing design, one that has drones but isnt mostly drones, for years or even decades before the majority-drone air wing is possible. The drone crews for this interim wing will sit in MD-5 control stations. Thanks to that recent overland test, we can be confident the stations will work as intended. Now that it has the control stations, the Navy needs more drones to go with them. Screengrab of tornado hitting Marbella Jorge Cortes/X Marbella has been hit by a tornado as residents on Spains Costa del Sol rushed to save their cars by tying them to lamp posts amid further flood warnings in the region. Three waterspouts were seen twisting across the surface of the sea, with one making landfall in the coastal city and destroying property, footage posted on social media showed. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in the Malaga province, which includes Marbella, Velez and Estepona, on Tuesday evening as the area braced for an extreme storm known as Dana. It came just two weeks after the Valencia region, to the north-east, was ravaged by the worst flooding in Spains modern history, killing at least 220 people. The city of Malaga also flooded on Wednesday as the Guadalmedina River was overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. In one hour in the morning, 78 millimetres of rain fell in the city centre. A woman takes a photo as she wades along a flooded street in Malaga - Maria Alonso/Shutterstock Floodwater cascades into a department store in Malaga - Social media Videos showed fast-flowing muddy water rushing down streets, washing away motorbikes and partially submerging cars as residents waded through waist-high floods, with more rain expected. Ahead of the storms arrival, some residents attempted to protect their vehicles with DIY methods. Images posted on social media showed cars wrapped in layers of plastic and attached to breeze blocks and lamp posts. A car is seen wrapped in plastic and tied to a lamp post following warnings of more heavy rain - A/NPZ/SM/SOCIAL MEDIA On Wednesday evening, Spains Aemet meteorological agency placed the coastal areas of Valencia, including the worst-affected areas from the previous floods, on a red alert for heavy rainfall. Valencias regional government quickly sent a text message alert to the population in those areas saying that schools, sporting facilities and daycare centres would be closed on Thursday. It also said the use of private vehicles was now restricted. Catalonia, in the north-east particularly the coast near Tarragona was also on red alert on Wednesday as it braced for expected torrential rain. Schools across the province of Malaga were closed on Wednesday, while all train services were suspended. Strong winds and rain also caused the re-routing of several flights that had been scheduled to land at Malaga airport. There were no immediate reports of any casualties as a result of the latest flooding. The Civil Protection Agency for Malaga province also sent out alerts in Spanish and English to all mobile phones in the area on Tuesday night, telling people to avoid leaving their homes on Wednesday if possible. Malagas capital and coast are flanked to the north by steep hilly areas, where rivers can quickly become raging torrents in heavy rainstorms. Spains Aemet meteorological agency issued a red rain warning for Malaga province on Tuesday - Guillaume Pinon/Shutterstock In one hour on Wednesday morning, 78 millimetres of rain fell in Malagas city centre - Guillaume Pinon/Shutterstock The fast response from officials comes in contrast to the lack of preventive action taken by Valencias regional authorities on the eve of the Oct 29 disaster. There were no generalised closures, and a mobile phone alert was issued only once the fatal flooding had begun. Our aim is to avoid people travelling, Juanma Moreno, Andalusias regional president, said on Wednesday. His comments come after dozens of people died in the earlier floods after being swept away while driving. During the Oct 29 rainstorms, a 71-year-old British man died of a cardiac arrest after being rescued from his home in Alhaurin de la Torre, near Malaga. A protester in Sydney during a strike in September. NSW nurses and midwives began a 24-hour strike on Wednesday morning amid a bitter pay dispute. Photograph: George Chan/Sopa Images/Rex/Shutterstock Striking nurses have rejected an offer to fund their requested pay rise in return for delaying the rollout of their big ask for more staff, the New South Wales health minister says. Nurses and midwives across NSW were infuriated before a 24-hour strike that began at 7.30am on Wednesday, days after NSW police won a pay deal that will see wages rise by up to 40%. The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has been negotiating with the state government since April, with the government not budging on a blanket 10.5% pay rise offered over three years for all NSW public-sector workers. But on Monday the Police Association of NSW announced it had reached an agreement with the Minns government that would make NSW police the nations best paid, with wage increases ranging from 20.5% to 39.4% over four years. This offer will see the highest pay increases achieved in the last 30 years for NSW police [and] outstrips what we have seen accepted by other public-sector agencies, Police Association of NSW president, Kevin Morton, said. Related: Sex worker allegedly assaulted in Sydney brothel as women strike for better pay The nurses and midwives union had asked for an immediate 15% wage increase, citing higher rates of pay in other states and the cost-of-living crisis. The union rejected an offer for the 15% increase to be delivered over multiple years and to deliver a slightly larger boost for early career nurses, the NSW health minister, Ryan Park, said. But the union said the government had not entered negotiations willing to use extra money to fund pay increases. Park said he was disappointed the union walked away from its commitment to negotiate before the Industrial Relations Commission. We honoured our end of the bargain there was an expectation, though, that this industrial action was not going to take place, he told reporters on Wednesday. Park said the government delivered the unions big ask to begin the rollout of staffing ratios despite the billion-dollar price tag, but the pay rise was not possible to deliver in a single year. Teachers, paramedics and now police have all received historic, once-in-a-generation pay rises, the NSWNMA general secretary, Shaye Candish, said. The decision to give police more than double the offer for nurses speaks volumes. Park said police had agreed to making changes to death and disability insurance, while teachers agreed to restructuring to fund increased wages. Nurses had not accepted a proposed delay in rolling out staffing ratios, the health minister said, while rejecting characterisations they were being asked to choose improved wages over patient care. Candish said nurses and midwives have been leaving NSW for better pay elsewhere, amid struggles to put food on the table. Candish said many were infuriated by the Minns governments refusal to budge on its offer to the biggest female-dominated workforce in the country, describing it as very clearly gendered. We cannot get the government to sit down and negotiate with us meaningfully, she said. Meanwhile, weve got paramedics, firies and police able to sit down and negotiate with the government Theres very clear difference in how the gendered workforces are being treated. The statewide strike, the third major stop-work action from the union under the current Labor government, was estimated to force the postponement of 600 to 700 surgeries, according to NSW Health. Rallies were also planned for Sydney and in regional centres including Armidale, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Crookwell, Moruya, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Taree and Tweed. Emergency department wait times were also expected to blow out and people with non-life threatening conditions were urged to contact Healthdirect before arriving at hospitals. Minimal, life-preserving staffing were being maintained in all public hospitals and health services during the 24-hour strike. Members are calling on the Minns government to address the wage disparity that has left NSW nurses and midwives the lowest paid in the country. When pressed on the issue by reporters, the premier, Chris Minns, repeatedly pointed to the governments election promise of improving nurse-to-patient ratios, saying the union had not brought up wage increases before the election. When we spoke to nurses and their association, they said to us our number one priority is ratios, and that was a billion-dollar promise. Related: Shonky awards: Choice names NIB and Meta among worst Australian products and services of the year He said the NSWNMA was not prepared to make changes like other unions across the state, leaving his government with less to play with. Minns also pointed to the fact that Labors offer was better than the previous Coalition government had offered. I think its reasonable for the government to say, and certainly for the membership to hear from the government, its not the same offer as the Liberal party. Its 40% more than their offer, he said. Candish said nurses and midwives are on 2008 wages while paying 2024 prices for goods and services. Theyre at a point now where theyre struggling to put food on the table and make ends meet in this current cost-of-living crisis, she said. Theyre being forced to take more overtime to try and make ends meet, which is only contributing to more burnout, and the conditions that theyre working under are worse than they are in other states. In a fiery question time in parliament, the opposition drew attention to uniformed nurses in the gallery and suggested Labor walked away from pre-election pledges. What did you promise? the state opposition leader, Mark Speakman, said. Other than [lifting] the wages cap, nothing, Minns replied from his seat. A spokesman for Rhoda Grant said her comments were intended as general advice to all farmers - KEN JACK/GETTY IMAGES A Labour MSP has told a farmer worried that his family would face ruin from the Chancellors inheritance tax raid if his cancer returned that he should put his affairs in order. Rhoda Grant, Scottish Labours rural affairs spokesman at Holyrood, triggered howls of disbelief from the Tory benches after making the comment in a debate on reversing the family farm tax. She was later condemned for her disgraceful and deeply crass response, which the Tories said demonstrated that Labour just dont get what this tax will mean for farmers across Scotland and the United Kingdom, even when presented with real-life examples. Finlay Carson, the Tory MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, had intervened in Ms Grants speech in the debate to challenge her about the farmers plight. Kenneth Campbell owns Slagnaw Farm in Castle Douglas and runs the business with his son, who is in his 20s. Although he has recovered from cancer, he expressed concern that his family would be left with easily a seven-figure tax bill if his health was to deteriorate again. Scottish Parliament Mr Carson, whose constituency is a major dairy farming hub, challenged Ms Grant: What does she say to my constituent, Kenny Campbell, who has just invested over a million pounds in a new dairy, but is a cancer survivor? If he died in the next seven years, he would leave his son with a tax bill of over a million pounds, meaning he would have payments over 100,000 year on year. Theres a family business going down the drain. What do you say to Mr Campbell? Ms Grant replied: I would say to Mr Campbell that he needs to put his affairs in order to make sure that, if his son is investing time in the business, that he gets the fruits of his labour. If the son is working in the business, he should be paid because weve heard way too often where a member of the family who is fighting and working on a farm loses out to other members of the family who have done nothing at the time of succession if there isnt succession planning. Annabelle Ewing, Holyroods deputy presiding officer, was forced to intervene and ask Ms Grant to stop speaking because of the volume of protests from the Tory benches. After they abated, Ms Grant resumed her speech and argued that very few family farms were worth in excess of several million pounds. She said the top 7 per cent of farms currently account for 40 per cent of the total value of agricultural property relief for inheritance tax. But the Tories later released a video from Mr Campbell, who described himself as a larger than average dairy farmer and admitted the changes to agricultural property relief were worrying me a fair bit. Kenny Campbell He said he had spent more than a million pounds on the new dairy unit, meaning he was on first name terms with the bank manager. Mr Campbell said he was the farms sole owner, but his young son had joined him. Im also a cancer survivor, so I cant very easily go out and find life assurance to cover any possible outcomes in the future, he continued. I do feel fit and healthy now, theres no doubt about that. I fully expect to live seven years, but if something went wrong or I went under a bus thats going to leave this business, or its going to leave my young son, with, I would think, easily a seven-figure tax bill, which is not doable quite frankly. Even if he had 10 years to pay it off, thats 100,000 plus a year, and its a big enough job at the minute to keep things on the straight and narrow. Mr Campbell concluded: I understand when you hear that very few folk are going to be caught up with these changes, but I think if you are caught up in it, its totally destructive and entirely unfair. Mr Carson urged Ms Grant to apologise, saying: It was appalling that she could not even bring herself to show any sympathy for my constituent and his concerns about Labours family farm tax. Labour had pledged not to meddle with farmers ability to pass on their agricultural land to the next generation without paying any inheritance tax. However, the Chancellor decided to rip up this promise and announced that agricultural property relief would be capped at 1 million from April 2026, with assets above this value subject to inheritance tax with a 50 per cent relief. It means for thousands of farmers who own estates worth more than 1 million, they will have to start paying death duties at an effective rate of 20 per cent. MSPs later voted by a margin of 93 to 26 in favour of a Tory motion calling on the UK Government to reverse its decision to impose a so-called family farm tax on agricultural businesses, with Labour members voting against. Triple blow to rural economy Sarah-Jane Laing, the chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: The recent UK Budget delivered a triple blow to Scotlands rural economy and were pleased that parliamentarians at Holyrood have recognised the deep problems that have been created for businesses, particularly family farms. A spokesman for Ms Grant said: Ms Grants comments were intended as general advice to all farmers rather than a personal response to Mr Campbell. It is particularly important to do succession planning in family businesses in order to ensure that any investment in work and planning on the farm is recognised in the ownership. No offence was intended by these comments and Ms Grant apologises for any upset caused. Musicians - Aaron Chown/PA Music from the blockbuster Gladiator was played during the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace ahead of the King attending the global premiere of the sequel. A medley of hits from films and musicals, ranging from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Hairspray and Abba, was performed on Wednesday during the traditional military spectacle. The special recital of soundtracks was staged on the day of the Kings celebratory reception at the Palace in honour of the UKs film and television industry and prior to his red-carpet night out at the Royal Film Performance screening of Gladiator II . The Battle, by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, featured in the original Gladiator movie to accompany the first fight scene. The new guard, the Queens Gurkha Engineers, marched with the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, from nearby Wellington Barracks to the Palace to take over the duty from the old guard. Songs played included John Williams The Symphonic Marches which incorporates the Raiders March from the Indiana Jones movie Raiders Of The Lost Ark and the Imperial March from Star Wars. Also performed was Hairsprays You Cant Stop The Beat, as well as an Abba medley. It comes after the Queen was forced to pull out of a trip to the Gladiator II premiere as she recovers from a chest infection. She also will not be with her husband for an official engagement marking his birthday on Thursday. Foreign officials, entrepreneurs at CIIE laud China's opening-up, opportunities Xinhua) 11:14, November 13, 2024 SHANGHAI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- At this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Ghazaryan Koryun, commercial counselor at the Armenian Embassy in China, introduced in fluent Chinese the top-notch wine and fruit from his country to visitors. It was Koryun's second time to participate the CIIE, the seventh edition held from Nov. 5 to 10. Once a student in China's Jilin University and later a diplomat, Koryun described his return to the country as "like going from one home to another." This year's CIIE hosted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. A record-breaking 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attended the event. Its total exhibition area at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) exceeded 420,000 square meters. Koryun said this year's event has been more fulfilling. "More companies are interested in participating and have a better understanding of China," he said. "We will participate again next year." Bernardo Munoz, counselor at Peru's Consulate General in Shanghai, said that Peru is also a regular CIIE client. "The idea is to learn from both sides. We want to understand more and have the opportunity to use this platform," Munoz said. "We can work together so our populations have a better quality of life." "I was here last year to celebrate the sixth CIIE and we had great results for U.S. agriculture. So we wanted to come back again this year and build upon that work," said Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy under-secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adding that the CIIE is a great chance for U.S. agriculture to meet its customers in China, its largest market. "I also think we can share ideas around agriculture production. Both of us are very serious about improving the productivity of our farmers," Hafemeister told Xinhua. "We can provide new ideas and new technologies -- new ways of farming -- to our farmers, which will allow them to address these challenges of climate and other risks that farmers face." Maria Leota, who is from Samoa and owns a skincare brand, has attended the CIIE three times since 2018 to market her products such as antioxidant oil and lip balm. "For me, it was a more successful year. All my products were sold out the second day," Leota said, adding that she would bring more next year. Berlianto Situngkir, consul general of Indonesia in Shanghai, said he saw at the CIIE that all the participants were promoting the premium and top products from their countries. "Our presence in China is very strong, and hopefully it will be strengthened," he said, noting that Indonesia has been striving to diversify its offerings each year, opting to highlight Indonesian spices and coffee this year. African products have attracted a lot of attention at the import expo. Prudence Sebahizi, Rwanda's minister of trade and industry, told Xinhua that Rwanda has participated in the CIIE seven times and brought several products to this year's event, including chili, honey, coffee and handicraft products. "We have the opportunity to showcase what Africa produces -- and what Rwanda, in particular, produces. We have come here with business people from Rwanda to showcase what Rwanda can sell to the world," said the minister. L'Oreal Group Chairman Jean-Paul Agon told Xinhua that his company was among the first to sign up for the inaugural CIIE. No other country has created an exhibition like the CIIE, which has been a symbol and a way for China to follow its policy of opening to the world, he said. "I think it was a great idea, and that's also why we want to promote it as much as we can." "Every year, we see a certain message that's carrying this event forward. I think this year is the high-quality opening-up," said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir, a Swiss air purification technology company founded in 1963. "I think China realizes that the reciprocity is important, especially in terms of trade. It is both a competitive player in the international field, and a driving force," he said. The ease with which foreign CIIE participants are navigating China has also increased this year partly thanks to the changes brought about by the technological advancement in the country. During her stay in Shanghai, Leota from Samoa discovered that Alipay and WeChat could be linked to foreign credit cards, and she could even use her Samoan cards to take the metro and taxis. "I'm doing everything with my phone, something that was impossible in 2018." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Shakari Briggs is a Quality of Life reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She focuses on issues in the rapidly growing suburbs and surrounding counties. Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, Shakari worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. She has experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career. Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting. bitcoin Everything worthless eventually collapses. A Ponzi scheme will inevitably crumble; snake oil wont cure what ails you; a plantation in Poyais will prove impossible to find. Hell, even things with value are liable to burn. Just ask IBM, Kodak and Xerox. The ability to make money from something doesnt define its value. Bernie Madoffs $65bn (51bn) scheme was worth plenty to him for decades and a pretty penny could be earned so long as you got out before it blew up whether you believed it was fraud or not. Just because youll probably make a swift 10-20pc return on Bitcoin over the next couple of months, doesnt mean it has any value. Both the Financial Conduct Authority and Securities and Exchange Commission generously apply the term cryptoassets, more through an inability to find another word than a strong belief in its definition. To use a cliche, an asset is defined as something valuable belonging to a person or organisation that can be used for the payment of debts. Bitcoin is temporary at best and I imagine youd rather struggle to pay off any but the most illicit debts with it. What about digital gold, the ever-loved phrase of financial commentators who feel strong-armed by its seeming permanence to speak about it sagely? To offer such a moniker is to entirely misunderstand gold, which exists well beyond its use as a diversifier in your portfolio. Societys use of gold dates back about as far as alcohol and is just shy of agriculture. We accepted its value before we began to construct currency. Its been around longer than any civilisation you could name. Sure, in the long lens of the universe it will, like us, vanish, but its proved its worth as central to ancient, modern and future communities. It also has value beyond currency. Open up any electronic product and youll see a glint. But surely Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency? I can use it to pay for things and when those tricksy governments accept its here to stay, Ill be buying my dinner with Dogecoin. Even if we disregard the volatility which renders it useless as money, there is no infrastructure, nor the incentive to build one, that could even scratch the surface of our daily spending needs. According to Steve Cecchetti, former head of the monetary and economic department at the Bank for International Settlements, and Kim Schoenholtz, former chief economist at numerous institutions and current professor emeritus at NYU Stern School of Business, Visa is capable of processing 65,000 transactions per second. Bitcoins blockchain limits it to fewer than 10 per second. In fact, its widespread adoption would be its very downfall, according to Eric Budish, professor of economics and entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. He found the, admittedly ingenious, form of trust invented by Satoshi Nakamoto would cost more than global GDP to implement on the level of a genuine currency. But what about the financial institutions that have embraced it? The worlds largest asset manager lets us buy it through well-protected and established means. That has to count for something? Perhaps, perhaps not. I could point you to PPI or Enron or Wirecard to suggest that sometimes these institutions get it wrong, or we could examine whether they have actually embraced it. Professors Cecchetti and Schoenholtz have that one covered, too. Bitcoins average monthly turnover is around $22bn about the size of a black hole. Large, depending on your perspective. US equities trading volumes averaged roughly $4.6 trillion per month over the year to July, a figure 20,809pc higher than Bitcoins. Repo trading, a source of US dollars, among other use cases, averaged $79 trillion thats a 358,990pc increase. But surely there is some value in it being decentralised, unable to be fiddled with by governments? It depends if you want anyone to enshrine your property laws or enforce contracts. Professor Budish cites those famous big government advocates Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, who all believe at least some form of government is necessary to enable a free market to exist. But its here now, Bitcoin is part of our world. It pervades our media, our politics, even our pensions. How could it possibly disappear? Everything changes all the time. Insider trading didnt become a criminal offence in the UK until 1993; only 3m British people paid income tax before 1944; pension pots were only inheritance tax-free for a decade. Pets.com and Beanie Babies, typewriters and fax machines, tally-sticks and wooden houses in the City of London, the list goes on. I do not doubt that you can make some money on Bitcoin this year. You can probably make a pretty penny for five, maybe 10 years still. I wouldnt even be surprised if there was money to be made longer than that. But make your money while you can, because if you think Bitcoin has any value, I have a bridge to sell you. The median asking rent in New York City was $3,500 in 2023. Photograph: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images The New York City council passed a bill on Wednesday that will prevent tenants from having to pay fees to brokers hired by landlords. The move can significantly lower upfront expenses for renters in a city with one of the highest costs of living in the world. The median asking rent in New York City was $3,500 in 2023. The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act (Fare) passed with a veto-proof majority in the 51-member city council. The vote on Faretook place on Wednesday and will take effect 180 days after becoming law. New York is sending a strong message: forced broker fees are wrong and must be abolished, said council member Chi Osse, one of the bills sponsors. When New Yorkers sign a lease for an apartment, fees typically include an application fee, first and sometimes last months rent, a security deposit, and a commission paid to the broker for executing the transaction. The average upfront cost to sign a lease is $10,454, according to StreetEasy, the popular real estate listings website. But now, Fare will make it so that a broker who publishes a listing for a property for rent is to be paid by the landlord. It will also require landlords to disclose the fees that the tenant must pay in their listings and rental agreements. If a landlord fails to comply, they face a penalty of at least $1,000. The practice of renter-paid brokers fees in New York has long been criticized. In most other cities, the broker fee is normally paid by the landlord. Mayor Eric Adams has expressed skepticism about Fare, saying he is concerned it could hurt small property owners. We got to get it right, make sure that we reach the goals that were looking for, and at the same time dont hurt small property owners and try to get some relief to some of those who are trying to live in the city, Adams said on Tuesday during a news conference. I think the bill has the right intention, but sometimes good intentions do not get the results youre looking for. But property owners are far outnumbered by renters in the bustling metropolitan city. 69% of New York City households rent their homes, according to a report by the office of the city comptroller, Brad Lander. Lander, who is running against Adams in the 2025 mayoral race, said in June that the move would be a commonsense element of fairness that the party that chooses the broker should pay the fee. Where tenants hire a broker to help them find an appropriate unit, of course they should foot the bill. But where landlords are the ones to identify and hire, they should pay for the broker they have chosen. State assemblyman Zohran Mamdani pushed back on Adamss message on X. No surprise that Mayor Adams is repeating the talking points of his real estate donors, said Mamdani, who is also running for mayor. He added that he was grateful to the council member Osse for getting Fare across the finish line. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has been urged to intervene after a Co Tyrone man was arrested in the UAE over an online review he posted. Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, was arrested three weeks ago when he landed in Abu Dhabi for a short vacation to visit friends, and transported to Dubai. Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Mr Ballentine is facing prison because of the UAEs cybercrime laws. Craig Ballentine from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, has been detained in Dubai over an online review he left (Detained in Dubai/PA) Radha Stirling from the organisation said the laws prohibit online criticism. Ms Stirling said the situation arose after Mr Ballentine worked as a dog groomer in Dubai for around six months. After running into difficulties in his employment, he left a negative online review of the grooming centre and his experience. Craig has been advised by local lawyers there is almost zero chance of the case against him being dropped, Ms Stirling said. The UAEs recently enacted cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners. It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell police that someone posted something offensive or rude. Ms Stirling said Mr Ballentines parents feared he had died when they had not heard from him. She said they have urged Ms ONeill, who is Mr Ballentines local MLA, to make representations on his behalf. Craig needs to get home and get to work. Its atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system, she said. We have reached out to Craigs local representative, Michelle ONeill, to implore her to make diplomatic representations to the UAEs ambassador and FCDO. We hope she can assist in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey come home. A Sinn Fein spokesperson said Ms ONeill was aware of the case and was making representations to the UAE embassy in London on behalf of Mr Ballentine. Her office remains in contact with the family to provide support and advice, the spokesperson said. A bishop specialising in safeguarding has said other people in the Church of England might need to quit following the Archbishop of Canterburys resignation over an abuse scandal. Bishop of Birkenhead Julie Conalty, who is deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, said Justin Welbys resignation alone is not going to solve the problem, as she spoke of the need for institutional changes. Mr Welby said on Tuesday that his decision to step down which came after days of pressure following a damning report into abuse cover-up was in the best interests of the Church. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation on Tuesday (Doug Peters/PA) Victims of John Smyth, a barrister who led Christian summer camps and is thought to be the most prolific abuser associated with the Church, have called for further resignations from senior clergy members involved in the scandal. But the second most senior figure in the Church of England has said he does not think any more bishops should resign in the wake of the independent Makin Review into Smyths abuse. Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme about the possibility of more resignations, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: Those who actively covered this up (should resign), which was not bishops. When people speak about the Church of England, we need to remember we are speaking about literally thousands of branches, parishes, chaplaincies. Questioned whether more bishops should resign, he said: The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned. Asked if that is enough, he added: Yes, because he has resigned for the institutional failings. Keith Makin, who led the independent review, said last week that 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. Ms Conalty, speaking on Wednesday, said while Mr Welby has done the right thing in resigning, that alone will not solve the Churchs problems. She told Today: This is about institutional changes, our culture and a systemic failure, so there must be more that we need to do. Very possibly some other people should go. Im not here to name names. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the only bishop who had publicly called for the Archbishop of Canterbury to resign, echoed this view. The Bishop of Newcastle said Mr Welby was right to step down, but that it does not solve the churchs profound failure on safeguarding nor does it excuse others whose neglect of their duties is exposed by the Makin report. She noted that while some progress has been made in changing the safeguarding culture in the church, sadly the progress made by many is being undermined by the arrogance of a few. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who said he was speaking as an Anglican, not as a Government minister, said it was absolutely the right decision for Mr Welby to resign, but church leaders should not think one head rolling solves the problem. He told the Today programme there are deep and fundamental issues of not just practice, but culture on safeguarding that needs to be taken seriously. In his resignation statement, Mr Welby said he was quitting in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse and that the past few days had renewed my long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. The review concluded that Smyth might have been brought to justice had the Archbishop formally reported him to police in 2013. Across five decades in three different countries and involving as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa, Smyth is said to have subjected his victims to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks, permanently marking their lives. He died aged 75 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police, and was never brought to justice for the abuse, the review said. Bishop of Lincoln Stephen Conway was Bishop of Ely in 2013 when he was told details of Smyths abuse. He has said he made a detailed disclosure to Lambeth Palace and contacted the relevant diocese in South Africa to alert them to the issue, and understood it had been reported to police in the UK. He insisted he did all within my authority as a bishop of the Church of England but added: I acknowledge fully that my fault was in not rigorously pursuing Lambeth about that province-to-province communication, and for this I am deeply sorry. Robbie Keanes wife has accused critics of her husband of using a sportsperson as a political pawn and inciting hatred amid a row over an invitation to present Republic of Ireland caps. The Football Association of Ireland asked former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Keane to carry out a ceremony at the team hotel on Monday evening ahead of Thursday nights Nations League fixture against Finland, but social media posts about the event prompted criticism in return. Keane was in charge at Maccabi when Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza and remained so until June this year, when he stepped down having led the club to the league title. Responding to unfavourable comments on her X account, Keanes wife Claudine wrote: I would just like to remind a certain small group of individuals my family, my children and I live Ireland, this is our home. Great to have Irelands record goalscorer Robbie Keane in camp last night for our annual caps presentation Always a special occasion for any player to receive their international cap and recognition pic.twitter.com/bQtxqK2q8N Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) November 12, 2024 I feel extremely uncomfortable and sometimes intimidated by some messages again from a small group that are hurtful, threatening and dangerous. They not only put genuinely our safety and well-being as a family at risk, they are using a sportsperson as a political pawn and in doing so, inciting hatred by making absolutely outrageous accusations. I always felt safe in Ireland until now. I always wanted to move home, bring my kids up here and enjoy the Ireland that both me and my husband love. They are taking every bit of enjoyment and safety away from me and my family. We love our country, we are not politicians, we have never done any wrong. Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had earlier been asked about the controversy at his pre-match press conference, but admitted he was unaware of it and said the 44-year-old former captains presence was a good thing for his squad. Asked about the fall-out, Icelander Hallgrimsson said initially: I wouldnt know. I am not the best to answer that. When the reason was explained to him, he added: I didnt know about it. Former Jamaica boss Hallgrimsson did, however, praise Keanes speech to his players and the words of wisdom a man who won 146 senior caps and scored 68 goals was able to pass on to them. He said: He had a good speech. The players were asking him questions. I think it is good to connect past players, the legends from the past to the present. What was really good was how he, as a goalscorer, a really high-profile player at his time, was talking about the importance of team unity, fighting for each other, team spirit. Robbie Keane scored 68 goals in 146 appearances for the Republic of Ireland (Adam Davy/PA) It was probably not what you would think a striker would say, scoring all his goals, but I think it was a really good message to the players. We did the same in Jamaica brought in old legends just to connect the past and the present. I think it was a good thing. Central defender Nathan Collins revealed Keane was able to give the current generation an insight into a different era. Collins said: As a kid growing up, these are the players you watch. You watch him every international camp, you watch him score his goals for Ireland. You cant talk to him on a personal level back then, you can just see what he is doing on the pitch, but now you see them on a personal level, what it means to him and what his team did. Its nice to know that we are in a similar boat and what we are building here is what they had as well. We can take a lot of things from what he said and use them in our team. Sir Keir Starmer has said he was expecting to see Nigel Farage included in Americas immigration statistics, as he joked that the Reform UK leader was making a rare appearance in Britain. Prior to this, Mr Farage had called on the Government to mend some fences with US President-elect Donald Trump, after the whole Cabinet has been so rude about him. The Clacton MP also pressed the Government to proscribe Irans Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), which he said was behind a third assassination attempt on the incoming president. During Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Farage said: Im sure the Prime Minister and the whole House would wish to congratulate Donald Trump on his landslide victory last week. But within a couple of days we learned of a third assassination attempt, charges have been laid, and behind it are Irans Revolutionary Guards. Has the time not come, Prime Minister, to proscribe what is so obviously a terrorist organisation? And in doing so, not just do the right thing, but maybe mend some fences between this Government and the incoming presidency of Donald Trumps, given that the whole Cabinet has been so rude about him over the last few years. The Prime Minister replied: Im glad to see (Mr Farage) making a rare appearance back here in Britain, he spends so much time in America recently, I was half expecting to see him on the immigration statistics. He added: I did congratulate the incoming President last week, we will work with him. The point he makes about Iran is a very serious point and we will work across the House and with our allies on it. Obviously, on the question of proscription we keep them under review. Timothy West was a veteran of stage and screen, but he will be remembered for his unfailing commitment to his wife Prunella Scales. West died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90 on Tuesday, his children said in a statement. The actor was a familiar face in the 1960s and early 1970s but became a household name when he starred in Edward The Seventh, a historical drama series, as the elder Edward VII, with his real-life sons Samuel and Joseph playing the characters sons in the 1975 series. Timothy West as King Lear during a photocall for the English Touring Theatre production at The Old Vic, central London, in 2003 (Andy Butterton/PA) West went on to star in television shows such as comedy drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, while he made several guest appearances in dramas including Midsomer Murders, Miss Marple, Agatha Christies Poirot and Lewis. Born in Bradford on October 20 1934, West moved around a lot as a child and went to school in Harrow and Bristol. The son of actor Lockwood West, West worked as an office furniture salesman and as a recording engineer, before ending up in theatre as an assistant stage manager at the Wimbledon Theatre in 1956. He played seasons in repertory roles across the country, from Newquay to Hull, before he came to the Piccadilly Theatre in the comedy Caught Napping in 1959. West was married to actress Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961 and they had a daughter, Juliet. But it was in 1961, while making She Died Young a BBC play that West met his eventual wife of six decades Scales. West married Scales in 1963 and the couple had two sons, with elder son Samuel following him into acting and directing. Actress Prunela Scales and her husband Timothy West in 1998 (Martin Hayhow/PA) In 1984, West was appointed CBE for his services to drama and continued to act until 2019, when he played Private Godfrey in Dads Army: The Lost Episodes. Insights into West and Scales married life were shown in their Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys, but West has also shared more heartfelt details. During an appearance on Loose Women last year, West said when he and Scales were not filming scenes for She Died Young, they would spend their time off playing crosswords and writing letters to each other. Pru and I had certain amounts of time off, West said. We spent a lot of time doing crosswords and writing letters to each other. This is something that has gone on all our lives. West was devoted to his wife and did not shy away from opening up about Scales Alzheimers diagnosis, which was announced in 2014. He told Piers Morgans Life Stories in 2014: The sad thing is that you just watch the gradual disappearance of the person that you knew and loved and were very close to. When weve been to a concert, or a play, or a film, theres nothing very much we can say about it afterwards because Pru will have a fairly hazy memory. Timothy West and Prunella Scales in 2017 (Ian West/PA) West and Scales, 92, appeared together in 10 series of Great Canal Journeys from 2014 until Scales Alzheimers reportedly progressed to the point where they had to stop in 2020. Last year, West told Saga Exceptional that he missed his wifes companionship as she continued to live with dementia. He said: Now that her condition has worsened, I miss Prus companionship as my best friend. West said that a lot of time was spent reassuring his wife about where she is. He added: Pru doesnt have much awareness of time so when she joins me in the living room, her face lights up as if weve been apart for days. The look on her face makes me realise how much I love her. His love of the great outdoors shone through in his show with Scales, but also in their roles as patrons of the Avon Navigation Trust, the charity that runs the River Avon from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewkesbury. West was also a patron of the National Piers Society, a charity which preserves and promotes the UKs seaside piers. Actors Sam West, his father Timothy West and his mother Prunella Scales in 1999 (Michael Crabtree/PA) Despite his fame, West was always down to earth, and in 2011 told The Yorkshire Post he prefers to be called Tim than Timothy. He said: Call me Tim, unless youre cross with me. West was the president of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (Lamda) for 31 years until 2018, when he was succeeded by Benedict Cumberbatch. The Coronation Street star and Scales lived between their narrowboat and family house in Wandsworth, south London, until West sold the home they had lived in for more than 50 years in 2019. In a statement released on Wednesday, his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph said: After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90-years old. Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly. Shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho has pressed the Government to clarify the definition of sex. Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said it was important that providers have clarity in this area. She added that providers have the right to restrict access to service on the basis of biological sex under the Equality Act 2010. In the Commons on Wednesday, Ms Coutinho said: In the election the Conservative Party committed to clarifying the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010 to protect womens rights. At the end of this month For Women Scotland vs Scottish Ministers will be heard in the UK Supreme Court, this case will have far-reaching consequences for sex-based rights. So can the Government assure the House that its clear that the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex? During women and equalities questions, Ms Phillipson replied: I wont comment on ongoing cases, but what I can be clear to her about is that the Equality Act 2010 does set out that providers, for example, have the right to restrict access to service on the basis of biological sex. This Government is proud of our achievements in legislating for the Equality Act. We will make sure that providers can continue to support single-sex exemptions. And it is important that providers have clarity in this area, and Ill be happy to work with her to make sure that is the case. Campaign group For Women Scotland have taken Scottish ministers to court over the definition of a woman in the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018. Two Somali pirates have been sentenced to 30 years in prison for kidnapping American journalist Michael Scott Moore and holding him hostage for 977 days, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Moore, a freelance journalist, traveled to Somalia in 2012 to research piracy and the nation's economy. On January 21, he was kidnapped by multiple heavily armed men and transported him to a secluded area, where he was held captive along with two fishermen from the Seychelles. Moore was moved several times over the course of three months, then transported to a hijacked boat, the F/V Naham III. Moore and one of the fishermen were held captive there, along with 28 crew members, for several more months, according to the Department of Justice. The fisherman was tortured, and the crew members told Moore that the pirates had killed the ship's captain when they hijacked the vessel, prosecutors said. Moore remained a hostage for another two years, continuously shuffled between safehouses, kept under armed guard and chained at night to prevent escape, prosecutors said. He was repeatedly threatened, according to the Department of Justice, and forced to make proof-of-life videos requesting large ransom payments. In 2014, negotiators paid a ransom of $1.6 million to secure Moore's release. Moore has said his family funded the ransom payment, and published a book about his experience in 2018. This undated photo provided by his family shows journalist Michael Scott Moore. / Credit: AP Abdi Yusef Hassan, 56, and Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed, 43, each "played significant roles in Moore's captivity," according to the Department of Justice, and were handed 30-year prison sentences. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, served as the minister of the interior in the Somalian province where Moore was captured. That meant he was in charge of police and security forces, but he also "served as an overall leader of the pirates," according to the Department of Justice. He "headed their efforts to extort a massive ransom from Moore's aging mother," the department said, and directed the production of the proof-of-life videos and participated in ransom negotiations. He also used his home as a base of operations for the pirates, the Department of Justice said. He was arrested in Minneapolis in 2019. Tahlil, also of Mogadishu, served in the nation's army and was a supervisor of the pirates who guarded Moore during the early months of his time in captivity. He used his military position, training and experience "to serve as the pirates' head of security and armorer," according to the Department of Justice, and was in charge of moving Moore from location to location. He also provided and repaired weapons used to keep Moore in captivity. Tahlil was jailed in New York City in 2018. Both men were convicted of hostage taking, terrorism and firearms offenses after a three-week trial in February 2023. They were sentenced on Tuesday. The Department of Justice did not provide details about where they will serve their sentences. Each were also sentenced to one day of supervised release, in addition to the prison term. Sneak peek: The Suspicious Death of Megan Parra Democrats play blame game after Kamala Harris' defeat Latest news on Idaho's strict abortion ban An American citizen was found dead at an Irish luxury hotel and another American citizen is under arrest, according to Irish police. The Irish national police and security service, the Garda Siochana, told USA TODAY the deceased American citizen was a man in his 60s. He was discovered unconscious on a bathroom floor inside the Ballyfin Demesne Hotel in County Laois on Tuesday evening and was later pronounced dead. The bathroom where the American man was discovered is in a leisure area of the upscale hotel, which located about 65 miles southwest of Dublin. ABC News reported the two men had been traveling together and Irish authorities are not looking for any further suspects in the case. Another American is under arrest Irish authorities arrested an American national in his 30s at the same hotel in connection to the death. According to a statement from police, the American was being detained at a Garda station in Ireland's Eastern Region. The incident was under investigation and an officer was tasked with assisting the deceased's family, authorities said. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American found dead, arrest made at Ballyfin Demesne Hotel in Ireland The first 500 guests who visit each participating shop across the U.S. Nov. 13 can receive a dozen doughnuts for free. Krispy Kreme/Business Wire/Business Wire Krispy Kreme is celebrating kindness this week the best way they know how: by the dozen. The American doughnut company is giving away a dozen original glazed sweet treats for free to the first 500 guests who visit participating U.S stores on Wednesday, Nov. 13 as part of a global campaign for World Kindness day. Customers who come quick for a bite can snag a free glazed dozen in shop and via drive-through. World Kindness Day is a reminder that we can all make a positive impact in peoples lives, including through small gestures like sharing a sweet treat. We hope that each dozen Original Glazed doughnuts we give away enables and inspires many dozens of small acts of kindness, said Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme global chief brand officer, in a news release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is World Kindness Day? The international holiday centered on promoting goodwill has been celebrated across the globe since 1998, when the World Kindness Movement launched it. The movement, independent from any political or religious affiliation, came together a year prior, with leaders meeting at a conference in Tokyo to discuss the subject. In 2019, the World Kindness Movement was registered as NGO under Swiss law. Krispy Kreme is known for free treat offers throughout the year on Election Day, National Doughnut Day in June and Super Tuesday in March, to name a few. SEOUL, South Korea An American live-streamer known for his offensive stunts abroad has been indicted by South Korean authorities for causing a commotion at a convenience store, prosecutors said Wednesday. Ramsey Khalid Ismael, better known by his online alias Johnny Somali, is a 24-year-old live-streamer who hurls provocative and offensive insults while traveling abroad, including in U.S. allies South Korea and Japan. A spokesperson for the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office told reporters Wednesday that Somali will face trial and is also banned from leaving the country. He is, however, not detained, the spokesperson's office said. South Korea often imposes travel bans when theres a flight risk. Somali, whose streams often involve desecrating monuments and harassing local residents, has been banned multiple times from various social media platforms and currently streams on Rumble, a live-streaming platform with looser moderation policies than Twitch, another popular live-streaming platform. In videos Somali posted on Instagram last month, he appears to be drinking alcohol while in a convenience store, where he pours instant noodles on a table before cleaning it up. The video is no longer available on his YouTube channel. Somali has also drawn outrage in South Korea over his behavior around the Statue of Peace in Seoul, also known as the Comfort Woman statue, which commemorates the tens of thousands of Korean women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese forces during World War II. Video still available on the platform Rumble shows Somali kissing the statue, printing out a picture of himself kissing it and then showing the picture to passersby in Seoul. He later apologized, Agence France-Presse reported, saying he was unaware of the statues significance. The Yonhap news agency reported that Somali has been beaten up on multiple occasions while in South Korea, including once by another live-streamer. The overseas antics of Somali and numerous other nuisance influencers have frequently been condemned by authorities and locals alike. In Japan, they are known for duping ticket inspectors on trains, disrupting convenience stores and hassling passengers on the subway. Last year, Japanese authorities arrested Somali for trespassing on a construction site, the Kyodo News agency reported. He also mocked Japanese commuters over the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. Stella Kim reported from Seoul, South Korea, and Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong. The elevation of Elizabeth Warren as the top Democrat on a key Senate panel might be a case for bank CEOs at least of being careful what you wish for. Banks are cheering Republican control of the White House and Senate, since the GOP is expected to usher in a more friendly environment for Wall Street. But some post-election shifts mean that one of Washington's most prominent critics of banks will now be leading Democratic efforts on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee. Warren confirmed the news in a statement Wednesday, saying in part "this new role means a better chance to advance solutions like building more housing to lower prices and protecting consumers from private equity greed and special interest scams." Warren is a high-profile former presidential candidate who has long been a vocal critic of bank CEOs on issues from climate change to banking fees to CEO pay. Senator Elizabeth Warren waves to a crowd after securing her third term in the Senate. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (Boston Globe via Getty Images) She will now be the first Democratic questioner on the committee that has been the scene of closely watched hearings in recent years, with top CEOs like JPMorgan Chase's (JPM) Jamie Dimon and Bank of Americas (BAC) Brian Moynihan forced to answer questions from lawmakers on a range of topics. The overall bright spot for banks is that come 2025, the first question they will face is set to be from a Republican much friendlier to their interests. The current GOP ranking member on that committee is Sen. Tim Scott. The South Carolinian has tended to be much friendlier to bank concerns, especially around banking regulations. And the committee is expected to have a close eye on banking policy with Donald Trump back in the White House. One top concern over the last year has been the proposed Basel III endgame requirements that would compel banks to set aside more capital to absorb future losses. Scott has often criticized the proposal, including leading a call for the Biden administration to withdraw it entirely. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) (Bill Clark via Getty Images) Warrens ascension comes after Sen. Sherrod Brown lost his seat last week and Democrats lost control of the upper chamber. GOP challenger Bernie Moreno defeated Brown in Ohio and is set to be sworn in to take his seat. Another top Banking Committee Democrat, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, also lost his seat, and other senior Democrats like Sens. Jack Reed and Mark Warner are expected to focus on other committees in the years ahead. Ive spent my entire career fighting to make our economy work better for middle-class families not just for the wealthy and well-connected, Warren added in Wednesdays statement Im grateful for the opportunity to fight for families who most need a government on their side," she added. Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Every Friday, Yahoo Finance's Rachelle Akuffo, Rick Newman, and Ben Werschkul bring you a unique look at how US policy and government affect your bottom line on Capitol Gains. Watch or listen to Capitol Gains on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump met in the Oval Office for nearly two hours on Wednesday, resuming a hallmark of America's peaceful transfer of power that Trump himself flouted in 2020. The two men, seated by a roaring fire, shook hands before reporters and news cameras. President Biden spoke first, calling for a "smooth transition" and telling Trump he would do "everything we can to make sure you're accommodated." Trump followed by thanking Biden. "Politics is tough, and it's, in many cases, not a very nice world but it is a nice world today," Trump said. "And I appreciate it very much. A transition that's so smooth, it'll be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe." They did not answer questions. PHOTO: President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (Al Drago/Pool//EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) The meeting, which the White House later described as cordial, came after an intense (and at times insult-ridden) campaign before Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. First lady Jill Biden joined President Biden in greeting Trump upon his arrival, according to the White House. She gave Trump a handwritten letter of congratulations for Melania Trump, which also expressed her team's readiness to assist with the transition. The first lady's office confirmed that a joint invitation was extended to the Trumps for Wednesday's meeting, but Melania Trump did not travel to Washington with her husband. "Her husband's return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success," Melania Trump's office said in a statement. In 2016, Michelle Obama hosted Melania Trump at the White House when then-President Barack Obama hosted Trump in the Oval Office for 90 minutes. PHOTO: President Barack Obama, from right, President-elect Donald Trump, First Lady-elect Melania Trump, and First Lady Michelle Obama, outside of the White House ahead of the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2017. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via Bloomberg/Getty Images) But after the 2020 election, Trump broke not only with inviting the president-elect to the White House but he also skipped Biden's inauguration, instead leaving Washington mere hours before the ceremony began. Wednesday marked Trump's first time back in the White House since ending his presidency under a cloud of election denialism four years ago. A week before his departure, he was impeached by the House for a second time as lawmakers charged him with "incitement of insurrection" after his supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House during a meeting with President Joe Biden, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP) Trump at the time vowed to return and his comeback was made complete last week. He swept all seven swing states, clinching 312 electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris' 226 votes, and is on track to win the popular vote. Biden spoke with Trump on Nov. 6 to congratulate him and to extend a political olive branch with an invitation to the White House. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden did so because "he believes in the norms" of the institution. Vice President Harris did not attend the meeting. According to the White House, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles were present for the conversation. Jean-Pierre, at Wednesday's press briefing, described the discussion between Biden and Trump as "very gracious and substantive." They discussed foreign policy, including Biden's view on standing with Ukraine in the face of Russia's aggression, national security and domestic issues, she said, and Trump came prepared with a list of questions for Biden. When asked by ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce if there was any indication the advice Biden gave was being well-received by Trump, Jean-Pierre said, "I think so." PHOTO: President Joe Biden shakes hands with President-elect Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Biden also spoke to Trump about "important items" for Congress to achieve in the lame-duck session. Lawmakers will have to come to an agreement on government funding, pass the annual defense bill and more before the end of the year. "Finally, the president reiterated what he said to the president elect the day after the election and to the American people in the Rose Garden just last week: we will have an orderly transition and a peaceful transition of power," Jean-Pierre said. Jean-Pierre said Biden would keep the line of communication open with the president-elect. "We got to remember, this is not about the two presidents. This is not about President Biden or President elect Trump," she said. "This is about the American people and what's right for the American people." PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump arrives prior to meeting with President Joe Biden and members of Congress in Washington, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Nov. 13, 2024. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) Trump spoke to the New York Post after the meeting, saying he spoke with Biden about Russia and the Middle East. "I wanted -- I asked for his views and he gave them to me," Trump told the newspaper. Before meeting with Biden, Trump received a warm welcome back to Washington by House Republicans. Flanked by Elon Musk, a newly influential figure in his orbit, Trump spoke to the conference and thanked them for delivering a House majority. Trump and Biden both call for smooth transition in historic Oval Office meeting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Local police in Colorado shot and killed a mountain lion after the animal roamed onto a school's grounds and came close to students and families, according to the responding department. Greeley Police officers arrived at James Madison STEAM Academy in Greenly, Colorado on Friday morning after receiving reports of the mountain lion being on the school's campus, according to a news release shared to the department's Facebook on Tuesday. Greeley is located about 64 miles north of Denver. Out of an abundance of caution, Greeley-Evans School District 6 placed the school on a secure perimeter status, thus preventing anyone from entering or leaving the building to prioritize the safety of students and staff, police said. Officers coordinated with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to contain the mountain lion, and the department issued a reverse 911 CodeRed alert advising people in the area to shelter in place, according to the release. Police tried to prioritize both the mountain lion's and residents' safety, but when the animal attempted to break out of the containment area, "it became apparent public safety could no longer be assured (and) an officer discharged their weapon to protect the community," the department said. No civilians or officers were injured during this incident, and once the mountain lion was killed, the secure perimeter at the school and shelter-in-place orders were lifted, according to the police. District 6 officials communicated with parents and guardians during the entire ordeal to keep them informed, the department said. What to do during a mountain lion sighting Mountain lions often follow waterways in search of food, and they are most active between dusk and dawn, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The state agency shared some safety tips for mountain lion sightings: Call 911 immediately Bring pets inside or keep them close on a leash, even in a fenced yard Follow the S.M.A.R.T steps: S - Stop: Do not approach the mountain lion M - Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms A - Announce yourself loudly R - Retreat slowly, without turning your back T - Tell local authorities or parks and wildlife officials about the sighting This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police kill mountain lion found roaming on Colorado school's campus Consumer Reports said it "applauds" Kraft Heinz for removing Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt stricter standards for school lunches. Earlier this year, Consumer Reports petitioned the USDA to remove Lunchables from the list of allowable school lunches after testing products for levels of lead, sodium and other chemicals. Kraft Heinz began making two varieties of Lunchables that meet federal school lunch requirements for K-8 students in 2023. Turkey and cheese Lunchables, as well as the extra cheesy pizza variety, were available to schools. These varieties differ from the ones available in stores, Kraft Heinz said at the time. Last year, we brought two (National School Lunch Program) compliant Lunchables options to schools that had increased protein," Lunchables said in a statement. "While many school administrators were excited to have these options, the demand did not meet our targets. This happens occasionally across our broad portfolio, especially as we explore new sales channels. Lunchables products are not available in schools this year and we hope to revisit at a future date. The NSLP compliant Lunchables sales last school year were far less than 1% of overall Lunchables sales, so business impact is negligible. RELATED STORY | USDA bans school lunch fees for low-income families Consumer Reports said that consumption of lead and high levels of sodium in food could cause significant health problems. Lunchables and other lunch kits with concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals have no place on the school lunch menu, said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. Were pleased that Heinz Kraft has pulled Lunchables from the school lunch program after lower than expected demand from school districts across the country. The USDA should maintain stricter eligibility standards for the school lunch programs so that the millions of kids that depend on it get the healthier options they deserve. Kraft Heinz had defended the products, saying that Consumer Reports' petition was "misleading" and that its products tested "well below the acceptable limits." "By offering Lunchables in schools, were able to help meet schools needs by giving them affordable, convenient solutions that provide students with quality nutrition at lunchtime," the company said. "Weve received feedback that products like Lunchables are more trusted by school administrators due to our strict food safety and quality guarantee. We see our work with schools as a solution to valid struggles schools may face." RELATED STORY | Fewer states to have universal free school lunches in 2024-25 Then-congressional candidate Dave Min in Irvine, Calif., on May 22, 2018. Democrat Dave Min has defeated Republican Scott Baugh in the race for a congressional seat in Orange County, California, NBC News projects. "I know many of us are anxious about the future of our country, but we cannot give up on America," Min wrote on X after declaring victory Tuesday night. "In Congress, I will fight to protect our democracy, safeguard our freedoms, and expand economic opportunity." The results come after a contentious election cycle in a swing district with rapidly shifting demographics. Once a Republican stronghold, the district has been flipping between the parties for the past decade. The number of registered Democrats is nearly identical to the number of registered Republicans in a district where unaffiliated voters largely decided the race. Min, a law professor, has championed issues of reproductive rights, gun violence and climate action, polling well in areas like Irvine that have a younger population. Meanwhile Baugh, a former member of the state Assembly, has campaigned on border security, the fentanyl crisis and crime, generally performing well in areas with an older electorate. The districts evolving politics have been driven in part by its rapidly changing racial makeup. Asian Americans in particular have emerged as a critical part of the electorate, now making up about a quarter of the districts population as its largest minority group. Both candidates have been courting the group. But Min previously told NBC News that his advocacy for the community makes him well-positioned to represent it. We dont have much representation in the halls of political power, Min said. Those of us who are Asian American end up representing not just our own districts but Asian Americans across the entire region, maybe across the entire U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the next US ambassador to Israel on Tuesday insisting that the conservative pundit and Baptist minister will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East! I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel, Trump, 78, said in a statement. Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. A two-time Republican presidential candidate, Huckabee said he was still in shock and processing his selection after being extended the offer from Trump himself, a source told The Post. AFP via Getty Images A two-time Republican presidential candidate, Huckabee, 69, said he was still in shock and processing his selection after being extended the offer from Trump himself on a Tuesday morning phone call, a source familiar with the discussion divulged to The Post. Huckabee denied reports early in the first Trump administration that he was considered for the same position, which was filled by then-campaign adviser and attorney David Friedman. I am thrilled by President Trumps nomination of Governor Mike Huckabee as the next Ambassador to Israel, said Friedman, who served in the role from 2017 to 2021. He is a dear friend and he will have my full support. Congrats Mike on getting the best job in the world! Israels Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir was the first foreign official to praise the decision, posting on X: Mike Huckabee . Huckabee, who served as governor of Arkansas from 1997 to 2006, will succeed Ambassador Jacob Lew, who served under President Biden. Huckabee, who served as governor of Arkansas from 1997 to 2006, will succeed Ambassador Jacob Lew, who served under President Biden. Getty Images Israel just entered its 13th month of war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of 1,200 people, including 46 Americans. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. That conflict has broadened into a wider regional conflict between Israel and Iranian terror proxies, including Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthis. Iran and Israel have also traded direct missile attacks against each other, with the Jewish state inflicting damage and making Tehrans nuclear sites, which are reportedly just weeks away from being operational, more vulnerable. I am thrilled by President Trumps nomination of Governor Mike Huckabee as the next Ambassador to Israel, said David Friedman, who served in the same role from 2017 to 2021. Getty Images Trump pilloried Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he both faced at separate points during the 2024 race, for allowing the conflict to happen. The war caused by the attack on Israel would never have happened if I was president, the former president said during his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Iran was broke. Iran had no money. Now Iran has $250 billion. They made it all over the last two and a half years. Jewish voters in the US backed a Republican presidential nominee by the highest margins since George H.W. Bush, according to data from a 2024 Fox News voter analysis and the Jewish Virtual Library. About a third (32%) of Jewish voters cast a ballot for Trump on Nov. 5. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is currently Arkansas governor, could hardly contain her excitement, posting on X that she was unbelievably proud of her dad. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is currently Arkansas governor, could hardly contain her excitement, posting on X that she was unbelievably proud of her dad. Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images I went to Israel for the first time with my dad when I was eleven and it changed my life, said Sanders, who also served formerly as a Trump White House press secretary. There is no one President Trump could have picked with a greater love for the Israeli people and commitment to the unbreakable bond between America and Israel than him. Love you dad! she added. The evangelical leader is widely seen as both a Trump loyalist and staunch pro-Israel advocate, who will assume authority at a critical time. There is no better person to represent the American people in Jerusalem at this time, said Sandra Hagee Parker, chairwoman of the Christians United for Israel Action Fund, an evangelical group. There is no one President Trump could have picked with a greater love for the Israeli people and commitment to the unbreakable bond between America and Israel than him, Sanders said. AP Gov. Mike Huckabee believes in Israels right to self-determination and defense, not because it is politically convenient to do so but because these are immutable tenets of his core beliefs, Parker said. Whether serving his congregation as a Pastor or his constituents as Governor, Huckabee has both the heart and mind for this Ambassadorship, and we know he will work tirelessly to ensure the relationship between America and Israel remains stronger than ever. The Republican Jewish Coalition also celebrated the pick, calling Huckabee a man of deep faith with an abounding love of Israel and its people second to none. As the Jewish state continues to fight an existential war for survival against Iran and its terrorist proxies, Governor Huckabee will represent Americas ironclad commitment to Israels security with distinction, the group said in a statement. A long-time friend of the RJC, we know Governor Huckabee will strengthen the US-Israel relationship to even greater heights. Reps for Huckabee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. President-elect Donald Trump has charged Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy with cutting government spending and "making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency." Years of comments from both men suggest they could aim to do much more than slim down Washington. They appear poised to make a run at abolishing huge areas of that bureaucracy entirely. "99 Federal agencies is more than enough," Musk posted Tuesday night after Trump's announcement was made official. That suggests a massive culling of the hundreds of existing agencies, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Education Department already in focus. Elon Musk listens as President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 13. (ALLISON ROBBERT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (ALLISON ROBBERT via Getty Images) Musk later amended his count even lower, overlooking how a government database shows there are 80 agencies that begin with the letter U alone. Between them, Musk and Ramaswamy have also directly discussed eliminating high-profile areas like the Education Department, the FBI, and the Internal Revenue Service. Ramaswamy promised the elimination of at least five larger agencies during his run for president last year. He also discussed cutting 90% of the staff at the Federal Reserve during that campaign. "This will send shockwaves through the system," Musk was quoted as saying in Tuesday's release. But how deep the new heads of this new government efficiency effort will actually aim to cut and whether they can actually bring any ideas to fruition as they "provide advice and guidance from outside of Government" remains to be seen. But they now have president-elect Trump's formal backing. A detailed list of cuts Ramaswamy has perhaps the most fleshed-out agenda from his own time on the campaign trail as a onetime rival to Trump. During his 2023 run for the White House, he pledged to fire 75% of federal employees and promised to abolish at least five well-known federal agencies including the Department of Education, the FBI, the ATF, the IRS, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. He also had a keen focus on meddling at the Fed. He promised giant cuts and wrote in a 2023 Wall Street Journal op-ed that "I intend to make the 2024 presidential race in part a referendum on the proper role of our central bank." That monetary policy focus comes as Trump has sent mixed signals for years on whether he would aim to fire or demote Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell himself laid down a marker Thursday that he won't be going anywhere, even if Trump tried. Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images) Musk, for his part, has offered more scattered plans but has acknowledged that his effort would lead to "temporary hardship." He's also forged extraordinarily close ties with Trump in recent weeks, including traveling with the president-elect on Wednesday for a first visit to Washington, D.C., since Trump's victory last week. The Tesla (TSLA) CEO has pledged to cut $2 trillion out of the $6+ trillion annual budget without specifying exactly how. The entire US discretionary budget is just $1.7 trillion, meaning Musk would almost surely need to dip into programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to accomplish his goals. But the disruptive effort has also gained some high-profile fans. "I think Elon Musk represents wholesale change, and I think we actually need wholesale change," Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan said at Yahoo Finance's Invest conference on Tuesday (Disclosure: Yahoo Finance is owned by Apollo Global Management). "Our financial situation is fixable. It is fixable in a way that is positive for the base that the president-elect has said that he wants to help," added Rowan, who has also been mentioned as a possible Trump appointee in the years ahead. "But it is not fixable by small amounts of tinkering. It is about wholesale change." Elon Musk arrives alongside members of President-elect Donald Trump's staff on November 13 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images) It is also not immediately clear how the proposed department will operate and whether Congressional Republicans, who control spending by law, will have any interest in playing along with a massive government reorganization. But Trump, in his recent announcement, did set a deadline for when we might know one way or another. "Their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026," the president-elect announced Wednesday, calling it "the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence." Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Every Friday, Yahoo Finance's Rachelle Akuffo, Rick Newman, and Ben Werschkul bring you a unique look at how US policy and government affect your bottom line on Capitol Gains. Watch or listen to Capitol Gains on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Licorice is somewhat of a failure. Anyone who meets the gentle, obedient boy would never call him that. He just so happened to fail his test to become a service dog. But this "failure" allowed him to improve officers' lives at the Blue Ash Police Department near Cincinnati. The 7-year-old phantom golden doodle is one of a handful of therapy dogs in regional police departments. Licorice became one of the first in the county about 3 years ago, said his owner, Capt. Roger Pohlman, assistant chief for Blue Ash Police. The increase in police therapy dogs is part of an increased focus on officer mental health. "I've been doing this for 26 years," Pohlman said. "If you would've said that we had a therapy dog back then, people would've laughed at you." But times are changing. Capt. Roger Pohlman with Licorice, a 7-year-old phantom golden doodle that works as a therapy dog at the Blue Ash Police Department. Officer Licorice joins the police department Police officers are the first to be called when anyone dies. They respond to murders, stabbings and gory accidents. They see kids, around the same age as their own kids, die. For a long time, the unspoken order was to deal with the trauma alone. "To suck it up," Pohlman said. Licorice challenges that narrative. The black-hued pup offers comfort to officers just by being there. Anyone who has a dog can understand that. But science backs it up. Studies show petting a dog lowers blood pressure. Katie Farmer, a Blue Ash dispatcher at the Blue Ash Police Department, interacts with Licorice. Licorice started going to work with Pohlman kind of by chance. The Pohlman family adopted Licorice because they wanted a dog, and Pohlman's wife, Christine, wanted to bring the dog to work with her as a reading intervention specialist for schools in Mason, Ohio. Research has shown kids' reading ability improves when they read to dogs. The family picked up Licorice when he was 1 years old from 4Paws for Ability, a service dog organization based in Xenia, Ohio. The organization calls Licorice a "fabulous flunky," a dog who didn't pass the training to become a service dog and is eligible to be a family pet. Pohlman was told Licorice failed because of "suspicious barking." Service dogs are trained to bark only in cases of emergency for example, if their owner is having a seizure. If a dog barks at inappropriate times, the dog can't be a service dog. Licorice wears an "auxilary" police badge on his vest. Licorice's earlier obedience training made him a perfect therapy dog. He spent some time with Christine at Mason schools, until the district got its own therapy dogs. Licorice then spent more time with Pohlman at the office. The initial plan wasn't for him to be a therapy dog for the department, but he fit perfectly into the role. Now, officers expect Licorice to be at the Blue Ash Police Department daily. Pohlman said officers are "disappointed if not." Licorice provides 'a calming force' Society has seen a greater openness to conversations around mental health in the past decade. The destigmatization made its way to police departments. Pohlman said he has noticed a change in the past four or five years. Blue Ash police officers are encouraged to exercise while on duty. Mental health professionals and trained police officers provide debriefing sessions for the Blue Ash officers after traumatic events. One of the continuing education courses Pohlman has to take is about officer wellness. Licorice and his siblings were all named after tea flavors. He has siblings named Chamomile and Chai, Pohlman said. Therapy dogs play a large role in this wellness, too. In Ohio, the Cincinnati Police Department, State Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office all have therapy dogs. Dogs like Licorice provide a "calming force" to the office, Pohlman said. Licorice spends his days traveling around the Blue Ash municipal building, where the police department is located, visiting his human friends. Officers' faces light up when they see him. Many give him a loving pat on the head. He will go with Pohlman to visit dementia patients or to events at Sycamore Schools. He acts as an "icebreaker" between police and whomever they encounter in their day-to-day duties. Licorice makes police officers more approachable. His job is to make people happy. No doubt, he's good at it. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Meet Licorice: The police therapy dog in Blue Ash, Ohio Several flights to and from Bali have been cancelled after the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano began spewing ash as high as 9km in the sky. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia grounded more than a dozen flights on Tuesday and Wednesday scheduled to arrive or depart from the Denpasar Airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, after the volcanic eruption near the popular tourist destination in Indonesia. At least 10 people died and several others sustained injuries last week in the volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Flores, located about 500km east of Bali. The volcano has been spewing smoldering rocks, lava and hot, thumb-size fragments of gravel and ash from the crater since last week, affecting more than 10,000 people in 10 villages. Nearly 6,000 villagers moved into makeshift emergency shelters after the eruption, which destroyed seven schools, nearly two dozen houses and a convent on the majority-Catholic island. Jetstar said all flights to and from Denpasar Airport have been cancelled until at least 2pm (local time) on Wednesday. "Impacted customers have been notified directly and provided a range of options," the airline said in a statement. It added that the options included "rebooking their travel for no charge or cancelling their bookings and obtaining a voucher to the value of their untravelled". The airline said it intended to operate at least two additional return services between Australia and Bali on Wednesday to clear the backlog of passengers stranded at the airport. Virgin Airlines said it cancelled at least 10 flights in and out of Indonesia for Wednesday due to "adverse weather". The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority. Adverse weather due to the volcano in Indonesia has resulted in Virgin Australia cancelling all flights in and out of Denpasar today," it added. Two Qantas return flights scheduled to go from Australia to Denpasar has been delayed so far. The airline will reportedly resume operations from Sydney International Airport at about 4.30pm (local time) on Wednesday. Garuda Indonesia flights were delayed in both directions, 9News reported People have taken to social media to share their ordeal, complaints of not receiving food or accommodation support. 1. We are stranded in Denpasar Airport, Bali Yesterday Our flight got cancelled to New Delhi with Pnr no - Jtpde , then I booked a flight for today morning to New Delhi with pnr no - TVI7PT That also got canceled, we are not provided with any support of food and accommodation. pic.twitter.com/c2nqsAcwNQ sarthak goyal (@sarthakgoyal18) November 13, 2024 Mark Wilson, who was en route to Bali to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary, said the flight sat on the tarmac for about an hour on Tuesday before the passengers were informed to deboard. Id like to think well make it over there But Ive got a bad feeling, the holidaymaker from travelling from Gippsland told Sydney Morning Herald. The 1,584m volcano on the remote island of Flores has shot billowing columns of ash dozens of times since last Thursday, said Hadi Wijaya, the head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation. While visiting the devastated areas, officials found craters where rocks fell during eruptions, up to 13m wide and 5m deep, in several places including a destroyed school. The countrys volcano monitoring agency increased Lewotobi Laki Lakis alert status to the highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a 7km radius last week, prohibiting any activity in that area. Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of a pair of stratovolcanoes in the East Nusa Tenggara province, known locally as the husband-and-wife mountains. Laki laki means man, while its mate is Lewotobi Perempuan, or woman. Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of the 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, an archipelago of 280 million people. The country is prone to earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity because it sits along the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean. Caroline Wilburn is a breaking news reporter for the Houston Chronicle. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Caroline worked as an election stringer for the Associated Press and as a breaking news fellow at the Texas Tribune. At the Tribune, she got a crash course in interpreting data, distilling complicated policy and following statewide trends on a tight deadline. Shes also a skilled video editor and podcast producer. She won a first-place award for audio news production at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma police officer is under investigation after newly released body-worn camera footage shows him throwing a 70-year-old man to the ground during a dispute over a traffic ticket. The Oklahoma City Police Department said Lich Vu was hospitalized after the Oct. 27 incident for "serious injuries." Thuan Nguyen, president-elect of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma, told USA TODAY on Tuesday that he visited Vu in the hospital last week and that he was on a feeding tube after suffering a brain bleed and neck injury. "In our community, we want to make sure we see justice in that these things don't happen to another person," Nguyen said. The police department said it is conducting an internal investigation, and Officer Joseph Gibson is on administrative leave. Findings will be presented to the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office once the investigation is completed. The Oklahoma City Police Department is dedicated to transparency and accountability, the agency said in a statement. We want our community to know that this case is being thoroughly investigated and the review process will take time to complete. We ask for your patience as we work to conclude this investigation. The incident in Oklahoma's state capital has garnered calls from community leaders for accountability as the nation approaches the end of what could be a record year for police killings, according to Mapping Police Violence. Human rights advocates have documented excessive police force in the nation for years, and data shows the U.S. far outpaces other wealthy countries in law enforcement violence. Newly released video sheds light on Oct. 27 incident The incident in Oklahoma City began with a minor vehicle collision involving Vu and another driver. Body-worn camera video released Friday starts with Vu sitting in the driver's seat of his parked car with the door open as Gibson stands in front of him in a sunny parking lot. The officer said Vu made an improper U-turn and told him to sign a citation, noting it was not an admission of guilt. The footage then showed Vu telling the officer he wouldn't sign the ticket. Vu got out of the car and gestured to the road as he appeared to explain the crash. A woman then appeared in the video and stood next to Vu. Gibson is heard telling Vu he will go to jail if he doesn't sign the ticket. Im ready to go to jail, Vu responded as they stood in the parking lot. Youre ready to go to jail? Gibson said. Ridiculous. OK. That involves impounding your car, too. Gibson stepped away to speak with the other motorist involved in the crash and issued her a ticket. When he returned to Vu, they continued arguing about the citation. Vu appeared to tap Gibson's chest with the back of his hand. "You shut up," Vu said. Gibson grabbed Vus arm and twisted it before throwing him flat onto the pavement as he said: "Get on the ground." Vu appears still for the rest of the video. The woman leans down next to Vu's face and says, "I need the ambulance." Gibson responded: "Yeah, I'm going to call an ambulance" as he handcuffed Vu. The footage ends a few seconds later. Police said the handcuffs were removed after paramedics were called. The Oklahoma City Police Department did not immediately return USA TODAY's request for comment Tuesday. Vietnamese American community leaders call for justice Though Nguyen said the community experiences "implicit bias" in encounters with police, it usually doesn't escalate to the kind of "violent outcome" that led to Vu's hospitalization. Nguyen said he and other Vietnamese American community leaders met with the Oklahoma City police chief on Thursday, and the police department released the bodycam footage the next day. "We want to work with our officials," Nguyen said. In addition to possible prejudice, Nguyen said, language barriers can impede communication with law enforcement. Going forward, he said, the community wants to hold police accountable for the incident, conduct community trainings on how to interact with law enforcement, and make sure people know their rights. Report: Police use force against 300K people a year The Mapping Police Violence organization estimates law enforcement officers in the U.S. use force on at least 300,000 people each year, and about 30% are reported injured as a result. The group noted the majority of people that officers use force against are charged with nonviolent offenses. The group has been tracking police killings since 2013, and the death toll reached a record high last year at 1,247. Most killings by officers began with traffic stops, mental health checks, disturbances, nonviolent offenses, or incidents where no crime was reported, according to Mapping Police Violence. This year, the group said, law enforcement officers have killed 1,045 people across the nation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma police officer slammed 70-year-old to the ground after ticket Hundreds of wanted posters with photos of Jewish faculty members were discovered at the University of Rochester over the weekend, as the schools president said acts of antisemitism would not be tolerated. Posters criticizing faculty for their response to the Oct. 7 attacks or alleged ties to the Israeli war effort in Gaza were found plastered Sunday night on walls, floors and chalkboards at the schools western New York campus, the Rochester Beacon reported. The posters accuse faculty members of misuse of power and racism and supporting ethnic cleansing and the displacement of Palestinians. Hundreds of wanted posters targeted Jewish faculty were found at the University of Rochester over the weekend. CNN I want to be as clear as I can that the University of Rochester strongly denounces the recent display of Wanted posters targeting senior University leaders and members of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, university president Sarah Mangelsdorf said in a statement Tuesday. This act is disturbing, divisive and intimidating and runs counter to our values as a university. Mangelsdorf noted, Several of those depicted appear to have been targeted because they are members of our Jewish community. We view this as antisemitism, which will not be tolerated at our University. This isnt who we are. This goes against everything we stand for and we have an obligation to reject it. The schools Department of Public Safety is investigating the vandalism, noting in a statement that it will exhaust all available resources to collect evidence and hold those involved accountable for their actions. Joy Getnick, executive director of UofRs Hillel, who was also featured on one of the posters, said the group has since reached out to the Rochester Jewish Federation, the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel International and the Secure Community Network to determine their next steps. They disproportionately singled out Jewish faculty and staff, and used language that spreads harmful, antisemitic ideas about Jewish people and Jewish indigeneity, she said, adding that she hopes the schools investigation will lead to accountability, meaningful education and healing. The school condemned the posters, saying antisemitism would not be tolerated. CNN There have been protests at the university since last October about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Spiroview Inc. stock.adobe.com No group on campus has taken responsibility for the posters. CNN While some students at the private research institution have protested the universitys financial ties to Israel, holding demonstrations, sit-ins and encampments since last October, no group has taken responsibility for the posters. According to the outlet, the university has exposure to $7.8 million in Israel-related investments through its Long Term Investment Pool, which is 0.2% of the total portfolio. Still, the schools Students for Justice in Palestine chapter demands a complete divestment from Israeli institutions and corporations complicit in the oppression of Palestinians, the group said following an October demonstration. Several women took the stand in an Idaho courtroom on Tuesday to testify about their nonviable pregnancies as part of a lawsuit filed by women who were unable to receive abortions due to the state's total ban. Rebecca Vincen-Brown tearfully described delivering her pregnancy in the bathroom of a hotel room after she drove seven hours to receive abortion care in Portland, Oregon. She passed her pregnancy after the first day of her two-day abortion procedure, with her other child in the next room, she testified on the stand. Vincen-Brown, who was pregnant with her second child, discovered at a 16-week anatomy scan that her fetus had several fatal fetal conditions and was unlikely to survive. Doctors also told her that there were risks to her life and health -- including preeclampsia, hemorrhaging, high risk of miscarrying and risks to her fertility -- if she continued carrying the pregnancy. MORE: Supreme Court allows emergency abortion access in Idaho for now Vincen-Brown began experiencing labor contractions in her hotel room and hours later delivered her pregnancy, but didn't go to an emergency room, she testified. "We didn't have insurance to cover it, because we were out of state. We didn't have a car because our car was locked down the street in valet with a hotel, and so it wasn't necessarily an option for us," Vincen-Brown said, testifying on why she did not go to an emergency room. "In the morning, a couple people from the clinic came to our hotel room, they collected the baby from the bathroom, and then I, they helped clean me up, and then walked over to the clinic and finished the procedure," Vincen-Brown testified. Earlier on in trial, attorneys for the state made the argument that Idaho case law does not have protections for a right to fertility. Getting an abortion alone Jillaine St.Michel, also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, described making calls to over 20 clinics out of state to get abortion care after she received a fatal fetal diagnosis. "It was the worst four days of my life. I can't describe it any other way. Knowing that I was carrying a pregnancy that was doomed, it had no chance of survival. Each day was worse than the last. And I would say, during those four days, my mental health got progressively worse and worse," St.Michel said. PHOTO: In this June 26, 2024, file photo, Jillaine St. Michel speaks during a conversation with local patients and providers who have been impacted by Idaho's abortion restrictions held at the Linen Building in Boise, Idaho. (Kyle Green/AP, FILE) At her 20-week ultrasound, St.Michel was told her fetus had several severe developmental and chromosomal conditions affecting multiple organ systems, and was unlikely to survive. She traveled to Seattle, where she received a two-day abortion procedure. "Because we had to travel with my toddler, my husband had to stay back with her at the hotel and take care of her, so I had to attend both Friday's and Saturday's appointment by myself," St.Michel said. St.Michel, a 38-year-old chiropractor, and her family have since moved to Blaine, Minnesota. At the time the suit was filed the family was living in Meridian, Idaho. "Knowing what I went through, knowing what the state's representatives have decided is acceptable reproductive care for women. I can't imagine my daughter and son receiving that kind of messaging," St.Michel said. "I want them to have a belief that women can make decisions about their health care. I want my daughter to feel safe becoming pregnant someday, if she chooses to do so and I just don't feel like that would be the case if we were raising our kids here," St.Michel said. Leaving the state At a routine ultrasound appointment around 19 weeks of pregnancy, Kayla Smith discovered her fetus had several anomalies, including several heart defects. Specialists informed Smith and her husband that their son, at best, would need a heart transplant before the age of 4 or 5, but that would only be a temporary solution for around 10 years. Due to some of the heart defects, his pulmonary veins were not flowing properly and that could directly impact his lungs, Smith testified. "If I were to continue the pregnancy, not only would I be risking my life of developing preeclampsia, but I was not willing to watch him suffer and essentially gasp for air," Smith said. PHOTO: In this March 7, 2024, file photo, Kayla Smith speaks to the media during a press conference called by Senate Demcrats to highlight Reproductive rights issues at the US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. (Jemal Countess/UPI via Newscom, FILE) Smith and her husband drove over eight hours to the University of Washington Hospital to get an induction. They were given an estimate of $16,000 to $20,000 for the cost of the procedure. They took out a personal loan to cover the cost of the procedure, Smith testified. Smith, her husband and two children moved their family to Washington. They plan to stay there if the abortion bans in Idaho remain in effect. Multiple fatal fetal conditions St.Michel took the stand after Jennifer Adkins, another Idaho woman who had to travel out of state to terminate a pregnancy that was unlikely to survive after it was diagnosed with multiple conditions. Adkins was one of 18 women interviewed by ABC News about the impact of abortion bans. PHOTO: Jennifer Adkins, a 31-year-old mother from Idaho with her husband John, was at a routine 12-week ultrasound when she learned that her fetus would not survive. She is now the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state over its ban. (Brandon Thibodeaux for ABC News) At a 12-week ultrasound, Adkins' doctors told her the scan revealed the fetus had excess fluid and skin edema -- signs of cystic hygroma -- and that her fetus likely had Turner syndrome -- a rare condition that results from one of the X chromosomes missing. Adkins was told her fetus would likely not survive and there was a high likelihood that she would develop Mirror syndrome, a condition where the pregnant person develops fluid buildup and can develop preeclampsia, which can result in stroke or death. MORE: Meet 18 women who shared heartbreaking pregnancy journeys in post-Roe world Four women and doctors filing a lawsuit against the state are testifying in court on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit is seeking to "clarify and expand the medical exceptions to Idaho's two abortion bans to ensure physicians can provide abortion care to preserve a pregnant person's health and safety, including in cases of fatal fetal diagnoses," according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the suit on behalf of the plaintiffs. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 11, 2023, challenging Idaho's total abortion ban and its six-week ban. Idaho's total abortion ban only allows the procedure to prevent death. Idaho is one of 13 states that has ceased nearly all abortion services since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Idaho women tearfully recount nonviable pregnancy diagnoses under total abortion ban originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday that insurance magnate Greg Lindberg had pleaded guilty to a $2 billion fraud and money laundering scheme operated through a network of companies based in North Carolina, Bermuda, Malta, and elsewhere. Lindberg, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the U.S. and one count of money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance regulators and policyholders lasting from 2016 through 2019, the Justice Department said in a statement. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa) The Post can reveal that the once and future prez's daughter-in-law Lara Trump could fill Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's Capitol Hill vacancy when he becomes secretary of state. President-elect Donald Trump is tapping Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as the next secretary of state, and the Capitol Hill vacancy created could soon be filled by a quite literally familiar name, The Post can reveal: the once and future prezs daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. Those close to the 42-year-old mother of two say she is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis definitive top choice to replace Rubio in the DC trenches. Eric Trump and Lara Trump at Donald Trumps Madison Square Garden rally. REUTERS Thats a fact, one source near Trump and her political career told The Post. And even Tesla CEO and Trump administration adviser Elon Musk is talking to her about the career move. But she needs to make a decision. Thats hard when Elon and everyone else is encouraging you to do it, the source said. Lara, whos married to Trumps second son and Trump Organization boss Eric, is Republican National Committee co-chair, and shes been receiving serious internal GOP recognition after her father-in-laws stunning Election Day victory. She would join Sen. Rick Scott on Capitol Hill in a new GOP majority thats reportedly laser-focused on tax cuts and immigration reform. At her very first campaign speech in northern Michigan months ago, she told The Post shed consider her post-election future only after she secured Republicans the White House and Senate majority. Donald Trump shakes hands with Sen. Marco Rubio at a campaign rally in Raleigh, NC. AP That time has come. Theres no official confirmation, and after this story published, DeSantis spokesman said the governor hasnt committed to a pick yet. If selected, Trump would represent a state that voted for her father-in-law over Vice President Kamala Harris by a more than 13-point margin, 56.1% to 43%. The Trump family gathered at an election night watch party in West Palm Beach. AP Rubio won his last election, in 2022, by more than 16 points, mounted a serious presidential campaign of his own and has spent the last two decades building an army of allies and donors in the Beltway. Those are some big shoes to fill, but the Lady Trump has been walking tall in 3-inch heels for a while now. She can handle a challenge. As a lifelong Nancy Drew fan, I love a good mystery! The thrill of uncovering hidden secrets is almost second nature to me, so its no wonder that I also love mystery boxes. Just like a detective searching for answers, opening a mystery box and not knowing what treasures lie inside is very exciting. Whether its a themed gift box or a subscription with surprises, a mystery box is as close to a real-life mystery as most of us get, and it helps to keep my inner Nancy Drew alive. I was recently scrolling the Internet, looking for some fun mystery boxes and I ran across a fan-favorite item at Trader Joes, of all places. I can't wait to get my hands on oneif they don't sell out before I get there. Fans of the grocery chain love everything about the storesthe layout, the products and the customer servicebut Trader Joe's has viral pops from time to time. Remember the mini tote bags that everyone had to have? The bags sold out in many locations and resellers were making a pretty penny selling them on sites like eBay. As of just a few days ago, there's a new Trader Joe's bag causing a stir. The store just brought back its seriously popular Mystery Bags, and fans are lining up to get theirs. Some people have taken to Reddit to say they're buying three and five at a time. "Got 5 packs and no duplicates! I use them in place of gift bags for Xmas. Cant beat the price!" said one happy customer. If you're new to TJ's Mystery Bags, each pack contains three reusable bags with designs featuring places throughout the United States, and each three-pack only costs $3 (aka $1 a bag). Some of the bags feature specific cities or general areas, and some feature states. You never know which bags you'll get, but the goal is to collect as many different ones as you can. Content creator @traderjoestalia took to Instagram to unbox her mystery bags and the excitement was contagious! View the original article to see embedded media. She bought three separate mystery bag packs, so she got nine bags in all. In her first mystery pack, there was a bag for Boston, one for Utah and a third for Delaware. Each had its own unique design that showcased popular items from the area it represented. For example, the Boston bag had a crab and the Utah bag had Jell-O. She ended up with another Utah and Delaware bag on the second pack, but she also got a rare corn bag that featured a can of corn on it. The third pack contained bags for Arizona, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. "I have the Boston one bc I'm from here! It's a very good-looking bag," someone commented on her video. "I love these definitely gonna look for them when I go next time," another person said. I am heading out to Trader Joe's for a few packs of these mystery bags and I can't wait to see what I get! Up Next: Related: Wait, What Does the Trader Joe's Bell Mean? By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - The head of Uganda's Anglican Church said on Wednesday Justin Welby, who has resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury, had split the global Anglican communion. Stepping down as the spiritual leader of Anglicans worldwide on Tuesday, Welby said he had failed to ensure a proper investigation into allegations of abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps decades ago. The Church of Uganda has long been at loggerheads with the Church of England on its stance on homosexuality, and said last year it no longer had confidence in Welby. The Church of Uganda stopped recognising Welby's authority over his "inability to uphold the historic and Biblical teaching of the Church of England on marriage and family," Ugandan Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba said in Wednesday's statement. "Unfortunately, this is the same compromised leadership that has led to the fabric of the Anglican Communion being torn at its deepest level," he said. Welby, who had spent years trying to prevent the global Anglican communion fracturing, had faced calls to quit after a report last week found he had taken insufficient action to stop one of the Church's most prolific serial abusers. "It grieves us deeply that so many people suffered from the continued abuse of John Smyth over many years simply because the church's leadership covered up the abuse, did not uphold the moral teaching of the Bible and the church, and failed to defend the vulnerable," Kaziimba said in the statement. Kaziimba supported Uganda's strict anti-homosexuality law that was passed last year and which imposes tough penalties including death for some same-sex acts. He said homosexuality was being forced on Uganda by foreign agents who disguised themselves as human rights activists. His stance drew a rebuke from Welby who wrote to the Church of Uganda urging it not to support the law. Around 36% of Uganda's population of around 46 million are Anglicans. Catholics form the majority religious denomination in the east African country. The anti-homosexuality legislation has wide support in Uganda but has drawn criticism in the West and the United States has imposed sanctions including travel bans. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa and Timothy Heritage) As successive gunshots rang out early Sunday morning in a parking lot at Tuskegee University in Alabama, Kierra Talley thought she was going to die. Talley, a junior at Alabama State University, was visiting Tuskegee with friends to celebrate the historically Black colleges centennial homecoming celebration when, she said, chaos erupted. It was people shooting back at each other whether it was in the crowd, outside of the crowd, inside of a dormitory people were shooting, said Talley, 20, who added that she saw at least four gunmen with heavy ARs and guns with switches, a small device that turns a semiautomatic gun into a fully automatic firearm. This wasnt one person, she said. I describe it as a massacre. One person was fatally shot in the ordeal and at least 16 others were injured, including a dozen with gunshot wounds, according to local police. The person killed was 18-year-old LaTavion Johnson, the local coroner said Monday. He was not a student at Tuskegee, the university said in a statement. Videos circulating on social media show what appears to be a portion of the gunfire as dozens of people ran behind cars to take cover, some attempting to sprint to safety and others jumping to the ground. The beginning of the first shooting video in one X post captured what sounded like one shot after another initially, until seconds later there was a steady stream of gunfire that appeared to come from multiple guns lasting several minutes. Classes were canceled for students Monday and Tuesday and grief counselors were provided. In a news conference Monday, Tuskegee University President and CEO Mark Brown said the school community is heartbroken by what happened, adding that though the block party was an unsanctioned event, the school takes full responsibility. He noted that moving forward the university would be closed to anyone who was not a student, faculty or staff member. University officials declined to provide NBC News any further comment on the shooting or investigation. Police arrested 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick of Montgomery and charged him with possession of a machine gun, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said in a news release. It was not clear if Myrick was a student. He was taken into custody while attempting to leave the scene, however, the agency did not say whether he is a suspect in the shooting. As of Tuesday afternoon, he remains in Montgomery County jail under U.S. Marshals custody, officials said. Its not clear if he has an attorney. In a newly unsealed federal complaint, according to the Associated Press, Myrick told federal agents that he shot his gun, but denied shooting at anyone. The agency said it had no additional information to provide at this time. The FBI has also joined the shooting investigation and has asked the public for tips and set up a website to accept videos and images about the incident. Celebration turned into tragedy According to Talley, people were gathered in the parking lot for the schools annual block party, which marks the final large gathering of homecoming weekend. There were a record 47,000 attendees at the football game just hours earlier on campus and hundreds, including children, remained on campus dancing to music from car speakers and enjoying drinks late into the night. Around midnight, Talley said she saw a small fight break out between a few people, which, she said, led to some people running for safety. But once the fight ended, Talley said things calmed down and after some time even more people congregated in the parking lot. Though its been unconfirmed by law enforcement, Talley believes the fight was a precursor to the shooting. Tuskegee University homecoming weekend in Alabama. About an hour later is when the first sounds of gunfire erupted, Talley recalled, as she hid behind her car in fear for her life. One of her friends, who goes by Tony P., she said, was shot twice and as of Tuesday remains in the hospital. Talley estimates the gunfire lasted for at least eight minutes before she saw the first officer on the scene. Another 15 to 20 minutes passed, she said, until she saw additional officers. The steady stream of gunfire made the minutes feel like an eternity, she said. Seeing and hearing how close they were was very traumatic, Talley said, especially because it was shooters everywhere. The closest hospitals that victims were taken to were more than 25 miles away East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, which is a 30-minute drive from the campus, and Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, which is nearly an hour away. Talley said she saw people bleeding out at the scene, and when she went to visit her friend at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery that night, she said she saw people with gunshot wounds on gurneys awaiting medical attention. The medical service here is not up to par, she said, adding that people cant afford to have health care. That is traumatizing and were expected to be there and be strong. With a population of 9,000 residents, the city of Tuskegee has a median household income of $32,000. One in three residents live in poverty. Ninety percent of the community is Black and about 8% white, according to recent census data. About 2,900 students are enrolled at the university. Tuskegee freshman Joaquin Crayton Jr. believes the university holds some liability for the shooting and its aftermath, particularly in not keeping students safe. Crayton said he was on the outskirts of the party when he heard gunfire and took off running toward his residence hall, Banneker Hall. He said he ran there for safety only to learn that a gunman was searching the dormitorys hallways for someone. The scene of a shooting early Sunday during homecoming weekend at Tuskegee University. When you are fleeing and running for your life, you gain a different kind of perspective, Crayton, 19, said. I thought I was safe in my dorm. I wasnt. A man went into our dorm room with a loaded gun and was looking for someone. Crayton, an aerospace engineering major, said members of the student body and the school president held a virtual town hall on Monday to discuss the shooting, but he said it got nowhere with students consistently being muted after trying to speak up about their safety concerns. Crayton said he believes the university has not been forthcoming with information about the number of injured victims and its shortcomings in regard to student safety last weekend. Though the block party event may have been unsanctioned, he said, it happens every year and given the schools centennial celebration, he believes school leadership should have been more prepared. As a collective we are pissed off about what the school is doing, he said. It takes a different kind of trauma for different age groups of 18- to 22-year-olds to come together to make sure this never happens again. Recent gun violence at HBCU homecomings Tuskegee is not the only HBCU reeling from gun violence during homecoming celebrations. Last month, in Nashville, one man was fatally shot and nine others wounded, including three children, during Tennessee State Universitys homecoming parade as two groups traded gunfire. At Albany State University in Georgia the following week, one person was fatally shot and four others injured during homecoming weekend. And at Alabama State, school officials last month reported shots fired during their homecoming activities, though there were no reported injuries. Fighting back tears, Talley said: When is it going to stop? The business management major blames the Tuskegee shooting on the lack of personal accountability in the Black community; the lack of gun reform in Alabama; and too little national attention that mass shootings involving African Americans get in the media. Tuskegee is already a small town, she said. If nobody is saying anything about this town, then this town is just forgotten in a society where people already want to erase HBCUs and Black culture. More than 24 hours removed from the experience, Talley said she is filled with a mix of emotions. Im angry. Im upset. Im pissed, she said. Im grateful that it wasnt me, but Im beyond pissed. Less than three months into his college experience, Crayton said he feels let down and the student body feels defeated. Our security failed us, the police failed us, our campus police failed us, he said. How many people have to die? WASHINGTON Senate Republicans have elected Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., as the next Senate majority leader after rejecting public overtures from allies of President-elect Donald Trump who backed a different candidate. Thune won in a secret-ballot vote of 29-24, beating out opposing candidate Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in the second round of voting. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., also ran but was eliminated in the first round of voting after receiving the least votes of the three. The 63-year-old Thune will succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has led his chamber's Republicans since 2007 and is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. The Senate majority leader is one of the most powerful people in Washington and soon will have an important say over Trump's agenda. Thune will have the power to set the schedule for the Senate, which has sole control over confirmation of the Cabinet, about 1,200 other high-level government jobs and a president's judicial nominees. "It's a new day in the United States Senate and it's a new day in America," Thune told reporters after the vote. "This Republican team is united. We are excited to reclaim the majority and to get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump's agenda." Thune's win is even more significant because Republicans regained control of the upper chamber in the November election, putting the GOP on track to hold total control over Congress and the White House for the next two years. Scott didn't make it past the first round of voting despite having the support of prominent Trump allies including Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The latter two were tapped by the president-elect on Tuesday to lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" to slash federal government spending, waste and regulations. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) walking to Senate Republican vote where he would be elected to serve as Senate majority leader on Nov. 13, 2024 at the United States Capitol replacing Senate minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Trump's Senate allies had also been advocating for Scott, who has a longstanding relationship with the president-elect and who is typically more ideologically conservative than Thune or Cornyn. However, Trump did not decide to endorse in the race himself. However, Scott's supporters expressed confidence that Thune would be an effective leader. "I was for Rick Scott because I thought the communication was going to be better between him and President Trump because both of them are business guys," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who is close with Trump, but added that he's "got no problem" with Thune or Cornyn. "He's just got to prove himself to President Trump that he's 100% and will push his agenda. And I think he will," Tuberville said. Scott also said in a statement that he "will do everything possible to make sure John Thune is successful in accomplishing President Trump's agenda." Thune was long considered the favorite in the three-way race, given his No. 2 position in the Senate Republican leadership, though Cornyn was also considered a serious contender. Thune has served as whip since 2019 and campaigned heavily for his GOP colleagues during this election cycle, a metric often used to size up candidates' fundraising prowess and willingness to help out the party. Thune raised $33 million this cycle and attended more than 200 events for Republican candidates, according to his office. Conservative media personalities and Trump allies honed in on Thune's close ties to McConnell, arguing he would be a continuation of McConnell's style of leadership. Trump and McConnell have had a famously frosty relationship. But Thune argued his leadership experience would allow him to effectively lead the conference and represent Trump's interests in Congress. "We have an ambitious agenda, and it will take all of us each and every Republican working together with President Trumps leadership to achieve it," Thune wrote in an op-ed for Fox News. "If we dont successfully execute on our mandate, we risk losing the coalition that swept Republicans into office up and down the ballot." Thune has served in the Senate since 2005. Before that, he was South Dakota's at-large representative in the House for six years. President Donald Trump hosts a working lunch with members of Congress, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) (R), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) (2nd, R) and (L-R) White House Director of Legislative Affairs Mark Short, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) at the White House June 13, 2017, in Washington, DC. After Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, Thune was among the many senators of both parties who condemned the rioters and opposed Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Trump then called for someone to challenge Thune in his 2022 primary, but no one emerged, and Thune prevailed. Thune initially endorsed Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., in the 2024 GOP primary, but later supported Trump after Tim Scott dropped out of the race for the White House. In the months since, Thune has worked to repair his relationship with Trump, including visiting Mar-a-Lago and speaking with him several times on the phone, including as recently as last week. He also met with members of the Trump transition team in September, according to his office. Still, Thune on CNBC over the weekend urged the president-elect not to exert influence over the Senate leadership election. Most senators kept their preferences secret ahead of Wednesday's vote. But three senators publicly endorsed Thune: National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.; Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.; and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. Daines' endorsement may have been particularly helpful for Thune Trump is a fan of the NRSC chair, who led the GOP to flip the chamber in this election. Trump was pushing Daines to enter the leadership race, though Daines declined. (This story has been updated with more information and new photographs.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Thune elected by Republicans as next Senate majority leader Texas Republicans celebrate the May 2021 signing of the so-called "heartbeat" bill that ushered the state's virtual ban on abortion. Front row, left to right: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, state Sen. Bryan Hughes, Gov. Greg Abbott, and Rep. Shelby Slawson of Stephenville. PRESS RELEASE Abortion law Regarding I wrote Texas' abortion law. Its plenty clear about medical emergencies. | Opinion, (Nov. 8): Sen. Bryan Hughes states, We dont know why doctors treating Mrs. Barnica and Ms. Crain did not intervene. Senator, who is going to find out why doctors did not intervene? Why has the Legislature not taken sincere action to find the root cause of these and other preventable maternal deaths? Texans would highly benefit from an explanation supported by analysis, not conjecture. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The everyday experiences of the boots-on-the-ground health care providers are an important place to start. Doctors' concerns regarding the clarity of the law must be taken seriously and interpreted without bias. Physicians throughout the state have repeatedly asked for clarification about the Texas abortion law. Recently 111 Texas OB/GYNs penned a letter to Texas elected officials stating that the current language of the law restricts a physicians ability to deliver quality, evidence-based care. Doctors must be given uncomplicated guidance. Doctors need absolute clarity in order to perform their jobs within the compliance of the law. An NBC News investigation found that the state of Texas has seen an increase in maternal mortality. More pregnant women are dying today than before the law was implemented. Any suggestion that the law requires no revision or clarity ignores the evidence and unproductively points fingers. Mothers are left with an increased risk of death and no resolution in sight. We need a solution now. Texas has a problem, Senator. Who is going to fix it? Jacqui Warneke, Houston State Sen. Bryan Hughes blames physicians for the tragedy of Mrs. Barnica and Ms. Crain, and says we dont know why the physicians did not intervene. Under his Texas Heartbeat Law, a physician who performs a life-saving abortion may be sued by any person and compelled to defend their decision based on such vague terms as standard of care, reasonable, caused by, serious, substantial and imminent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The physician will have to pay an attorney for defense in a legal proceeding in which the other side can be expected to present expert opinions that the doctor was wrong. Experts and attorneys can and do argue and speculate endlessly on such terms, with the physicians fate determined by a jury composed of laypersons. If the physician loses, they must pay whatever penalty the jury assesses, plus attorneys fees and court costs. If the physician prevails, they must incur their own attorneys fees and, regardless of the outcome, the physician will experience the trauma and disruption of their professional and personal life. I would contend that the standard legal and legislative practice of any reasonable lawmaker would have been to consider the substantial, imminent and tragic results that would be caused by the law. To cast blame on the physicians or ProPublica requires a willful and deliberate ignorance or indifference as to the reasonably anticipated deleterious effect of the law on the health and wellbeing of women. Scott Weber, Houston It is amazing that Sen. Bryan Hughes does not even know how his own law works. All it takes is for one doctor to question whether the abortion was necessary as a medical procedure for an emergency room doctor to risk being sent to jail. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also shown great willingness to make an example of any doctor and hospital who gets in his way. And the AG, it seems, has more lawyers and medical expert witnesses than most hospitals have OB/GYN ER doctors. Sen. Hughes is wrong. There is nothing to indicate he really cares about women getting the medical care they need during a miscarriage. It seems it doesnt fit his agenda of keeping the AG happy. Joe Williams, League City My thanks to the Houston Chronicle for publishing the opinion piece clarifying widely spread information regarding the definition of medical emergencies and legal abortions in Texas. I have to admit that I was under the mistaken belief that there must be some ambiguity in the law. That the definition left room for doubt in the minds of doctors, hospitals, expectant mothers and the general public as to when an abortion could legally be carried out to save the life of the mother. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fact that the definition of medical emergency in the law was not changed, explicitly to avoid confusion of the long-existing definition by the introduction of the new law, and that 119 legal abortions have been performed in Texas since the Dobbs decision shows just how many Texans and others have been misinformed. I would urge anyone who has not read this opinion to do so! Hayden Black, Spring My goodness, Sen. Hughes' statement was self-serving. Hes got it right and the medical community, of which he is not a member, all have it wrong on the Texas abortion bill. It appears he still believes hes right despite having received input since before the bill was passed that the language was not clear enough. Having him blame the doctors for those womens deaths turns my stomach. Audrey Muratore, Friendswood Advertisement Article continues below this ad Perhaps state Sen. Bryan Hughes should forward his laughable, infuriating op-ed to Attorney General Ken Paxton. Because it seems that there is a large disconnect between what Hughes claims can happen with critically ill pregnant women and what is actually occurring in Texas hospitals. Hughes has the gall to blame ProPublica for these womens deaths. Journalists are merely shedding light on preventable tragedies that state officials would rather keep hidden. Paxtons response to the case of Kate Cox was to further threaten any Texas doctor or hospital that would provide her with care. But why would he do that if her case was so clearly an emergency, Sen. Hughes? Reputable hospitals, most with their own legal departments, are refusing these women. The hospitals often convene ethics boards that also refuse these women the necessary care. If all of these people are indeed this confused about Texas abortion law, I would hope that state officials would see the need to quickly clarify the laws exceptions. The truth is, Texas leaders could not care less. There are only doctors and hospitals being threatened by the state over necessary treatment for women and women suffering because of the cruelty of this states lawmakers. To hear Hughes tell it, there is no question about what constitutes a medical emergency during pregnancy. Then Paxton should have no problem sending an immediate edict to all Texas hospitals to clarify that they can indeed provide this life-saving care. I wont hold my breath. Kim Moeller, Rosenberg Hollie Cunningham, of Celina, Texas, holds the handprints and footprints of her daughters, who both had anencephaly, a fatal birth defect. Cunningham had to leave the state twice in order to access abortions. Shelby Tauber/Contributor The op-ed addresses the false narrative we were fed numerous times that the two women in Texas who died because doctors denied lifesaving procedures died because of Texas abortion ban. I always had a tough time believing this story, if for no other reason than the fact that the Hippocratic Oath should have led the doctors to perform the necessary lifesaving procedures period. It seems we were misled on many levels by the liberal media (including the Houston Chronicle), the Democratic Party and the Kamala Harris campaign. Local TV stations are also complicit in this and should be held accountable. Charles Teixeira, Houston The Roe v. Wade decision stood for the principle that state legislatures should not be involved in the decision made by a woman and her doctor on when an abortion is appropriate. Since it was overturned, people such as Sen. Hughes have decided that they are wiser and better qualified to make that decision. ProPublica recently wrote about the consequences of the Texas legislative intrusion for which Hughes now wants to take a victory lap: the preventable deaths of two young women. Hughes says that Texas law is clear, and that the doctors should have intervened and saved those womens lives, an interesting comment from someone who has no medical training at all. But lets, for the sake of our own amusement, say he is right. What do you think the odds are of the state of Texas initiating civil or criminal proceedings against those doctors, nurses and hospitals? Here is the deal: the Texas legislature has injected enough risk into the process by which a woman receives prenatal health care to adversely impact the quality of that care whenever a pregnancy is in trouble. And Sen. Hughes is proud of that. David Waterson, Houston With all due respect to State Sen. Hughes, who I am certain believes that he wrote a perfectly clear law: No one outside of the author and the members of the Texas Legislature who voted for it seems to agree. And since so few of the legislators are women of child-bearing age or licensed OB/GYNs, their belief that the law is clear is essentially irrelevant.n Every hospital and medical group in the state has legal representation, and if those lawyers read this law and advised their clients that any action they take can result in loss of medical license and imprisonment, you can see how a doctor intending to do what is right by their patient might still be a little gun-shy. In the case of the women mentioned, make no mistake. Before this law went into affect, these women would have still been alive. The fact that it was not Sen. Hughes' intent that women in this situation die does not mean that he and the rest of those responsible for putting this law in place do not carry culpability. So, the clear (that word again) solution is to remove that risk from the medical community by amending the law to make it clear that medical practitioners cannot and will not be prosecuted if, in their medical opinion, there was risk to either the mothers life or major bodily function. This puts the decision in the hands of the doctors who are closest to the situation and have the very best information, rather than a group of bureaucrats or lawyers who probably do not have the background or the sense of urgency when the decisions are made. David Reeves, Houston I hope Sen. Hughes opinion piece reminds physicians that a patient need not be on deaths door before the doctor should intervene to save the life of a pregnant patient. But two of his assertions need to be corrected. First, the fact that the Texas Heartbeat Law defines a medical emergency does not help health care professionals as much as Sen. Hughes would like the reader to believe. This is because there is so much ambiguity about what a life-threatening physical condition is, even within the definition of medical emergency. So his claim that the definition should allow doctors to feel empowered to save the life of the patient is mistaken. Second, his hypothesis that the reason doctors treating Ms. Crain, Mrs. Barnica and others refrain from intervening is due to fear generated by articles that expose such tragic stories is obviously false. It is a fine attempt at rhetoric, but wrong. The reasons such tragedies happen is because of the law he wrote. The law he so proudly wrote is the reason for the death of every patient who has died (and will die) under these circumstances. If doctors werent threatened with jail time and accused of murder just for upholding a basic standard of care, then these tragedies wouldnt happen. The possibility that the cause of these tragedies are the doctors who read the writings of the left-wing media rather than the law is absurd, disingenuous and not at all convincing. His law, not the media, is the cause. Two workers were killed in a massive explosion at a commercial facility in Louisville, Kentucky, Tuesday afternoon, the factorys owner announced the same site where a deadly blast happened over two decades ago. We are deeply saddened to share the news that two of our team members lost their lives in this accident. Several other individuals were also injured, owner Givaudan said in a statement. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time. One of the workers who died was found in the rubble hours after the company had initially stated there were no employees missing, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. Wed been told by the business that all employees were accounted for, Greenberg said in a news conference. Tragically, that was not the case. CNN reached out to Givaudan on Wednesday for further comment. The explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant was felt miles away in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, according to CNN affiliate WLKY. It blew out the windows of at least four nearby retail businesses in the Clifton neighborhood, WLKY reported. Twelve people who were hurt in the explosion were taken to the hospital, according to the mayors office. Three people were still hospitalized Wednesday with non-life-threatening injuries, University of Louisville Hospital spokesperson Heather Fountaine told CNN. We are in the early stages of investigating the cause of this incident and are cooperating with first responders and supporting agencies, Givaudan said. We appreciate their heroic response and send our thanks to those in the community who have shown their support throughout the day. Givaudan Sense Colour makes natural colours for multisensorial food and beverage experiences, its website states. Massive damage is seen at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant on Payne Street in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday. Two workers were killed, and the cause of the explosion is under investigation. - Mike O'Leary The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting fire investigators in determining the cause of the explosion, said Shawn Morrow, who is in charge of the agencys Louisville Field Division. We dont have any reason to believe at the moment that there was any type of nefarious activity, Morrow said. The blast was heard in the city around 3 p.m., and local agencies responded to a large scale incident involving hazardous materials, the Louisville Fire Department said on X. It was so loud, and it was too much to be a transformer, witness Gena Boling told WLKY. It was loud, and you could feel it. Photos sent to CNN affiliate WAVE appeared to show metal debris from the factory strewn across residential properties in the area. Please do not remove any debris thats in your yard. Please do not touch any of the damage, Mayor Greenberg said. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order for people within a 1-mile radius of the site. An evacuation order was issued for houses in the two blocks surrounding the site because those residents could not shelter-in-place after their windows were blown out, said Louisville Fire Chief Brian ONeill. Were dealing now with an unstable building that has partially collapsed and could collapse further, ONeill said Wednesday. Firefighters gather near an emergency services vehicle after an explosion in the Clifton Neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday. Two factory workers were killed, plant owner Givaudan said. - Leandro Lozada/AFP/Getty Images The shelter-in-place order was being lifted, the mayor said late Tuesday afternoon, but he urged residents in the area to err on the side of caution. The city used a drone to monitor air quality in the area. We did not find any evidence of any release of anything hazardous, said ONeill. Not the first time It isnt the first explosion at the Payne Street location, according to a report from the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. This facility formerly belonged to D.D. Williamson & Company, but that company was acquired by Givaudan in 2021 and changed its name to Givaudan Sense Colour in 2023, the company previously said in a news release. On April 11, 2003, one worker was killed at the D.D. Williamson plant when a process vessel became over pressurized, releasing 26,000 pounds of aqueous ammonia into the air and sending debris flying, according to the boards report. The explosion caused extensive damage to the plant, which prompted 26 residents to evacuate and 1,500 people to be sheltered in place at the time. The company was ultimately fined $10,000 by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet for the 2003 explosion, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Although the cause of Tuesdays explosion has not been determined, the fire chief said they believe it is not the same material as the 2004 blast. That dealt with a solid anhydrous ammonia that is no longer on site, ONeill said. In March 2004, D.D. Williamson & Company President and CEO Tex Nixon acknowledged the tragic accident in a public hearing. This was a difficult experience for everyone. We lost a friend and associate in the accident, and certainly caused some anxiety among our many friends and neighbors in the Clifton community, said Nixon. The 2003 blast killed a 44-year-old worker named Louis Perry, according to records of the public hearing. Perrys granddaughter, Lorrie Hibbard, told CNN on Tuesday, This has brought up a lot of memories of that explosion that took him. And you would think that after one explosion, it wouldnt happen again. But here we are, said Hibbard, who has lived in Louisville her whole life. All I heard was that there was an explosion at the plant again, and it just takes you right back to 2003. CNNs Ritu Prasad and Taylor Romine contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com We're not ruling out that Shohei Ohtani can hit a ball to Taiwan, but the man's stardom is certainly strong enough. The fate of the Los Angeles Dodgers star's 50-50 home run ball was revealed Wednesday when it was put on public display in the Taipei 101 building, three weeks after it sold for a record-shattering $4.4 million at auction in the United States. The buyer was later revealed to be Taiwanese investment firm UC Capital. The firm is a tenant of Taipei 101, which was once the tallest building in the world and still ranks as one of the tallest in Asia. Until March 2, 2025, the ball will be available for all to see at an exhibition, behind a glass case and under strict guard. Shohei Ohtanis 50/50 home run ball was finally unveiled today. It was bought by a Taiwanese investment company called UC Capital. Currently, the ball will be on display at the observatory inside Taipei 101 in Taiwan, from today until March 2, 2025. #ShoheiOhtanipic.twitter.com/uIzWORTJ9Y Jeffery Chen (@jefferychen8925) November 13, 2024 The card under the ball: "Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made history in September 2024, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. According to the Goldin Auctions website on October 23, 2024, Ohtani's 50th home run ball sold for an astounding $4,392,000 USD (approximately 142 million NTD). The winning bid was placed by a tenant of TAIPEI 101 in Taiwan, making this commemorative ball a prized collectible for fans worldwide." The Ohtani ball is the most valuable souvenir from one of the greatest seasons in MLB history. Unable to pitch after undergoing UCL surgery last year, Ohtani instead focused on his baserunning and became the first player to ever hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season, finishing with 54 homers and 59 steals. Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 ball will be on public display for at least four months. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) That campaign earned Ohtani his first World Series ring, All-Star honors, Silver Slugger honors and, most likely, the NL MVP award. It was certainly a big deal in the Eastern Hemisphere, with more Japanese viewers tuning in for the World Series than Americans. Per auctioneer Ken Goldin, there were Japanese bidders who were "heavily competitive" in winning the 50-50 ball at auction. Bidding for the ball was frenetic overall, with four different countries involved across 40 bids, 15 of them in the final night. The winner ended up being the Taiwanese company, and you would imagine there are some Ohtani superfans trying to figure out if they can visit Taipei right now. "Rules like this are damaging to kids mental, physical and emotional health, John Doe, the plaintiff in the suit, said in a statement. An eighth grade transgender boy, who was allegedly threatened with expulsion for using the boys restroom, is suing his South Carolina school district and the state over a budget rule that restricts accommodations for transgender students. In a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday, John Doe, a pseudonym for a 13-year-old student in the Berkeley County School District, said that administrators told him in August he could only use the girls restroom or a single-occupancy toilet in the nurses office due to a new state rule. The school suspended him for a day when administrators later caught him using the boys restroom, and the principal warned that the punishment could escalate to expulsion if he did it again, according to the suit. I am bringing this lawsuit because rules like this are damaging to kids mental, physical and emotional health, Doe said in a statement provided by his attorney. A provision in the state budget passed in June stipulated that public schools would lose 25% of their state funding if they permit students to use single-sex restrooms and locker rooms that do not align with their biological sex. The South Carolina budget rule conflicts with a federal regulation issued by the Biden administration under Title IX, the gender equity law, that requires schools to allow students to use the restrooms or locker rooms that align with their gender identities. At the end of the day, they have to follow the law, said Alexandra Brodsky, an attorney with the nonprofit advocacy group Public Justice, which is representing Doe. And the law says that trans students get to equally enjoy their education as their cisgender peers. The lawsuit which names the Berkeley County School District, the state of South Carolina and state superintendent Ellen Weaver as defendants seeks to become a class action case and to declare the South Carolina policy for transgender students a violation of the Constitutions equal protection clause. The Alliance for Full Acceptance, an LGBTQ advocacy group in South Carolina, is also a plaintiff. The school district said it has not seen the suit, so it declined to comment. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office and Department of Education said they do not comment on pending litigation. The Biden administrations new Title IX rule was enacted in April, but courts have granted injunctions to block the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing it in the 26 Republican-led states, including South Carolina, that sued to stop the federal rule. In explaining the Title IX regulation, the Biden administration cited a 2020 Supreme Court decision that discrimination against LGBTQ employees in the workplace is a violation of a federal gender equality law. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to roll back protections for transgender students when he takes office again next year. The Supreme Court has not yet considered a case centered on the rights of transgender students under Title IX, which applies to most K-12 schools and colleges. The high court declined to hear a widely watched case in 2021, Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, allowing a 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of a transgender student to use the restroom corresponding with their gender identity to stand. South Carolina lawmakers who pushed the budget rule expected the state would be sued over it, and hoped that once it was, the Supreme Court would take up the issue. The state also instructed schools not to use the word gender in school policies and facility signage to comply with the budget rule. Doe, the plaintiff in the South Carolina suit, was assigned female at birth, but has presented as a boy since he was a young child and has been open about his gender identity since seventh grade, according to the civil complaint. The truth is other students werent bothered by me using the bathroom, Doe said in his statement. Neither was my school principal. The problem is state law. An assistant principal at his school conceded in a meeting that no other students had complained about Doe using the boys restroom, the suit states. After the district chastised Doe for using the boys restroom, other students began to harass him over his gender identity, according to the suit. His parents decided to pull him from school and enroll him in an online education program run by the school district to avoid the conflicts. The suit described the online school as inferior to Does previous school. What happens with this case really could be the beginning of a very, very long and intense policy and political battle that we will see take form over the next two to three years, said Jonathan Collins, co-director of Columbia Universitys Politics and Education program, adding that the case could be the first step in what becomes a major change in education policy and legal precedent. South Carolina is also one of 26 states that have banned gender-affirming medical care for minors. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing to overturn the ban, in a case that is still pending. Editor's Note for Thursday, Nov. 14: Follow along here for updates on what could become Hurricane Sara. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday they are tracking a system in the Caribbean that could strengthen into Hurricane Sara next week. The hurricane center said in an advisory Wednesday morning that a "broad area of low pressure" in the central Caribbean Sea continues to produce "a large area of showers and thunderstorms," and that environmental conditions appear conducive for further development. The system was designated as Invest 99L by the hurricane center on Tuesday afternoon. "A tropical depression is likely to form within the next couple of days while the system moves slowly westward into the western Caribbean Sea," the NHC said Wednesday. "Afterward, further development is likely while the disturbance meanders over the western Caribbean Sea through the weekend." Forecasters said the system is expected to turn slowly northwestward by early next week, and that interests across the western and northwestern Caribbean Sea should monitor the progress of this system. "Regardless of development, heavy rains are expected over Jamaica during the next day or so," the hurricane center said Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center said Wednesday it is continuing to track a system in the Caribbean that could strengthen into Hurricane Sara by next week. Will Hurricane Sara impact the United States? AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said Wednesday morning at least one scenario involves a hurricane moving into Florida next week. "Wind shear remains low over much of the Caribbean, and waters are plenty warm (in the 80s F)," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said Wednesday. "And now, with showers and thunderstorms beginning to gather, it will likely not be much longer until the tropical rainstorm continues to organize into a tropical storm." "There are multiple scenarios with the feature in the Caribbean that are tied to the speed of development and track early on that could affect land areas with landfall and direct impacts later on," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said Wednesday. "Not only does this have a significant chance of becoming a hurricane, but it may become a major hurricane very quickly." If a tropical storm or hurricane forms in the western Caribbean, the track is likely to be heavily influenced by the position of a dome of high pressure along the southern Atlantic coast of the United States. AccuWeather meteorologists said interests in Central America, from Nicaragua to Belize, in southeastern Mexico, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Florida and the Bahamas are "strongly recommended" to monitor the progress of this system. Hurricanes, storms, snow and heat: Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter. Winter weather: Winter could bring blizzards, nor'easters, bomb cyclones: What to know Invest 99L path tracker Invest 99L spaghetti models Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com. This article was updated to add a new video. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm tracker: See path, spaghetti models for potential Hurricane Sara Garbage bags and a tarp wrapping a bulk item were seen in the back of Brad Simpson's truck. The Texas real estate tycoon charged with murdering his still-missing wife, Suzanne Simpson, was seen driving with trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can and a large bulky item wrapped in a blue tarp as he searched for a dump the day after she vanished, according to a new affidavit. Brad Simpson was seen with the suspicious load soon before he bought cement and Clorox wipes on Oct. 7, the day after his wife of 22 years was last seen fighting with him outside her Olmos Park home followed by screams coming from the woods, according to authorities. The morning after the alleged fight, Brad Simpson dropped off one of their four children at school and then pulled into a Whataburger in nearby Boerne around 10 a.m. Brad Simpson is charged with killing his wife Bexar County Jail/MEGA There, three white trash bags, a large heavy-duty trash can, an ice chest and a large, bulky item tied down in a blue tarp were seen in the back of his truck, according to the affidavit. A metal firewood rack sat on top of the tarp in a manner to conceal and weigh the tarp down, stated the affidavit, unsealed on Tuesday afternoon. Less than an hour later, Brad went to a Home Depot where he bought two bags of cement, a construction bucket with a lid, a box of 32-ounce heavy-duty trash bags, one bottle of Clorox disinfectant spray and insect repellent, the affidavit stated. In the parking lot, he allegedly asked a stranger directions to the nearest dump and then intentionally shuts off his cellular device, the affidavit said. His truck was seen leaving the dump about an hour later and he drove to a gas station to fill up with the trash bags now missing, according to the document. The now-accused murderer had also changed from sandals into work boots. A license plate reader captured Brads truck heading back from Bandera County to Kendall County at around 1:40 p.m. that day, the document said. The blue tarp was no longer visible, and the firewood rack had been repositioned, it stated. Suzanne Simpson has not been seen since Oct. 6. Facebook / Suzanne Simpson He picked up his daughter from elementary school about two hours later. He then drove to a car wash around 4 p.m. and was filmed on security cameras washing out the front of his car with dried cement splashes near the rear passenger compartment and bed, according to the affidavit. A friend of Suzannes called Brad that night to ask for her. The friend later called police and reported her missing around 10 p.m. Just moments later Brad also called the police and left a message saying he had not seen his wife all day. Suzanne and Brad Simpson were married for 22 years. Facebook Brad Simpson told police that his wife lost her cell phone while they were at a party at the Argyle a private club where the couple was seen with their daughter hours before she vanished. While driving home from the party, Suzanne called her mother and said Brad had physically assaulted her, the mom has previously alleged. Authorities later discovered that Suzannes cell phone was suspended at the request of the subscriber at around 9:16 p.m. on Oct. 6 contradicting Brads initial statements to police. Suzanne was at a party hours before she vanished. OLMOS PD Brad was arrested on Oct. 8 and initially charged with family violence and unlawful restraint but the charges have since been upgraded to murder as authorities have said they are sure Suzanne is dead. He did not appear surprised at the time of his arrest, the affidavit states, noting that he had cuts and bruises on his arms and hands. He also appeared unconcerned and showed little emotion about her disappearance. Authorities executed a search warrant on the couples home on Oct. 9 and found three cellphones and a laptop from a burn pit. All of the phones belonged to Brad, the affidavit states. Garbage bags and a tarp wrapping a bulk item were seen in the back of Brad Simpsons truck. Olmos Park Police Police discovered phones and a laptop in a burn pit at the Simpsons home. SBG San Antonio Two notes recovered from one of the phones were titled This next life and Last will and testament. He also confessed and apologized in the notes for assaulting his wife in Aug. 2023 and again on Oct. 6. Authorities say they also found one bag of cement, a box of heavy-duty black trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can and a metal firewood rack. Police interviewed Suzannes personal banker, to whom she had allegedly confided about her husbands physical abuse. Brad often took her cell phone away from her, the banker said. James Cotter was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence. Bexar County Jail Suzanne had allegedly told the banker that if she went missing to look for her in a lake, according to the affidavit. A family friend told cops Suzanne knew her extremely jealous husband tracked her phone. The affidavit also reveals details about conversations between Brad and his former business partner, James Cotter, who was arrested on Oct. 22 and charged with tampering with evidence. Authorities have not yet found Simpsons body despite a massive search at the landfill. SAPD Hours before Brads arrest, he texted Cotter: If youre in Bandera can you haul ass and meet me at your house? I dont have much time I will be there in 40 minutes, Cotter wrote back. Brad responded, OK, make sure and leave all that st into the pump house, especially the gun. Get over here!! I wont tell anyone, Cotter texted back, adding Youre my brother. Cotter posted bond on Thursday after the bond amounts were significantly reduced, KSAT reported. During a virtual court appearance for a Child Protective Services hearing on Oct. 29, Brad told the court he had last spoken to his wife around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 6. He also said that Suzanne was likely in Austin with her sorority sisters because it was her happy place before his attorney told him to stop talking, sources told KSAT. Suzannes body has still not been found, despite a massive search effort at the landfill. Brad is being held on a $5 million bond in the Bexar County jail. Heres the case for spatchcocking your bird and how to do it. VeselovaElena / Getty Images For Tyler Fenton, the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece is a spatchcocked turkey. You get a nicely golden-brown bird that is still actually juicy, and the white and dark meat are both cooked properly, says the chef and owner of BATA restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. I will never do it any other way. Hes not alone. According to Google data, over the last five years, searches for spatchcock turkey have gone up each November. If youre wondering why spatchcocking a turkey is popular, and whether the technique makes sense for you, chefs like Fenton are glad to walk you through it. Heres everything you need to know. Related: Sesame-Ginger Spatchcocked Turkey What is spatchcocking, and how do you do it? Spatchcocking is a butchery technique where you remove the backbone of a bird like a turkey or chicken, and then push down on the breastplate until the bird lies flat. You can simply ask your butcher to do it for you, or follow these steps: 1. Place the turkey, breast-side down, on a work surface. Using poultry shears and beginning at the tail end, cut along each side of the backbone, separating the backbone from the turkey. Remove the backbone and save for stock. 2. Turn the turkey breast-side up on the work surface. Using the heels of your hands, press firmly against the breastbone until it cracks and the turkey breast flattens. Chris Simpson / FOOD STYLING by MARGARET MONROE DICKEY / PROP STYLING by AUDREY DAVIS While a spatchcocked turkey might lack the visual drama of a whole roasted turkey, it is easier to carve into elegant portions on a platter. Why spatchcock a turkey? Spatchcocking a turkey helps it cook more evenly and quickly, says Matthew Cutolo, chef of Gargiulos Restaurant in Coney Island, New York. You can shave off about 30 to 50 percent of the cooking time, compared to roasting a whole turkey, he says. The proof is in the poultry: the Salt and Pepper Spatchcocked Turkey and Sesame-Ginger Spatchcock Turkey are fully cooked after about one hour and 10 minutes in the oven compared to two-plus hours for most turkey recipes. "Some people may find the optics of a spatchcocked turkey less classic than presenting a whole, roasted bird. I would rather have delicious turkey." Tyler Fenton, chef and owner of BATA restaurant The method also aligns the cooking time for the white and dark meat, so you arent desperately trying to keep the breast from drying out while the legs are still undercooked. It ensures that the turkey cooks evenly, notes Ken Lin, chef of Hutong in New York City. Lin has experimented with spatchcocking everything from Thanksgiving turkeys to Peking ducks, and finds that the technique also helps crisp up the skin as the bird roasts. By laying the turkey flat, you expose more of its surface area to the hot air circulating in the oven. That helps spatchcocked turkeys get crispy skin all over, not just on the top of the upright bird. Related: Spatchcocking Is the Key to the Juiciest Roast Chicken Heres How to Do It Are there any downsides to spatchcocking a turkey? Even the staunchest spatchcocking advocate will admit that wrestling with a 16-pound turkey can be intimidating. It takes verve to push the breastbone so the bird lies flat. Space is another consideration. Since the bird is spread out, you need a large enough roasting pan or baking sheet and space in the oven to accommodate the flattened shape, Cutolo says. That being said, a flattened bird occupies less vertical space in the oven cavity than an upright one, notes Mary Attea, a 2024 F&W Best New Chef and the executive chef of Rafs and Musket Room in New York City. This can be an asset if you need to put other pans in your oven while the turkey cooks. Related: Spatchcocked Sheet-Pan Turkey with Brown Sugar and Coriander You cant stuff a spatchcocked turkey or carve it tableside, but those two practices have potential downsides of their own. The United States Department of Agriculture warns that stuffing needs to reach a minimum internal temperature of 165F to avoid foodborne illnesses. Many people prefer to prepare their stuffing recipe in a separate baking dish, which in addition to being safer also allows for crispy bits to develop on top. And while a spatchcocked turkey may lack visual drama, its easy to separate into picture-perfect portions because it lies flat against the cutting board. Some people may find the optics of a spatchcocked turkey less classic than presenting a whole, roasted bird, Fenton says. I would rather have delicious turkey. ANN ARBOR, Mich. President-elect Donald Trump made unprecedented gains among Michigans Middle Eastern and Muslim population this year thanks to a months-long effort to woo voters disillusioned with the Biden-Harris administrations foreign policy. The crown jewel of this endeavor might be Dearborn Americas most Muslim city where Trump won 43% of the vote against Vice President Kamala Harris 36%. The city boasts the nations largest per capita Muslim population and North Americas biggest mosque. Last year Dearborn became the first Arab-American-majority city in the country, with more than half of residents claiming Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. Trump, pictured with Massad Boulos and cafe owner Sam Abbas, visited Dearborn in the final days of the election to woo Muslim voters. AP Just days before the election, Trump broke bread with local Arab-American leaders at a Lebanese cafe, making his final pitch to the community after calling for peace in Lebanon. While Trumps upset victory came as a surprise, Democrats troubles with Michigans Muslim voters have been a long time coming. In February, more than 100,000 Democrats voted uncommitted in Michigans presidential primary as a show of protest over President Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. The Abandon Biden movement transformed along with the Democratic presidential ticket, and eventually became the Abandon Harris movement, which endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein in early October. In September, Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck another Muslim-majority Michigan city endorsed Trump, sounding even more alarm bells for Democrats dire straits with the defecting demographic. Another blow came in November when Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud both prominent Dearborn Democrats withheld their endorsements of Harris in the presidential race. Ric Grenell worked for months in the swing states to win over Muslim voters disillusioned with the Biden-Harris administrations foreign policy. REUTERS While Democrats support among Michigan Muslims crumbled, the Republicans campaign seized an opportunity to strike and persuade the traditionally Democratic voting bloc to take a chance on Trump. Lebanese-born businessman Massad Boulos who is Tiffany Trumps father-in-law led the get-out-the-vote charge alongside Michigan-born former Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell. A few months ago, we came together and had a discussion regarding the Arab-American and the Muslim-American group that has started shifting, Boulos told The Post at an invite-only event for conservative Middle Eastern voters Oct. 15. Aljahmi (center) hosted Ric Grenell and multiple UFC fighters at his Dearborn restaurant for a pro-Trump event. George Caldwell / NY Post We saw what happened in the primaries of Michigan, you had over 105,000 votes that were uncommitted, said Boulos. So Michigan being one of the key battleground swing states with a very large Arab-American and Muslim-American community, we decided to start here. As part of this push, Grenell worked to make connections with anti-Biden figures throughout heavily Arab southeastern Michigan. We eventually started working with some of the Abandon Biden team that then became Abandon Harris, said Oubai Shahbandar, an Arab-American activist who worked on this effort. Karim Dawi, 42, registered Middle Eastern-born voters at the Dream Market in Sterling Heights each day. George Caldwell / NY Post Their pitch to Arab-American voters was that Trumps would be an administration of peace and put a stop to the endless wars that would make life worse for their family members in the Middle East, Shahbandar told The Post. With the election in the rearview mirror, their outreach paid off in spades. Trump won Michigan with 49.7% of the vote to Harris 48.3%. Even the 0.8% support Jill Stein received wouldnt have been enough to save Harris hide in the crucial swing state. Michigans Muslim and Arab-American voters may have made all the difference in Trumps historic victory, in which he swept all seven swing states to earn 312 electoral votes. Those voters told The Post they werent surprised to see Trump win over their communities. Rita Soka, 43, told The Post policies, not party affiliation, are the deciding factor for her and other Chaldeans. George Caldwell / NY Post We knew he would win it. There is no absolute way that she wouldve won. She lost us. She backstabbed us. And I really do think the Arab community stood up for whats right. And we did what we had to do, Ali Aljahmi, 19, whose family owns a restaurant in Dearborn, told The Post. Aljahmi was also central to the Trump teams outreach efforts, hosting multiple meet-and-greets with Trump-supporting UFC fighters at his restaurant where Grenell would promise peace in the Middle East under the next Trump administration. Aljahmi believes Trumps success in Dearborn where Harris never made a campaign visit will make his community more essential in future elections. Now we have a voice for ourselves, said Aljahmi. They know not to screw with us. I feel like if the Democrats won, they wouldve never focused on us. Mohamad Zreik, 55, a Lebanese-born day trader who has lived in Dearborn since the 1980s, agrees. He told The Post Trumps promises of peace abroad were key to his victory in the predominantly Muslim city. Trump won a large share of the votes in Hamtramck, where Mayor Amer Ghalib (right) endorsed him. AFP via Getty Images The vice president failed, in my opinion, to present herself as a pro-peace candidate. People in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and in Michigan felt betrayed by the present Biden-Harris administration, he said. So President Donald Trump-elect stepped in and did it effectively by actually visiting the Arab-American community. And he told the community, Im the person who will stop the wars. He vowed to restore peace if elected. Apparently the vast majority of the Arab-American community believed him, and thats why they voted for him. So now the most important thing, in my opinion, is to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the war in Gaza and Lebanon. But Grenells efforts extended beyond Dearborn, and beyond just Muslim voters he reached out to Arab American Christians as well. He forged connections with prominent Chaldeans, a Christian minority group with Iraqi ancestry who have a large presence in Michigan. Woman casting her ballot in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election in Dearborn, Michigan REUTERS Grenell wasnt the only one whipping votes among Arab Christians he had help from Karim Dawi, a 42-year-old Iraqi-born activist who founded the Conservative American Middle Eastern PAC last month and began registering folks to vote outside a grocery store. The 90% dont even need convincing, Dawi said of the voters he helped register outside of Dream Market in Sterling Heights. Making the sign of the cross, he swore he was registering 30 to 40 people per day. The Chaldean community took notice of Trumps interest in them. Ranna Salem, 36, of Sterling Heights told The Post she saw a significant boost of support for Trump in her community this cycle, since the president-elect began reaching out to them. I think Chaldeans are overwhelmingly voting for Trump, said Salem. So rather than the question being between Democrat and Republican with the Chaldean community, I think the question is will they go out or vote or not? And there was a pretty large turnout this time. Trump has repeatedly mentioned the Chaldean community at his rallies and hired prominent Chaldean attorney Alina Habba on his campaign staff, which likely helped curry favor with the community. Rita Soka, 43, a Chaldean attorney from Commerce Township, told The Post Chaldeans who voted for Trump hope he will bring peace to the Middle East. Stop the wars and stop funding the wars, thats what we wanna see. First thing, because that in turn creates peace here amongst people. Itll strengthen his credibility with the Arab community in Michigan, she said. No one wants to see this money going to war. In lean-blue Michigan, where Donald Trump won by around 80,000 votes, these Midde-Eastern and Muslim communities may have handed the election to the former president. The technology industry will face serious questions about some of its biggest issues when Donald Trump takes office in January. The president-elect will have a say on a range of topics including AI and antitrust regulation, as well as the future of the CHIPS Act and all of it will have huge implications for Big Techs future. Trump hasnt had the best relationship with the tech industry over the years. Hes sparred with Amazon (AMZN) and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos over stories published by the Washington Post, which Bezos owns, about Trump during his first term. Trump also threatened to jail Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg after accusing him of plotting against him in the 2020 election and says he personally reached out to Google (GOOG, GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai because he didnt see enough positive stories about him in his Google Search results. But Trump also has high-powered backers in tech, including Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk, Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey, and Andreessen Horowitz founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, who donated millions to a pro-Trump super-PAC. Now, Trump is coming into office with a Republican majority in the Senate and an expected majority in the House of Representatives, giving him extraordinary power to enact his agenda. But that doesnt necessarily mean the tech industry is headed for a difficult four years. In fact, Trumps second term in the White House could benefit some of techs major players. Antitrust regulation The Biden administration set out to corral Big Techs outsized market power by launching a slew of antitrust suits against Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple (AAPL). The Federal Trade Commission, helmed by Lina Khan, also refiled a suit against Meta that was originally brought under the Trump administration that claims the social network operates as an illegal monopoly. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) But a second Trump administration may be less aggressive on antitrust regulation. During an interview with Bloomberg editor in chief John Micklethwait, for example, Trump said that rather than breaking up Google, which the Department of Justice under the Biden administration has floated as a possibility, he would make changes to make the business more fair. It doesnt hurt that, according to the New York Times, tech CEOs reached out to Trump in the lead-up to the election, with Pichai praising the president-elects stop at a McDonalds during the campaign and Bezos calling Trump after surviving his first assassination attempt in July. Bezos and Pichai were also among the major tech leaders who congratulated Trump on his election win last week. The fact that he has the support of a lot of these tech titans is emblematic of a sense that they think he's warmer to tech, but also less concerned about trying to quote 'break up Big Tech' on the antitrust side, explained director of Cornell Universitys Tech Policy Institute, Sarah Kreps. AI legislation Generative AI didnt take the world by storm until well after Trumps first term was over. As he enters his second term, the technology is all Silicon Valley, and Wall Street, want to talk about. But tech companies are also interested in hammering down some kind of AI regulation. FILE - Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger speaks during an event called AI Everywhere in New York, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Regulation takes the onus off of Big Tech to make important decisions about how they operate their services while ensuring theres a single piece of legislation that governs the use of AI across the country, rather than a state-by-state patchwork of rules. The Biden Administration attempted to implement AI regulation through an executive order seeking to allow for the development of new AI technologies while protecting against potential misuses. But Trumps penchant for deregulation could dismantle Bidens executive order in favor of a more laissez-faire approach. However, a lack of regulation in AI could be problematic down the line. We've seen when that happens, explained Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College professor Ari Lightman. When that occurs and sort of guardrails are taken off, we have a lot of societal implications associated with it. A lot of harms that get perpetrated, and a lot of people become very, very rich. Trump surrogate Musk has repeatedly raised the specter of unchecked AI development, and as the head of xAI, it would make sense for Musk to appeal to Trump for some kind of rules around AI. Of course, it wouldnt hurt Musk if those rules were relatively malleable. The CHIPS Act and tariffs The second Trump administration will also have plenty of input when it comes to the fate of the CHIPS Act. A hallmark piece of legislation under the Biden Administration, the CHIPS Act is designed to provide funding to semiconductor designers and manufacturers in an attempt to bring chip building back to the US. But Trump has signaled his displeasure with the $52.7 billion legislation, and House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Republicans would likely repeal the act, before walking the statement back earlier this month. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during Computex 2024 in Taipei on June 4, 2024. (I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) (I-HWA CHENG via Getty Images) While its unlikely that the CHIPS Act will be repealed, Trump could seek to push the funding out to companies faster while cutting down on red tape around the development of manufacturing facilities. The CHIPS Act is extremely unlikely to be repealed. There is bipartisan support for industrial policy, especially for chips, Rhodium Group director Reva Goujon told Yahoo Finance. But during an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Trump derided the CHIPS Act and said that he preferred to instead put tariffs on chips from overseas as a way to force companies to build chip plants in the US. Tariffs would mean companies importing chips from overseas, whether from Taiwan or China, would have to raise prices on devices that include those semiconductors. And that could hurt the entire tech industry. Hardware businesses are going to be impacted because some part of their supply chain exists in China, explained Harvard Business School professor David Yoffie. So whether we're talking about computers or hard drives or telecommunications equipment, there's some piece of every part of a supply chain that has either assembly or manufacturing in the Chinese state. That could mean higher prices on everything from consumer goods like PCs and smartphones to AI chips for high-powered enterprise servers. Now we just have to wait until Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20 before we can find out the full impact of his proposals on the tech industry. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter. (yahoofinance) Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance. WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump has tapped tech billionaire Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person, and former Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency that will work to slash federal government spending, waste and regulations. Trump said the commission will "provide advice and guidance from outside of government," partnering with the White House and Office of Management and Budget "to drive large-scale structural reform" throughout the federal government. He said the team's work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026. "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. During the 2024 campaign, Musk said he would take a job in the administration as leader of a Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, referring to the cryptocurrency he champions. The 53-year-old founder of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla has said publicly that he could quickly eliminate $2 trillion from the federal budget but has not provided any specifics on how. Trump said the department led by Musk and Ramaswamy could become "the Manhattan Project of our time." Trump provided no details on the size or budget of the department beyond the leadership of Musk and Ramaswamy. Trump's description seemed to suggest the department would operate as an advisory commission not a formal federal agency with no statutory authority. It was not immediately clear whether Musk and Ramaswamy would be working under contract for their services. "A smaller government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. I am confident they will succeed!" Trump said. Musk has never worked for the federal government. But his various companies have billions of dollars in government contracts, including with space, military and intelligence agencies. That has prompted concern among watchdog groups that his cost-cutting efforts and his influence on Trump could create conflicts of interest and lessen oversight of his companies. This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!" Musk said in a statement distributed by Trump's transition team. Musk posted a message on X, the social media platform he owns, after Trump's announcement: "Threat to democracy? Nope, threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!" Musk said the department will publicize all its actions online for "maximum transparency" and solicit feedback on cost-cutting measures from the public. We will also have a leaderboard for most insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars. This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining," Musk said. Elon Musk joins Donald Trump on stage Oct. 5 in Butler, Pennsylvania as Trump speaks at a campaign rally. Ramaswamy, 39, a biotech entrepreneur and the son of Indian immigrants, ran in the 2024 Republican primary but quickly became a strong ally of Trump's. As a candidate, Ramaswamy advocated for the shutdown of federal government agencies including the FBI, Department of Education and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of 'DOGE' for a very long time," Trump said, adding that the department will "create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before." Trump first proposed a government efficiency commission in a speech Sept. 5 to the Economic Club of New York. At the time, he said, the commission would conduct "a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government" and recommend changes. Trump's opponents said he and Musk aim to end government protections in a host of areas, from education to the environment, and to get rid of thousands of public servants. Musk and Ramaswamy leading a nonexistent efficiency department would be funny if the consequences werent so serious, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Elon Musk may think money bypasses the rule of law and our democratic system of government, but well make sure every unhinged attack on critical environmental protections and every illegal attempt to harm government employees will fail. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights advocacy group, said the term cutting red tape is code for getting rid of the safeguards that protect us in order to benefit corporate interests. The purpose of government regulations is to protect the American people, Gilbert said. We all depend on these regulations to protect our air, water, workers, children's safety, and so much more. Democrats mocked the undertaking. "The Office of Government Efficiency is off to a great start with split leadership: two people to do the work of one person," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said in a post on X. "Yeah, this seems REALLY efficient." One of Trumps staunchest supporters in the past few months of the 2024 campaign, Musk injected more than $100 million, including controversial $1 million daily payments to registered voters in seven battleground states. He has since become an informal adviser to Trump on a wide range of foreign and domestic policy issues, including Russias war with Ukraine. More: Trump transition live updates: Latest news as election winner makes moves Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., talk to FOX News in the spin room following the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Musk made headlines for reportedly joining in the first phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising questions about his potentially outsized role in the upcoming administration. A star is born," Trump said in his victory speech upon winning the White House, referring to Musk. Trump and Musk have been spending a lot of time together at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, according to a CNN report that said Musk was advising on transition, policy and personnel issues. Further complicating matters: The Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 25 that Musk has been in regular contact since late 2022 with a major U.S. adversary Russian President Vladimir Putin. Musk has not responded to requests for comment from USA TODAY. "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. "Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending. "They will work together to liberate our Economy, and make the U.S. Government accountable to WE THE PEOPLE," Trump said. Josh Meyer is USA TODAY's domestic security correspondent. Email him at jmeyer@usatoday.com and follow him at @JoshMeyerDC on X. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump taps Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy to tackle government waste According to national exit polls, 78% of Jewish voters supported Kamala Harris. Above: The scene at an October rally in Southfield, Michigan. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Perhaps you have heard the story about the Jewish fellow who, shipwrecked for years on a deserted island, is rescued by a passing ship. Surveying the small village the man had built during his exile, the ships captain asks why there was not one, but two synagogues. The man, pointing at one building, replies, This is my synagogue. And that, he announces while jabbing his finger at the other, is the one I would never set foot in! The morning after our elections, I recalled this old chestnut on the fractious and disputatious nature of American Jews. In my family, our arguments over the national pastime were as loud as those over national politics. And yet, while we never bridged our differences over the Mets and Yanks, we always fought in the same dugout: the Democrats. In a word, we never took our eyes off the prize of citizenship that our secular republic, at its inception, had given its Jewish community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This explains why Jews were the odd anomaly in this years election. Exit polls revealed that Donald Trump made deep inroads into nearly every demographic. Though a convicted felon and twice impeached, the former president nevertheless drew greater support than he had before from historically hostile demographics, including Black and Hispanic voters. The shuddering of tectonic plates under our political landscape moved most religious groups further to the right. According to the Washington Post, 52% of Catholics voted for President Joe Biden in 2020 while 47% voted for Trump. Last week, however, 58% voted for Trump while only 40% voted for Kamala Harris. Trump also added to his already high numbers with most Protestant denominations. Moreover, only slightly fewer Mormons 63% voted for Trump this time than the 66% who did last time. But another group significantly moved away from Trump specifically, the group that can never build enough synagogues to distinguish themselves from one another. According to national exit polls, 78% of Jewish voters rallied to Harris. Thats even higher than the 68% who supported Biden. From my own anecdotal information based on Jewish friends and acquaintances who range from the very old to the very young, the very comfortable to the very marginal, I suspect the results are similar both in Houston and across Texas. On the one hand, a high percentage is not shocking. As pollsters have noted, Jewish Americans have long been the most reliable voting bloc for the Democrats. (Bloc is perhaps too grand a word for a community representing a little over 2% of the population.) Even Trump, who with the delicacy of a Mafia don warned that American Jews would be partly to blame if he lost the election, clearly expected these results. On the other hand, the results are surprising. Why has the American Jewish community remained blue and in fact, grown even bluer in a nation swept by a red wave? It seems counterintuitive that Jews, who are mostly well-to-do and well-established, nevertheless continue to vote on the left or, at least, what amounts to the left in our country. In a nutshell, we repeatedly vote against our economic interests a paradoxical phenomenon that Milton Himmelfarb neatly summarized: Jews earn like Episcopalians and vote like Puerto Ricans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But other interests historical, social, even existential clearly trump economic concerns. As the political scientist Kenneth Wald argues, American Jews are, well, American Jews. There is something deep and enduring to their experience that keeps Jews in the liberal fold. Above all else, Wald says, American Jews seek to maintain their status as citizens with equal rights in a secular state. Because that position has become identified with the Democrats, and because the Republican party has been perceived as wanting to lower the wall of separation between religion and state, Jews have remained anchored within the Democratic Party right up until today. There are other explanations for this odd phenomenon. In his remarkable book "Zakhor," the late historian Yosef Yerushalmi recalls the centrality of recollection in the Jewish religion and rites. Noting the ubiquity of the word zakhor, or remember, in the Hebrew Bible, Yerushalmi affirms that only in Israel and nowhere else is the injunction to remember felt as a religious imperative to an entire people. Of course, memory alone does not prevent us from misusing past events. Even history which serves as a corrective to memory can be misunderstood or misrepresented. Tragically, Israeli Jews are now citing their past to justify what both the history and values of the Jewish people tell us cannot be justified: the indiscriminate shedding of innocent blood in Gaza. But rather than abandon the imperative to remember, we must instead try harder to get it right. Not just in Israel but in America as well. History tells us that American Jews have not misunderstood the racist, misogynist and antisemitic sentiment coursing through Trumps rhetoric. Nor have American Jews misrepresented Trumps words of praise for those individuals whose ideals and ideologies threaten the wellbeing not just of Jews, but all of us. The call to always recall, clearly and objectively, what has been said and done in the past is no longer just a religious imperative. It is now a democratic and existential imperative. Robert Zaretsky teaches history in the Honors College, University of Houston. The Posts Politics team has the latest news and analysis as President-elect Donald Trump is quickly filling his cabinet just one week after his historic re-election. Follow The Posts live updates for everything you need to know about the Trump transition: Donald Trump clashed with a number of generals in his first term, including Mark Milley, who would later call him a fascist - Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump is considering establishing a warrior board to review senior officers in the US military and weed out woke generals, according to reports. A draft executive order under consideration by the president-elects transition team would set up a board of retired senior officials to audit top brass that do not meet standards of leadership capability, strategic readiness, and commitment to military excellence. The move is thought to be Mr Trumps first step in tackling the issue of woke generals, which he complained about on the campaign trail, arguing that diversity and inclusion politics had become more important than war-fighting ability. A copy of the order, seen by the Wall Street Journal, suggests the process will effectively be outsourced to trusted former officers. The suggestion comes amid Pentagon fears of a purge after Mr Trump takes office on Jan 20 next year. The Republican platform policy document formally signed off at the partys National Convention before the presidential election promised to get woke Left-wing Democrats fired as soon as possible. Mr Trump has said that any generals involved in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan should resign by lunchtime on the day he takes office. Called general a loser The former president has faced criticism from several of the generals who served in his first administration, including Gen Mark Milley, who called him fascist to the core. In return, Mr Trump called Gen Milley a loser. The pair clashed in 2021 after Mr Trump called for the officers resignation over his comments about critical race theory in a congressional hearing. On the issue of critical race theory, etc, a lot of us have to get much smarter on whatever the theory is, Gen Milley said. Mr Trump said later that he had defended critical race theory being shoved down the throats of our soldiers. Separately, Jack Teixeira, a former Massachusetts Air National Guard member, was on Tuesday sentenced to 15 years in prison for sharing Pentagon secrets online. Prosecutors said he had leaked information about US support for Ukraine and a foreign adversarys plot to target American forces on the social media site Discord. Teixeira said: I wanted to say Im sorry for all the harm Ive wrought and Ive caused. I cant really sum up how contrite I am that my behaviour has caused such a maelstrom. 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. Spoilers ahead for season 4 of Outer Banks. Before watching the finale of Outer Banks season 4, audiences might have found themselves increasingly frustrated with the direction of the show. What began as a refreshing, escapist adventure about teens hunting for treasure in the Carolinas seemed to have spiraled into a chaotic, implausible mess. The storyline stretched to include contrived plot twists, such as JJs (Rudy Panko) newly revealed Kook lineage; the Pogues outrageously improbable shipwreck survival and wash-up in Morocco; as well as an out-of-character Rafe (Drew Starkey) now in a surprisingly mature relationship with Sofia (Fiona Palomo), a Pogue. Even the relationships between charactersonce the heart of the seriesfelt forced and misaligned, as if the spark that once made these dynamics so enjoyable was fading. Each characters actions seemed increasingly inconsistent. Worst of all, even fan-favorite JJ, characteristically reckless, seemed to be spiraling into a dark place past the point of no return. After episodes of seemingly endless, convoluted drama and equally confusing stakes, it seemed the magic of Outer Banks might have been hopelessly lost. Yet, in the season 4 finale, the writers managed to strike a spark of redemption, ending the season on an explosive cliffhanger, resuscitating our investment in the adventure-driven saga. Could it be that the sharp turn of events, culminating in the shocking death of a beloved tragic hero, was exactly what the show needed to get the series back on track? Lets wipe our eyes and unpack exactly what happened in the finaleand why, this time, it actually worked. Why were the Pogues in Morocco in the season finale? The Pogues were in Morocco for two reasons: 1) to find the Blue Crown, Blackbeards treasured artifact, apparently hidden somewhere in the town of Agapenta; and 2) to capture and avenge Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), JJs murderous biological father, who had stolen the map to the treasure from the Pogues by swindling JJ earlier in the season, then leaving him to die at sea. (So much about this character brings to mind Ward Cameron, who had done the exact same thing to John Bs dad. Apparently Groff had also done the same to JJs mom, and now JJ himself. What is it with this series and villains always leaving their foes to die at sea?). The reason why the Pogues were after the Blue Crown in the first place was so that they could sell it in order to buy back Poguelandia 2.0. Why was Rafe also heading to Morocco, and why did he invite the Pogues along? Rafe was en route to Morocco to capture Groff and take back his end of the real estate deal that Groff swindled him out of. At some point, all of the Pogues become fugitives, and when all hope seems lost and Sheriff Shoupe finally catches up to them, Rafe leverages his (incredibly manipulative) negotiation skills to convince Shoupe to let them goso they can have a chance at catching the real villains in town. Here, hes referring to Chandler Groff and the mercenaries Groffs in business with, called the Lupine Corsairs, who want a cut of the same Blue Crown treasure that the Pogues are after. So, sure, all for mutual gain. But Rafe seems to have inexplicably evolved from the frighteningly unhinged, murderous, violent, drug-addicted Rafe we knew in the past. He even has an actualloving, healthy relationship? With a kind, sincere girl? Or so he believes. Would it be naive to consider that theres a chance this business exchange was about more than business this time? Is Rafe miraculously transforming into a character with a heart? Only time will tell. Netflix Okay, but why was Groff in Morocco? Groff was in Morocco because he had a map to Blackbeards treasure and was trying to buy himself time before hed have to hand that map over to the Corsairsand share the fortune with them. The Corsairs themselves were in Morocco waiting for Groff to lead them to the treasure. Although Groff had no intention of upholding his side of the bargain, the Corsairs threatened to kill him if he didnt direct them to the prize. Groff eventually plots his own escape, relying on his ability to emotionally manipulate JJ into leading him to the treasure without the surveillance of the Corsairs. What were the Pogues trying to accomplish in the finale? The simple answer: Avenge Groff, get the Blue Crown, save Poguelandia 2.0. Easy enough, right? How did that work out for them? Well, its complicated. Rafe goes after Chandler Groff first, helping him escape Dalia (Pollyanna McIntosh), Lightner (Rigo Sanchez), and the rest of the Corsair mercenaries, but only to collect the $400,000 Groff took from him. In an attempt to distract Rafe, Groff admits that he paid Rafes fiancee, Sofia, to convince Rafe to follow through with the fraudulent real estate deal. Rafe manages to escape with Groffs copy of the map and the cipher crystal required to interpret it, stranding him in a well in the middle of the desert. Seething, Rafe breaks up with Sofia over the phone as he walks away, leaving Groff to die. (Or so he thinks.) In the meantime, the Pogues find the Corsairs and steal materials from their own copy of the map, as well as a stack of essential documents which could help them decipher it. Cleo steals a jeep and the Pogues dive in, narrowly escaping a shootout. Everyones paths inevitably converge in an epic sandstorm gunfight battlethe kind youd see in Dune or early Star Wars. Groff (somehow) climbs himself out of the well and sneaks onto the scene at the height of the storm. In the swirling golden sand, bullets whistling past their ears, Sarah and Rafe take steps towards making amends; John B. and Sarah figure out where the treasure is hidden; Pope and Cleo ward off bad guys with physical combat; and Kie and JJ share a romantic Binary Sunset-esque moment before JJ heroically scales the monument where the Blue Crown is believed to be stashed. One final, joyous, victorious, classic-JJ wail of victory rips through the sandstorm. Revived, JJ descends from the monument with the crown in hand, and at the bottom his face falls as he locks eyes with a fear-stricken Kie, who is being held at knifepoint by none other than JJs biological father, Groff. Groff bargains with JJ: either he gives up his girl, or the crown. Without batting an eyelash, JJ hands over the crown and takes Kie in his arms for one final embrace. Seconds later, in perhaps the most gut-wrenching moment of the entire series to date, Groff stabs his own son, JJa character whose wavering hopes had been gloriously restored just moments ago. In a gasping-for-breath exchange with Kiara, JJ admits that he already had everything he had ever wished for. His last words are, Take care of the others. I love you. Guts were spilledboth JJs, and the fans. Netflix So, does JJ really die? In a series where you can never really say with confidence if a main character is actually dead or not (weve had close calls with John B. Rutledge, Ward Cameron, and Sarah Cameron)...its tough to say. In a final scene, we see the Pogues descending JJs body into the sand dunes and hosting a memorial service among themselves in his honor. John B. gives a solemn eulogy commemorating this fan-favorite character as the glue of the group, the best friend they ever had. Its hard to imagine how the writers are going to dig JJ out of this one. Pankow even gave his formal goodbyes and thank yous to the OBX creative team and the fans. But one X (formerly known as Twitter) user poses an interesting theory: Could the Blue Crowns suspected supernatural ability to grant wishes point to JJs possible return in season 5? And could this characteristically absurd, plot device alone provide enough hope for JJ die-hards to pull their hearts back into the final season? Perhaps this wish will be granted, but not in the way fans might expect. Its possible that JJs rebirth may metaphorically take place through the birth of Sarah and John B.s baby, who has been highly foreshadowed to be named in JJs honor. (Earlier in episode 5, JJ very casually mentioned that JJs a great name for a child.) Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix Now what? At the scene of JJs burial, after a bleak moment of silence and now what energy, the group convenes one last time about what must be done. As five teenaged fugitives on the run in North Africa, on a never-ending quest for the prosperity of Poguelandia, the Pogues turn to the spirit of their fallen friend for answers, asking themselves, What would JJ do? This inevitably sets up season 5, the last and final season of OBX, where it seems The Pogues (and newly-anointed Pogue, Rafe?) will be following Groff to Lisbon to steal back JJs crown, cash it in for a fortune, and ultimately chase a larger motivator outshining all the others: a chance at revenge. JJs steady descent this season seemed to signal the unraveling of the Pogues friendships, the plot, and the shows purpose. However, in an artful and action-packed season finale, set against the stunning backdrop of Moroccan dunes, JJ manages to have returned to the essence of himself, heroically saving Sarah Cameron (from yet another imminent death); the love of his life, Kiara; the Blue Crown, which represents any hope at returning to a place of financial stability and the ability to return home; and possibly the direction of the entire series. While JJ loses the Crown to Groff in his last moments, his ultimate sacrifice seems to have reignited the passion of the group to put their heads and hearts together for one final showdown. A major loss like this seems to have brought the Pogues, and fans, hearts back together in a major way. Packing in the final moments with monumental losses and huge questions, the writers seem to have epically revitalized a series which might have otherwise been lost to exhausted fans. But thats the Outer Banks for you, right? Whats one more chase? Were finally at the home stretch. You Might Also Like A US deadline for Israel to improve getting humanitarian aid into Gaza has expired, with the Biden administration assessing that Israel is not blocking aid and so is not violating US law governing foreign military assistance. The State Department said that while changes were needed, progress had been made - so there would be no disruption to US arms supplies. But the US view is a stark contrast with the bleak picture on the ground, where much of the aid that reaches Gaza is not being distributed. Civilians fleeing northern Gaza after weeks of intense Israeli military operations tell of a chronic lack of food and people dying of hunger, as aid agencies warn that the area is on the brink of famine. We have not seen any aid, and no-one has sent us food, 63-year-old Umm Muhammad Al-Atout told CNN this week. Our children have died of hunger and thirst. Her account of people dying from hunger was supported by others CNN spoke to in northern Gaza, where the Israeli military resumed ground operations early in October. Abu Ahmed Subaih from Beit Lahiya told CNN that he had walked for miles with his parents, who are in their 80s. There is no food of any kind, he said. A woman who gave her name as Ghalia and said she was 83 told CNN: We no longer know vegetables, meat or fruits. We used to live on canned food, and now theres no canned food. The accounts of desperate civilians echo the the World Health Organizations warning last Friday of a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip. An Israeli soldier patrols near the border with the Gaza Strip on November 11. - Amir Levy/Getty Images On Wednesday, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, told CNN that the hospital had received dozens of cases of malnutrition among children and adults. Multiple factors have contributed to what aid agencies are calling the worst point for the humanitarian situation in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. They include ongoing Israeli military operations, evacuation orders affecting hundreds of thousands of people, a breakdown in law and order that has led to looting of aid convoys, a lack of truck drivers and the frequent denial of passage for aid by Israeli authorities. Last month, the Biden administration gave Israel a 30-day deadline to take specific steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including boosting commercial traffic and ending the isolation of the north. As the deadline expired, the US State Department said it had not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of US law and that they would face no penalties. Much of the aid community disagrees. On Tuesday, eight humanitarian organizations said the Israeli government not only failed to meet the U.S. criteria that would indicate support to the humanitarian response, but concurrently took actions that dramatically worsened the situation on the ground, particularly in northern Gaza. One of those groups is Mercy Corps, whose director Kate Phillips-Barrasso, told CNN that commercial traffic into Gaza had ground to a complete halt. Palestinians wait to receive food distributed by an aid organization in Deir Al Balah, Gaza on November 10. - Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty Images We really are at a tipping point in terms of this turning into a catastrophic food insecurity situation, Phillips-Barrasso said. According to the World Food Programme, the average number of trucks entering Gaza fell to just 58 per day in the second half of October, the lowest level since November last year. Before the war began, around 500 commercial and aid trucks were entering each day. COGAT, the Israeli agency that approves aid shipments into Gaza, said Saturday that 713 aid trucks had arrived in northern Gaza through the Erez West crossing since the beginning of October. But much of this aid remains at the crossing point. The same applies to Kerem Shalom, which borders eastern Gaza. COGAT told CNN Wednesday that 900 truckloads were waiting on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom, the maximum capacity. But it added that supplies from 122 trucks had been picked up Tuesday. Aid organizations have often said that distribution of food and water amid Israeli strikes, evacuation orders and the absence of secure corridors is almost impossible. They also say that Israeli authorities frequently delay or deny passage within Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) told CNN Tuesday that planned deliveries to parts of northern Gaza in most urgent need had been denied by Israeli authorities. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid cross into the Gaza Strip on November 11. - Amir Levy/Getty Images Last week, it said, an approved convoy of ten food trucks was held for two hours in Jabalya, where some of the food was offloaded by people who surrounded the trucks. The food never reached locations where displaced Palestinians were sheltering, it said. Joyce Msuya, acting UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the UN Security Council Tuesday that Israeli authorities were blocking humanitarian assistance from entering North Gaza, where fighting continues, and around 75,000 people remain with dwindling water and food supplies. In response to a request for comment, COGAT told CNN that the State of Israel allows and facilitates the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, particularly to its northern area. The Israeli military through COGAT, maintains regular communication with international aid organizations to monitor warehouse stock levels, as well as ongoing contact with hospitals regarding the humanitarian needs on the ground. A planned 14-truck WFP aid convoy had intended to deliver supplies to Beit Hanoun and the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalya, but only two trucks reached their destination due to delays in movement authorization and crowded routes, OCHA said on Tuesday. The Israeli military said Tuesday that hundreds of food packages and thousands of liters of water were delivered to distribution centers for the civilian population remaining in the Beit Hanoun area on Monday. But shipments of such size only scratch the surface of the immense need. In addition to the lack of aid, 13 months of constant air strikes have left agriculture and industry in Gaza in ruins. Most of the enclaves agricultural land is in the north and along the eastern border with Israel, areas from which hundreds of thousands of people have fled. The vast majority of Gazans have little or no work and cant afford to buy food at inflated prices. Saber Salem, a father of 10 now in Gaza City, told CNN Wednesday: Every two months maybe we would get an aid coupon. There is nothing to buy and if available the goods are expensive. Communal soup kitchens and bakeries are also closing or short of supplies. Palestinians displaced from Beit Hanoun cross into Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip following Israeli evacuation orders. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Amjad Al-Shawa - head of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) in Gaza told CNN that soup kitchens which served 300,000 people a day with a hot meal had now closed, and so had many bakeries. There is also the issue of profiteering. On Sunday, dozens of people marched through a market in Gaza City, chanting: We are the people, you merchants are thieves! One young man told CNN: They are selling a kilo of sugar for 80 shekels instead of two. The pervasive desperation has led to frequent incidents of looting, both of warehouses and convoys. Late in October CNN filmed a desperate brawl for bread at one of the few functioning bakeries. But much of the looting is by organized gangs. The president of Gazas Transportation Association, Nahd Shuheiber, said this week there has been an increase in the theft of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, because of a lack of police. Police in Gaza have often been targeted by Israeli strikes as they are seen as being associated with Hamas. Shuheiber said that bandits near the Kerem Shalom crossing had been stealing from the trucks, creating a state of chaos under which we are unable to operate effectively. Barroso-Phillips of Mercy Corps told CNN that needs in Gaza far outstrip what is getting past its borders. And as a result, we are likely to have people starving to death literally miles away from where food is available. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ben White | Unsplash (The Center Square) As President-elect Donald Trump is making cabinet picks and Congress orients its new members, Virginia is gearing up for its next elections. One week after election day, campaign announcements for 2025 are popping up across the commonwealth. Virginia is one of just a handful of states that holds major elections in off years, so while special elections to replace state Sens. John McGuire, R-Goochland, and Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun both elected to Congress last week are the most immediate, theyre just the beginning of the political contests Virginians will see in 2025. Subramanyam and key state party leadership, including Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Speaker of the House Don Scott, and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, have already coalesced behind Del. Kannan Srinivasan, D-Loudoun, for Subramanyams District 32. Surovell posted a video to X promoting Srinivasan for the districts upcoming Democratic primary, saying the delegate would help Democrats maintain their blue brick wall in the Senate. Im also out here knocking doors today for our firehouse primary for Delegate Kannan Srinivasan, whos trying to move up to the Virginia state Senate so we can hold our Senate majority and put Roe v. Wade in the Constitution, put the right to vote in the Constitution and put marriage equality in the Constitution, Surovell said. He has all the support. I hope you can support him too. Last November, Democrats won slim majorities in both the House of Delegates (51-49) and the state Senate (21-19). The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that several Republicans have come forward to compete for McGuires seat in the very conservative District 10, including former state Sen. Amanda Chase, her former staffer Shayne Snavely, a Louisa County board supervisor Duane Adams, and Jean Gannon, a longtime Republican activist. Chase was a state senator for eight years until redistricting pitted her against Sen. Glenn Sturtevant, R-Colonial Heights, in the 2023 primary. Challenging the primary results, she has described herself as Trump in heels. She has previously run for Congress and governor of Virginia and was censured by the Virginia Senate in 2021 for voicing support for Jan. 6 protesters. Many others have also announced theyre running for office in 2025. Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger announced in November 2023, that she would run for governor. Later, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears said she would run on the Republican side. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney withdrew his bid to run for governor and has instead chosen to run for Lt. Gov. On Tuesday, former Del. Jay Jones announced he would run for attorney general. Today, with hope for a brighter future for our Commonwealth and our nation, I am proud to announce my campaign for Attorney General of Virginia. As Virginias Attorney General, my highest priority will always be the safety and freedom of Virginia families, Jones wrote in a pinned post on X. Jones served as a delegate from 2018-2021 and previously ran for attorney general in 2021 but lost in the primary. He also served as an assistant attorney general to the District of Columbias attorney general. Henrico Commonwealths Attorney Shannon Taylor announced earlier this year that she would run for the office. Virginias current Attorney General Jason Miyares followed Jones announcement with his own statement on X. Both of the announced Democrat candidates for Attorney General are far-left, anti-police, criminal rights progressives who will make Virginia less safe. They will support the same criminal first, victim last policies that lead to a surge in violent crime, Miyares wrote. The student body vice president at D.C.s The George Washington University disagrees. The next critical election is right here in Virginia. There is no stronger ticket to stand up for the Commonwealth than @SpanbergerForVA for Governor, @LevarStoney for LG [and] @jonesjay for AG. Lets get it done, wrote Ethan Lynne on X. Some running for Virginias General Assembly in 2025 have also announced their candidacy. Kimberly Pope Adams, who ran against Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, and lost by less than half a percentage point in 2023, made her bid for the seat again on X Tuesday. Its Official! Im running for Delegate to represent Virginias 82nd District! Pope wrote on X Tuesday. State senators Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, and Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, have already endorsed her. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. In his speech at the UN Conference underway in Baku, the Vatican Secretary of State reiterated Pope Franciss appeal for the 2025 Jubilee. A new international financial architecture is needed that can truly ensure for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, both low-carbon and high-sharing development pathways. Baku (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Vatican Secretary of State, Card Pietro Parolin, addressed, on behalf of Pope Francis, the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP29) underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. When discussing climate finance, it is important to remember that ecological debt and foreign debt are two sides of the same coin, mortgaging the future, Card Parolin said. Speaking before the representatives of the countries of the world gathered to discuss, among other things, how to share the financial burdens needed to fund strategies to adapt to climate change, Card Parolin noted that efforts must be made to find solutions that do not further undermine the development and adaptive capacity of many countries that are already burdened with crippling economic debt. The Vatican secretary of state cited the appeal Pope Francis issued in the bull Spes non confundit published ahead of next years Jubilee. In it, the pontiff urges the richest nations to acknowledge the gravity of so many of their past decisions and determine to forgive the debts of countries that will never be able to repay them. More than a question of generosity, this is a matter of justice. It is made all the more serious today by a new form of injustice which we increasingly recognize, namely, that a true ecological debt exists, particularly between the global North and South, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time. To this end, Card Parolin said that COP29 should lead to a new international financial architecture that is human-centered, bold, creative and based on the principles of equity, justice and solidarity. A new international financial architecture that can truly ensure for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, both low-carbon and high-sharing development pathways that enable everyone to reach their full potential and see their dignity respected. The premise of all this is awareness that that the preservation of creation is one of the most urgent issues of our time. We have also to recognize that it is closely interrelated with the preservation of peace. Selfishness individual, national and of power groups feeds a climate of mistrust and division that does not respond to the needs of an interdependent world in which we should act and live as members of one family inhabiting the same interconnected global village. Ultimately, Card Parolin stressed, We cannot pass by and look the other way. Indifference is an accomplice to injustice. I appeal, therefore, that, with the common good in mind, we can unmask the mechanisms of self-justification that so often paralyze us. Finally, For an ambitious agreement, for every initiative and process aimed at truly inclusive development, I assure you of my support and that of the Holy Father in order to render an effective service to humanity, so that we can all take responsibility for safeguarding not only our own future, but that of all. With the tycoons return, hundreds of thousands of Asians risk deportation from the United States, along with Latin Americans. The Philippine government is getting ready to assist 370,000 Philippine migrants. Indians are one of the largest groups of asylum seekers, along with the Chinese. Due to a legislative void, many South Koreans adopted as infants until the 1980s are at risk. Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced its readiness to assist 370,000 undocumented Filipinos living in the United States who might be deported following the election of Donald Trump. The DMW is set to help returning Filipinos with financial aid and job placement, but is also considering the possibility of sending workers to other countries (in particular Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Hungary, and Japan). According to Rappler, a Philippine online news website, to meet its commitment to 370,000 returnees, the Philippine government would have to find 18.5 billion pesos (over 5 million) to ensure proper assistance for all. Between 2014 and 2024, about 10,600 Filipinos were expelled from the US (a thousand per year on average), including some 3,500 during Trump's first term in office (2017-2021). The Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez, issued an advisory telling undocumented Filipinos to leave the country voluntarily. Most Filipinos in the US are granted a regular work visa, but once it expires, many prefer to stay, often working illegally. Irregular migrants in the United States do not come only from Latin America. The latest data (2022) indicates that about 1.7 million out of 11 million are from Asia. More than half are from India and China, followed by the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. In 2023-2024, 1,100 Indians were deported out of an estimated population at 725,000 unauthorised Indian immigrants in 2022. Unlike official immigration figures, data from US courts are more up-to-date. These show that applications by Indians for asylum jumped by 855 per cent between 2021 and 2023 (mostly from Gujarat), from 4,330 to 41,330. Last year, Indians represented the fifth-largest contingent of defensive asylum seekers after Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, and Nicaragua. They were also the fifth-largest group to be granted asylum after Afghanistan, China, Venezuela, and El Salvador. Defensive cases involve individuals living in the United States without appropriate papers, or caught while trying to enter the country illegally. Affirmative asylum cases are initiated by the individuals themselves. Between the autumn 2023 and spring 2024, more than 56,000 Chinese migrants crossed into the United States. In 2022, an estimated 375,000 undocumented Chinese lived in the United States, a figure that has probably increased due to China's recent economic woes. Between 2011 and 2022 alone, irregular Chinese immigration rose by more than 15 per cent (compared to 70.6 per cent for India) following a well-known route that takes migrants by plane from China to Ecuador and by road to the United States. In fact, some 13,000 Chinese arrived in Latin America in 2022, rising to 45,000 in 2023. An estimate 110,000 undocumented South Koreans also lived in the United States in 2022, but their situation is completely different from that of economic migrants. Many were adopted by US couples between the end of the Korean War in 1953 and the late 1980s, when South Korea was still ruled by a military dictatorship and adoptions took place without certifying that the children were orphans. Amid a legislative vacuum, these children were never granted citizenship. In 2000 a law was approved that automatically naturalised children given up for adoption, but only if they were under 18 years old, which excluded many South Korean-born children. Presently, some 20 per cent of South Korean-born adults adopted in the last 60 years face deportation, people like Adam Crapser, who was forced to leave the United States in 2016, without any knowledge of Korean language and culture, and with two American children. The legal battle he launched against the South Korean government in 2019 should reach a conclusion next January; meanwhile, it has brought to light the plight of hundreds of adoptees whose origins have been faked or concealed. by Mathias Hariyadi In Boyolali last week, dozens of farmers used it to take a bath. Behind the discontent is the unresolved issue of quotas. Today at least 80% of the raw material comes from abroad. For years there has been a demand for a law to regulate the sector. Jakarta (AsiaNews) - In the Boyolali region of Central Java, a protest by Indonesian milk producers against the massive importation of the raw material has exploded, and the contours it has taken over the past few days have caused deep dismay among citizens and civil society. Last week, in fact, dozens of dairy farmers gathered to demonstrate threw away thousands of litres of fresh milk, using them for a group bath. Last week's demonstration in the streets was linked to farmers' frustration over the treatment received by local fresh milk compared to that imported from abroad. This discontent is the result of government policies that have led to almost 200,000 tonnes of product being thrown away. The wrath and discontent of the farmers did not only affect the Boyolali region, but involved other towns on the island of Java. In the previous days, similar scenes with huge quantities of milk dumped on the streets were seen in Pasuruan, in the east, also because after 40 hours in the temporary warehouses, the product was now unusable. This can only happen when local fresh milk products are not purchased by the so-called Milk Production Industry, or Ips, explained Teguh, a member of the National Milk Council in a note dated 9 November. The Centre of Reform on Economics (Core) Indonesia points the finger at the lack of cooperation between dairy farmers and regulatory agencies. The facts show that no more than 20 per cent of the total Indonesian dairy farmers have signed a partnership with the agencies, says Eliza, a Core representative. And with domestic production barely reaching 21%, at least 79% is bought, she warns, from abroad. Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi confirms that 80 per cent of the milk supply to meet domestic demand is imported. Government estimates show national milk consumption in 2022 and 2023 at 4.4 and 4.6 million tonnes respectively. Meanwhile, according to existing trade data, national milk consumption in 2022 and 2023 was 4.44 million tonnes and 3.7 million tonnes, respectively. Currently, the number of national dairy cooperatives reaches 59. In 2023, the number of cows in dairy cooperatives was 227,615, which produced a total value of 470 thousand tonnes of milk. In contrast, modern dairy farms with 32 thousand cows can produce 164 thousand tonnes. Currently, the country from which the largest amount comes is New Zealand, which produces 21.3 million tonnes of milk. Together with Australia, Wellington benefits from the free trade agreement (FTA) with Jakarta. At the moment, a 2018 law that is supposed to regulate the dairy sector under a farmer-agency partnership is still under discussion. In response to the new protests, Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman suggested suspending the import permit to five Ips entities. The amendment is still under discussion, so that the industry, the minister explains, can buy fresh local dairy products. In 1997-1998, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had forced Jakarta to revoke the binding regulation for the absorption of local fresh milk products by the Ips, due to the growing need in the domestic market. Today's news: Houthi attacks on US warships off Yemen; Several flights between Bali and Australia cancelled due to volcanic ash; In Thailand dismantled several centres that were stealing energy to produce bitcoin illegally; Accident in Pakistan, a bus ends up in the river; Chechens do not want their land to go to war veterans in Ukraine. PALAU Surangel Whipps Jr. was re-elected president of Palau for a second term, defeating his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau in the 5 November election. The archipelago, among Taiwan's few allies, is home to 18,000 people and stretches between the Philippines and the US military base in Guam. This year it renewed an agreement with Washington under which it grants its air and sea space to the US in exchange for USD 890 million in economic assistance to be received over 20 years. YEMEN The Pentagon confirmed that several US warships were hit by Houthi attacks while sailing in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen. The pro-Iranian group claimed to have attacked the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and two destroyers. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces reported that they successfully shot down all drones and missiles launched by the Houthis. INDONESIA Several airlines have cancelled flights between Australia and the Indonesian island of Bali due to dangerous ash clouds from a Lewotaobi Laki-laki volcano that could reach Australia's northern shores today and in the coming days. A major eruption last week killed 10 people. THAILAND Thai authorities dismantled nine centres involved in the illegal creation of bitcoin. Two suspects were indicted for stealing 0,000 worth of electricity using modified meters. Large amounts of energy are required to produce bitcoins. The value of the digital currency rose to 80 thousand dollars with the election of Trump. PAKISTAN A bus carrying 27 passengers on their way to a wedding procession crashed into the Indus River in northern Pakistan, killing 14 people, local authorities in the Gilgit Baltistan region reported. Another 12 passengers are reported missing and one survivor. JAPAN Japan's nuclear watchdog has determined that a reactor in the country's central area has failed the overhaul tests required for restart. It is the first such case since the authority was created following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. For the rector in question, the supervisory authority has not ruled out the possibility that the reactor is above an earthquake fault. RUSSIA Elderly Chechen inhabitants in the city of Leninaul in Dagestan, called Aktas-Aukh in Chechen, have addressed Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov with the request not to allow their land, disputed since Stalin's time, to be allocated to veterans of the war in Ukraine for building purposes, according to the blog of the opponent Tumso Abdurakhmanov. by Nirmala Carvalho Eleven more ethnic Kukis were killed in Jiribam district. Police describe them as militants", a claim challenged by the Forum of Tribal Leaders who view the incident as a deliberate attack against volunteers patrolling their village after it was involved in an attack last week. Archbishop Neli calls for prayers, that life might get back to normal. Imphal (AsiaNews) Violence is escalating in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur. For over a year and a half, majority Meitei, a predominantly Hindu group living in the Imphal Valley, have been pitted against the mostly Christian Kuki who live in the hills. As the situation gets worse, we're praying for normal and peaceful life, said Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal speaking to AsiaNews. The latest serious incident occurred on Monday, when at least 11 Kukis were shot dead in Jiribam district. The local police claim they were attacking the head of the Central Reserve Police Force, who reacted by killing the "militants who had several weapons in their possession. However, Kuki have strongly rejected this version of events, blocking the hilly areas in protest, while the authorities imposed a curfew. According to the Forum of Indigenous Tribal Leaders, those killed were local volunteers from the village of Hmar on a patrol to protect their community after a recent attack in which a tribal woman was killed. The Hmar Student Association condemned the incident, calling it a "premeditated massacre" by security forces in collaboration with "Meitei militants". Other clashes were reported on Sunday in the rice fields of Sanasabi, Imphal East district when suspected Kuki militants allegedly attacked farmers harvesting rice in the Meitei-inhabited area of Sanasabi Loukol and the nearby village of Thamnapokpi. The police responded to the attack and an exchange of gunfire ensued that lasted 40 minutes during which an officer was wounded. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. Azerbaijani President Aliyev has repeatedly described such a change as a precondition for signing a peace deal with Armenia. Aliyev reiterated it during talks with foreign leaders held in recent days. Baku points to the constitutions preamble that mentions a 1990 declaration of Armenias independence. The declaration in turn cites a 1989 unification act adopted by the legislative bodies of Soviet Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. Echoing a recent ruling by the Armenian Constitutional Court, Pashinian downplayed the legal significance of the preamble. Articles of the constitution take precedence over it, he said, adding that it is the Azerbaijani constitution that lays claim to Armenian territory. Armenia, however, does not raise the issue of changing the Azerbaijani constitution for two reasons, Pashinian told the Armenian parliament. First, such a demand would deadlock the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. And second, there is an article in the agreed part of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan which states that the parties cannot refer to their domestic legislation to justify their failure to implement this treaty. By the same logic, we believe that there is no need to amend the Armenian constitution in this context, he said. Pashinian himself declared in January that Armenia needs a new constitution reflecting the new geopolitical environment in the region. He denied critics claims that he wants to scrap the current constitution at the behest of Baku. Still, Pashinian said at the time that peace with Azerbaijan will be impossible as long as the constitutional reference to the 1990 declaration remains in place. In May, the Armenian premier ordered an ad hoc government body to draft the new constitution by the end of 2026. The head of the body said afterwards that it will likely be put on a referendum in 2027. Pashinian said on Wednesday that he could initiate constitutional changes in the unlikely event of Armenias Constitutional Court refusing to validate the possible peace treaty. Last month, Pashinian reportedly proposed to Aliyev that their foreign ministers hold two-day intensive talks to iron out their remaining differences and sign the peace treaty before the COP29 climate summit that began in Baku on Monday. No such talks took place. A senior Armenian diplomat admitted on Monday that the two sides still disagree on some provisions of the would-be treaty after exchanging fresh peace proposals last week. Aliyevs top foreign policy aide, Hikmet Hajiyev, told the Russian TASS news agency on Wednesday that Baku and Yerevan will likely resume their discussions of the sticking points next month. 13 November 2024 11:58 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The official opening of the Multilevel Action and Urban Planning Pavilion took place today in Baku, Azernews reports. The ceremony was held as part of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which is being hosted in Baku from November 11 to November 22. The ribbon was cut by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, and Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment and Urbanization of Turkiye. As reported earlier, Baku is hosting the 29th UN Climate Change Conference COP29 with an attendance of over 60 thousand guests, delegates, and officials. Besides, COP29 gives an opportunity for experts and delegates to hold side events to discuss issues related to the topics on the COP29 agenda. COP29 will continue its sessions until 22 November. 13 November 2024 16:32 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Yuriko Koike, the Governor of Tokyo, who is visiting Baku to participate in the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), met with Eldar Azizov, the Head of Baku City Executive Authority, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Baku City Executive Authority. Yuriko Koike emphasized how impressed she was by the cleanliness and beauty of Baku and expressed her satisfaction with being in Azerbaijan and participating in COP29. The guest also noted the rapid development of both Azerbaijan and the city of Baku in recent years. Eldar Azizov, the Head of Baku City Executive Authority, expressed his pleasure at the Japanese delegation's visit and provided information about the city. He stated that the development of Baku and the regions today is the result of the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Later, the future cooperation between the two capital cities was discussed. 13 November 2024 13:19 (UTC+04:00) Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met with Pakistan's Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, and the CEO of CESI SpA, Nikola Melkiotti, during the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku from November 11 to November 22, Azernews reports. During the meeting with Musadik Malik, both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of relations between the two countries. The important role of President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to Pakistan in July of this year was highlighted in strengthening bilateral ties and determining various areas of cooperation in the energy sector. Opportunities for cooperation between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in oil products trade and oil and gas infrastructure projects were discussed. The acceleration of bilateral consultations was also emphasized. Additionally, discussions were held on cooperation in renewable energy, and Pakistan was invited to join COP29's energy initiatives. In his meeting with Nikola Melkiotti, the technical and economic feasibility study (TEAS) of the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor" project was reviewed, and the initial results of the study were assessed. The discussion also focused on the role of CESI SpA, which has been engaged as a consulting company for the TEAS of the "Green Energy Development and Transmission Project" between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Topics such as the participation of Bulgaria in the project, the transportation of renewable energy from Central Asian countries through this corridor, infrastructure financing, and the involvement of European companies were also discussed. 13 November 2024 14:42 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. A meeting was held at the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) with Alteo Husi, the Director General of the Media and Information Agency of Albania, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 13 November 2024 14:13 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Azernews reports. Initially, the Joint Development Agreement between SOCAR and Asarel Energy was signed with the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in attendance. During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of the signed document, noting its role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The head of state expressed gratitude to the President of Bulgaria for attending COP29. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that this event had already yielded effective results, particularly with significant advancements on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement regarding carbon credit trading, an issue that had seen no progress over the past decade. Touching on the importance of COP29, the President of Bulgaria praised the excellent organization of the event. He emphasized that the outcomes achieved here would hold great significance for the future. Rumen Radev expressed satisfaction with the successful development of bilateral ties. They discussed new cooperation projects in renewable energy, noting that recent statements from international financial and banking institutions regarding a new financial target within COP29 offer significant optimism. 13 November 2024 17:34 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In response to Azernews' inquiry, Thomas Debass, Managing Director of the U.S. State Departments Office of Global Partnerships, shared insights into the growing role of the private sector in addressing global climate challenges. A key focus of his remarks was the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship, a U.S.-led initiative designed to foster collaboration between the private sector, NGOs, and academia to create innovative solutions for climate resilience and adaptation. The initiative, which currently operates nine hubs around the world, has become a focal point for fostering global partnerships to tackle climate change through entrepreneurship. These hubs are designed to support startups and entrepreneurs focused on sustainable solutions, as well as to facilitate workforce development programs aligned with climate goals. The U.S. has the most dynamic private sector, both in terms of resources and global reach, Debass explained during the interview. In the past four years, weve been able to engage key players across industries, from tech giants like Google, NVIDIA, and Salesforce, to smaller startups and academic institutions. Its a collaborative effort with a shared vision: to address climate change and create impactful solutions through innovation. The hubs are located in diverse regions, including Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica, Vietnam, and the United States (San Francisco/Silicon Valley), which acts as a coordinating point for the international network. These hubs aim to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to climate action, with a focus on adaptation, resilience, and new technologies. However, as the initiative expands, Debass acknowledged the possibility of setting up new hubs to meet regional needs. When asked about the potential for establishing a hub in Azerbaijan, Debass responded positively, noting that while there isnt yet a hub in the region, the idea would be open for exploration. We would be happy to explore the possibility of a hub in Azerbaijan, he said. These hubs are intended to be regional, and although we dont have one in that particular area yet, its something we could definitely look into. The key is that these hubs are driven by private sector engagement, and we want to see organic interest and collaboration from the local business community. Debass emphasized that the creation of such hubs is not a top-down initiative but rather a collaborative effort. "Its not just about what the U.S. government can do. Its about what the private sector can bring to the table," he said. The success of our current hubs will serve as a model, and if there is strong interest from the private sector in Azerbaijan, we would be excited to explore how to make that happen. While the focus is currently on ensuring the effectiveness and impact of the existing hubs, Debass expressed confidence that the initiative will continue to expand globally, especially as lessons are learned from the ongoing hubs. Were still in the process of seeing what these hubs can deliver, but we are optimistic that they will be an important catalyst for scaling up solutions to the climate crisis, he concluded. The U.S. State Departments Office of Global Partnerships remains committed to fostering public-private collaborations to address climate change, with a focus on leveraging the power of entrepreneurship to create sustainable, impactful change. As the conversation on global climate solutions continues to evolve, the role of regional hubs and private sector partnerships will be crucial in meeting ambitious climate goals. 13 November 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, began with the gathering of heads of state and government on the second day. The international event, attended by more than 100 world leaders, gathered on the second day to discuss more important issues and put forward initiatives. There were also many experts from around the world participating in COP29. They exchanged views on important issues on side events and also shared their views with local and international media. Observer and AI expert Shrey Goyal unpacks the difference between Sustainable AI (designing AI systems that are environmentally conscious) and AI for Sustainability (leveraging AI to reach sustainable development goals) in his interview with Azernews. In this interview, we dive into the groundbreaking potential of Sustainable AI and how it can transform our approach to climate change. We learn about the innovative ways AI is being used to reduce energy consumption in tech infrastructure, boost renewable energy use, and track environmental changes like deforestation. Plus, we discover the critical role of global collaborationbetween governments, tech companies, and environmental organizationsto ensure AIs development benefits both for society and the planet. Explaining the concept, Goyal emphasized, "Its essential to distinguish between sustainable AI and AI for sustainability. Sustainable AI is about ensuring that AI development and deployment are sustainable, adhering to environmental norms, and in some definitions, also ethical and social standards. Conversely, AI for sustainability uses AI to achieve sustainable development, environmental, social, and governance goals." Goyal highlighted how AI supports climate action: "AI can help reduce the carbon impact of ICT technologies, such as using smart cooling for energy-intensive servers. It can optimize energy systems by determining the most efficient times for solar or wind energy. Additionally, AI can track deforestation and enhance system efficiency across various processes." He discussed the technologies addressing AI's carbon footprint, noting that "AI training has a huge carbon impact; training a medium-sized AI model consumes energy equivalent to five cars over their lifetimes. Reducing this is vital, especially with AI potentially consuming up to 20% of global electricity by 2030. New algorithms for efficient training and federated models help by reducing data transfer energy. Using renewable energy and placing data centers in cooler regions can further reduce energy consumption." On the necessity of collaboration, Goyal stressed, "Collaboration is crucial. AIs rapid growth poses regulatory and societal challenges, affecting everything from environmental impact to job markets. International organizations like the UN and NGOs can drive collaborative efforts. For example, the UNFCCCs technology mechanism includes an AI for Climate initiative with Google, Microsoft, and small island developing states, though more initiatives are needed." Reflecting on the role of the private and public sectors, he concluded, "Our organization is also aiding governments in AI use. The commercial sector often leads in adopting new technology, sometimes for purposes like marketing or data exploitation. It's crucial to enable AIs potential for the social sector and governments as well. AI holds great promise but also poses risks, so we need to proceed with caution." 13 November 2024 19:33 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more As the global climate summit, COP29 continues to bring together leaders and organizations from around the world, one voice is particularly focused on highlighting the environmental and climate-related struggles faced by colonized regions and small island nations. Mr. Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), is in attendance this year with a clear message: the international community must do more to address the long-lasting impacts of colonial exploitation on the environment. In an exclusive interview with Azernews, Abbasov shared the work that BIG is doing at COP29 to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of colonialism. "Today, we held a conference dedicated to the environmental impacts of colonial exploitation, particularly by France and other European colonial powers. We believe these issues have been largely overlooked in global climate discussions," he explained. "Our organization is committed to shedding light on how colonial legacies continue to affect the political, economic, and environmental landscapes of these regions." The Baku Initiative Group's focus this year at COP29 is not only to raise awareness about these ongoing challenges but also to present concrete solutions. Abbasov emphasized that two additional side events are planned during the summit to focus on the climate crises facing African nations and other colonized regions. The group aims to give a platform to those who are most affected by climate change yet have historically been excluded from global decision-making processes. One of the most pressing issues at COP29 is climate finance, which has been a major point of contention. Small island nations, in particular, have been calling for increased financial support to help them combat the devastating effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Abbasov echoed these concerns, stressing that climate finance must be distributed equitably, with a focus on the regions most in need. "We, as an international NGO, have repeatedly called for intergovernmental organizations to take stronger actions to address the specific needs of small island nations and colonized regions," he said. "We hope that through increased global solidarity, there will be meaningful progress in securing the financial resources these regions urgently need." Abbasov remained optimistic that the momentum generated at COP29 could lead to a significant shift in how climate finance is allocated. "With the participation of global leaders and organizations, we are hopeful that the call for a greener and more equitable world will not go unheard," he said. The work of the Baku Initiative Group at COP29 underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices in the fight against climate change. Abbasovs message is clear: true climate justice requires acknowledging and addressing the enduring impacts of colonialism and supporting those regions that have been most affected by it. 13 November 2024 11:36 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Azerbaijan and Armenia will return to discussions on the text of the peace agreement next month, Azernews reports, citing Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs at the Presidential Administration, as he said during an interview with TASS. He noted that the main focus for Azerbaijan until the end of November is COP29: "It is possible that starting from December, a new process will begin regarding the discussion of the peace agreement text and the continuation of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan." Hajiyev added that there are certain questions regarding the text of the document: "The Armenian side has not responded in time to our proposals regarding the peace agreement text, which is why discussions and negotiations are ongoing at the expert level. As a result, there is a sense that the process is currently delayed. Most likely, starting from December, a new phase of the process will begin." 12 November 2024 22:23 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event. On November 12, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, hosted a reception at the Gulustan Palace in Baku in honor of the heads of state and government attending the opening ceremony of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 13 November 2024 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a speech at the high-level event titled "Glaciers 2025: Taking Global Action on Glaciers Preservation," held during the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports. In his address, FM Bayramov emphasized the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on glaciers and the importance of international cooperation to tackle these environmental challenges. The event was attended by Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and other high-ranking officials. 13 November 2024 11:40 (UTC+04:00) Yet one of the important deliverables of COP 29 at the regional and trans regional level. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed MOU on development and transmission of renewable energy along the Caspian Sea. The project will also be linked with the Black Sea energy cable. pic.twitter.com/12dniMP3JT Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration, shared the news on his official "X" account. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing and transmitting renewable energy along the Caspian Sea, marking a significant step in regional cooperation on sustainable energy, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 13 November 2024 11:50 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of COP29, commending the excellent organization of the event. He said Uzbekistan, as a friend, brother, and ally of Azerbaijan, was happy about this. The President of Uzbekistan noted that Azerbaijan holds a special place in Uzbekistan. The President of Uzbekistan also highlighted the historic period in bilateral relations, with the signing of an Agreement on Allied Relations earlier this year. Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the close cooperation and successful implementation of joint projects by delegations from both countries. President Ilham Aliyev thanked the President of Uzbekistan for attending COP29. Touching on the importance of the signed documents, the President of Azerbaijan said that the implementation of green energy development and transmission projects reflects the essence of relations between the countries. The head of state expressed his gratitude for the project related to the construction of a sewing factory in the city of Khankendi and emphasized the importance of providing employment to a large number of people. During the meeting, the Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the implementation of the Uzbekistan House in Baku and the Azerbaijan House in Uzbekistan projects, the opening of a trade representative office of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan, as well as projects in education, engineering, construction, mining, pharmaceuticals, cotton growing, and tourism. Following the meeting, the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan joined the opening ceremony of a sewing factory in the city of Khankendi via video link. President Ilham Aliyev: Congratulations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Congratulations. It's a successful start. President Ilham Aliyev: It is written here both in Azerbaijani and Uzbek languages. The words are the same. This factory is another symbol of our unity. I express my gratitude to my brother Shavkat Miromonovich for the fact that our Uzbek friends have helped to establish a wonderful enterprise in Khankendi in a short period of time. Thousands of people will work here and, of course, most of them will be women. This is employment, this is production, this is the development of Karabakh. Our Uzbek brothers are the first here, too. They were the first to help us in building a school in Fuzuli, and they were the first to help us in creating such a large enterprise in the liberated territories. I would like to once again express my gratitude to Shavkat Miromonovich, all our Uzbek friends, and brothers for such a brotherly attitude and congratulate you on the opening of this enterprise. x x x The construction of the sewing factory was carried out based on the instructions of the Presidents of the two countries to deepen the economic and investment cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The total investment cost of the project is 11 million manats. Joint industrial cooperation is in place to supply raw materials to the factory. The enterprise will operate using both local and Uzbek raw materials. 80 percent of the factorys products will be exported to different countries, making a significant contribution to the growth of non-oil exports in the region. Covering an area of 1.2 hectares, the facility will produce 3-5 million units of various knitted products per year. In total, 800 jobs will be created. 250 people have received professional training at the initial stage of the project and are currently employed. Special attention has been paid to the employment of people returning to the territories liberated from occupation and living in surrounding districts. As a symbol of successful cooperation between the two countries, the sewing factory, a joint venture of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, opens new opportunities for the development of light industry in the country and strengthens traditional friendly and economic partnership relations. 13 November 2024 13:07 (UTC+04:00) Since Azerbaijan became the host country of COP29, our relationship with small island developing states has been elevated to a new high level. The votes of SIDS must be heard on a global stage. Azernews reports that President Ilham Aliyev said this during his speech at the Leaders Summit of the Small Islands Developing States on Climate Change held on November 13 as part of COP29. "I call all developed countries, especially with the colonial past to provide tangible financial and technical support to small island states," President Ilham Aliyev emphasized. 13 November 2024 13:43 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan is demonstrating its unwavering support for small island states. We have provided assistance to a number of disaster-hit countries in mitigating the impact of hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, said President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the Leaders Summit of the Small Islands Developing States on Climate Change held on November 13 as part of COP29. We have also supported water supply, food security, and the restoration of cultural heritage projects. More than 10 small island states have benefited from our educational grant program to study at universities in Azerbaijan, the head of state added. 13 November 2024 12:36 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Leaders Summit of the Small Islands Developing States on Climate Change was held in Baku as part of COP29. Azernews reports that Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended the event. The President of Azerbaijan addressed the Summit. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - Distinguished Secretary-General, Distinguished heads of state and government, Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends. I welcome all the participants of our Summit. Since Azerbaijan became the host country of COP29, our relationship with small island developing states has been elevated to a new high level. The voices of SIDS must be heard on the global stage. I call on all developed countries, especially those with a colonial past, to provide tangible financial and technical support to small island states so that they can protect their countries from climate change complications. Climate change affects every country, including Azerbaijan. We see that year after year. The Caspian Sea becomes more and more shallow. We see that there is less water in our rivers, less snow in our mountains, and floods and heavy rains, which we never experienced in the past, is unfortunately a reality today. So every country is affected, but for SIDS, it is an existential threat. Azerbaijan is demonstrating its unwavering support for small islands states. We have provided assistance to a number of disaster-prone countries in mitigating the impact of hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. We have also supported water supply, food security, and the restoration of cultural heritage projects. More than 10 small island states have benefited from our educational grant program to study at universities in Azerbaijan. During our four-year-long chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we provided financial and humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries, including 20 small island states. Addressing the challenges faced by these countries is at the center of Azerbaijan's efforts at COP29. The leaders from Bahamas, Tonga, and Tuvalu visited Azerbaijan this May to discuss their vision for COP. The adopted Baku Communique called for a meaningful outcome at COP29 and underscored the importance of accessible climate finance. Serious progress was achieved on making operational the Loss and Damage Fund in Baku this September. Now, the process must be completed to deliver finance to countries in need, in particular small island states. This summer in Tonga, Azerbaijan signed the Joint Declaration with the Commonwealth. We are providing contribution of 10 million US dollars to support joint projects in the Commonwealth small island states. An MoU with the Commonwealth was also signed to use satellite data from the Space Agency of Azerbaijan as a cosmos for environmental monitoring and evaluation. Dear ladies and gentlemen, using this opportunity, I'd like to raise one of the important issues on the international agenda neo-colonialism and climate change. The so-called overseas territories of France and the Netherlands, particularly in the Caribbean and Pacific, are among the most severely impacted by climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss create serious threats to these regions. The voices of these communities are often brutally suppressed by the regimes in their metropolises. The peoples of French colonies such as New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Mayotte, Wallis and Futuna, Corsica, Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint-Martin, Saint Barthelemy, and colonies of the Netherlands such as Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Let's applaud the people of these territories. They are still suffering today - in the 21st century - from colonial rule. French Polynesia and New Caledonia have been recognized as non-self-governing territories by the United Nations since 1946-1947. However, their decolonization process is still delayed. Between 1966 and 1996, French Polynesia faced serious environmental degradation due to 193 nuclear tests conducted by France. France is responsible for severe soil and water contamination and radiation there. Radiation levels exceeded 4,900%. If we add the 17 nuclear tests conducted by France in Algeria during the years of occupation, we will see what damage this country made to the ecosystem of the planet. The list of Frances crimes in their so-called overseas territories would not be complete if we did not mention the recent human rights violations by the regime. The regime of President Macron killed 13 and injured 169 people during this year's legitimate protest by Kanaks in New Caledonia. 1,700 people were arrested. During the protest in Martinique and Guadeloupe, also this year, 38 people were arrested. After all that, France was not denounced, neither by the European Commission, nor by the European Parliament, nor by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This is a political hypocrisy. The European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, two institutions that have become symbols of political corruption, share responsibility with the government of President Macron for the killings of innocent people. All political prisoners in France must be immediately liberated. But what else can we expect from the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe if Chief European diplomat Josep Borrell calls Europe a garden and the rest of the world jungles?! If we are jungles, then stay away from us and don't interfere in our affairs. Azerbaijan supported small island states as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, supports them as President of COP29, and will continue to support our friends in the future. Thank you very much. x x x Other speakers at the event included the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, the COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, and the heads of delegations from the small island developing states. 13 November 2024 14:32 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev Ilham Aliyev met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Azernews reports. First, the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the reconstruction of water supply, sanitation, and stormwater management network and construction of wastewater treatment plant in Ganja" was held with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso. During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the importance of the Memorandum, saying that this marks a very significant chapter in the cooperation agenda between the two countries. The head of state described the signing of this document as another important milestone in bilateral cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Odile Renaud-Basso for her participation in COP29. Underlining the importance of the event, the head of state noted that very effective results have already been achieved. The EBRD President thanked for the hospitality and high-level organization of the COP29, describing it as an event of paramount importance. She hailed the Memorandum as a milestone event in the cooperation between the two countries. The meeting included the exchange of views on potential projects, as well as the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EBRD. 13 November 2024 15:44 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's Ombudsman has commended the decision of the International Court of Justice to examine facts of Armenia's mine terrorism, Azernews reports. As a result of Armenia's policy of aggression and ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijan for many years, the fundamental rights and freedoms of more than a million Azerbaijanis, as enshrined in international legal documents, have been violated, the norms and principles of international law and international humanitarian law have been grossly violated, and war crimes have been committed. Legal steps taken at the international level to restore the rights and freedoms of Azerbaijanis, which have been continuously violated for decades, are extremely important in terms of ensuring justice. Despite the objections of the Armenian side, we consider the decision of the International Court of Justice to consider Azerbaijan's legal claim against this country, as well as the facts related to Armenia's mine terrorism, on the merits, commendable. We consider the court's rejection of the attempts of the Azerbaijani side to exclude from the jurisdiction of the court the justified claims of the Azerbaijani side regarding the placement of mines and mine traps in our territories during and after the occupation by Armenia, as an important step towards restoring justice. 13 November 2024 14:47 (UTC+04:00) Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Togolese Republic, on November 13, Azernews reports. The head of state expressed gratitude to his Togolese counterpart for participating in COP29. In response, President Gnassingbe thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation and noted the excellent organization of the event. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijan places great emphasis on its relations with African countries, including Togo. Both leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation including potential collaboration in education, agriculture, and other areas. 13 November 2024 14:53 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, Azernews reports. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the excellent organization of COP29 and fondly recalled his official visit to Azerbaijan. The President of the Republic of the Congo invited the Azerbaijani leader to pay an official visit to his country. During the meeting, the Presidents exchanged views on bilateral relations between the two countries. They noted the organization of a visit by a delegation of experts from various ministries in Azerbaijan to Congo in a short span of time, as well as exploring opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as the economy, trade, agriculture, and others. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided for students from Congo to study in Azerbaijan. They also discussed cooperation between the two countries within international organizations. The President of Azerbaijan highlighted the substantial progress made at COP29, particularly in regard to key issues, but emphasized that the process would continue until the conclusion of the event. Both Presidents welcomed the initial agreements reached on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The sides also discussed the commencement of the Loss and Damage Fund, as well as additional financial contributions to it. They also recognized the positive development of a new financial target set by international financial and banking institutions. 13 November 2024 15:57 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Azernews reports. The Prime Minister conveyed greetings from President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari to President Ilham Aliyev, who expressed his appreciation and requested that his own greetings be conveyed in return. The Pakistani Prime Minister congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the successful organization of COP29 and expressed delight that such a significant event was held in Azerbaijan. He also commended the Azerbaijani leaders impactful speech at the opening ceremony of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP 29. President Ilham Aliyev thanked the Pakistani Prime Minister for his participation in COP29 and recalled his visit to Pakistan with satisfaction. Both leaders described discussions held and agreements signed during that visit as significant for advancing bilateral relations, and touched upon cooperation in investments, economy, and trade. They noted the increasing frequency of delegation visits and hailed cooperation within international organizations. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Pakistan trilateral partnership. 13 November 2024 16:36 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Azernews reports. The President of Rwanda thanked Azerbaijan for the invitation to COP29, praising excellent organization and hospitality of the event. He also noted that President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the opening of the COP29 Leaders' Summit was comprehensive and meaningful. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to President Kagame for attending COP29. He mentioned that since taking on the COP presidency, Azerbaijan has faced unfair and unjust attacks including various campaigns in the international media, which he described as unacceptable. President Ilham Aliyev stressed that there seems to be a misconception that developing countries are the polluters of the world. The President of Rwanda also discussed cooperation with Azerbaijan under the framework of the Commonwealth. The Azerbaijani leader highlighted Azerbaijan's financial assistance to small island states through the Commonwealth and the use of Azerbaijan's satellite capabilities to prepare a database on the challenges those countries face due to climate change, reaffirming Azerbaijan's commitment to practical and beneficial cooperation. During the meeting, bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Rwanda were discussed. President Kagame expressed interest in Azerbaijan's "ASAN Khidmet" model. Both leaders discussed cooperation related to its potential implementation in Rwanda. President Ilham Aliyev provided details about ASAN and DOST services, emphasizing their positive reception by citizens. The discussion also covered economic, trade, investment cooperation, and expanding people-to-people contacts. A joint working group was agreed upon to enhance cooperation in these areas. President Kagame expressed Rwanda's intention to further strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan. He invited President Ilham Aliyev for an official visit to Rwanda, while the Azerbaijani leader extended an invitation to his Rwandan counterpart to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan. 13 November 2024 17:42 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Joseph Owondault Berre, Vice-President of the Gabonese Republic, Azernews reports. Joseph Owondault Berre expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation to participate in COP29 and congratulated Azerbaijan on successfully hosting the event. The head of state underscored the importance Azerbaijan attaches to enhancing relations with African countries. During the conversation, both sides touched upon reciprocal visits of the two countries delegations to further enhance economic relations. 13 November 2024 17:53 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Shina Ansari, Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of the Department of Environment, Azernews reports. Shina Ansari congratulated the President of Azerbaijan on hosting COP29 in Baku and conveyed greetings from Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked Shina Ansari to convey his regards to the President of Iran. President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his phone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian following his election as President, noting that since then, Azerbaijani government delegations at various levels had visited Iran. Shina Ansari hailed the strong relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, describing these ties as historic. During the conversation, they discussed ongoing joint projects on the Araz River, the construction of a hydropower plant, and environmental cooperation, underscoring the importance of the intergovernmental commission's activities. They also discussed the North-South Transport Corridor, focusing on trilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran. The meeting addressed the ecological problems of the Caspian Sea, including the issue of its declining water levels. The sides noted the significance of cooperation among the bordering countries to address these issues. President Ilham Aliyev expressed concern about the discharge of waste from Armenia's mining industry into the Araz River and its negative impact on the river's ecological condition. During the conversation, they exchanged views on various aspects of bilateral ties. 13 November 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Azernews reports. Ding Xuexiang conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, to the President of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked the Vice Premier to convey his regards to Xi Jinping. Ding Xuexiang commended President Ilham Aliyevs comprehensive and meaningful speech at COP29, noting the events excellent organization as a testament to Azerbaijans high organizational capacity under his leadership. Emphasizing that President Ilham Aliyevs directives had been fulfilled at a high level, Ding Xuexiang praised Azerbaijans achievements in organizing COP29 on such a large scale within a short timeframe. The Vice Premier highlighted the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, noting that the adoption of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China has elevated their cooperation to a new level. The head of state also said that relations between the two countries have developed into a strategic partnership, stressing that these ties have become richer in terms of content. The conversation also covered Azerbaijan's collaboration with China's BYD company, including the import of BYD electric buses for COP29. It was noted that an agreement on the production of BYD electric vehicles in Azerbaijan had also been reached. Both sides emphasized the importance of multilateral diplomacy and international dialogue. They also discussed cooperation under the One Belt, One Road initiative. Azerbaijans support for the project and the recent increase in cargo transportation were noted as positive developments. The sides highlighted that expanding Azerbaijan's transport infrastructure and the potential of the Port of Baku creates ample opportunities for future cargo transportation. The sides expressed satisfaction with the development of cultural and humanitarian relations between China and Azerbaijan, the frequency of high-level reciprocal visits, and cooperation within international organizations. 13 November 2024 18:49 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Azernews reports. The Greek Prime Minister congratulated the Azerbaijani leader on the excellent organization of COP29 within a short timeframe. During their conversation, they exchanged views on various areas of cooperation between the two countries. The discussion covered collaboration within international organizations, cultural and tourism partnership, and the launch of direct flights between Baku and Athens. 13 November 2024 19:16 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation. Azernews reports that greeting the Chairman of the Government, President Ilham Aliyev said: - I am delighted to see you. Thank you for taking the time to come to Azerbaijan. I am very glad that Russia is represented at this conference at a high level, and I am confident that your personal participation in the discussions will give them special significance. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Russian Federation for the support provided to Azerbaijan in the build-up to the decision to hold the conference in Baku and in the process of our preparations for COP29. For us, of course, this is an exceptional event. Events of such a scale have never been held in Azerbaijan before. We are glad that friendly countries are actively participating in this event and are represented at a high level. And, of course, as always, it is also a good opportunity to once again go over the bilateral agenda. Despite the fact that we have been meeting with Vladimir Vladimirovich very often lately, the agenda of our relations is still so extensive that there is a need for a regular review of everything that has been done and determine future directions for development. So, welcome again. x x x Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin said: - Thank you, dear Ilham Heydarovich. I would like to thank you for organizing all these events, in particular, for hosting such a large, probably the largest conference of the United Nations, which is dedicated to climate issues. Everyone here notes the highest level of its organization. I would also like to say that the day before my departure Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin conveyed his warmest wishes to you personally and also asked to congratulate you on the successful hosting of this conference, which everyone has already noted. In general, this conference is held in the South Caucasus for the first time, and this also emphasizes the special role of Azerbaijan, which, as I know, has done a lot to organize its agenda. The agenda is complex. Everyone notes the high level of all the discussions, including the balanced resulting document of the conference. As for our bilateral agenda, you have also mentioned it. Joint trade is growing. We cooperate across the wide spectrum of our bilateral agenda. This includes industry, energy, agriculture, cultural and humanitarian ties, digitalization. Ali Hidayatovich and I, along with our colleagues from the government, worked on this entire agenda today. Thank you very much again for your hospitality. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. And please convey my best wishes and greetings to Vladimir Vladimirovich. Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. 13 November 2024 12:49 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 12 November 2024 23:37 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Dubai is eagerly anticipating the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which will be held from December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025, Azernews reports. This year, Dubais Department of Festival Management and Retail (DFRE) will unite the entire emirate to host the grand and truly unique 30th anniversary season of DSF the largest and most spectacular in its history. Guests will enjoy 38 days of a rich program filled with exciting events and unforgettable experiences. The 30th Dubai Shopping Festival promises to be the most ambitious in its history, featuring a diverse calendar of events. The festival will offer massive discounts from more than 1,000 international and local brands, thrilling attractions at theme parks, outdoor activities, and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to win valuable prizes. Throughout the five-week festival, Dubais streets will be illuminated with dazzling Dubai Lights installations, transforming the city into a mesmerizing light show. The sky over Dubai will light up with spectacular fireworks displays, and daily world-class drone shows will add to the magic, making every evening a memorable experience. For more detailed information about the festival, visitors can check the Dubai Shopping Festival website. First held in 1996 as one of the worlds first large-scale shopping festivals, the Dubai Shopping Festival has become a symbol of Dubais leadership and its ambitious vision to transform the emirate into a modern global city. This initiative marked the beginning of a new chapter in the citys development, laying the foundation for its emergence as a dynamic metropolis on the world stage. Today, DSF is not only the longest-running shopping festival globally but also an annual celebration that captures the unique essence of Dubai. 13 November 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) After the political crisis that started with the collapse of the coalition that formed the federal government in Germany, an agreement was reached between the main political parties on the date of the early parliamentary elections. The coalition Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the opposition Christian Union parties (CDU/CSU) have agreed to hold early parliamentary elections on February 23 next year. The Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDR) also supported this decision. CDU leader Friedrich Mertz, Green Party parliamentary faction co-chairs Britta Hasselman and Katharina Droge, SPD parliamentary faction chairman Rolf Mutsenich met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the evening of November 12 at Bellevue Palace to discuss the date of the early parliamentary elections. . At the meeting, the President agreed to hold the extraordinary parliamentary elections on February 23. It should be noted that Chancellor Olaf Scholtz from the SPD plans to hold the vote of confidence in the government on December 16. According to the Constitution of the country, if the Bundestag does not show confidence in the government, the President must make a decision to dissolve the parliament within 21 days according to the Constitution. Extraordinary elections must be held within 60 days after the dissolution of the Parliament. ________________________________________________________________________________ As FEMA sources reveal that partisan discrimination against Trump supporters by FEMA in hurricane recovery happened in the Carolinas, too, Florida is taking action against FEMA for civil rights violations against conservatives. Florida's attorney general has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against FEMA's director and the Florida supervisor whose texts became public to avoid houses displaying Trump signs. https://redstate.com/streiff/2024/11/15/florida-sues-fema-director-for-civil-rights-violations-during-hurricane-recovery-n2182026 Don't expect this in North Carolina, however. Our outgoing and incoming state attorney generals are both extremely partisan and very liberal Democrats who would never challenge a Democrat political appointee that way. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ORIGINAL ARTICLE When several frontline FEMA whistleblowers came forward with text messages from a FEMA supervisor instructing them to skip over houses with Trump signs in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the supervisor involved was fired and FEMA leadership blamed it all on her. The Florida FEMA supervisor who was fired, Marn'i Washington of the FEMA Miami office tells a different story, however. Ms. Washington said she was instructed by the central FEMA administration to give those instructions to her frontline workers and she is being scapegoated. She also said similar instructions to skip pro-Trump houses were also given on the Hurricane Helene response in North and South Carolina. Florida Congressman Greg Steube who has been investigating the matter says this was not an isolated incident in Florida but happened all over the state, and also in the Carolinas. https://redstate.com/videos/2024/11/12/femas-anti-trump-hatred-just-got-worse-n2181894 https://nypost.com/2024/11/12/opinion/bidens-fema-mustnt-get-away-with-targeting-political-foes/ https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/fema-worker-fired-ordering-workers-skip-trump-houses/ It appears that quite a few federal agencies have run amok under Biden-Harris and will need to be de-politicized by the new administration. Those administrators who have been part of politically weaponizing these agencies will need to be replaced. President Trump is poised to strike a blow for holding down electric rates on his first day in office by ending government subsidies for offshore wind turbines. Offshore wind turbines are the most expensive way to make electricity and even with massive government subsidies, they still significantly raise electric rates to the consumer. Without the subsidies, the construction of these unsightly monstrosities which Trump described as "horrible" with dry up. This cancelation of offshore wind turbines will also be a boon to the environment as the turbines are prolific killers of wildlife ranging from sea birds to marine mammals such as whales. An abundance of dead whales started washing up on Atlantic beaches after the Biden regime opened the door to offshore wind turbine construction. The turbines also threaten to destroy the commercial fishing industry. https://stopthesethings.com/2024/11/10/stop-these-things-weekly-roundup-10-november-2024/ https://wattsupwiththat.com/2024/11/06/trumps-victory-and-climate-policy/ https://stopthesethings.com/2024/10/09/not-cheap-offshore-wind-power-4-times-the-cost-of-gas-and-nuclear-power/ https://www.city-journal.org/article/green-grifters?skip=1 The public generally is fed up with the radical enviromentalists as shown by the huge losses of Green Parties across Europe and the rise of consumer and farmer movements opposing the "green" agenda, like the German anti-green movement led by Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and the massive farmer protests across many countries in Europe against radical environmentalism. The political appeal of opposition to wind and solar electricity was shown in the most recent provincial election in Canada's largest province Ontario. When Doug Ford took over the helm of a faltering provincial Conservative Party on the eve of the election, he chose opposing the unpopular green energy boondoggle as his main focus, and the voters responded, turning a 2 to 1 Liberal over Conservative majority into a 10 to 1 Conservative over Liberal majority, the biggest landslide in Canadian history. Ford's first move as provincial premier was to cancel all wind and solar permits that were in the pipeline, and he followed that by repealing the Green Energy Act. Ford went on to cancel wind and solar projects already under construction, pointing out that the financial penalties for that were less than what the taxpayers would have to pay in subsidies if they were completed. His government also indicted criminally four wind energy companies for multiple felonies for polluting the groundwater. It would be great if Trump can slam bang the wind and solar grifters as soundly as Doug Ford has in Ontario. According to a 2024 Medicus white paper, there will be a projected shortage of 6,300 anesthesiologists by 2036. There are currently 51,492 active anesthesiologists in the U.S. Of those, 56.9% are 55 years or older and more than 17% are nearing retirement. At Beckers 30th Annual Business and Operations of ASCs Meeting in Chicago, two healthcare leaders shared strategies to address the shortage, focusing on workforce adaptations, flexible workflows and recruitment tactics. Adapt to the workforce The anesthesia workforce is in a transformative period, with professionals from at least three generations working side by side, said Gary Haynes, MD, PhD, chair of anesthesiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Recent medical school graduates have very different expectations regarding workload and often face high debt burdens, which impact their career decisions in ways that were less common in the past, Dr. Haynes said. Stan Plavin, MD, an anesthesiologist and owner of Oral Surgery Anesthesia Associates in Atlanta, echoed this, noting that the workforce today operates differently. Our society is not driven by the same sort of level of engagement professionally that it used to be, he said. To bridge these generational differences, Dr. Plavin emphasized the importance of offering a value proposition that encourages providers to excel while feeling satisfied professionally. This could involve implementing revenue guarantee models, profit sharing, ownership opportunities, addressing scheduling inefficiencies and exploring alternative business models. Flexible workflows In response to the shortage, Dr. Haynes team at Tulane has adopted flexible call schedules across multiple hospitals. Weve played with our call schedules and gone to instead of one night or one night on call the next day off wed go into a night float system for a week at a time, which helped mitigate our current situation, he said. We talk a lot about physician wellness and I think its easier for physicians to be on call and do it a week at a time, giving them more free time during the day and then a week off afterwards for mental and physical reasons. This setup not only allows for better mental and physical health but also offers providers the option to take extra shifts during their post-call week if desired. While this solution may feel like rearranging deck chairs rather than a fix, Dr. Haynes said, it has proved effective in maintaining operations during the shortage. Strong communication Effective communication between anesthesia teams and ASC or hospital leadership is essential. I always made a point of having a meeting with the hospital administrator at least once a month, if not more frequent, as well as meetings with the CEO, Dr. Haynes said. The thing thats made the most difference is developing a tighter relationship with operating room nurse managers and working together to understand each others concerns and to sit down and actually look at schedules a week or two out anticipating what the problems were going to be. Creative recruitment Developing creative recruitment strategies is critical to maintaining coverage, Dr. Plavin said. Were treading water right now, he said, adding that finding sustainable solutions that meet the needs of both patients and providers has been challenging. As a business owner, Dr. Plavin has found success by offering flexible scheduling, lifestyle perks, performance-based bonuses and a supportive work environment aligned with providers goals. He has also tailored his recruiting efforts to appeal to candidates of similar age, fostering better alignment of professional intentions and lifestyle expectations. Advantages of ASCs ASCs offer advantages for anesthesia providers, from fixed hours to reduced exposure to hospital environments. ASCs do a great job in solving a lot of patient problems. Because what are hospitals? Theyre a place where everyone whos sick goes, and so its a big petri dish for everybody and not the most efficient place, either, Dr. Haynes said. [ASCs] have fixed hours, you dont have call schedules. Youve got something that fits the lifestyle and lends itself to better wellness for CRNAs, for anesthesiologists, for everybody who works in them. Dr. Plavin agreed, adding that ASCs also enhance provider wellness and longevity in the field. However, he noted that some facilities may need to adjust expectations around revenue, possibly even subsidizing anesthesia care to attract and retain providers. I think the facilities are starting to realize that theyre not going to make money off of us, but in fact they may even have to subsidize our care, he said. A lot of times those facilities that are somewhat antiquated and not really where they need to be, its difficult for a practitioner to feel confident and comfortable in their skills. Dr. Panezai, the owner and operator of a heart and medical center, ran a scheme that caused more than $1.9 million in insurance reimbursements for false claims, according to a Nov. 12 news release from the Justice Department. The scheme consisted of Dr. Panezai submitting false claims to at least six health insurance benefit programs for visits that either did not take place at all or did not occur for the length of time he claimed. In one example, Dr. Panezai submitted claims for visits lasting about 28 hours for one day worth of visits. In addition to the prison sentence, Dr. Panezai was sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $1.95 million in restitution. Dr. Panezai had his license revoked following the conviction. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente is urging Congress to act to extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities before they expire at the end of 2024. During the pandemic, the federal government eased restrictions on telehealth coverage for traditional Medicare beneficiaries, allowing video visits, virtual care for people outside of rural areas, and additional types of clinicians to provide the service. However, those enhancements will go away Dec. 31 unless lawmakers pass one of the extension bills that have passed congressional committees. "Extending these flexibilities is essential," Keavney Klein, senior counsel for government relations at Kaiser Permanente, wrote in a Nov. 11 article. "All Medicare patients deserve more options, more convenience, and more equitable care not less." Telehealth critics worry that expanded virtual care could lead to more healthcare utilization and higher costs. But Kaiser Permanente has found that virtual visits can actually substitute for in-person appointments, and that return visits and emergency department stops after telehealth are both rare, Ms. Klein wrote. An American Medical Association House of Delegates committee is considering a resolution that the organization work with payers to bill patients for patient portal messages. Here are five things to know: 1. Several health systems have started charging patients for MyChart and other patient portal messages in recent years to get a handle on clinicians' clogged in-baskets. However, healthcare leaders are split on the efficacy of the policy. 2. CPT codes allow providers to bill patients for portal messages that take five minutes or more of their time in a seven-day period. 3. At the AMA Interim Meeting from Nov. 8-12 in Orlando, Fla., a resolution asked the AMA to "immediately collaborate with payers to seek adequate reimbursement for professional time spent answering questions on the patient portal not related to a recent visit." 4. The resolution said increasing demands on physicians' time from tasks like responding to patient portal messages are causing "significant burnout and moral injury." 5. The proposal called for the AMA to "continue to advocate for physicians to receive adequate compensation or seek relief from overreaching administrative tasks that take physicians' time away from direct patient care during our present climate of ever-increasing unpaid and unfunded mandates on their time." Abha Agrawal, MD, an internal medicine physician, joined Lawrence General Hospital as CEO in January. Four months later, Steward Health Care went bankrupt and left two nearby hospitals at risk of closure. Dr. Agrawal had a tough decision to make: acquire the financially struggling hospitals or leave the community without appropriate access to care. Steward put its hospitals up for auction in August and Lawrence General was ready to purchase Holy Family Hospital locations in Methuen and Haverhill, Mass. "We really felt along with the board of trustees that if any of those [hospitals] closed, it would have a devastating impact on our community as well as our hospital," said Dr. Agrawal at the Becker's CEO+CFO Roundtable on Nov. 11 in Chicago. "They see about the same number of ER visits combined as we have. So the closure would've had a devastating impact. We made a bold move to consider acquiring those two hospitals." It was a bold move because Lawrence General didn't have a strong enough balance sheet to acquire the hospitals without additional support from Massachusetts. The safety net hospital, which has a payer mix of around 70% government payers, reported a $31 million loss last year, with about 10% negative margin. "Task number one for me is to stabilize Lawrence General Health's finances because you cannot do anything unless you do that. I'm happy to report we were able to have a lift of $25 million just in nine months of [my] being there," said Dr. Agrawal. The executive team focused on cost reduction, especially for labor costs, and growing volume. Dr. Agrawal also zeroed in on innovating with the 340B program, which will continue after integrating the two new hospitals, and contract renegotiations. "You can do everything, but if you're not being paid fairly for the same amount of work that the hospital next door does, you simply cannot make the arithmetic work," said Dr. Agrawal. Lawrence General signed the paperwork for the acquisitions on Aug. 29 and took over the hospitals within 30 days time.The acquisition doubled Lawrence General's size, staff pool and revenue. But it also pulled back the veil on the tough financial realities for the newly acquired hospitals. "Steward's performance for Holy Family Hospital for the last two to three years makes Lawrence General's last year performance look rosy," said Dr. Agrawal. "Now our job is to make the finances work for the combined entity, understanding that there is going to be a pathway to profitability. Our most immediate thing is to stabilize clinical operations and make sure to maintain access to care, which is the reason we did the [acquisition] to start with." The silver lining is Lawrence General is now the dominant provider group in the region, and can create a system of scale and stability. The organization can now forge partnerships and collaborate with others to continue growing. "I'm very excited about that from a financial perspective as well," said Dr. Agrawal. "Lawrence General has a tremendous focus and a track record of both quality and equityWe hope to bring the same focus on quality and equity to the new system now. Lastly, this integration provides us unique opportunities from a financial profit as well as stabilization perspective because we can reduce duplication in clinical service lines." The hospitals can also share technology and expertise within the shared service model. "In spite of all the bad financial news, I'm super excited about the possibilities," said Dr. Agrawal. Shane Smith has been appointed president of SSM Health's Fond du Lac (Wis.) market. In this role, Mr. Smith has assumed leadership of St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, according to a Nov. 12 news release shared with Becker's. With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, he joined the organization in January as vice president of medical group operations for the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, the release said. Brent Meier, MD, vice president of surgical and acute care programs, was also appointed to an expanded role. As clinical vice president and market physician leader, Dr. Meier will oversee SSM Health's northern region. He will also serve as vice president of medical affairs for St. Agnes Hospital, Waupun (Wis.) Memorial Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital in Fond du Lac. The University of Alabama at Birmingham will offer a new program for healthcare executives in the spring. Five notes: 1. UAB's Center for Healthcare Management and Leadership will offer the weeklong program in collaboration with Press Ganey, according to a Nov. 12 news release from the university. "The data is clear: an organizational foundation of safety and quality utilizing high reliability principles demonstrably improves patient outcomes, staff engagement, and elevates the entire human experience in healthcare," Charles Hagood, DSc, managing partner at Press Ganey Consulting and a UAB alumnus, said in the release. 2. The High Reliability Certificate Program will train executives to apply high-reliability and human performance principles to improve healthcare quality and operations. 3. Participants will gain skills in shaping, communicating and sustaining a culture of safety and reliability. 4. Faculty from the department of health services administration and consultants from Press Ganey will lead the program. 5. The first session is set for March 3-7, and registration is open. Unique rural tradition attracts visitors to east China's Huangling Village Ecns.cn) 11:26, November 13, 2024 Shaiqiu, or "drying crops in autumn sunshine", attracts visitors to Huangling Village, Wuyuan County, east China's Jiangxi Province, Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Zhankun) Huangling Village is nearly 600 years old, with traditional houses built across a hillside at an elevation of 100 meters. Vibrant harvests like chrysanthemums, chili peppers, and persimmons were sun-dried on baskets, creating a stunning autumn scene. Tourists take selfies in front of a Shaiqiu workshop with the phrase "Light Up Chinese Village" on it. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Zhankun) An aerial view of the unique rural tradition "Shaiqiu" at "China's most beautiful village," Huangling Village, Wuyuan County, east China's Jiangxi Province, Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Zhankun) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) TOKYO, Nov 13 (News On Japan) - A new exhibition at the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo showcases a unique collection of 60 letters by the renowned warlord Oda Nobunaga, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of his character. This includes recently discovered letters, with some bearing his own handwriting, offering rare insights into Nobunaga's personal thoughts and actions. Among the collection is a notable letter Nobunaga personally wrote, which is unusual as samurai often relied on scribes. In it, he praises Hosokawa, a young retainer, for his efforts to counter a rebellion, reflecting a side of Nobunaga that was compassionate and appreciative of loyalty, traits not commonly associated with the historical figure. Another significant letter dates back to March 7th of the final year of the Muromachi shogunate, detailing Nobunaga's complex relationship with Ashikaga Yoshiaki, the last shogun. Despite their eventual clash, Nobunagas correspondence reveals his initial efforts to preserve the shogunate and his reluctance to break ties, indicating his loyalty and struggle with political conflicts of his time. A newly discovered scroll from 2022, addressed to retainer Hosokawa Fujitaka, provides further evidence of Nobunagas attempts to maintain alliances and avoid conflict. This correspondence highlights Nobunagas desire for stability rather than outright domination, challenging common perceptions of him as purely a conqueror. The exhibition, open until December 1st, allows visitors to explore these intimate glimpses into Nobunaga's life, illustrating the complexities and humanity of one of Japan's most formidable historical figures. Source: ANN A University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (N.C.) study found that medical boards rarely discipline physicians for misinformation, despite growing concerns over medical misinformation spread. The study, published Nov. 12 in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 3,128 publicly reported medical board disciplinary actions in the five most populous states. Data was collected from Jan. 1, 2020, through May 30, 2023, for California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, and from Jan. 2, 2020, to March 30, 2022, for Texas. Researchers found that spreading misinformation was the least common reason for medical board discipline of physicians at 0.1%. The frequency of misinformation conduct was also far lower than the most common reasons for discipline, including physician negligence (28.7%), problematic record-keeping (14.9%) and inappropriate prescribing (13.5%). In cases of discipline for misinformation, patient-directed misinformation was disciplined three times more often than spreading misinformation in the community. Moreover, sanctions for misinformation actions tended to be "relatively light." "These findings suggest that there is a serious disconnect between regulatory guidance and enforcement and that medical boards relied on spreading misinformation to patients as a reason for discipline three times more frequently than disseminating falsehoods to the public," the study authors wrote. "These results shed light on important policy concerns about professional licensure, including why, under current patient-centered frameworks, this form of regulation may be particularly ill-suited to address medical misinformation." During the COVID-19 pandemic, health misinformation became rampant in social media. A few years later, the waves of misinformation are smaller, but continue to go viral. Recently, multiple videos circulated on TikTok from individuals claiming to be sick with a "mysterious virus." "Social media failed to tackle repeated waves of health misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's had a lasting effect in creating distrust of real medical experts," Callum Hood, head of research at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said in the report. The problem has caught the attention of health systems and state lawmakers alike who are working to reduce health misinformation online. Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health and Amazon are using generative AI to counter health misinformation, score its threat to human health and generate responses tailored to different demographics and communities. In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill that would classify the spread of misinformation or disinformation to patients by healthcare workers to be considered professional misconduct subject to disciplinary action. Prospect Medical Holdings, a for-profit health system headquartered in Los Angeles, plans to sell 10 of its 16 hospitals amid financial challenges and an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department. The private equity-backed system operates seven hospitals in California, three in Connecticut, two in Rhode Island and four in Pennsylvania. The deals Prospect has in the works would see it exit the hospital markets in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, focusing solely on California. Some of its hospital sales have been on hold for months after complications including unpaid bills to vendors in one state and allegations of allowing hospitals to deteriorate in another state. Prospect denies such allegations as well as those levied by the Justice Department, which is investigating the health system for alleged violations of the False Claims Act "by upcoding certain secondary diagnoses on claims for patient care that were submitted to federal healthcare programs." A spokesperson for Prospect told Becker's Aug. 14 that the system is cooperating with the investigation, but believes that the allegations have no merit. However, this represents another legal challenge for Prospect as it tries to push multiple hospital sales over the line. Here are 10 hospital sales Prospect has in the works: 1. In November, Prospect signed a definitive agreement with Alhambra, Calif.-based Astrana Health to sell multiple assets for $745 million. The proposed transaction includes one hospital (Tustin, Calif.-based Foothill Regional Medical Center) as well as Prospect Health Plan, Prospect Medical Groups, Prospect Medical Systems and RightRx. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and closing conditions. "We are excited at the opportunity to partner with Astrana to build a larger, stronger, and more coordinated care delivery network which we expect will benefit our communities by increasing access, quality, value and efficiency," Prospect CEO Jim Brown said. "We believe the strong cultural alignment, cohesive missions, and clear financial and operational synergies between our companies make Astrana the ideal partner for us." 2-5. Prospect and CHA Partners signed a letter of intent in August for CHA to acquire Upland, Pa.-based Crozer Health, a four-hospital system. CHA, which owns five hospitals in New Jersey, is working to reach a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Crozer, despite reports that it pulled out of the deal, a spokesperson for Prospect told Becker's. The transaction would see Crozer's four hospitals back to nonprofit status. "We believe this is a positive step for our physicians, employees and the communities we serve, and will help secure Crozer Health's future as a critical healthcare provider in Delaware County," Crozer CEO Tony Esposito said in a statement shared with Becker's. "Because this is very early in the process and the negotiations are confidential, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time." 6-7. In June, Prospect received conditional approval from the Rhode Island Attorney General to sell its two safety-net hospitals (Providence-based Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center) to the Centurion Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit. The state attorney general filed a motion in mid-July for Prospect to be held in contempt for refusal to comply with a court order to pay $17 million to hospital vendors in unpaid bills, but later canceled the motion because of Prospect's compliance. The two hospitals are owned and operated by Prospect's CharterCare Health Partners, and a final decision has yet to be made on their sale. 8-10. Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health had planned to buy three Connecticut hospitals for $435 million from Prospect, but sued to get out of the deal in May. The hospitals include: Waterbury Hospital Manchester Memorial Hospital Rockville General Hospital (Vernon) Yale New Haven alleges Prospect engaged in irresponsible financial practices and breached its contract by not paying rent and taxes on time, letting the three hospitals deteriorate. Prospect denies the allegations and filed a countersuit alleging Yale New Haven breached its acquisition agreement by failing to deliver the agreed-upon purchase price and by not making reasonable best efforts to complete the transaction. Prospect told Becker's it has made several concessions to try to move the deal forward and stands ready to close the transaction. Without revised terms, however, Yale New Haven said it does not "see a path forward that would allow it to "make the necessary investments in these facilities without jeopardizing our system's financial sustainability" and upholding its commitment to the communities it currently serves, according to a statement shared with Becker's. The Illinois Nurses Association, representing about 1,700 registered nurses at Chicago-based UI Health, launched a strike on Nov. 13 the second nurse strike at the health system since August. Here are five things to know. 1.The strike began at 7 a.m. and will last for an undetermined period. 2. The strike comes as nurses have been negotiating their contract with the hospital since June. 3. During negotiations, UI Health said, in a statement shared with Becker's, that it has "made substantive offers that would lead to meaningful benefits" in terms of compensation and safety and security. Under UI Health's compensation proposal, the average nurse salary would increase more than 21% over four years, when combined with anniversary step increases. 4. The union contends in a news release that, while some progress has been made in negotiations over the last three months, nurse safety and staffing have continued to be sticking points. The INA also said it seeks to achieve safety and staffing improvements and raises in line with nearby institutions. 5. Before the union's first strike in August, a Cook County judge granted the health system's request to prevent certain critical care nurses from participating. This temporary restraining order, which cited "a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the public," remains in effect, but was slightly modified by a judge Nov. 12 to add additional units, according to UI Health. From the Justice Department suing UnitedHealth Group over a proposed acquisition to an Indiana health system accusing Humana of withholding reimbursements, here are 12 healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements and legal developments that Becker's has reported since Nov. 6: 1. Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth agreed to pay $23 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations involving improperly coded emergency department claims billed to TRICARE and Medicare. 2. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in the fatal July 2023 shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore. 3. Johnson & Johnson is asking a federal judge to declare its 340B rebate plan legal and prevent HHS and the Health Resources and Services Administration from taking any enforcement action against its implementation. 4. Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber's office issued a report finding insufficient evidence to justify a criminal referral of Akram Boutros, MD, former CEO of Cleveland-based MetroHealth, in a case involving allegations that he received unauthorized bonus payments. 5. The U.S. Justice Department is suing UnitedHealth Group over its planned purchase of home health company Amedisys for $3.3 billion. 6. Indianapolis-based Community Health Network is suing Humana for allegedly failing to reimburse it for 340B drugs provided to the payer's members. 7. A judge found the board for Memphis, Mo.-based Scotland County Hospital guilty of violating the state's open meetings and records law, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law, when it held two emergency closed meetings. 8. A federal jury ordered Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to pay nearly $13 million in damages to a former employee who said she was wrongfully terminated for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 9. A New York City judge dismissed a lawsuit over the 2023 firing of One Brooklyn Health CEO LaRay Brown. 10. A third physician in Texas is facing legal action over a state law that restricts medical providers from providing gender transition-related care to minors. 11. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's CEO and other executives are scheduled to be deposed in connection with a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two women who were contracted as housekeepers at Detroit's Harper University Hospital and Hutzel Women's Hospital. 12. St. Louis-based Ascension agreed to provide back pay to staff as part of a revamped COVID-19 vaccine settlement approved by a federal judge in Michigan. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in the fatal July 2023 shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore., The Oregonian reported. The $35 million lawsuit, filed Nov. 12 in Multnomah County Circuit Court, names the hospital and its parent organization, Portland-based Legacy Health, as defendants. It alleges that the defendants' inadequate policies, refusal to enforce policies and lack of communication caused the death of 44-year-old Bobby Smallwood. Police shot PoniaX Kane Calles after he shot Mr. Smallwood, a security guard at the hospital; Mr. Smallwood died after being transferred to another facility. A second hospital employee was injured, treated at Good Samaritan and released to go home. Officers located Mr. Calles in a vehicle in Gresham, Ore., and Mr. Calles died after an officer-involved shooting. Mr. Smallwood's family alleges that after Mr. Calles accompanied his partner to Good Samaritan on July 19, 2023, for the birth of their child, he "was immediately hostile toward hospital staff when they attempted to administer healthcare procedures" to his partner. In the following days, Mr. Calles continued to exhibit aggressive behavior toward staff, and a hospital security guard located two firearms with ammunition in his partner's hospital room, all of which "should have resulted in immediate exclusion" from Good Samaritan based on the defendants' workplace violence policy, according to the lawsuit. "Despite holding the Hospital out as a facility with zero tolerance for weapons, Defendant Legacy Good Samaritan took woefully inadequate measures to ensure that the Hospital was free of weapons," the lawsuit states. Legacy Health declined to comment about the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. Legacy Health increased security measures at its hospitals after the fatal shooting of Mr. Smallwood. This included installing metal detectors with bag search at every system hospital, installing bullet-slow film on hospital main entrances and emergency departments and on glass in internal entrances. Additionally, "we have begun to develop a second phase of actions, and that work will continue over the next several months," Kathryn Correia, then-president and CEO of Legacy Health, said at the time. "This includes assessing the safety needs at our medical office buildings and our community-based clinics and reviewing locations that may need additional safety measures, including badge access controls, panic alarms and security cameras." According to the lawsuit, on the day of the shooting, the defendants failed to warn Mr. Smallwood that Mr. Calles was carrying a firearm "at any time after 10:50 a.m.," and at 11:05 a.m., Mr. "Smallwood radioed hospital staff that he was escorting [Mr.] Calles out of the hospital." Hospital staff pursued Mr. Smallwood and Mr. Calles, preventing them from leaving the facility, the lawsuit states. Mr. Calles was stopped by hospital staff and, moments later, turned and shot Mr. Smallwood. The lawsuit also states that hospital staff did not call a "Code Silver" until after the shooting. Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations involving improperly coded emergency department claims billed to TRICARE and Medicare. Here are five things to know: 1. The Justice Department claimed that from Nov. 1, 2017, through March 31, 2021, the health system improperly billed Medicare and TRICARE for emergency department visits at its hospitals by automatically applying a high bill code when vital signs were more frequently checked than the hours a patient spent in the ED, regardless of care needs. 2. The Justice Department also alleged that UCHealth knew its high billing code for vital signs in the ED did not meet TRICARE and Medicare billing standards. 3. "Improperly billing federal health care programs drains valuable government resources needed to provide medical care to millions of Americans," Brian Boyton, principal deputy assistant attorney general and head of the Justice Department Civil Division, said in a Nov. 12 news release. "We will pursue health care providers that defraud the taxpayers by knowingly submitting inflated or unsupported claims." 4. The settlement is part of a whistleblower case filed by Timothy Sanders, a private individual. Mr. Sanders will receive $3.91 million from the settlement. 5. A spokesperson for UCHealth said in a Nov. 13 statement shared with Becker's that the system is pleased to see "the end of this lengthy and resource-intensive investigation." UCHealth denies the allegations, but agreed to settle to avoid the potential of a costly and lengthy litigation, allowing the system to focus its resources on providing patient care. Research and innovation have steadily driven advancements in breast cancer screening since Congress enacted the Mammography Quality Standards Act in 1992. Here are 20 things to know about where breast cancer screening is headed: Incidence and death rates In the U.S., American Indian and Alaska Native women have a 10% lower incidence rate and a 6% higher mortality rate compared to white women. Also compared to white women, Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer despite a 5% lower incidence. Between 2012 and 2021, the breast cancer incidence rate rose 2.5% among Asian American women and 2.7% among Pacific Islander women. Due to the pandemic, the U.S. cancer incidence rate was 9.4% lower than expected in 2020 and 2.7% lower than expected in 2021, equating to 149,577 potentially missed diagnoses. Of all cancers, breast cancer diagnoses showed the greatest improvement in 2021, exceeding the expected incidence rate by 2.5%. According to the American Association for Cancer Research's annual Cancer Progress Report, the U.S. breast cancer death rate declined by 42% between 1989 and 2022. Screening rates In 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the age recommendation for breast cancer screening from 50 to 40 years old. The total U.S. healthcare system costs for initial cancer screenings in 2021 were an estimated $43 billion. The national breast cancer screening rate in 2022 was 70.2%. For the same year, Wyoming had the lowest screening rate at 59.5% nearly 20% lower than Rhode Island, the state with the highest rate (78.4%). The national breast cancer screening recall rate between July 2022 and June 2023 was 9. For the same year, Minnesota had the lowest breast cancer screening recall rate at 5.7 and New York had the highest at 31.4. Recall occurs if additional screening is required after mammogram results are reported. In a recent Gallup survey, 43% of women said they have missed or delayed preventive cancer screenings, with 41% saying they have skipped or delayed a screening for breast cancer specifically. Women are less likely to return for additional breast cancer screening if they have received a false-positive mammogram result. Breast density Effective Sept. 10, all U.S. healthcare facilities providing breast imaging services are required by the FDA to notify patients of their breast density in mammography reports. Patients with dense breasts are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and may be a good candidate for additional cancer screening, including ultrasound or MRI. Some experts have expressed concern over the new FDA requirement, citing the lack of guidance over how to proceed once a patient has been identified as having dense breasts. In a recent study, researchers found mixed results when comparing outcomes for digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) screenings and supplemental MRI. For women with extremely dense breasts, adding MRI to DBT screening averted 7.6 deaths and resulted in 180 false-biopsy recommendations. For women with heterogeneously dense breasts, adding MRI to DBT screening averted 8.0 deaths and resulted in 343 false-positive biopsy recommendations. Artificial intelligence In a recent study, researchers developed an AI algorithm and evaluated its ability to identify breast cancer on MRI scans. AI showed the ability to detect cancers one year earlier and was able to identify the region where cancer would be detected in 66 of 115 cases. Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth launched a pilot program that harnesses AI to assess a patient's risk of developing breast cancer. In the first two months, the program saw a 23% increase in patients identified as high risk. Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital and Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center are testing a generative AI platform to synthesize patient health history into a report for oncologists, informing breast cancer treatment and trial eligibility. In a recent study, researchers employed the use of AI to quantify a patient's breast arterial calcification "score." Breast arterial calcifications, benign calcium buildups that look like white parallel lines on mammograms, were found to be predictive of future cardiovascular events among younger women. Technological innovation U.S. hospitals are experiencing a shortage of IV fluids, triggered by a disruption at Baxter's North Carolina plant following Hurricane Helene. As hospitals have scrambled to conserve supplies, at least one health system found it had been overusing IV fluids in patient care, Bloomberg reported Nov. 12. Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health System reduced its daily IV fluid consumption from 2,100 bags per day to 1,000. Despite the reduction, Inova did not have to postpone elective surgeries, unlike many other hospitals. The drop in usage raised questions about whether hospitals were relying on more IV fluids than necessary. Inova's chief of research stewardship, Sam Elgawly, MD, told Bloomberg that while the hospital was not necessarily using double the amount of fluids, the decrease in usage highlighted inefficiencies in standard practice. The shortage prompted hospitals to adapt new strategies to preserve their supplies. One key change is the shift from IV drips, where a bag is slowly administered, to IV pushes, where medications are injected directly into the IV line, Dr. Elgawly said. Inova has begun using this approach for some antibiotics and acid blockers, which eliminates the need for an entire IV bag for certain treatments. Many of these changes are expected to remain in place even after the shortage ends, he said. A new $11 million federal contract to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill aims to strengthen healthcare workforce training programs. Here are six things to know: 1. The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded the contract to the university, which will improve access to care in underserved areas, according to a Nov. 13 news release. 2. The contract will fund a new technical assistance center for HRSA's Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, providing program grantees with information on residency program operations. 3. The center will also address accreditation issues and potential specialty expansion, aiming to ensure residency programs can grow to meet the increasing need for healthcare in underserved areas. 4. The technical assistance center will also promote collaboration and the sharing of best practices among grantees. 5. The contract builds on the existing collaboration between the UNC School of Medicine and the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. 6. "Our expertise in rural health, primary care and community-based residency program development aligns perfectly with the goals of the THCGME program," Mark Holmes, Sheps Center director, said in the release. "We are committed to providing the technical support and leadership needed to expand residency training opportunities and ultimately improve health care access in underserved communities." One of Fermanaghs most historic country estates, owned by Princess Dianas cousin and complete with four private islands, has been sold. The Belle Isle Estate, situated on the banks of Lough Erne, boasts 18 homes on 448 acres with 6.5 miles of waterfront and four private islands. One of the 18 homes is a historic stately castle that can fit in the equivalent floor space of 15 average family homes. While the final price was not disclosed, the property was last listed for sale earlier this year with a guide price of 5.9 million. Property advisor Savills Ireland announced the sale, confirming that the Crawford family would be taking stewardship of the historic estate. Belle Isle estate Located on the northern tip of island-dotted Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle Castle dates back to the 17th century. The island where the estate stands was formerly the McManus clan stronghold where the famous Annals Of Ulster were compiled, outlining the history of Celtic Ireland from St Patrick up to the late 15th century. Ownership was later transferred to Elizabethan soldier Paul Gore. Since 1991, the stately home and grounds were owned by Lord James Hamilton, the Duke of Abercorn. The estate had previously been placed on the market by the Duke early last year and a sale had been agreed by years end, but it later fell through. In recent decades, it has become one of Northern Irelands most popular and upmarket country house hotels. Under the Dukes guidance, significant renovations took place, including the 1992 refurbishment of the Hamilton Wing, followed by the conversion of the Victorian farmyard in 1997. In 2004, Belle Isle School of Cookery was established, becoming Northern Irelands first dedicated culinary school. Belle Isle estate In 2017, further refurbishments overseen by Lord Nicholas Hamilton saw the estate achieve the accolade of Small Wedding Venue of the Year 2024 at the All-Ireland Hotel Awards. James Butler, director at Savills Country Agency, said: With such a diverse range of assets in a renowned setting, Belle Isle Estate represents an extraordinary opportunity for its new owners. "While we conducted viewings with parties based in the USA, Asia, Europe, and the UK, the sale provides a locally based family, as new custodians, with the chance to further enrich the estates historic legacy. Neal Morrison, director at Savills Northern Ireland, added: It is rare to find a property that combines such heritage, scale, and natural beauty. "The Belle Isle Estate is an irreplaceable asset that will allow the Crawford family to preserve a piece of Northern Irelands history while contributing to its future. The sellers were represented by Neal Morrison and James Butler of Savills, Raymond Duddy of Davidson McDonnell, and Glenn Breen of Shean Dickson Merrick. Read more Belfast hotel tops list for NIs most expensive Christmas Day dinner Belle Isle estate News Catch Up - Tuesday 12th November Baku, Azerbaijan (PANA) - Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) on Tuesday issued a joint statement at COP29 in Baku outlining financial support and other measures for countries to achieve ambitious climate outcomes More than 100 Post Office branches and over 1,000 jobs are at risk under a sweeping overhaul as the group looks to boost postmaster pay by 250 million over five years (PA) Several Northern Irish Post Office branches are among more than 100 at risk of closure across the UK. The organisation said it is looking to offload 115 directly owned branches within its 11,500 network, which could see them transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed. Around 1,000 workers are employed across the branches, while the Post Office also confirmed that hundreds of further roles are under threat at its headquarters as it looks to streamline back-office operations. Post Office chairman Nigel Railton said the shake-up will also offer a new deal for postmasters by increasing their share of revenue and giving them a greater say in the running of the business as it looks to move on from the Horizon IT scandal that saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongfully convicted. Branches in Belfast, Antrim, Newtownards and Londonderry are on the at-risk list. Mr Railton made the announcement at the companys headquarters in London on Wednesday in a speech to postmasters across the country, as well as retail partners and Post Office staff. He said: The Post Office has a 360-year history of public service and today we want to secure that service for the future by learning from past mistakes and moving forward for the benefit of all postmasters. We can, and will, restore pride in working for a business with a legacy of service, rather than one of scandal. He added the overhaul also begins a new phase of partnership during which we will strengthen the postmaster voice in the day-to-day running and operations of the business, so they are represented from the frontline to the boardroom. It follows a strategic review launched by Mr Railton in May, but is reliant on funding talks with government, which the Post Office said were positive and ongoing. The government is also said to have been consulted on the possibility of handing ownership of the network to thousands of sub-postmasters across the country. The 115 branches put at risk are Crown Post Offices located in city centres and staffed by Post Office employees. They are the only remaining branches directly owned by the Post Office, down from close to 400 in 2010. A spokesman for the Post Office said: The plan intends to create a new operating model for the business that means ensuring the Post Office has the right organisational design. But the Communication Workers Union (CWU) union called on the Post Office to halt the plans and for the Government to intervene. CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: For the company to announce the closure of hundreds of Post Offices hot on the heels of the Horizon scandal is as tone deaf as it is immoral. CWU members are victims of the Horizon scandal and for them to now fear for their jobs ahead of Christmas is yet another cruel attack. But the Post Office insisted that aims are to franchise the branches or transfer ownership to other parties, such as its network of retail partners. Retailers such as WH Smith, Tesco, Morrisons and the Co-Op operate around 2,000 Post Offices across the country. The rest of the network about 9,000 Post Offices are operated by independent postmasters. As part of the transformation, the Post Office is also setting up a new postmaster panel to increase support and training, as well as a consultative council to ensure postmasters interests remain front and centre. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: Post Offices are an integral part of the communities they serve and the services they provide for local people. The Government is in active discussion with Nigel Railton on his plans to put postmasters at the centre of the organisation and strengthen the Post Office network for its long-term future. A public inquiry remains ongoing into the Horizon IT scandal, which involved hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted of stealing after the companys defective accounting system made it appear as though money was missing from their branches. More than 100 Post Office branches and over 1,000 jobs are at risk under a sweeping overhaul as the group looks to boost postmaster pay by 250 million over five years (PA) News Catch Up - Tuesday 12th November Paul Mescal says he would absolutely love to do a third Gladiator film after director Sir Ridley Scott teased that he could be looking to do a follow-up. A diver who recovered the remains of 47-year-old Cookstown man Damien Heagney from a reservoir in Co Tyrone gave evidence at his murder trial on Wednesday. Mr Heagney was last seen alive at the end of December 2021. He was reported missing in July 2022 and the following month his dismembered remains were located in Cappagh reservoir. An artists impression of the care home at the junction of Donegall Road and Monarch Street A plan for a new elderly residential care and nursing facility in the Village area of south Belfast has been approved despite council officials warning the site lies on a flood plain. At the November meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee, the DUP and Sinn Fein pushed through an application for a care home at the site of the old Broadway Hall and Monarchy Laundry at the end of Donegall Road, Belfast. This was despite a recommendation from council officers to refuse the application on the basis of flood risk and insufficient parking. In a split chamber, 13 elected members from the DUP, Sinn Fein and one Alliance member voted in favour of the plan, while four Alliance and Green councillors voted against it. The description of the application is a proposed specialist nursing and residential care facility comprising approximately 158 beds, day/dining rooms, treatment rooms, staff rooms, office/store rooms, with car parking provision, cycle parking, refuse storage, landscaping, and associated site and access works. The site is on land on the former Monarch Laundry site, and the current Broadway Hall Site, at 451 to 457 Donegall Road, right beside the roundabout with the RISE sculpture on the M1. The site is also close to the area where the Broadway riots erupted in July this year, which saw children as young as seven throwing bricks, bottles, masonry, and petrol bombs at police lines. The applicant, Healthcare Ireland Group, of Holywood, said the site was under-utilised and was subject to flashpoint bonfires and antisocial behaviour. They also claimed 18.5m would be put back into the local community with the plan, which would create 150 to 180 construction jobs, and 185 full time caring jobs once the building is in operation. In a letter to the council supporting the application, DUP MLA Edwin Poots said: I have been liaising with the community and the owner regarding this development, it received wide support from locals after a very well attended community consultation. The residents of the Donegall Road recognise that elderly care is important and older people need houses as well as families, couples and single people. Tracy Kelly, DUP Councillor for the area, said in her supporting letter: For many years elderly from the Donegall Road have had to move out of the area, having residential care on their doorstep will give the option to stay. This proposal will ensure vacant land that has been an eyesore in the community for many years is developed. Around 200 jobs will also be available for the local community therefore increasing the opportunities for locals residents. For too long this community has been let down with the private sector being the beneficiaries, and it is good to see something for the community for a change. The council officer planning report states: The application site is within the one in 100 year climate change fluvial flood plain. The proposed use is for bespoke accommodation for vulnerable groups for which there is a presumption against within a flood plain. A Flood Risk Assessment has been submitted; however, the Stormont Department for Infrastructure Rivers Division has not assessed it given that the proposal is not an exception to the policy. The applicant has submitted a peer review of the assessment which verifies its content and conclusions. The applicant has also submitted a statement of the material benefits of the proposal; however, these are not in the planning balance considered to outweigh the policy presumption against accommodation for vulnerable groups within the flood plain. It adds: The application proposes 38 parking spaces which represents a shortfall of 20 when set against the parking standards. The Stormont Department for Infrastructure Roads Division has objected to the application on grounds of insufficient parking. It has requested a parking survey which to date has not been provided. The application currently fails to demonstrate there is sufficient parking. NI Water also objected on grounds of insufficient waste-water infrastructure. At the Planning Committee meeting, Alliance Councillor Tara Brooks said she was really worried about potential scenarios at the site during a heavy flooding event. She said: Say a 92 year old woman at the nursing home has a heart attack? I can see the ambulance can access, just about, but the paramedics have to walk through flood water to get her into the ambulance. An agent for the applicant said: In the entrance from Donegall Road, once within the site, the site is dry, including the area where there would be ambulance pick-up and drop-off. There is dry movement within the site to get to that point. There is shallow flooding at Donegall Road, 150ml or less, and in short duration, but that would be passable by emergency services including ambulances. There is no impediment to removing someone in that circumstance. Green Councillor Aine Groogan said: I am nervy, given who the users will be. This application is for a very vulnerable group, which the policy very clearly sets out cannot be accommodated on a flood plain. The Belfast Telegraph has been named UK Regional News Media Organisation of the Year at a prestigious awards event in London. The Society of Editors' Media Freedom Awards honours journalists and newsrooms across the UK. Winners were praised for their "outstanding achievements" in defending "the public's right to know". Over the last year the Belfast Telegraph has been active in standing up to restrictions put on media freedom in Northern Ireland. This includes leading the campaign to overturn legislation passed by the Assembly, uncovering crucial files deliberately hidden away, appealing decisions taken by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and challenging reporting restrictions on court cases. "The top priority for us was overturning Section 12 of the Justice (Sexual Offences And Trafficking Victims) (NI) Act 2022, says Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, which won the award in 2023. This had a direct impact on journalists' ability to do their jobs. The effect was best exemplified by fact that publishing a statement saying that 'Jimmy Savile was a paedophile criminalised us. "We weren't the only media outlet to challenge this ludicrous law, but our campaign led by Sam McBride's tenacious work was instrumental in its success. Accepting the award alongside Mr McBride and Mediahuis Ireland's Director of Publishing Edward McCann, Mr Brannigan paid tribute to in-house lawyers Fergus Foody and Tom Turner. He also thanked Fergal McGoldrick at Carson McDowell who coordinated the successful Judicial Review. The Belfast Telegraph was also recognised for its campaign on the issue, which was Highly Commended in the category. Mr McBride was also shortlisted for the Regional Journalist of the Year and for Investigation of the Year, while his Uncovered newsletter received a nomination in the Innovation category. Kirsten Elder from the Belfast Telegraph was the only regional nomination in the photojournalism category, which was won by The Telegraphs Simon Townsley. Winners were praised for their "outstanding achievements" in defending "the public's right to know". The event, held at the Globe Theatre in London on Tuesday evening and attended by media minister Stephanie Peacock, brought together more than 300 journalists and news leaders from all sectors to reward "excellence in campaigning and investigative journalism". PA Media, the UK and Ireland's national news and sport agency, was crowned National News Media Organisation of the Year, with outgoing editor-in-chief Pete Clifton receiving the Bob Satchwell Award "in recognition of his service to the industry and defence of open justice". Announcing the winners, Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: "Now in their third year, the Media Freedom Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of journalists and newsrooms across all sectors of the UK media industry. "From those who operate in dangerous and life-threatening war zones to those who stand up against bureaucracy and fight for the public's right to know, we are honoured to recognise their outstanding achievements this evening." Other winners included The Sun, which was awarded the Investigation of the Year National prize for its investigation into BBC News presenter Huw Edwards, with reporter Scarlet Howes named the Journalist of the Year National. BBC News Scotland's Sam Poling was rewarded for her pursuit of justice following the death of Emma Caldwell, securing the Journalist of the Year Broadcast accolade, as well as the Investigation of the Year in the broadcast regional category. The Sunday Times' multi-media campaign Bloody Disgrace was awarded the Campaign of the Year National after their work helped secure a 10 billion-plus compensation package for those whose lives were impacted by the infected blood scandal. The Express & Star's successful campaign to ban zombie knives took home the award in the regional category. Other regional winners included WalesOnline for its scrutiny of donations made to former first minister Vaughan Gething, with Belfast Live's Jilly Beattie named Journalist of the Year Regional for coverage of the arrest of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. Broadcast winners included BBC News for its investigation into migrant deaths, while ITV News London's Kaf Okpattah was awarded the Young Journalist of the Year Regional prize for his work highlighting failings across NHS London's maternity services as well as security failings in Wandsworth Prison. Channel 4 News was named the Broadcast News Organisation of the Year. The Judges' Special Award went to the Big Issue in recognition of its work helping millions of people affected by poverty in the UK for more than 30 years and its services to journalism. A Special Recognition Award was posthumously awarded to veteran foreign correspondent Kim Sengupta who died earlier this year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he will ensure meetings take place with ministers to help return Northern Irish toddler David Nahle to his mother, Catherine Flanagan, after his father in Lebanon ignored a court order to give him back (Catherine Flanagan/PA) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he will ensure meetings take place with ministers to help return a Northern Irish toddler to his mother, after his father in Lebanon ignored a court order to give him back. Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for Belfast East, said Catherine Flanagan had fled domestic violence in Beirut to come to the UK, but her son, David Nahle, is still in Lebanon despite a court order telling his father to return him to the UK. UTV has previously reported that Ms Flanagan had gone to Lebanon with David and his father in August 2022 to see family there. While she was in the country, her then-partner demanded she stay in Lebanon with him. He told Ms Flanagan that if she left Lebanon peacefully, David would be returned to Northern Ireland. However he then kept the youngster in Lebanon. Since then, Israel has attacked Lebanon as part of its conflict with the Hezbollah group, which has included air strikes on the countrys capital, Beirut. Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Robinson said: Lebanon is in crisis and my constituent, Catherine Flanagan, is in despair. Her three-year-old son, David Nahle, has been out of her care for the last two years. The Belfast High Court has indicated that he should be returned to his mother and they have issued a bench warrant for the arrest of his father. But when she fled domestic violence in Beirut, she got no help or assistance from the UK embassy. When she has sought help from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be returned (sic) with her son, to see her son again, and this British citizen come back to the UK, she has not received the assistance that she or I and our community expect she should. Can I ask the Prime Minister to engage in this issue and at the very least ask the Foreign Secretary to assist my constituent in her earnest desire to see her three-year-old son again? In 2023 the High Court in Belfast ruled that David should be returned to Northern Ireland. He was due to be handed over on, or before, 5pm on August 18 in the same year. It never happened. DUP MP Gavin Robinson asked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene to help his Belfast East constituent Catherine Flanagan (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms Flanagan then travelled to Lebanon in January this year in an attempt to get her son back. She has previously told the BBC that, when she was there, she was not allowed to go out with David or be in the same room as her son. Sir Keir told the Commons: Can I thank (Mr Robinson) for raising this case and for all that hes doing on behalf of Catherine and David. I hope they get some comfort from knowing theyve got an MP working so hard on their behalf. It is, I know, a complex, a difficult, situation, but of course I will make sure that the relevant meetings are set up with the relevant ministers to ensure that he gets the answers that he needs, on behalf of his constituents. Jean McConville with three of her children before she was abducted and murdered Gerry Adams has insisted he had no involvement in the killings of the Disappeared, including Jean McConville, as a new drama series launches on streaming giant Disney+. The denial was issued through his solicitors ahead of Say Nothing hitting TV screens around the world on Thursday. The nine-part series tells the story of Ms McConville, a Belfast widow and mother of 10 who was murdered and secretly buried during the Troubles. It also depicts the troubled lives of IRA members Brendan Hughes and Marian and Dolours Price with plotlines spanning from the time of Ms McConvilles disappearance to the disappearance of others including Kevin McKee (17), Seamus Wright (25), and Joe Lynskey (40). They were all abducted in Belfast in 1972 and subsequently buried in secret locations. The remains of Mr Lynskey have still not been found alongside those of two others. Viewers will become familiar with Mr Adams denial which features as a disclaimer in each episode of the series which is based on true events. Gerry Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA or participating in any IRA-related violence, it reads. The Irish Times asked the former Sinn Fein president to comment on the series and received a response from Mr Adams legal team who said their client has consistently asserted his innocence in respect of the death of Ms McConville. Mr Adams had no involvement in the killing or burial of any of those secretly buried by the IRA, legal representatives told the newspaper. Whilst stressing that Mr Adams has not seen the drama, they said according to media reports it is based primarily on interviews in the discredited Boston College Tapes from several anti-peace process republicans. Before their deaths, Hughes and Dolours Price both gave interviews in which they linked Mr Adams to an IRA unit associated with the killings. The PSNI, following a lengthy legal battle, eventually obtained the transcripts resulting in two high profile arrests back in 2014 veteran republican Ivor Bell and Gerry Adams. Whilst the then Sinn Fein president was released without charge, Bell did face prosecution. However, due to dementia he was deemed unfit to stand in the dock and a trial of the facts took place instead and cleared the pensioner of soliciting Ms McConvilles murder. Ms Price, a former IRA bomber, gave an interview to a journalist in 2010 three years before she died of an accidental lethal dose of prescription drugs in which she admitted she had taken part in the secretive university project. The Belfast woman, who was involved in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing which injured hundreds of people, also claimed to have been the person who drove Ms McConville to the place where she was shot dead. Mr Adams solicitors said it is a matter of public record that their client has worked closely with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains to identify the location of those buried by the IRA. The commission has located the remains of 13 bodies of those buried by the IRA, they added, "There are still three missing. "The work continues. The restoration scheme at Ashfield House has been approved by planning officers in Armagh The restoration scheme at Ashfield House has been approved by ABC Planning officers A listed 17th-century architectural landmark in Dromore Ashfield House is set to be restored to its former glory, after planning approval was granted for an extensive restoration scheme. As part of the approved planning application, the main dwelling on Killysorrell Road will be restored, while a side extension will be demolished, to be replaced by a singe-storey extension. The abandoned dwelling is being restored by Judith and Mark Armstrong Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council planning officers wrote: The proposal seeks to demolish the existing two-storey rear side extension; erect a single-storey replacement extension to provide a kitchen, pantry, shower room; restore the remainder of the dwelling, with new windows to match existing openings; repoint exposed stonework and re-plaster in lime plaster. Officers are content that the scale of the proposal is acceptable, in that the extension remains subordinate to the host dwelling. The massing and design of the proposed extension is considered to be acceptable in proportion and context to the host dwelling. The external materials proposed are sympathetic to the built form, and as a whole the proposed extension and alterations will not detract from the character of the host property or surrounding area. Ashfield House is a building of special architectural and historic interest, protected under Section 80 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Listed Buildings are key elements of our built heritage. Ashfield House is a symmetrical, two-storey, three-bay farmhouse originating from the mid-17th century, located north of the junction between Killysorrell Road and Villa Wood Road. They said the Historic Environment Division (HED) returned their consultation response stating that the proposal satisfies policy on Change of Use, Extension or Alteration of a Listed Building. Considering the works to be carried out to the existing listed dwelling, officers are of the opinion that these fit with the existing built fabric of the building on the site, the proposed extension is located to the rear of the dwelling, and the internal alterations will improve the general layout and functionality of the dwelling. Appropriate materials are proposed through the development, and as such are considered to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the dwelling. They added: Considering the works to be carried out to the existing listed dwelling, officers are of the opinion that these fit with the existing built fabric of the building on the site. The proposed extension is located to the rear of the dwelling, and the internal alterations will improve the general layout and functionality of the dwelling. Appropriate materials are proposed through the development, and as such are considered to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the dwelling. According to records, the house was constructed before 1760 by David Lindsay, a prominent figure in the Upper Banns linen industry. Lindsays family came from Scotland and were direct descendants of men who had been sent as part of General Monros army to fight against the Irish in the rebellion that began here in 1641. After buying the house in 2023, Judith posted on Instagram: Some of our friends and family say we are absolutely nuts and should have walked away but its been a house Ive always cranked my neck to look at driving past and when it came up for sale we just had to go for it. We are really excited to transform this lovely place back to the country farm house that it deserves. We hope you will follow our progress and love this place as much as we do! The story of Ashfield House featured in a recent book, Abandoned Ireland 2, extracts of which were carried in the Belfast Telegraph. Rosa Regan having fun in the snow in Enniskillen earlier this year. Image: Picture by Andrew Paton/PressEye Northern Ireland could see snow on Sunday as temperatures look set to drop below average into the weekend, according to the Met Office. The forecaster warned that as Northern Ireland braces itself for cool air from the north, there is chance of wintery hazards developing as temperatures gradually drop throughout the week. A spokesperson from the Met Office said: We do have a change on the way of Northern Irish weather as the high pressure gradually subsides and introduces a cooler pool of air from the north. "This will increase the chance of wintery hazards later in the weekend and the start of next week. Through this week there will be some patchy drizzle on Friday but its not until we get to Sunday that Northern Ireland will start to notice this change. The forecaster said that snowy conditions are predicted at higher altitudes on Sunday with below average temperatures. But added that mostly rain is to be expected elsewhere. "By Sunday daytime highs could be in the high single figures which is below average for this time of year and will feel cooler than the rest of November has been, added a spokesperson for the Met Office. There is a chance of winter flurries across the high ground in northern Ireland through the day on Sunday, but its most likely to be a mixture of rain and winter hazards. Through to next week, theres much more uncertainty for the forecast while it's difficult to predict if the snow will be here to stay, the Met Office warned that the cold temperatures are here to stay. They added: The outlook for the next week ahead is the cold theme of weather continuing with below average temperatures likely for Northern Ireland with unsettled conditions continuing. "A chance of those wintery hazards could continue but picking out precisely what that might mean day by day, its still a little bit early at the moment. "But the possibility of some ice, frost and some sleet or snow cant be ruled out at this stage. Rosa Regan having fun in the snow in Enniskillen earlier this year. Image: Picture by Andrew Paton/PressEye News Catch Up - Tuesday 12th November News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly have thanked Joe Kennedy for his contribution to the economy of Northern Ireland (Executive Office/PA) Stormonts leaders have thanked outgoing US special envoy Joe Kennedy for his commitment to Northern Ireland. Mr Kennedy is in the region for a series of events marking his time in office, including meeting First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. He was appointed to the envoy position with a focus on economic affairs by US President Joe Biden in December 2022. During his time in the post he was involved in events such as Mr Bidens visit to the island of Ireland and Belfast hosting 25th anniversary celebrations of the Good Friday Agreement. Ms ONeill said: I want to thank Joe Kennedy for all his work as special envoy, helping to open doors for local businesses into the US market. He has been instrumental in developing many economic opportunities, bringing US business delegations to our shores and supporting our businesses on overseas missions. It is clear to see that Joe opened his heart to this place and our people. It has been a privilege to witness everything he has achieved, and I wish him well for the future. Ms Little-Pengelly added: As the US special envoy for economic affairs, Joe Kennedy has been a great advocate for Northern Ireland. His endorsement has been invaluable when it comes to advancing our economic development and inward investment prospects. Northern Ireland is a great place to live, work and invest and I appreciate Joes commitment to showcasing this place as an attractive location for US investors. His support has helped deliver tangible benefits that will make a real difference. I am grateful for the dedication he has shown to promoting everything we have to offer and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. Stormont speaker Edwin Poots hosted a joint ceremony at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday during which Queens University Belfast and Ulster University conferred honorary doctorates on Mr Kennedy. Edwin Poots hosted a ceremony at Stormont for Mr Kennedy (NI Assembly/PA) Mr Poots said: When Joe Kennedy was first appointed as special envoy by President Biden, it was rightly recognised as a significant appointment. It is fair to say that he was appointed at a challenging time in local politics. However, the energy and positivity Joe Kennedy brought to the role was entirely fitting for the resumption of business in this Assembly and the appointment of a new Executive. He added: Regardless of their individual political views, I know that members of this Assembly are united in recognising Northern Ireland as a special place which can have a great future if we fulfil our responsibilities to encourage and unleash it. In all of the discussions I have had with him, I know Joe Kennedy needs no convincing of that. Joe Kennedy was appointed as special envoy in 2022 (Liam McBurney/PA) He has made a point of being out on the ground, meeting people and organisations from across our economy and society. I know how impressed Joe Kennedy has been and that he shares my passion for how much Northern Ireland and our people have to offer. The event, which included a reception, was the first time both universities had come together to jointly bestow honorary doctorates. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, November 13. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) The Prime Minister has said he will ensure meetings take place with ministers to help an east Belfast woman who is trying to secure her three-year-old sons return from Lebanon. Catherine Flanagan has been fighting to get her son David Nahle, who was born in Belfast, back to Northern Ireland after he was taken by his Lebanese father in 2022. The High Court in Belfast ruled in 2023 that David must be returned to Northern Ireland. He was to be handed over on or before 5pm on August 18, 2023, at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, but that did not happen. The Foreign Office currently advises all UK citizens against travelling to Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hezbollah and other non-state actors in the country. Representing Ms Flanagan, DUP leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson highlighted her case in the House of Commons during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. He said that Lebanon is in crisis and Ms Flanagan is in despair Her three-year-old son David has been out of her care for the last two years, Mr Robinson told the House of Commons. The Belfast High Court has indicated that he should be returned to his mother and they have issued a bench warrant for the arrest of his father. But when she fled domestic violence in Beirut, she got no help or assistance from the UK Embassy. When she has sought assistance from the Foreign Commonwealth Office to be returned with her son to see her son again and bring this British citizen come back to the UK she has not received the assistance that she, or I, or our community expect she should. Can I ask the Prime Minister to engage in this issue? And at the very least, ask the Foreign Secretary to assist my constituent in her earnest desire to see her three-year-old son again. In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as complex and difficult situation. It is, I know, a complex and difficult situation but of course I will make sure that the relevant meetings are set up with the relevant Ministers to ensure that he gets the answers he needs on behalf of his constituent, he said. Speaking to UTV last month, Ms Flanagan said nobody was listening to her and that she felt she was being treated with utter contempt. The Prime Minister isn't listening, the Taoiseach isn't listening and as for the Lebanese they couldn't care less, said Ms Flanagan. She added that she fears time is running out and her son could be killed in Lebanon. Davids father, Mustaphe Nahle, has been sentenced to six months in prison here for contempt of court. High Court judge Mr Justice McFarland had previously said: The threat of imprisonment should act as a deterrent. In this case, the threat of imprisonment is unlikely to secure compliance. This court considers that an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate. The court recognises that the respondent lives outside of the jurisdiction and that enforcement of this order may be challenging. The appropriate sentence is six months imprisonment. The court directs this order to the PSNI for enforcement. The man arrested had travelled to Ireland from the US with the victim An investigation is underway into the death of a US national at a five-star hotel in Co Laois. The man, aged in his 60s, was discovered unconscious on a bathroom floor in Ballyfin Demesne hotel on Tuesday evening and was later pronounced dead. It is understood the deceased was the victim of an assault. Gardai were alerted to the incident and arrested a man in his 30s, also an American national, at the hotel. The two men had been travelling together. The arrested man is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Gardai are not looking for any other suspects at this time in the case, which is being described as extremely tragic. Emergency services were called to the hotel and discovered the victims body in a bathroom in a leisure area of the upmarket hotel. The victim and the suspect had travelled from the United States to Ireland yesterday and the victims family were notified by gardai of the fatal incident late last night. Gardai are investigating "all the circumstances surrounding the death of a man at a hotel in north Co Laois on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson confirmed. The services of the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist were requested. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be appointed to support the family of the deceased. The hotel is one of Irelands most exclusive accommodation options, with celebrities regularly staying in the luxury hotel. It hit global headlines in 2014 after celebrity couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West opted to stay there as part of their five-day Irish honeymoon. Ballyfin Demesne has been contacted for comment. Ballyfin Demesne News Catch Up - Tuesday 12th November Spy-accused former soldier Daniel Khalife had a 30-minute phone conversation with an Iranian agent while posted at a US army base, a court has heard. The three calls rekindled Irans interest in Khalife as an intelligence asset, Woolwich Crown Court was told. Khalife, who has pleaded guilty to escaping from prison, is accused of collecting secret information and passing it to agents of the Middle Eastern country while serving in the Royal Corps of Signals. The 23-year-old was posted to Fort Cavazos (then called Fort Hood) in Texas between February and April 2021, where he took part in a joint exercise, his trial heard. He told his Iranian contacts he was at the base, but denied providing them any specific details or useful information about what he was doing there. The narratives that I told in those phone calls were false, Khalife told jurors. Khalife said the Iranian intelligence services already knew he was in the United States by tracking his location from his phone. They know automatically where I am anyway, he said. The former soldier told the court he had to walk quite a while before he could find any signal at the 214,000-acre site, and the operation was over at the time of the calls. While in Texas, Khalife took photos on his phone of passwords, a floppy disk and a USB stick used to access sensitive military communications systems, but denied sending them on to Iranian agents. Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC said the phone conversation with an Iranian agent, known only as David 2, had rekindled their interest in him. Khalife denies charges contrary to the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act, and claims he wanted to work as a double agent. He also denies perpetrating a bomb hoax. The trial continues. A domestic abuser who murdered his ex-partner and her new boyfriend should have his whole life sentence reduced as it is not necessary, the Court of Appeal has been told. Marcus Osborne was jailed in March for the double killing which left Katie Higton, 27, with 99 injuries; and Steven Harnett, 25, with 24 wounds including mutilated genitals; after which Osborne said: Romeo and Juliet can die together now. Leeds Crown Court heard that Osborne, 35, lay in wait for Ms Higton and attacked her as she entered the house they once shared in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in the early hours of May 15 last year. He then used Ms Higtons phone to pretend to be her to lure Mr Harnett to the house before killing him while four children were inside, going on to rape another woman at knifepoint. Osborne is seeking to challenge his sentence, with his lawyers telling the Court of Appeal on Wednesday that he should have been sentenced to life with a very long minimum term, rather than receiving a whole life order. John Elvidge KC said: We invite this court to consider looking at the case overall, particularly having regard to his guilty plea. This is a case where the last resort option was not necessary and he could have been given a very long minimum term. Osborne attended the hearing via a video link from HMP Wakefield, wearing a grey Adidas jumper. Steven Harnett and Katie Higton (West Yorkshire Police/PA) His sentencing hearing was told that Ms Higton had been in a relationship with him for five years, but left him in early May last year after an assault which was the last straw. Ms Higton had complained to police that the relationship was coercive, controlling and physically abusive in the last two years and that she had been regularly assaulted, including one incident when he threw a cat at her. In the days before the murders, she also told West Yorkshire Police that Osborne had told her he would slit her throat if she said what he had done, and that if she ever got a boyfriend he would kill them both. Osborne was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence offences on May 12 last year and bailed with conditions not to go back to their home, but spied on Ms Higton over the following days and found out about the developing relationship between her and Mr Harnett by hacking into her Snapchat account. He later admitted two counts of murder and single counts of rape and false imprisonment. The sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, said that Osborne was heard saying: I warned you I was going to kill you this is your fault this is happening, and was described as washing himself between killings, laughing and jeering. He later invited a neighbour into the living room to see the bodies, which the judge said was as if you were proud of what you had done. She said that the crimes were horrific and that even a very long minimum term would not amount to just punishment. But Mr Elvidge told the hearing in London that Osbornes guilty pleas should have been given heavy weight as they spared the rape victim from having to give evidence. He said: The court should be slow to deny any credit for a guilty plea where that plea has not only saved public time and money but also spared someone who is both a victim and a witness from having to give evidence about highly traumatic events. He continued: The effect of passing a whole life term in this case is that the applicants guilty pleas to all of these charges carry no value. His decision to spare her the further ordeal, reliving the whole experience of that night, is to all practical effect unrecognised. That, we submit, is not right. Jonathan Sandiford KC, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Mrs Justice Lambert adopted the right approach and that the appeal bid should be dismissed. The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Lord Justice Jeremy Baker and Mr Justice Bennathan will give their judgment later, with Baroness Carr describing the case as extraordinary and unbelievably tragic. Dylan Thomas is accused of murdering his friend on Christmas Eve 2023 (PA) A man who killed his friend on Christmas Eve in Cardiff previously tried to break into Buckingham Palace, a court has heard. Dylan Thomas, 24, is accused of murdering William Bush, 23, in a frenzied attack on December 24 last year at their home in Llandaff. Thomas admitted manslaughter at a hearing last week but denies murder. He appeared before Cardiff Crown Court via video link from a psychiatric hospital on Wednesday, wearing a grey jumper and trousers, with close-cut black hair. William Bush died at a property in Cardiff in December 2023 (South Wales Police/PA) The court heard that Thomas had previously been arrested for attempting to scale a 14-foot fence to break into Buckingham Palace. The jury was shown a police video interview with Alexander Bush, the brother of the deceased, which took place on January 12 2024, a few days after the attack. He said: I asked how Dylan was, and Will had mentioned that he had been arrested in London for trying to climb into Buckingham Palace. He told the police he had initially laughed it off thinking his brother was joking. Will obviously knew it was serious, he said, Will described it as he was curious, he wanted to know what would happen. Will Bushs girlfriend, Ella Jefferies, also told the police that Thomas had attempted to break into the palace, saying he had tried to climb a 14-foot fence. She also told the police that Will Bush had told her Thomas had suggested he wanted to kill him a month or two before the incident, the court heard. She said: Will told me that Dylan had come into his room and told him I have thought and/or wondered about killing you. The comment scared Mr Bush, with Ms Jefferies saying he began barricading his door, the court heard. I wanted him to move out, she said. I wasnt comfortable with him being there. Both Mr Bushs brother and partner described him as being a loyal and caring friend. The jury heard that Mr Bush and Thomas had been friends since they were around 13 years old, having met at Christ College Brecon, a private boarding and day school in mid-Wales. They began living together in Llandaff, at a home owned by Thomas grandparents, after Mr Bush finished university around the summer of 2021. Gregory Bull KC, speaking on behalf of the prosecution, said it was Thomass case that he was suffering an abnormality of mind during the attack. But the Crown argued that this was not the case and that Thomas had planned the attack. Mr Bull described events leading up to the incident to the jury of 10 men and two women and said screams of horror could be heard from the street coming from the house during the attack. The prosecutor told the court Thomas was driven to the house he shared with Mr Bush in Llandaff by his grandmother on Christmas Eve, telling her he wanted to walk his dog. He said: The next thing she knew was that a few minutes later, Mr Thomas was banging on her window plainly distressed. Screams described as screams of horror were heard by (a man) who was in the street. It is the prosecution case that Mr Thomas made his way into the property. He entered through the kitchen where he armed himself with a large kitchen knife and a black lock knife or flick knife. He then proceeded to go up the two staircases and into the room of William Bush. Thomas is accused of first using the flick knife to stab Mr Bush in the neck from behind, with the latter then trying to flee for his life. The trial is being held at Cardiff Crown Court (Antony Stone/PA) Mr Bull added: It is clear that Dylan Thomas used the kitchen knife to stab Mr Bush in the chest and cut his throat, severing the major artery in the neck, as a result of which Mr Bush bled to death. A kitchen knife used in the attack, covered in blood, its tip bent at some point during the incident, was shown to the jury, as well as a black flick knife. Thomas told the police he stabbed Mr Bush in self-defence, insisting his friend had been having an episode. Leading up to the incident, the court was told Thomas searched on his computer for the anatomy of the neck and messaged Mr Bush telling him: I need to see you before you go. Thomas sustained injuries to both hands during the incident, which he told the police happened while trying to disarm Mr Bush. A video shown to the jury showed a police officer confronting Thomas on December 24, covered in blood, his hands out in front of him. The police officer asked him, wheres the person who did this? and he replied, I think he is dead, I f****** disarmed him. Mr Bull described Thomas as having few friends and was something of a loner, with his grandmother calling him a quiet person. Thomas is expected to defend himself against the charge on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Mr Bull said the prosecution accepted that Thomas was mentally unwell and prior to the killing on Christmas Eve had begun suffering from psychosis. He said: Following the killing, his condition worsened, as a result of which he has been receiving treatment for schizophrenia at the hospital. The jury heard that Thomas had suffered at least one previous hallucination, in which he believed Mr Bush had threatened to drink his spinal fluid. He said two psychiatrists had examined Thomas and differed in opinion about whether the act was caused by psychosis, with Mr Bull arguing the frenzied attack was intentional. He said: The difference between the two doctors relates to what happened at the time of the killing. Mr (Dilum) Jayawickrama is of the opinion that when you look at the evidence as a whole, it demonstrates that this defendant did know what he was doing. It is the view of Mr Jayawickrama that even where a man is suffering from a psychotic illness, that does not necessarily mean that the psychosis has caused the act. The trial continues. A police officer has been jailed for nine years after he sexually touched a vulnerable six-year-old girl while responding to a disturbance. Dean Dempster, 35, an officer for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), assaulted the child while on duty in Oldham on December 29 last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. He was also later found to have downloaded hundreds of indecent images of children over a period of two years, and had superimposed his face on to some of the images. Dempster was arrested at work the day after the assault following a formal complaint against him, but deleted some material and applications from his personal mobile phone before it was seized, the CPS said. Another iPhone, four pairs of folded childrens underwear, shredded underwear in a bag, a disc of images, and two hard drives were all recovered during a search of his home. His phone and iPad contained 104 category A indecent images of children, the most serious, 440 category B images and 2,472 category C images, including almost 200 pseudo images. A large number of the pseudo images had been superimposed to depict Dempster with children, while examination of his devices suggested he had been downloading the images from December 15 2021 to December 29 last year, the CPS said. Analysis of his internet usage revealed Dempster had been searching for content of childrens feet. Dempster was sacked by GMP following an accelerated misconduct hearing, which he did not attend, in May. In his decision at the hearing, Chief Constable Stephen Watson said the case was amongst the most distressing of circumstances ever presented to me and was a despicable betrayal. He said: (Dempsters) actions were entirely deliberate and unforced. As a police officer, he knew that his actions were patently unlawful, dreadfully injurious to the wellbeing of a very young victim in the case of the sexual assault; and he should also have recognised that his behaviour was morally reprehensible. Dempster, of West Didsbury, Manchester, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, the CPS said. He previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child under 13, six counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of misconduct in public office. GMP Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods described Dempster as a depraved exception who the force had wasted no time in dismissing and disowning. He said: Dempster represents the very worst of society. He is not a police officer; he is a child sex offender, a criminal, and he has no right to be near police uniform or serve the public. Dempster was rightfully arrested and charged before he could ever work in our communities again. We have thoroughly reviewed Dempsters vetting and can confidently say there was nothing to remotely suggest he had a sexual interest in children. He was a man with a career in public service and his record showed no signs of warning. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPSs Special Crime Division, said: Dean Dempsters actions were abhorrent, and he betrayed the trust placed in him as a serving police officer. The sexual assault took place while he was on duty, and there is no doubt that the victim has been deeply affected by being targeted by someone in authority. Subsequent searches of Dempsters devices and his home address revealed further deplorable offending, and he is now facing the consequences of his actions. Paediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova was convicted of spreading false information about the army (AP) A doctor accused of criticising the war in Ukraine in front of a patient has been jailed for five and a half years after being convicted of spreading false information about the Russian military. Dr Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, was arrested in February after Anastasia Akinshina, the mother of one of her patients, reported the paediatrician to authorities. Ms Akinshina alleged that Buyanova told her and her son that his father, a Russian soldier who was apparently killed in Ukraine, was a legitimate target for Kyivs troops and had blamed Moscow for the war. The move is part of a relentless crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin. A mother whose husband died in the war levelled the accusations against the doctor (AP) A video of the outraged Ms Akinshina complaining about Buyanova was widely publicised, and chief of Russias Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin personally demanded that a criminal case should be brought against the doctor. Buyanova, who was born in western Ukraine, denied the accusation, insisting she never said what she was accused of saying. In a tearful closing statement to the court last week, she called for the court to acquit her. Her defence argued the prosecution failed to present evidence that the purported conversation took place, including any recordings of it, and alleged that her accuser fabricated the story out of animosity toward Ukrainians, according to the independent news site Mediazona. In her closing statement to the court, Buyanova said it was painful to read the accusations in the indictment, and broke down. A doctor, especially a paediatrician, is not capable of wishing harm to a child, his mother, or traumatizing the childs psyche. Only a monster is capable of this and of the words that I allegedly said to them, Mediazona quoted her as saying. The move is part of a wide-ranging Kremlin crackdown on dissent (AP) Buyanovas case drew national attention, with more than 6,500 people signing an online petition demanding her freedom and supporters regularly attending court hearings. As the judge read out the verdict, they shouted: Disgrace! before bailiffs escorted everyone from the courtroom. Her lawyer, Oscar Cherdzhyev, told reporters afterward that the verdict was unexpectedly harsh and monstrously cruel. We didnt expect this, he said. Spreading false information about the army has been a criminal offence in Russia since March 2022, when the Kremlin adopted a series of laws prohibiting any public expression about the invasion that deviated from the official narrative. Authorities started actively using them against critics and protesters. According to OVD-Info, one of Russias leading rights groups that tracks political arrests, more than 1,000 people have been implicated in criminal cases on charges related to speaking or acting out against the war. Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas Moon Embracing the Sun and Queen Woo, has been found dead at his home in the capital Seoul. He was 39. Officials at Seouls Seongdong district police station did not immediately comment on the cause of death. South Koreas Yonhap news agency, citing anonymous police sources, reported that police found a note at Songs home, where he was discovered on Tuesday by a friend who came to have lunch with him, and that there were no signs of foul play. Song Jae-lim was found dead in Seoul (AP) Song made his debut with the 2009 film Actresses. He rose to fame after playing a royal guard in the 2012 television hit Moon Embracing The Sun, a fantasy drama about the romance between a medieval Korean king and a female shaman. The actor also appeared in the celebrity reality show We Got Married in 2014, and played a supporting role in this years streaming drama Queen Woo, another fantasy drama about violent power struggles among royals in an ancient kingdom. President-elect Donald Trump awaits a decision on the sentencing of his hush money case (Alex Brandon/AP) Donald Trumps election victory created a conundrum for the judge overseeing his criminal case in New York. Can he go ahead and sentence the president-elect or would doing so potentially get in the way of Mr Trumps constitutional responsibility to lead the nation? Court documents made public on Tuesday revealed that Judge Juan M Merchan has effectively put the case on hold until at least November 19, while he and the lawyers on both sides weigh in on what should happen next. Mr Trumps sentencing had been tentatively scheduled for November 26. The judge in Donald Trumps hush money trial has put the case on hold while lawyers decide what happens next (Michael M Santiago via AP) Mr Trumps lawyers are urging Mr Merchan to act in the interests of justice and rip up the verdict, the first criminal conviction of a former and now future US president. Manhattan prosecutors told Mr Merchan they want to find a way forward that balances the competing interests of the jurys verdict and Mr Trumps responsibilities as president. Here are some scenarios for what could happen next: Wait until Mr Trump leaves officeIf Mr Merchan wants to preserve the verdict without disrupting Mr Trumps presidency, he could opt to delay sentencing until the president-elect leaves office in 2029. Mr Trump would be 82 at the end of his second term and more than a decade removed from the events at the heart of the case. Mr Trumps conviction on 34 felon counts of falsifying business records involves his efforts to hide a 130,000 dollar payment during his 2016 presidential campaign to squelch porn actor Stormy Daniels claims that she had sex with him years earlier, which he denies. If he opts to wait, Mr Merchan might not be on the bench by then as his current term ends before Mr Trump is slated to leave office. Among the options, the judge could choose to press ahead with sentencing or throw out the conviction (Allison Robbert/Pool via AP) Grant Mr Trumps immunity claimAnother way Mr Merchan could get rid of the case is by granting Mr Trumps previous request to overturn the verdict because of a US Supreme Court decision in July that gave presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution. The judge had said he would issue a ruling on Tuesday, but that was before Mr Trumps election victory upended the schedule. The high courts ruling gives former presidents immunity from prosecution for official acts and bars a prosecutor from using evidence of official acts in trying to prove their personal conduct violated the law. Mr Trumps lawyers argue prosecutors tainted the case with testimony about his first term and other evidence that shouldnt have been allowed. Prosecutors have said the ruling provides no basis for disturbing the jurys verdict. The judge could order a new trial potentially to take place after Mr Trump leaves office or dismiss the indictment entirely. Hold off until a federal court rulesJudge Merchan could choose to delay things until the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals rules on Mr Trumps earlier bid to move the case from state court to federal court. Mr Trumps lawyers have been appealing the decision of a Manhattan federal judge to deny the transfer. Their argument is that Mr Trumps case belongs in federal court because, as a former president, he has the right to assert immunity and seek dismissal. Waiting for the appeals court to rule, though, might trigger further delays down the road. The court has given prosecutors until January 13 to respond to Mr Trumps appeal. That is a week before he is to be sworn in to office. Once Mr Trump is in the White House, his legal team could make fresh arguments around presidential immunity. Following Donald Trumps success in the US election, the sentencing in his hush-money case has been put on hold (Jose Luis Magana/AP) Case dismissedMr Merchan could end the case immediately by overturning Mr Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He could throw out the indictment. That would mean no sentencing or punishment, sparing the president-elect from the possibility of prison time or other penalties. Mr Trumps lawyers insist tossing the case is the only way to avoid unconstitutional impediments to his ability to govern. Prosecutors acknowledged the unprecedented circumstances of Mr Trumps conviction colliding with his election but also said the jurys verdict should stand. Proceed to sentencingFinally, Mr Merchan could also opt for none of the above and move to sentencing or at least try, barring an appeal from Mr Trumps lawyers. George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin said whether the case reaches sentencing could go either way. In any case, he said, it probably wont be a prison sentence. Mr Trumps charges carry a range of punishments, from fines or probation to up to four years in prison. Any prison sentence would likely be blocked or suspended in some way, but a lesser sentence probably wouldnt impede Trump to any meaningful degree, Professor Somin said. 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The 21-year-old died in hospital a week after an incident near Drumahoe, Co. Londonderry, in August 2020. The PSNI initially accepted the word of her sisters boyfriend Jonathan Creswell that he had found her trying to take her own life. In reality, he had viciously attacked her. Its believed he drove Katie back and forth across the border while repeatedly attacking her in a jealous rage. Despite Creswells violent history and physical marks of abuse on Katie, local police failed to question others on Katies life, and no forensic examination took place. He was later charged with her murder but ended his life one day into his trial earlier this year. Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris. Lyra McKee murder accused condemned for hosting cancer charity event Dissident posed in front of replica AK47 machine-gun during fundraiser in Derry Jordan Devine (sitting), Liam 'Leaky' McDonnell (centre) and Barry Millar Ciaran Barnes Wed 13 Nov 2024 at 08:05 A dissident republican on trial for the murder of Lyra McKee has been pictured hosting a coffee fundraiser in aid of a cancer charity. PAWLET Daniel Banyai, fresh off recent foreclosure proceedings on his West Pawlet property and a still-pending assault on a police officer case in Rutland, was charged in late October with two counts of violating his conditions of release after a verbal altercation with a 17-year-old inside a Granville, N.Y. Dunkin'. Banyai was given a $15,000 bail and conditions of release by Rutland Judge Cortland Corsones back in April after he was arrested on a felony charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and a misdemeanor resisting arrest count. Both those charges stemmed from an incident with a West Pawlet Town Constable attempting to arrest Banyai on a months-long outstanding arrest warrant in early April, arising from Banyais long-standing property dispute with Pawlet town officials. During a traffic stop, when Constable Covino moved to arrest him, Banyai allegedly assaulted the constable and resisted arrest. According to the affidavit in the violations case, Banyai was at the Dunkin' in Granville on Aug. 27 when he had a verbal altercation with a 17-year-old male inside. According to the minors statement, Banyai began harassing him after asking whether the teen was who he thought he was. When the teen answered yes, Banyai allegedly told the teen he was a big s**t talker and began to yell at the teen, wanting to settle it right here. After telling Banyai he was only 17, Banyai allegedly answered by saying, I dont give a s**t how old you are. Banyai then reportedly told a worker at Dunkin to call for an ambulance, which, according to the affidavit, caused alarm and made the teen nervous. Banyai then told the teen they could settle this at midnight in the woods. It was alluded to but not specified inside the affidavit that Banyai and the teen had some type of ongoing relationship. Evidence of that relationship was evident after Banyai asked the teens name and allegedly began threatening him. A statement by the teen asking Banyai be punished for threats and harassment that he had caused him over the years was also part of the affidavit. The affidavit never specifically mentions the exact type of relationship both individuals had before the incident in August, however. Among Banyais conditions of release for the assault case was a specific order not to leave Vermont without court permission. Banyai was caught on video surveillance at the Dunkin' in New York, engaged in what appeared to be a verbal confrontation. The next day, the same constable that had arrested him in the prior incident, Thomas Covino, spotted Banyai leaving a Chinese restaurant in Granville, a violation of his conditions of release. When he was approached, Banyai allegedly began filming the officer with his cell phone. He later called an official in Pawlet to complain of harassment by the constable. A criminal complaint was also filed in Granville, N.Y., by the teen and sent to the Granville Courthouse for a criminal summons for Banyai to appear at a later date. Banyai is currently the subject of an ongoing eviction proceeding by the Town of Pawlet for monies owed the town. Fines totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars were amassed during a years-long zoning dispute at Banyais Slate Ridge property, a former firearms training facility that came into conflict with town zoning restrictions and neighbors of the sprawling property on Briar Hill Road in West Pawlet. The case made it all the way to the Vermont Supreme Court before the town was able to get the property in compliance with local ordinances. Town of Pawlet Attorney Merrill Bent filed the paperwork in late September asking a Rutland Judge to vacate a dismissal order that halted foreclosure proceedings in May 2022 after Banyai paid owed fines and back taxes to bring the property known as Slate Ridge into compliance. Bent then asked the judge to reopen the foreclosure action with an eventual order of public sale due to the property now in arrears, a total of $226,001.39 as of the September 2024 filing date. That request was granted on October 14 by a Rutland judge handling the foreclosure case. Banyais Slate Ridge property at 541 Briar Hill Road in West Pawlet has been at the center of a long-standing dispute between Banyai and the township after town officials forced the closure of Slate Ridge. The property pitted the town of Pawlet and several neighbors against Banyai in a protracted zoning dispute that reached all the way to the Vermont Supreme Court and, at one point, prompted legislation signed by the Governor banning military-style facilities in Vermont. Several neighbors complained that Banyai and his accomplices were running a paramilitary facility that terrorized, frightened, and tried to intimidate them, some outside their own properties. On at least two occasions, Banyai arrived at Select Board meetings, confronting members with what he said were anti-American, unfair tactics to steal away his property, and yelling into members' faces, all while the video cameras rolled. Banyai claimed he wasn't operating a paramilitary training facility, only a responsible, family firearms facility, and that the property is primarily a farm. The long-standing case started way back in 2018. It dragged on for several years and included numerous alleged threats, grandstanding, legal filings, intimidation, ongoing fines, gun rights issues, court orders, arrest warrants, and social media postings surrounding the issue of what a rural landowner can ultimately do with their legally owned property, and whether a town has or should have the right to regulate and restrict those uses for the peace and safety of the greater community. The zoning case was finally resolved after town representatives entered the property and dismantled the offending buildings and other facilities in April 2024 to ensure the property complied with all court orders. The case made it all the way to the Vermont Supreme Court, which sided on at least two occasions with the Town of Pawlet. Banyai is still out on conditions as he awaits a resolution to both cases. There is no further information on any pending N.Y. cases. The foreclosure and eviction proceedings at his West Pawlet property are still unresolved. BENNINGTON A new formal working group a first of many in the state of Vermont, will bring together multiple agencies, including police, medical, mental health, addiction, housing, government, child welfare, corrections, and others, in a joint effort to help facilitate a more meaningful approach to getting those in need on the right path. The Situation Table, a program started by a private company called Operation to Save Lives, part of the larger Cordata software company, is made up of former law enforcement, health, data, and agency workers and is funded by taxpayers through a new program of Governor Phil Scotts Public Safety Enhancement Team. The program organizers held their first information and training session at the Bennington Firehouse Tuesday and Wednesday in a crowded room of representatives from several social welfare and public safety agencies. In attendance were numerous local agencies, including the Bennington Police Department, the Center for Restorative Justice, the Department of Corrections, Turning Point, the Bennington Child Advocacy Center, Housing agencies, GBCS, Vermont Department of Children and Families, the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Housing United Counseling Services, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Sunrise Family Resource Center, Mount Anthony Union High School, and several other groups centered on mental health, wellness, addiction, homelessness, and more. The Situation Table is a unique, risk-based, rapid triage model designed to bring together front-line human service and justice professionals from a specific regional area once a week to consider potential situations that the group can quickly identify and which agencies might need to be involved in a supportive intervention during a crisis point in an individuals life. The program claims to improve service delivery, reduce barriers, and connect individuals to the services they need in a speedy manner, with several agencies working together to chart the best path forward. We are trying to create a community-owned situation table, a group of agencies that can engage with all of the different stakeholders in a weekly meeting to refer or forward an individual or family for help, said Mike Botieri, a retired Chief of Police who is now the Senior Community Engagement Specialist at Cordata, a data company that pioneered the program. We call it a situation because situations are temporary. I might be in a situation today where I need help, but its a temporary situation. We want to bring together all of the agencies that can help assess and determine what is needed quickly and meaningfully. The Bennington Police Department started a similar program a while back, bringing to the table several local, state, and advocacy groups that can work together to help see the many nuanced situations that any agency might not have on their own. According to Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette, that initial program has successfully navigated the diverse needs of many in our community who suffer from such issues as mental health, homelessness, drug addiction, domestic violence, and many of the other problems the Situation Table program will address. According to Botieri, this new program will solidify and formalize the program, holding weekly meetings on situations with all participating agencies working together to chart that sometimes-elusive way forward. The team from Operation to Save Lives will stay with the newly formed team for several months to help the team succeed. An additional benefit the program brings will be an accelerated accumulation of data that, according to Botieri, can help the government spot where and act on the exact needs of individuals and, in time, funnel much-needed resources to those specific needs. The program will provide valid data to move forward on the service gaps a community like Bennington faces. Lets say, after six months, we find out the most common risk factor in Bennington is homelessness, said Botieri. If you dont have a homeless coalition, you dont have a needed resource for your highest risk factor. Thats something that you can take this data and present that to the legislature to change things. It will help create some type of resolution to problem solve that specific issue. The Situation Table will help to identify those gaps in the community. We currently have ten programs in Kentucky, Botieri said. We can look at that data coming from those programs and tell you immediately, county by county, what agency in a given situation will most likely bring something useful forward. That goes a long way in getting an individual the most useful help they need right now. According to Botieri, If the table believes, through consensus, that an individual is at a heightened risk, they can quickly gather a team of agencies that will specifically help that individuals risk factors to offer available resources. The goal of the table is to lower that risk so that individual is in a safer position, Botieri said. The team will continuously engage and try to help that person. We are not looking for a final resolution, say, treatment or another individual service. We are looking to simply put that person on a safer path so that the many agencies can continue to help. The goal of the two-day program in Bennington was to train those participating agencies and choose a launch date for the program to officially begin. The program is a first for Vermont, with Bennington leading the way forward. Future Situation Tables will eventually be set up in Springfield, VT and Brattleboro. Representatives from Burlingtons Mayors Office were on hand for the training to determine if the program will also be started there. There are approximately 35 Situation Table programs already set up nationwide. This is a really well-attended start, Botieri said. Wonderful things are happening already here in Bennington. We want to compliment that and bring some fidelity to the process, not just for law enforcement, but for all agencies that can help. The result we look for is to lower the risk, put individuals in a safer position, and provide them a team of agencies that are specific to their individual needs, said Scott Allen, a retired Chief of Police, who is now a Senior Community Engagement Specialist with the program. Once that risk is lowered, we step back, pause, and let that team that addresses the specific need step up and provide the services and support needed. With more and more tables coming online, that reduces the overall risk area-wide. We are sometimes technically on pause, because we know in four, six, or ten days, we may be dealing with that same individual again, said Chief Doucette. But now, we can all come to the table, work through the issues, look at those at great risk, and work together collectively, instead of the police sending them to jail or someone winding up in our emergency department for sometimes days, weeks, or even months. One hand hasnt always known what the other was doing. Were already working on that here in Bennington, but bringing this together from different areas to help all of us understand is important. We all have to work together to resolve this. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. BECKET The Route 8 Pub has changed hands but with familiar faces at the helm in a family-run and locally owned enterprise. When Mo Vandesteene learned that founder and owner Heather Anello intended to close the pub, he turned to daughter Trisha Magner with a question. Would she like him to buy it? The answer was yes. Now, Vandesteene owns the restaurant in a lease from Anello, who still owns the building. Magner, who worked under Anello, is general manager. Vandesteenes other daughter, Jennifer White, tends bar. The chef isnt a family member. Rodger Ginthwain came aboard after Magner advertised. As it happened, he and Magner worked together years ago at Baba Louies. With Ginthwain in the kitchen and Magner pitching in there as well, the Route 8 Pub is known for its wings and burgers served on buns branded with the pubs logo. Its also a gathering place, with an acoustic jam and solo musicians or duos. The pub seats 50. That doesnt include the picnic tables out front that patrons are welcome to use if they want to sit down outside with their takeout orders. If you go What: Route 8 Pub Where: 3235 Main St., Becket Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Menu: Snacks and starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizzas, bowls and dessert. Full bar and craft beers on tap. Live sports on TV. Order ahead for takeout. Information: 413-623-5500 or route8pub.com Since Vandesteene bought the place, hes redone the floors and painted the interior. While hes already halfway through his three-year lease with Anello, hes recently applied for a liquor license transfer with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, which the Becket Select Board unanimously endorsed. Vandesteene said Magner is now putting in sweat equity to eventually own the pub. Magner, who previously worked at Gateways Inn in Lenox and at Halpins Grub and Grog in Lenox, said she enjoys working with her father, although both acknowledged that working together has its moments. Were pretty close, she said. We get along pretty well. There is a couple little bumps but very little. As general manager, shes trying to strike a balance regarding pricing. Thats really tough, she said. Keeping your prices down without people thinking that youre charging crazy amounts. I think thats the hardest thing is the cost of everything going up and down all the time. Noting an irony, she said the rising price of groceries may be helping busines. I think the price isnt so shocking because the prices at the grocery store are so shocking, she said. Vandesteene, 69, was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He grew up in the Worcester County town of Ashburnham and graduated from Oakmont Regional High School. His first job was at the IGA Supermarket. He went to Berkshire Community College, graduating in 1974. He moved to San Diego from 1975 to 1979, where he married and had his daughter, Trisha Magner. When he returned to Berkshire County in 1979, he lived at first in Washington and then bought a home in Becket in 1980. Vandesteene worked as a laborer and then bartended at Bucksteep Manor in Washington for 15 years and was named manager for his last five years there. He also worked at Hillcrest Educational Center and at Canterbury Farm building stone walls and patios. He spent 20 years operating campgrounds at Kampgrounds of America; one had 600 sites. I retired from Kampgrounds of America, Vandesteene said. I was working a little bit here and there. I have a 401(k) I was looking at. The stock market was not doing a lot at that point. Since reopening under Vandersteenes ownership, hes been putting in hours at the pub. Its been going great, he said. Weve got a lot of community support. The atmosphere is fantastic, I hear all the time here, and you can feel it. He praised Magners work. Shes working hard, doing a great job, Vandesteene said. And Rodgers just phenomenal. Nathan Maynard and Greer Tison of Blandford stopped by to open the pub on a recent Friday afternoon. Its only about 15 minutes from our house, Maynard said. We either have to go down to Westfield or keep it local here. And this place is fantastic. Were kind of wing fanatics. And this place has some of the best wings, I would say, in Western Massachusetts. Tison said she appreciates the inclusion of nonalcoholic beer on the bar menu. But thats not all. They made that delicious poached dill salmon, Tison said. That was fantastic. Eagle Archives, March 13, 1957: Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wynne brought their family of three from Leeds, England, to Pittsfield in 1951, looking for security from nuclear fission and greater opportunity for their children. Six years later, they're not sure about the security; they are about the opportunity. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Unrecognized Groups An unrecognized fraternity or sorority is not associated with the university. These organizations and their members do not receive any support or advisement from the university. In some cases, the university may have severed its relationship with these organizations due to concerns over the health and safety of our community (denoted by a *) or the organization is currently inactive on their own account. These unrecognized groups are listed below. Visit the Chapters page to view a list of recognized groups. 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Diabetes impacts mental well-being of more than 4 in 5 Indians: Study November 13, 2024 | Wednesday | News More than four fifths (85%) of Indians living with diabetes experienced diabetes burnout, a state of physical or emotional exhaustion caused by the daily requirements of managing diabetes image credit- shutterstock A new global survey conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveals that 86% of Indians living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition as a result of their diabetes. The fear of developing complications (76%) was the most common factor leading to mental health conditions, other factors included daily diabetes management (72%), accessing support from a healthcare professional (65%) and accessing medicines and supplies (61%). The survey also highlighted a clear call for better support, with 79% of Indians living with diabetes seeking increased support for their emotional and mental well-being from their healthcare providers. Although diabetes doesn't always lead to mental health challenges, close to 85% of Indians living with diabetes report experiencing diabetes burnout, primarily due to feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by daily diabetes management. Alarmingly, nearly three quarters (73%) of those affected by burnout admitted to stopping or interrupting their diabetes treatment due to stress or feeling overwhelmed. Dr Banshi Saboo, Diabetologist & Chairman of Diabetes Care & Hormone Clinic in Ahmedabad said: According to the latest IDF estimates, over 74 million people are currently living with diabetes in India, with the prevalence rate expected to reach 10% of the adult population by 2045. Bearing those figures in mind, the IDF survey suggests that the mental well-being of over 59 million people could be impacted due to the daily burden of managing their condition. The data also highlighted a gender divide, as 90% of women living with diabetes responded that they had experienced a mental health condition as a result of their diabetes, compared to 84% of men. STEERLife and Callidus Research Labs forge strategic partnership to accelerate innovative drug development November 13, 2024 | Wednesday | News To provide clients with advanced drug development services utilising Hot Melt Extrusion technology image credit- shutterstock Bengaluru-based STEERLife, a pioneer in pharmaceutical development technologies, and Pune-based startup Callidus Research Laboratories, a formulation development services company with a wealth of experience in comprehensive pharmaceutical drug development, have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate drug development for global markets. STEERLife is a division of STEER World. The collaboration combines STEERLife's advanced Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) and Continuous Processing Technologies with Callidus' Pharmaceutical Drug Development Expertise, addressing the global demand for innovative drug formulations and development. By leveraging their combined strengths, STEERLife and Callidus will provide worldwide clients with advanced drug development services utilising Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology. This partnership enables both organisations to integrate their specialised knowledge and skills, yielding innovative solutions and enhanced product offerings. Additionally, the collaboration facilitates network, contact, and market reach sharing, allowing both companies to enter new regions and customer segments. Together, they will meet the global demand for next-generation pharmaceutical formulations, serving generic and brand companies. This partnership also enables end-to-end drug development for highly potent APIs. Beyond their complementary capabilities, the organisations collaboration is fuelled by their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation to further futuristic product development for global markets. Karnataka to host global Startup-VC connect at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 November 13, 2024 | Wednesday | News 50 global investors connect with 118 diverse startups Venture Capital Connect- a three-day programme connecting Startups and Investors, is being organised by the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka as a part of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 (BTS2024) from November 19-21, 2024. The programme is expected to draw over 50 leading global investors, including family offices, angel investors, and venture capital firms from across the globe, bringing a combined potential investment fund of more than $17.5 billion. More than 322 startups of diverse range have registered to participate in the programme, of which 118 have applied for patents. This includes 23 ideation stage startups, 142 early traction stage startups, 75 concept validation stage startups, and 82 growth stage startups. These startups will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to an audience of top investors, and receive valuable insights and mentorship on scaling their businesses. Investors attending will gain unique access to a robust pipeline of innovative, high-growth startups, across various technology sectors. This programme is strongly focused on catalysing growth specifically for Karnataka-based startups and has support from leading investment associations and registered VC networks in India. This initiative aligns with the States commitment to fostering innovation, providing Karnataka-based startups with an opportunity to access substantial capital and mentorship. About this programme, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka expressed, Karnataka has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with BTS 2024, we are amplifying this momentum by creating a direct bridge between our startups and global investors. This programme is more than a funding opportunity, it is a strategic investment in the future of Karnatakas entrepreneurs, who are shaping tomorrows technology landscape. The Venture Capital Connect programme is just one of the many programmes for the Startup community at BTS 2024. The event will also feature dedicated Startup track with 3 days of engaging panels and keynotes, a Startup Pavilion for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products and solutions, a Product Launch arena, Networking programs, Awards, and more. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Paul Mescal says he would absolutely love to do a third Gladiator film after director Ridley Scott teased that he could be looking to do a follow-up. The highly-anticipated second instalment of the 2000 film Gladiator, which was originally fronted by Oscar-winner Russell Crowe as Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, had its premiere in London at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. Advertisement Stars of Gladiator II, including Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and the films director, Ridley, walked the red carpet ahead of the King, who had earlier hosted members of the film and TV industry at a reception at Buckingham Palace. The event was held in aid of the Film and TV Charity, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal at the Gladiator II premiere (Ian West/PA) The second film tells the story of Lucius Verus, who originally appeared in the film as a child and is now played by Mescal. Lucius escaped capture after the fall of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the original Oscar-winning movie and joined the fight against the Roman Empires expansion. Advertisement In the fight to defend his wife, Lucius is captured and placed into slavery by the forces of Marcus Acacius (Pascal) and subsequently becomes a gladiator after being bought by Macrinus (Washington), and seeks revenge. Speaking to the PA news agency about Ridley considering a third Gladiator movie, Mescal said: When the scripts are ready, I absolutely would love to be involved. When asked about the Irish premiere, and crowds welcoming him in front of his former university Trinity College Dublin last week, the 28-year-old Maynooth native said: (It was) totally unexpected and incredibly warm, like this weird oasis in the middle of this international press tour where you go home and everybodys phenomenally generous. Also on the red carpet, Mescal met his All Of Us Strangers co-star and fellow Irish actor Andrew Scott. Advertisement They both seemed delighted to be reunited and hugged for a long time. Gladiator II also shows how Lucius mother Lucilla (Nielsen), from the first film, has since married Acacius. She plots to overthrow joint emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Carcella (Fred Hechinger) to restore the Roman republic as former slave Macrinus schemes and Lucius faces trials in the Coliseum. The boyfriend of an American nurse allegedly killed by an Irish man has revealed he feels that he failed her and wishes he could have protected her. Mackenzie Michalski (31) who was on holiday in the Hungarian capital of Budapest was last seen at nightclub in the city on Tuesday last and listed as missing by Budapest Police Headquarters later that day. Advertisement 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. A 37-year-old Irishman has allegedly admitted to killing Ms Michalski accidentally after becoming intimate at a rented apartment. The arrested man, allegedly informed police after his arrest that he attempted to conceal her body in a suitcase along with her handbag and credit card, which he transported her in the boot of his rental car to a marshy area in Szigliget in Western Hungary. Advertisement Detectives have also said they found numerous alleged incriminating online searches on a computer. Kenton Reichen and Mackenzie "Kenzie" Michalski. Photo: Instagram Police also allege that the detained Irish suspect cleaned his apartment. The man has been remanded in custody for four weeks due to what a Hungarian court was told by prosecutors is a flight risk. The court order is subject to an appeal. Kenton Reichen, from Portland, Orgen in the US said on social media that he would make it up to his girlfriend someday". The pair had been in a relationship for six years, but were on a break from each other. Advertisement Mr Reichen is currently in Budapest with Ms Michalskis parents. He added: "Ill miss you. (I) fell in love with you watching the sunset in Ibiza carrying you with your broken ankle. You were everything I needed in life. Im sorry I failed you. The couple had planned to travel to the European country together at the end of October but were in the middle of a break so Mr Reichen decided not to take the trip. The US native continued: "She (Kenzie) was perfect, but I neglected her in many ways. It hurts me a lot, and I wish I could have protected her. Advertisement Instead, Ms Michalski travelled to the country with a female friend who alerted the US Embassy when she failed to check out of her Airbnb. 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. Mackenzie "Kenzie" Michalski, 31, was a nurse practitioner. 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 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. Advertisement The Irishmans lawyer, Jozsef Pasztor, according to local Hungarian media, informed the court that the womans death was an accident and has denied any guilt. Ireland Irishman allegedly admits murdering American touri... Read More 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 postmortem and forensic examination are still pending, and authorities have yet to confirm the cause of Ms Michalskis death. Two vigils were held in western New York and Budapest last weekend in her memory. In a statement, her family thanked the efforts of everyone, including strangers abroad and officials across the world for getting involved in helping find Ms Michalski. The statement 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 humour, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike." A criminal defence solicitor accused of the theft of 400 fabricated notes with the intention of convincing gardai it was a weaker case, prosecuting counsel has suggested to the jury. Cahir O'Higgins (49) has pleaded not guilty to the theft of 400 on July 30th, 2016 at Londis shop, on Parkgate Street. Advertisement He also pleaded not guilty to four counts of perverting the course of public justice contrary to common law, on December 8th and December 17th, 2017. Mr O'Higgins, of Cahir O'Higgins and Company, Kingsbride House, Parkgate Street, Dublin, denies the allegations against him. The court has heard that Mr O'Higgins is a criminal defence solicitor with over 20 years' experience. Evidence was given during the trial that Mr O'Higgins was standing in for a colleague to represent a Spanish national, Raul Sanz Quilis, who was before the District Court on July 30, 2016 on a charge of criminal damage in relation to a fire in a toilet cubicle at Dicey's bar. It is the State's case that Mr O'Higgins used his client's bank card to make three withdrawals totalling 600 from an ATM and allegedly placed 400 into his pocket. 200 was paid to the court and the case was then struck out. Advertisement It is further alleged that Mr O'Higgins provided gardai in December 2017 with a copy of notes he claimed to have made on July 30th, 2016 and that he was aware these notes contained untrue information. In his closing speech, Eoin Lawlor SC, prosecuting, on Wednesday told jurors they must dispassionately and critically examine the evidence. Mr Lawlor suggested Mr Sanz Quilis was the perfect mark for this theft because he had been intoxicated, had poor English, was due to return to Spain and had got off lightly. He continued by suggesting that this appeared to be a low-risk theft when committed and that Mr Sanz Quilis was uniquely vulnerable. Advertisement He submitted Mr Sanz Quilis was clear that he didn't get his 400 back and that he was told by Mr O'Higgins that the money had been taken as fees. Mr Lawlor contended that a drunk person may not remember how a fire started and is not being dishonest. He suggested that this does not affect Mr Sanz Quilis's credibility. Mr O'Higgins was not entitled to charge fees to Mr Sanz Quilis in circumstances where legal aid had been assigned, prosecuting counsel told the jury. He asked the jury to consider if a 19-year-old with a poor grasp of English - who had just been in trouble - would have challenged a lawyer when told that a fee was being taken. Advertisement Mr Lawlor noted the jury has heard evidence that extra money was withdrawn by Mr O'Higgins due to the possibility that the judge might order compensation. He put it to the jury that 400 would not be enough money to cover any loss suffered by the nightclub. Mr Lawlor noted that Mr O'Higgins said he returned the 400 to Mr Sanz Quilis in an envelope. He submitted: it defies understanding that an experienced solicitor would take out cash without their client's explicit permission and would give cash to someone accused of a crime and not seek a signed receipt or acknowledgement. Advertisement He told the jury that a recording made in 2020 of a conversation between Mr O'Higgins and Garda Tao Yu is evidence of statements made, but not the truth of them. Evidence He suggested that some of Mr O'Higgins's comments during the recording were an attempt to pressurise Gda Yu to give particular evidence. He submitted the recording shows Gda Yu attempting to reconcile his recollection with what Mr O'Higgins was saying. Mr Lawlor suggested that the defendant's comments during the recording that people were out to get him are nonsense. He told the jury that the allegation of perverting the course of justice arises from how Mr O'Higgins dealt with the allegation of theft when he became aware of it. Mr Lawlor said the notes presented by Mr O'Higgins to gardai in December 2017 as contemporaneous to events of July 30, 2016 were fabricated. He suggested Mr O'Higgins lied in these notes and about them. Prosecuting counsel submitted the defendant continued to lie during his first interview with gardai, before he shifted his story. Mr Lawlor submitted these notes are significant because while they are presented as a mundane record of what happened on July 30th, 2016, they were intended as a defence to the theft allegation. Notes He suggested the notes were intended to deceive gardai into believing it was a weaker case than it was". Prosecuting counsel noted that Mr O'Higgins had expressed concerns about the Law Society, but there is no evidence that a complaint had been made to the legal regulator. He suggested Mr O'Higgins could have had a dual intention to foresaw the Law Society by deceiving gardai. In his speech, senior defence counsel Michael O'Higgins suggested his client made a reasonable request to gardai when interviewed to follow up potential lines of enquiry, but this wasn't done. Defence counsel submitted these aspects weren't pursued because it was evidence that was capable of assisting Mr O'Higgins in defending this allegation of theft. He submitted to the jury there is a lingering suspicion that this investigation was only looking for evidence that pointed one way. On the evidence of Mr Sanz Quilis, Mr O'Higgins suggested he lied to gardai when interviewed and had stubbornly persisted in that lie in his evidence by maintaining the starting of the fire was an accident. He asked jurors to consider if the prosecution had advanced an excuse for a witness who had plainly lied to you. I dont know what is more troubling, him [Mr Sanz Quilis] doing what I suggest he did do or the prosecution trying to dress it up as a memory lapse. Defence counsel said his client's state of mind on July 30 when he withdrew the money was important for the jury to consider and there was no entitlement for him to charge fees, as legal aid had been assigned. Counsel asked the jury to consider if it's possible that Mr Sanz Quilis was handed back 400 but left it behind due to his tired state and the general hurly-burly of the court environment. Counsel submitted the money could have been returned, but Mr Sanz Quilis didn't appreciate he got the money back. Mr O'Higgins SC said the defence acknowledges that his client does not look well in this case. Theres no question in my view that the lies he told were lies to protect his interests, describing the idea his client would lie as reprehensible. He told jurors the reality is that everyone tells lies, but asked how many people do you know who quickly put their hands up and say it was a lie? Theft allegation He asked if a successful person would throw it all up for 400. Defence counsel suggested that the lies in his client's notes are not about the theft allegation, but to anticipate possible regulatory queries. Its a lie but its directed at someone asking 'did you complete the formalities as you ought to have done?', Mr O'Higgins SC said. He submitted to the jury that it is a leap to say these notes were intended to pervert the course of justice. Counsel suggested that its not possible to be satisfied beyond doubt what happened here and the correct verdict is not guilty. The trial continues. The Garda Commissioner has apologised in the High Court to a man who had sued after an image containing his name, address and photograph on a Garda notice board in a Dublin station ended up on social media. In an apology read to the High Court as Jonathan Berry settled proceedings against the Garda Commissioner for a substantial sum, it said the Commissioner wished to make it clear that Mr Berry is not and never has been a criminal and has no convictions of any kind for any offence. Advertisement Mr Berry from Ballyfermot, Dublin, had launched defamation proceedings against the Garda Commissioner after an image containing his name and photograph on a Garda notice board was circulated on social media in 2019. Mr Berry, who is represented by O Brien & Co Solicitors, claimed that a person believed to be a contractor employed by the Gardai was permitted access to a room in Kilmainham Garda Station, which contained briefing bulletins. It was claimed that one bulletin displayed Mr Berry's details, including his photograph, name and address. It was further claimed the Garda briefing bulletin suggested Mr Berry was an alleged active criminal. Advertisement In the High Court today on Tuesday, Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told the case had been settled and an apology on behalf of the Garda Commissioner was read to the court. In the apology, the Garda Commissioner said the suggestion that Mr Berry was an alleged active criminal was and is false and is highly defamatory of him. It added: "The Garda Commissioner wishes to make it clear that, Johnathan Berry is not and never has been a criminal and has no convictions of any kind for any offence." It further added: "The Garda Commissioner wishes to apologise to Mr Berry for the damage which the above suggestion has done to his reputation and for the upset and distress which it has caused." Advertisement It also said it had been agreed to pay Mr Berry substantial damages as well as costs. In the proceedings. It was claimed a contractor took a picture of the bulletin board and the photograph appeared on WhatsApp and online. Mr Berry claimed the republishing of the photograph by the person who allegedly took it and by others who disseminated the material amounted to a breach of his privacy and is defamatory. The alleged breach was later the subject of several media reports. As a result of the publication, Mr Berry sought damages for defamation and a breach of his privacy against the Garda Commissioner. A 22-year-old man who was messaging women on Tinder just minutes before he stabbed his one-time friend in the neck has been found guilty of murder, with the jury agreeing with the prosecution case that his claims of self-defence were "self-serving nonsense". The jury, who also heard that on the day before the stabbing Brandon Gavin's phone had searched for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland", rejected the defence case that he had lashed out in fear and was not a murderer. Advertisement The jury at the Central Criminal Court deliberated for close to five hours before returning their unanimous verdict on Wednesday against Gavin, who was found guilty of the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23rd, 2023. Gavin, of Brookdale Road, Rivervalley, Swords, had pleaded not guilty, with the jury hearing that he told gardai that Mr Mamaliga came at him so he defended himself, claiming that he feared for his life as he owed a drug debt of 2,500. The trial heard witness evidence that Mr Mamaliga had sold drugs in the past and that Gavin owed him money. At the opening of the trial, counsel for the DPP, Ronan Kennedy SC said that the charge of murder arose from the fatal stabbing of the deceased on February 23rd, with Mr Mamaliga dying from his injuries on February 26th. Advertisement It was the prosecutions case that Gavin went to meet his one-time friend armed with a knife and that he got into the backseat of Mr Mamaliga's car, where he suddenly and without warning stabbed him in the neck with the intention of killing him or causing him serious injury. Mr Kennedy said the entire incident lasted approximately 14 seconds. He told the jury that Gavin dropped his mobile phone and two HSE appointment cards in his name in the rear footwell of the car, which were recovered by gardai during a technical examination of the vehicle. The jury also heard evidence that the deceased's blood was on a penknife found by gardai in a park close to where the incident occurred, while the handle of the knife contained DNA matching that of Gavin. State pathologist Dr SallyAnn Collis told the jury that, despite medical intervention at the scene of the stabbing, Mr Mamaliga suffered hypoxic brain injury which was caused by the deprivation of oxygen to the brain due to blood loss. Advertisement She told the jury that Mr Mamaliga sustained arterial bleeding to the left common carotid artery, which was almost transected, as well as damage to his left jugular vein and damage to his upper windpipe. Garda David Durnin gave evidence to Mr Kennedy that on February 23rd, Gavin and his father came to Swords Garda station, where the defendant's father informed him that his son had been involved in an incident earlier and wished to hand himself in. Garda Durnin said that the defendant told him he had stabbed Mr Mamaliga in self-defence because he was in fear for his life as he owed money for drugs. The garda said that Brandon Gavin told him that he owed 2,500 for drugs/weed, adding that he also told the gardai that he was in a panic after stabbing Mr Mamaliga and had thrown the knife away, but did not state where. Detective Garda Conor Tumbleton gave evidence to Mr Kennedy that when he cautioned the defendant, Gavin said: He came at me. I defended myself. I stabbed him. Advertisement The defendant's father Eddie Gavin gave evidence during the trial of a phone call with his son, who had told him: "Dad, I f**ked up." He said that Brandon told him that he had "stabbed this guy" but didn't give any specifics. Mr Gavin broke down as he told the jury: "He said, "Dad, Can I have a hug?" and I said, of course you can, so I hugged him." Mr Gavin told defence counsel that Brandon was trembling, hysterical and crying. "He was a mess," Eddie Gavin said. The accused's mother, Jacqueline Gavin, told the trial that Brandon had mental health problems for many years and had self-harmed and attempted suicide on a number of occasions. She said the family "tried everything", including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Pieta House, private counselling and various hospitals in Dublin. Witness David Octavian described to the jury the seconds-long window during which a "calm and collected" assailant got into the car he was sitting in, "slowly took out a knife" and stabbed his friend in the neck before fleeing. Advertisement Asked if he knew Gavin, the witness said: Yes, we used to hang around together as a group when we were younger. We used to be friends. The jury also heard evidence from Roman Lakhman, who said that on the night in question, he got in the front passenger side of the car and David Octavian got in the back. He said the trio drove to Brookdale, where someone got into the car. Mr Lakhman said seconds later, the man stabbed him [Mr Mamaliga] but we thought he just got a dig to the face and thats when we hopped out and gave him a little chase but then Marius hopped out holding his neck. Asked by Mr Kennedy if he knew of anything Mr Mamaliga was doing to make money, Mr Lakhman said: He was selling fast gas [laughing gas] but thats about it. During cross-examination, Mr Lakhman denied suggestions by Dean Kelly SC, defending, that Mr Mamaliga was a cocaine dealer who had a drugs business on the night he was fatally stabbed. Mr Kelly asked the witness what else Mr Mamaliga was doing to make money, to which Mr Lakhman replied: selling weed from time to time. However, the jury were shown video footage taken from a phone, where Mr Mamaliga can be seen placing cocaine into bags. Further evidence was given by Detective Garda Kevin Farrell, who said that he retrieved data from a phone belonging to Gavin that was found inside Mr Mamaliga's car following his death. Det Gda Farrell said that on February 22nd, 2023, at 6.31pm, a little over 24 hours before the incident with Mr Mamaliga, the phone was used to search for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland". Det Gda Farrell also told the court that the user of the phone had been engaging with the dating app Tinder on the day of the stabbing. At 6.45pm a contact was created with a woman by swiping right and Gavin's phone sent a message saying: "Hey, how are you?", the witness said. The jury has previously seen CCTV footage showing the interaction between the accused and Mr Mamaliga less than 20 minutes later, at shortly after 7.03pm. Under cross-examination, Det Gda Farrell agreed with Mr Kelly that messages on Mr Mamaliga's phone showed that he was involved in the sale and supply of drugs, including cocaine and MDMA. Exchanges between Gavin and Mr Mamaliga appear to show that the defendant lied to the deceased about some drugs that had gone missing. In one message, Gavin falsely told Mr Mamaliga that the drugs were gone because gardai had raided his house, Det Gda Farrell said. Three days before he died, Mr Mamaliga sent Gavin a message saying: "You get that sorted? Boys looking for that money on Thursday." Mr Mamaliga sent a message the following day saying: "There be people at your door tomorrow, I recommend you get back to me." In his closing speech, Mr Kennedy said there was clear, unambiguous evidence that the stabbing was "planned and premeditated" and that to suggest Gavin was acting in self-defence was "self-serving nonsense". Election 2024 What constituency am I in? Check the new boundary... Read More However, Mr Kelly asked the jury to consider whether the defendants actions were those of a person who was spiralling out of control and the possibility that when Gavin lashed out in the car, he lashed out in fear, anger and self-preservation. Before the jury began their deliberations, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon told them there were three verdicts open to them in relation to the murder charge against the defendant: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. After the jury of seven men and five women returned their verdict, Ms Justice Creedon thanked them for their time and attention during the trial, excusing them from jury service for the next seven years. The matter was adjourned to December 2nd for victim impact statements and sentencing, with Gavin remanded in custody. A man who concealed cannabis herb worth 250,000 in a lead-lined compartment in his car has been jailed for five and half years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Donatas Koncevicius (40) was stopped by gardai earlier this year at Junction 4 of the M3, after travelling through Dublin Port on a ferry from Cherbourg, France. Advertisement He later pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs for sale or supply and to possessing a concealed compartment to facilitate drug trafficking on March 2nd, 2024. Garda Stephen Gillespie told Ed OMahony BL, prosecuting, that gardai had been monitoring the car after they got confidential information on it. The court heard it took gardai over an hour to break into what was described as an elaborate concealment between the back passenger seat and the boot. Garda Gillespie said the mechanised compartment was operated by a switch under the drivers seat, agreeing that the modification was not something that would be commonly or commercially available. Advertisement The compartment was lined with lead and contained cannabis herb valued at 258,224, the court heard. Koncevicius was the registered owner of the car and had travelled from Dublin to Cherbourg on February 23rd on an Irish Ferries boat, leaving France for the return leg on March 1st. Garda interviews He was interviewed by gardai four times but made no comment. Koncevicius has no previous convictions and is married with two daughters. Originally from Lithuania, he has been in Ireland for 20 years, the court heard. Advertisement Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said Koncevicius had a sad and tragic upbringing, blighted by alcoholism in the family which led to periodic depression in him as an adult. Koncevicius has a long work history in the motoring and catering industries, but the court heard he was made redundant about five months before committing this offence. Redundancy Counsel said the redundancy led to financial pressures and Koncevicius felt he was not providing for his family in the way he should have been. Thats how he came into contact with those who arranged for the drug importation, said Mr McGinn. Gda Gillespie said Koncevicius was not at the top level, but he certainly was not at the bottom either. Koncevicius has no addiction issues and is doing well in custody, counsel said, submitting a governors report to show that his client is on an enhanced regime in prison. Letters were also handed in from Koncevicius and his wife. Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of eight years but reduced this to an actual sentence of six years. She suspended the final six months of the sentence and backdated it to March 4th, when Koncevicius went into custody. A Dubliner used his friends identity to steal from the State in social welfare fraud after his friend moved to Thailand, a court has heard. Noel Ward (59), of Dolmen Way, Ballymun, was homeless at the time when he made a plan with his friend, now deceased, to claim multiple social welfare benefits using the friends PPS number. Advertisement Ward fraudulently claimed a total of 109,235 over a ten-year period, of which he lodged 100 a week into his friends bank account. At a hearing on Wednesday, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Ward transferred about 64,000 into the AIB account of his friend Patrick Rooney, who died last December in Thailand. Ward pleaded guilty to two charges of using a false instrument, including a driving licence, and six counts of theft from the State, on dates between May 2008 and August 2019. Among the payments Ward fraudulently claimed were Jobseekers Benefit, Disability Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance, Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Rent Allowance. Advertisement Ward has been making repayments to the State since 2017, the court heard, including a lump sum of 20,000 paid over earlier this month. The State remains at a loss of about 15,000, but Ward is expected to have this repaid within the next four years. Abuse of PPS number Garda Louise Keane told David Perry BL, prosecuting, that gardai believe the late Mr Rooney was complicit in the abuse of his PPS number. Gda Keane said that between May 2008 and July 2012, Ward claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling 41,861 in the name of Patrick Rooney. Advertisement Then from July 2012 to August 2018, Ward took up employment with two companies, using Mr Rooneys name and PPS number. During this time, Ward claimed a raft of unemployment benefits, including Rent Allowance and Disability allowance, in his own name. In total, he fraudulently claimed 56,590 in his own name, the court heard. His final claim was illness benefit in Mr Rooneys name from January to March 2017, to the tune of 783. Advertisement Ward used a false driving licence in the name of Mr Rooney, but with his own genuine photo attached. The fraud came to light after Ward applied to the Department of Social Protection for Disability Allowance, submitting Ulster Bank statements showing his weekly wages from his then employer, Musgraves Wholesale Partners. When a department inspector queried where the money was from, Ward said his cousin Mr Rooney was using his bank account to receive his wages. The inspector visited Musgraves, who said that Ward had been working for them but went by the name of Patrick Rooney. Advertisement The court heard that Mr Rooney lived in Thailand from late 2008 until his death last year. Gardai searched Wards home in July 2018 and found the fake driving licence in Mr Rooneys name. On his arrest, Ward made full admissions to gardai and admitted he had been claiming social welfare benefits in Mr Rooneys name, and later working under Mr Rooneys identity and claiming benefits in his own name. Ward told gardai that his friend Mr Rooney, a recovering alcoholic, had offered him a place to stay when he was homeless in 2008. When Mr Rooney moved to Thailand, Ward agreed to collect social welfare for him. The court heard that Ward was living at the address at Dolmen Way but claiming rent allowance on a different property. When asked about the false driving licence, Ward told gardai he thought he got that in a pub about 11 years ago. I cant remember everything, Ward told gardai. Ward has one previous conviction for drunken driving in 2008. He has not come to Garda attention since these offences, the court heard. Ward has set up a direct debit of 80 a week to the Department of Social Protection. Gda Keane agreed with Mark Lynam SC, defending, that both Ward and Mr Rooney were living a somewhat chaotic life at the time the offences began. Counsel said that when Mr Rooney left for Thailand, he gave Ward somewhere to live, and as a quid pro quo, Ward transferred his social welfare money to him over a long period. Mr Lynam gave the court a letter from a GP confirming Wards history of depression and anxiety. Counsel said Ward got into the deception at a low point, when he was homeless and desperate, but had never intended for it to carry on so long. Employer's letter A letter from Wards current employer where he has been working since 2021 spoke highly of him as a very good worker. Mr Lynam said Ward has overcome his alcohol problem and has been sole carer to his partner for the last six years. Ward is not claiming Carers Allowance though he is entitled to do so, the court heard. Letters were also submitted from Ward and from his daughter, who said she had never seen her father so broken and remorseful. Counsel said Ward has taken out a loan of 15,000 while his partner has taken out a loan of 5,000 in order to repay the State. Hes doing his very best to pay it back, Mr Lynam said of Ward. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for finalisation next week on November 20th. The State intends to prove that a 28-year-old murder accused is the gunman who repeatedly shot a grandfather quite viciously and without mercy at the front door of his mothers home, a prosecution barrister has told a jury. Cailean Crawford (28) on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas McCarthy on July 27th 2020 at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. Advertisement In his opening speech, prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC told the jury that there is no doubt over whether Mr McCarthy was murdered, but rather it is a case of whether Mr Crawford is the one who did it. He said there was undoubtedly more than one person involved in a conspiracy over the murder. Mr Condon said that the Director of Public Prosecution's case will be made using evidence from phone call records, the movements of several vehicles on CCTV and other Garda investigations at the time. He said that all evidence leads to July 2020 when Thomas McCarthy, who was 55 years old at the time, was shot dead quite viciously without mercy and there was no doubt that what happened to him was murder. Advertisement Mr Condon said that Mr McCarthy, who had five children and two grandchildren, was living in the UK at the time and had returned home to visit his family and his mother, who lived at the address in Ballyfermot. He said on the morning of the shooting, Mr McCarthy had brought his brother to a hospital appointment, did some errands and then they both arrived back home at around 10.40am. Mr Condon said that at 10.55am they heard a knock on the door and the deceased was greeted by a man with a gun. The gunman fired at least five times at Mr McCarthy, with entry wounds mostly to the back. Counsel said Mr McCarthy died very quickly in the hallway of his own mothers house. Advertisement It is the prosecutions case that the gunman standing at the door was Mr Crawford, who it is alleged came to the scene in a blue Ford Fiesta car which counsel said was seen driving in and out of the area on CCTV. Mr Condon said that the man stopped the car a short distance away, got out and set it alight. He then got into a silver Skoda Octavia car which had been parked up waiting. That car then drove away and was seen on CCTV in Clondalkin, where it was also burned out. The person was then seen getting in a black Toyota Avensis driven by someone else, with the vehicle then making its way to Castlegate Walk in Adamstown. Advertisement Mr Condon said a black Mercedes jeep was then seen driving from Castlegate Walk, where the prosecution alleges Mr Crawford got into the passenger side of the vehicle wearing a distinctive red jumper. Counsel said there will be evidence that CCTV footage shows the accused back at work wearing the jumper, which it is alleged he had not been wearing when he arrived for work that morning. In addition to this, prosecution counsel said there will be evidence that Mr Crawford first approached the house in the blue Ford Fiesta at around 9.30am, but returned to his starting position when he noticed that Mr McCarthy was not at home at the time. Mr Condon said that the jury will hear phone calls which will show part of the conspiracy that was going on at the time. He also said that a SIM card was purchased, used for a short amount of time on the morning of the murder, and then was discarded. The trial will continue tomorrow in front of Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of six men and six women. Government efficiency 'czar' Musk to cut a lot of waste in US govt: Mark Mobius With Elon Musk leading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE) under Donald Trumps presidency in the US, the tech billionaire will be able to cut down on a lot of waste in the US government, ace global investor Mark Mobius has said. In an interaction with IANS, Mobius said that as a government efficiency czar, the tech billionaire will be in a better position to bring required changes to the US government. That will be a big contributor to more efficiency and higher productivity in the US, said Mark Mobius, who runs Mobius EM Opportunities Fund. US President-elect has announced to appoint maverick entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE) that will be charged with drastically changing government while cutting waste. Trump said that DoGE "will become, potentially the 'Manhattan Project' of our time" -- a reference to the US effort during World War II to develop atomic weapons in record time and profoundly affect the world. The tech billionaire said, "This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!" All actions of the Department of Government Efficiency will be posted online for maximum transparency. Anytime the public thinks we are cutting something important or not cutting something wasteful, just let us know! We will also have a leaderboard for most insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars. This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining (with a smiley emoji), said the tech billionaire. Since it is a new department, it is not clear if the leaders would be in the Cabinet, have to be confirmed by the Senate, and what their titles would be. The son of the man shot dead in a busy Dublin restaurant last Christmas Eve used a dustpan and brush to strike down in the direction of the gunman while he lay on the ground after being disarmed, the Special Criminal Court has heard. The non-jury court also heard on Wednesday that a teenager accused of violent disorder hid under a table in the restaurant as criminal Tristan Sherry opened fire before being beaten to death. Advertisement Three men are on trial at the three-judge, non-jury court accused of murdering Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse on Main St, Blanchardstown on December 24th last year, while three others are accused of violent disorder arising from the same incident. The court has heard that Jason Hennessy snr and a group of about 30 people had gathered in Browne's for a party when Sherry and a second gunman arrived. Sherry scuffled with Hennessy and shot him dead before he was disarmed and beaten to death. Det Gda Dermot Sloan today told prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC that CCTV footage showed Diarmuid O'Brien (18) sitting in a corner seat at a table when Sherry arrived at 8.13pm armed with a gun. Advertisement As Sherry struggled with Jason Hennessy Snr and other members of the Hennessy group, Det Gda Sloan said Mr O'Brien hid under the table. He remained there for more than one minute while the assault on Sherry continued, Det Gda Sloan said. When Mr O'Brien emerged, he helped to lift Jason Hennessy snr from the ground. After about 20 seconds, Mr O'Brien broke away from the group carrying Mr Hennessy's body and moved closer to where Sherry was lying on the ground. The garda said that from Mr O'Brien's body position, he appeared to strike in the direction of Tristan Sherry. Mr O'Brien then tried to leave through a fire door but was unable to do so due to a latch at the top of the door. Advertisement He left through the restaurant, stopping at one point to comfort a young woman before picking up a small child who he carried from the restaurant to the carpark. Brandon Hennessy arrived at Browne's with his father at about 7.27pm. Once inside, he sat down beside Diarmuid O'Brien and when Sherry opened fire, he moved towards his father while others continued wrestling with Sherry. Brandon then moved towards Sherry and crouched low to him and pulled or dragged him, the witness said, before being pulled away by another member of the group. Advertisement The accused attempted to assist his father but moved back towards the "scuffle" and again crouched down to Sherry. Less than two minutes after the attack had begun, Mr Hennessy took a dustpan and brush and used it to strike down in the direction of Sherry. He then helped to carry his father from the area. The accused and other members of the group placed Jason Hennessy Snr into a car and drove away, Det Gda Sloan said. Lawyers for each of the accused said they would be making submissions on the accuracy of Det Gda Sloan's evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Her Honour Judge Elma Sheahan, and Judge James Faughnan. Advertisement Charges Three men are on trial charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry on December 24th, 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. A widow has received an apology in the High Court over inadequate medical care provided to her husband who took his own life at the age of 56 after suffering with a rapid-onset spinal condition. The court heard Stephen McCarthy, a plumber, suffered a back injury in September 2015 lifting a heavy object at work and went on to develop cauda equina, which is a rapid onset syndrome caused by the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Advertisement If not spotted quickly, the syndrome can cut off lower body sensation, affect control of the bladder and bowel, and lead to irreversible paralysis. Damages claims brought by Mr McCarthy were reconstituted in the name of his widow, Eileen McCarthy, after he died. She settled the cases on confidential terms on Wednesday. Her senior counsel, Barney Quirke, instructed by Tiernan & Company Solicitors, told the court Mr McCarthy suffered greatly before he succumbed to his illness and took his own life in February 2022. Ms McCarthy alleged Dr Ali Almareji, the GP who visited her husband at home twice in the days following the accident, failed to take a proper history and to properly examine him. She claimed the GP was told Mr McCarthy had back pain, had lost sensation around his perineum, had pain radiating down both his legs, and that he had been unable to pass urine. Advertisement She alleged the GP diagnosed muscle pain in his lower back when he visited Mr McCarthy at home on September 3rd, 2015, and referred him to hospital for sciatica after examining him two days later. Ms McCarthy claimed that a proper clinical examination would have raised the possibility of bilateral sciatica which, in turn, raises the risk of cauda equina. Dr Ali Almareji issued an apology, which was read out in court on Wednesday by the doctors senior counsel, Declan Buckley. The GP said he apologise[s] for and deeply regret[s] the inadequate standard of care provided to Mr McCarthy. He extended his sympathies to Ms McCarthy and her family. Advertisement Ms McCarthy, of Kiltalawan Heights, Tallaght, sued Dr Almareji and Dublin-based Mediserve Homecare Limited, with which the doctor practises, seeking damages for alleged nervous shock and loss arising from alleged clinical negligence. She also sued J&D OBrien, his former employer, over the alleged injuries said to have originated from him having lifted a heat pump over rought ground on a construction site in Churchtown, south Dublin, on September 1st, 2015. She alleged the firm failed to provide a safe system of work for her husband. The company denied the claims and made no admissions of liability. In her proceedings alleging medical negligence, Ms McCarthy claimed her late husband should have been asked about his bowel and bladder function after he indicated he was numb around his perineum, which she said is highly suggestive of cauda equina. Advertisement Once numbness was assessed, Mr McCarthy should have been referred to hospital as an emergency, she claimed. Instead, she claimed, the doctor advised him over the phone on September 5th that he could go to the hospital within two to three days if his symptoms continued. She said they instead attended Tallaght Hospital that evening and were advised immediately by the triage nurse that his symptoms sounded like cauda equina. If he had been diagnosed earlier, he could have been relieved at an earlier stage if properly assessed and treated, she alleged. Mr Quirke said the court needed to make an order permitting a 35,000 statutory payment to be paid to Ms McCarthy. Mr Justice Tony OConnor made the orders sought and expressed his sympathies to Ms McCarthy, adding: No words can capture what you had to go through. A court in Greenland again decided on Wednesday to extend the custody of anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson until December 4, while Denmark considers a Japanese extradition request. Japan does not have an extradition treaty with the Scandinavian country. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and handles police and justice matters. Advertisement Watson, 73, a Canadian-American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Its direct-action tactics, including high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, have drawn support from A-list celebrities and were featured in the reality television series Whale Wars. Watson was arrested on July 21 when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenlands capital. A Greenland court has repeatedly approved his detention while Danish authorities look into his possible extradition to Japan, where he faces up to 15 years in prison, according to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation. It is not fair that Watson should be detained in a case that should have been concluded a long time ago, said Watsons lawyer, Finn Meinel, according to the Greenland newspaper Sermitsiaq. Japans coast guard sought his arrest over an encounter with a Japanese whaling research ship in 2010. Watson was accused of obstructing the crews official duties by ordering the captain of his ship to throw explosives at the research ship. Advertisement Sermitsiaq quoted Watson as telling the court that no one was injured then. It is totally ridiculous, and that Japan is a criminal nation, and Denmark supports the country. Prosecutor Mariam Khalil earlier said there was a flight risk and an extension of the custody was needed. Sea Shepherd France has said that Watson asked Frances president for political asylum. The bodies of two young brothers who went missing in floods that struck Spain's eastern Valencia region two weeks ago have been found, the Civil Guard confirmed on Wednesday. Ruben and Izan Matias Calatayud, aged 3 and 5, were found in separate locations near Catarroja, almost 10km downstream from their home in Torrent, a suburb of Valencia city, where they went missing when the floods hit on October 29th, a Civil Guard spokesperson said. Advertisement Their aunt Barbara Sastre told Spain's state TVE last week that the boys' mother was working in Valencia and their father was with them at the family home when the flood hit at 6.30pm. The sound of the water running through the streets had frightened the children and their father moved them to the living room to calm them down when the water burst through the wall, she said. "The three of them were dragged out," she told TVE. Their father whose name has not been confirmed tried to cling on to them but they were swept away by the tide of water, state news agency EFE reported. Advertisement He survived by grabbing hold of a tree, TVE added, and remained there for four hours before being rescued, having suffered serious injuries. Sastre told TVE that the wait for news had left the family "destroyed". "It's been many days and they are very small," she said. "We know that they are looking for them and there are search parties every day." Explained What to know about unprecedented floods that kille... Read More Rescue teams searching for people missing from the storm have intensified their efforts in nearby ravines and the Albufera wetlands as well as at sea using specialist search boats. As of Tuesday, authorities confirmed a total of 223 people dead so far in the Oct. 29 floods, while 17 remained missing. A new storm warning has put the Valencia region on a fresh alert since Tuesday night, along with other areas along the Spanish coast including the southern city of Malaga. Emergency services have moved some people from homes at high risk of flooding, asked citizens to move to higher ground, while classes have been suspended in Malaga, Valencia and some municipalities of Catalonia. A doctor accused of criticising the war in Ukraine in front of a patient has been jailed for five and a half years after being convicted of spreading false information about the Russian military. Dr Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, was arrested in February after Anastasia Akinshina, the mother of one of her patients, reported the paediatrician to authorities. Advertisement Ms Akinshina alleged that Buyanova told her and her son that his father, a Russian soldier who was apparently killed in Ukraine, was a legitimate target for Kyivs troops and had blamed Moscow for the war. The move is part of a relentless crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin. A mother whose husband died in the war levelled the accusations against the doctor (AP) A video of the outraged Ms Akinshina complaining about Buyanova was widely publicised, and chief of Russias Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin personally demanded that a criminal case should be brought against the doctor. Buyanova, who was born in western Ukraine, denied the accusation, insisting she never said what she was accused of saying. In a tearful closing statement to the court last week, she called for the court to acquit her. Advertisement Her defence argued the prosecution failed to present evidence that the purported conversation took place, including any recordings of it, and alleged that her accuser fabricated the story out of animosity toward Ukrainians, according to the independent news site Mediazona. In her closing statement to the court, Buyanova said it was painful to read the accusations in the indictment, and broke down. A doctor, especially a paediatrician, is not capable of wishing harm to a child, his mother, or traumatizing the childs psyche. Only a monster is capable of this and of the words that I allegedly said to them, Mediazona quoted her as saying. The move is part of a wide-ranging Kremlin crackdown on dissent (AP) Buyanovas case drew national attention, with more than 6,500 people signing an online petition demanding her freedom and supporters regularly attending court hearings. As the judge read out the verdict, they shouted: Disgrace! before bailiffs escorted everyone from the courtroom. Advertisement Her lawyer, Oscar Cherdzhyev, told reporters afterward that the verdict was unexpectedly harsh and monstrously cruel. We didnt expect this, he said. Spreading false information about the army has been a criminal offence in Russia since March 2022, when the Kremlin adopted a series of laws prohibiting any public expression about the invasion that deviated from the official narrative. Authorities started actively using them against critics and protesters. Advertisement According to OVD-Info, one of Russias leading rights groups that tracks political arrests, more than 1,000 people have been implicated in criminal cases on charges related to speaking or acting out against the war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will ask for a vote of confidence on December 16, paving the way forward for an early parliamentary election in February. Mr Scholz declared his plans for a vote of confidence during a speech in parliament on Wednesday, one week after his three-party coalition government collapsed. Advertisement He had initially wanted to have an early election only by late March before the vote that is regularly scheduled for September 2025. However, the centre-right Christian opposition pushed for a quicker vote in the parliament to speed up the next election. In the end, party leaders across the political spectrum agreed on Wednesday on the two dates for the vote of confidence and the new election. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 46 people in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, including 11 at a makeshift cafeteria in an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone, medics said. In Lebanon, warplanes struck Beiruts southern suburbs and killed 33 people elsewhere in the country on Tuesday. Advertisement The latest bombardment came as the US said it would not reduce its military support for Israel after a deadline passed for allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The state department cited some progress, even as international aid groups said Israel had failed to meet the US demands. Smoke rises after an Israeli air strike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday (Bilal Hussein/AP) In Lebanon, large explosions shook Beiruts southern suburbs, an area known as Dahiyeh, where Hezbollah has a significant presence, soon after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for 11 houses there. There was no immediate word on casualties. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, including command centres and weapons production sites, without providing evidence. Advertisement Another Israeli strike on an apartment building east of Beirut killed at least six people. Wael Murtada said the destroyed home belonged to his uncle and that those inside had fled from the Dahiyeh last month. He said three children were among the dead and other people were missing. Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital where displaced people live in tents, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on November 9 (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Lebanon killed 12 people and wounded eight, Lebanons health ministry said. The strike came without warning and state media said the building was sheltering displaced families. Israel has been carrying out intensified bombardment of Lebanon since late September, vowing to cripple Hezbollah and put a stop to more than a year of cross-border fire by the Lebanese militant group. Advertisement A rocket smashed into a storage building in the northern Israeli town of Nahariya on Tuesday, killing two people, emergency workers said. Another two people were wounded by shrapnel in a separate impact outside the town. A Hezbollah drone smashed into a nursery school near the northern Israeli city of Haifa on Tuesday, but the children were inside a bomb shelter and there were no injuries. The impact scattered debris across the playground. Palestinians queue up for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, in mid-October (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) At the same time, Israel has continued its campaign in Gaza, now more than 13 months old, triggered by Hamas October 7, 2023 attack into southern Israel. An Israeli strike late Monday hit a makeshift cafeteria used by displaced people in Muwasi, the centre of a humanitarian zone that Israels military declared earlier in the war. Advertisement At least 11 people were killed, including two children, according to officials at Nasser Hospital, where the casualties were taken. Video from the scene showed men pulling bloodied wounded from among tables and chairs set up in the sand in an enclosure made of corrugated metal sheets. A strike on a house in the northern town of Beit Hanoun killed 15 people on Tuesday, including relatives of Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat, who has been reporting from the north. Mohamed Shabat and his wife Dima, both volunteer doctors at Kamal Adwan Hospital, were killed along with their daughter Eliaa, according to hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. Advertisement Strikes in central and southern Gaza killed another 20 people, according to Palestinian medical officials. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes. Russian forces have struck Kyiv with a sophisticated missile and drone attack for the first time in 73 days, officials said. Air raid warnings blared for hours as Russia targeted eight regions of Ukraine, firing six ballistic and cruise missiles and 90 drones, the Ukrainian air force said. Advertisement Air defences downed four missiles and 37 drones, and another 47 drones were stopped by electronic jamming, the statement said. The damage is being assessed. It is the first such attack on the capital in months (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) In the past, such combined attacks aimed to overwhelm air defences and cause maximum damage. The air assault came as it emerged most of the more than 10,000 North Korean troops sent by Pyongyang to help Moscow in the war are engaged in combat in Russias Kursk border region, according to the Pentagon. A Ukrainian army incursion into Kursk three months ago has succeeded in holding a broad area of land and has embarrassed the Kremlin. Advertisement Russias military has trained the North Korean soldiers in artillery, drone skills and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, Pentagon deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said. Their cooperation faces challenges, according to the Pentagon, including how to achieve military interoperability and overcoming the language barrier. Kyiv officials say Russia has deployed around 50,000 troops to Kursk in a bid to dislodge the Ukrainians. This morning, Russia launched yet another combined attack on our cities, and our air defense responded effectively. Russian missilesincluding ballistic and cruise missiles targeting Kyivwere shot down, along with drones. In total, around 90 strike drones attacked Ukraine. It Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 13, 2024 Russia has in recent months been assembling forces for a counteroffensive in Kursk, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank, though the timescale of the operation is not known. Advertisement The Kremlins plans in Kursk and Ukraines efforts to hold back a Russian onslaught in the eastern Donetsk region coincide with political uncertainty over how a US administration under Donald Trump will change Washingtons policy on the war. American military aid is vital for Ukraine, but Mr Trump has signalled he does not want to keep giving tens of billions of dollars to Kyiv. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said President Joe Biden intends to bolster American military support to Ukraine in the final months of his administration. Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas Moon Embracing the Sun and Queen Woo, has been found dead at his home in the capital Seoul. He was 39. Officials at Seouls Seongdong district police station did not immediately comment on the cause of death. Advertisement South Koreas Yonhap news agency, citing anonymous police sources, reported that police found a note at Songs home, where he was discovered on Tuesday by a friend who came to have lunch with him, and that there were no signs of foul play. Song Jae-lim was found dead in Seoul (AP) Song made his debut with the 2009 film Actresses. He rose to fame after playing a royal guard in the 2012 television hit Moon Embracing The Sun, a fantasy drama about the romance between a medieval Korean king and a female shaman. The actor also appeared in the celebrity reality show We Got Married in 2014, and played a supporting role in this years streaming drama Queen Woo, another fantasy drama about violent power struggles among royals in an ancient kingdom. Donald Trump made a victors return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for an Oval Office meeting with Democratic president Joe Biden. The sitting president and president-elect both committed to a smooth transition of power as the Republican president-elect moves quickly to build out his new administration. Advertisement Donald, congratulations, Mr Biden said, greeting Mr Trump with a handshake and adding that he looked forward to a smooth transition. President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Thank you very much, Mr Trump said. Politics is tough. And its, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much. He said the transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations will be as smooth as it can get and I very much appreciate that, Joe. Mr Trump, who has long disputed his 2020 election loss to Mr Biden, did not invite Mr Biden to the White House during the transition four years ago. Advertisement First lady Jill Biden greeted Mr Trump upon his arrival at the White House and gave him a handwritten letter of congratulations for his wife, Melania, who did not make the trip to Washington. The letter also expressed the first ladys teams readiness to assist with the transition. The president-elects plane touched down on Wednesday, arriving at a military base near the Capitol. He met with billionaire Elon Musk for a meeting with House Republicans before the Oval Office session with Mr Biden as Mr Trump prepares for a potentially unified Republican government and sweep of power. President-elect Donald Trump told Republican officials its nice to win (Allison Robbert/Pool via AP) Back in Washington for the first time since his election victory, Mr Trump told Republican officials: Its nice to win. Mr Trump received a standing ovation from House Republicans, many of whom took videos of him as he ran through their partys victories up and down the ballot, in what would be his final presidential election. Advertisement I suspect I wont be running again unless you say hes good we got to figure something else, Mr Trump said to laughter. It is a stunning return to the US seat of government for the former president, who departed nearly four years ago a diminished, politically defeated leader after the January 6 2021 attack on the Capitol but is preparing to come back to power with what he and his allies see as a mandate for governance. He is the comeback king, said House Speaker Mike Johnson before Mr Trumps arrival. We owe him a great debt of gratitude. Mr Trump defeated Kamala Harris in last weeks election (AP) The private meetings with Republicans, ahead of Mr Trumps sit down with President Joe Biden at the White House as a traditional part of the peaceful handoff of power, put in stark relief the former presidents comeback to Washington. Advertisement The visit, amid Republican congressional leadership elections, could put his imprint on the outcome. Control of the House of Representatives remains in the balance with a dozen races left to be called. Billionaire Elon Musk will join Mr Trump in Washington, according to a Trump aide. The SpaceX owner, who was handed a government efficiency advisory role in Mr Trumps new administration, is not currently expected to be at the meeting with Mr Biden at the White House. Advertisement Mr Musk will join Mr Trumps earlier meeting with House Republicans before he and Mr Biden meet in the Oval Office. The entrepreneur has been a steady presence at Mr Trumps side since the election. Meanwhile, it has emerged that Melania Trump will not be joining her husband at the White House for the event. A spokesperson said: Her husbands return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success. The Republicans could complete a clean sweep of power with the Presidency, the US Senate and the House of Representatives (AP) No reason was given for why she did not accept the invitation. Joe and Jill Biden had extended congratulations and a joint invite to the Trumps to meet at the White House. The spouses typically meet upstairs in the residence while the President and President-elect confer in the Oval Office. Another person not expected to be at the meeting is Kamala Harris. The US vice president, who Mr Trump defeated in the election, is spending the morning in meetings at her official residence, according to a source. If she does show up later either at the White House or the adjacent Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where most of her staff work it is unlikely to be until after Mr Trump leaves. It is the first meeting between the US leader and the man who will replace him since their debate in June. Mr Bidens poor performance at that event led Democrats to pressure him to drop out of the race for the White House and let another candidate take on Mr Trump. The president pulled the plug on his campaign weeks later and endorsed vice president Ms Harris. Pittsburg Unified School District has settled an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit alleging that Black students and English learners were disproportionately placed in special education classes. The district has agreed to hire consultants charged with addressing the practices. Alison Yin/EdSource A Bay Area school district has settled a lawsuit saying Black students and English learners were denied a proper education and were disproportionately suspended, expelled or funneled into special education classrooms offering poor instruction. Pittsburg Unified School District in Contra Costa County reached the settlement on Oct. 23, in a suit filed in 2021 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. As part of the agreement, the district agreed to hire two independent consultants to help address the issues raised in the case the districts disciplinary practices, special education placement and literacy education for students with disabilities, especially English learners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is an excellent settlement that is an important step in the right direction for Pittsburg Unified, said Linnea Nelson, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Northern California. It seeks to dismantle past practices that have marginalized students, particularly Black students, English learners and disabled students. The case The lawsuit claimed that the district illegally denied meaningful instruction to Black students, students with disabilities and English learners; that special education teachers were not trained to teach disabled students grade-level standards, and that general education teachers were not trained to differentiate their instruction for disabled students. According to the complaint, one plaintiff, special education teacher Michell Redfoot, claimed that the district dissuaded teachers from holding special education students to the same standards as general education students. Another plaintiff, Mark S., an English learner with autism, spent his school days doing arts and crafts and watching Disney movies instead of learning to read and write. Pittsburg Unified meted out discipline, including suspensions and expulsions, to disabled students and Black students at disproportionate rates, the complaint stated. The district had one of the largest disparities between Black and white students in the state for days of instruction missed due to disruption or defiance, according to the suit. It also claimed that Black students were transported to psychiatric wards at three times the rate of other students. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jessica Black says her daughter, who has since graduated from high school, is still traumatized from an incident when she was in the sixth grade and the school called police, strapped her to a gurney and transported her to a psychiatric ward. The fact that the state sanctions this level of violence that we pay for with tax dollars is egregious, Black said. After the approval of the settlement at a meeting on Oct. 23, Pittsburg Unified board President Heliodoro Moreno read a statement on behalf of the board, stating that district practices affecting Black students, English learners and disabled students were not consistent with a district that views itself as a champion of equity and inclusivity. For instance, Black/African American students have and continue to have suspensions at a disproportionate rate than their peers, according to the statement. Our system requires consistent courage, honest dialogue, and continuous growth to interrupt practices that lead to disproportionate outcomes for our scholars, especially for some of our African American scholars and scholars receiving special education services. The settlement Superintendent Janet Schulze said the district had been working to address issues even before the suit was filed and that the settlement process will ultimately improve the district in the long run. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The settlement agreement is focused on areas where we still have work to do, and I see it as a positive outcome of a hard process, Schulze said in a statement to EdSource. The district agreed to hire two independent experts who will create a plan to address the issues. One expert, Mildred Browne, will address how the district disciplines students and places students into special education, while the other, Linda Cavazos, will address the districts early literacy program for special education students with an emphasis on English learners. The district had previously been working with Browne and recognized the importance of retaining her. It will allow us to continue and deepen the work we have been doing and were already doing when we were served with the lawsuit, Schulze stated in an email to EdSource. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the agreement, working with the district, Browne and Cavazos will create a plan by next May, and then, through 2028-29, monitor the districts progress in implementing their recommendations. They will submit reports twice a year that will be publicly presented to the board. The district had previously come under scrutiny for its special education practices. The 2021 suit alleges that the district failed to implement recommendations to improve special education evaluations made in 2016 by Frances Stetson, another consultant. According to Stetsons report, the positives to report are few and the concerns are many. It noted that the district fell below the state requirement that disabled students spend at least 80% of their day in a general education classroom a concern echoed in the 2021 suit. Nelson, the ACLU attorney, is hopeful that the district will address the issues this time because the settlement agreement is legally binding with accountability measures. She added that the district has already taken important steps demonstrating good faith, such as eliminating willful defiance as a reason for suspension, ahead of a statewide requirement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pittsburg Unified was flagged by the California Department of Education for having significant disproportionality, which happens when students of a certain race or ethnicity in a district are three times more likely to be identified as having a disability, receiving discipline or being placed in special education for three years in a row. Black students at Pittsburg Unified were more likely to be identified as having an emotional disability or other health impairment. But Schulze said the district is no longer flagged for significant disproportionality. Malhar Shah, an ACLU attorney who previously worked on the case as an attorney for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, said the settlement could create a program that is a model for other districts. Literacy is a hot-button topic in education right now, but Shah said that literacy instruction in California doesnt always address the individual needs of a student. For instance, plaintiff Mark S. has unique needs as both an English learner and a student with autism. Teachers in California need training on how to best support all students with evidence-based literacy instruction, Shah said. However, Black, one of the parent plaintiffs in the suit, is not optimistic that the settlement will result in the serious change that students like her daughter would have needed. Her daughters time at Pittsburg Unified was marked by fighting to get her daughter the social-emotional support and tutoring she needed, Black said. But even under the threat of litigation, her daughters education didnt improve. She said she lost faith in the district and the state of California. Ultimately, Black pulled her daughter out of Pittsburg Unified and sent her to St. Paul, Minn., to live with family members. She thrived in the school system there, graduating from high school early. A teacher at Pittsburg Unified told her daughter that welding or manual labor were her only career options. Black is proud that her daughter is currently studying to be a registered nurse. She said educators in Minnesota stopped, paused and listened to her daughter, and considered what she needed. The case against Pittsburg Unified also named the state of California as a defendant, claiming that, by not intervening, the state failed to protect students fundamental right to an education. The state settled its part of the case separately this summer. Shah said the state previously took a hands-off approach, relying on school districts to monitor themselves when data showed that certain racial or ethnic groups were disproportionately harmed by school practices. The state agreed in a settlement to monitor districts much more closely by reviewing individual student files, observing classrooms and conducting interviews. US president-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defence world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary, looking to someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the worlds largest and most powerful military. The news was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington, as Mr Trump bypassed a number of established national security heavy-hitters in favour of an Army National Guard captain who is well-known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channels Fox & Friends Weekend. Advertisement While some Republicans response to the announcement was muted, others called Mr Hegseths combat experience an asset or said he was tremendously capable. Mr Hegseth could bring sweeping changes to the American military. He has made it clear on his show and in interviews that, like Mr Trump, he is stridently opposed to so-called woke programmes that promote equality and inclusion. He also questioned the role of women in combat and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes. Mr Trump said the Fox & Friends host was a true believer in America First (AP) In June, at a rally in Las Vegas, Mr Trump encouraged his supporters to buy Mr Hegseths book after vowing that if he returned to the White House, the woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours, I can tell you. A staunch conservative who embraces Mr Trumps America First policies, the 44-year-old Mr Hegseth has pushed for making the military more lethal. During an interview on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast, he said allowing women to serve in combat damages efforts to that end. Advertisement Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, that means casualties are worse, Mr Hegseth said. And while he said diversity in the military is a strength, he said this was because minority and white men can perform similarly but added the same is not true for women. While Mr Trump lauded Mr Hegseth as tough, smart and a true believer in America First, others were quick to point to the TV personalitys lack of experience, with some suggesting he could be Pentagon chief in name only as the Trump White House runs the department. A number of other names floated as possible defence choices had included representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg; Iowa Senator Joni Ernst; and Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon official who was head of Veterans Affairs in Mr Trumps first term. Advertisement There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job, said representative Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said Mr Hegseths lack of senior national security experience makes it more difficult to get US Senate confirmation. TRUMP will fix them. https://t.co/ZUcYpGop9g Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 8, 2024 I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defence and picked one who would be loyal to him, Mr Cancian said. Military officials said the choice came out of the blue. A senior military officer said Mr Hegseths selection is raising concerns about whether he has the practical experience to manage a large department with an enormous budget. Advertisement The US Defence Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide. If confirmed, Mr Hegseth would face a daunting array of global crises, from the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the expanding alliance between Russia and North Korea to the growing competition with China. There is also the need to upgrade the complex US missile and nuclear defence apparatus and ensure the defence industry can keep up with Americas need for weapons systems. US House speaker Mike Johnson said Mr Hegseth brings a lot to the table and will be reform-minded in the areas that need reform. Advertisement Explained Who is RFK Jr? Kennedy family black sheep, vaccine... Read More Mr Hegseth has been a contributor since 2014 for Fox News, developing a friendship with Mr Trump, who made regular appearances on his show. He is the author of The War On Warriors: Behind The Betrayal Of The Men Who Keep Us Free. Mr Trump said in a statement: With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down. Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our Peace through Strength policy. US president Joe Biden intends to bolster US military support to Ukraine in the final months of his administration, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said. Mr Blinken spoke after Russia launched a sophisticated missile and drone attack on Kyiv on Wednesday. Advertisement The US will continue to shore up everything were doing for Ukraine to make sure that it can effectively defend itself against this Russian aggression, Americas top diplomat told reporters at Nato headquarters. Mr Blinken also warned that North Koreas decision to send its troops into combat operations alongside Russian forces demands and will get a firm response. US, South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence assessments say up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops are being sent to fight. Russia has launched a drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) The bulk of those troops were expected to be deployed in Russias Kursk region where Ukrainian troops have seized a swathe of territory. Advertisement Russias early morning missile and drone attack was the first on Kyiv in 73 days. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russia is intensifying its strikes, apparently in an effort to discourage Ukrainians from continuing the war, which is approaching its 1,000-day milestone. Russia appears to be pressing its advantage as doubt swirls about how Washington might change 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. Mr Trump has slammed the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars in aid and has promised to quickly end the conflict. Advertisement Ukraines international backers fear that any rushed settlement would mostly benefit Russian president Vladimir Putin. Counterpart 7plus, Wednesday Before he co-created Shogun, one of this years best new series, American writer and producer Justin Marks was responsible for this labyrinthine science-fiction thriller. Debuting in 2017 and running for a pair of knotty seasons, Counterpart was a John le Carre fever dream: a coolly calculated espionage tale, set in Berlin, where the adversarial sides are two parallel worlds linked by a single crossing. It is, youll come to realise, a cruel proposition, and the basis for what remains a hidden gem of a show. J. K. Simmons works at a highly secretive UN department in Counterpart. Credit: How does it work? The audience learns alongside Howard Silk (J.K. Simmons), a minor bureaucrat at a United Nations department the Office of Interchange, so secretive that he has no idea what it really does. That changes when Howards superiors take him into a conference room and essentially detonate his sense of reality. In 1987, an experiment by East German scientists went amiss, creating a mirror copy of our world, fused together in their basement laboratory. The two worlds, the original Alpha and the additional Prime, have since evolved separately but in wary proximity. Their evidence is Howards doppelganger (Simmons again), who has taken a very different career path over the past 30 years. Alpha Howard has been filing reports, but Prime Howard has thrived as an intelligence operative. Sitting opposite his bewildered double, Prime Howard explains he has crossed over to help stop an assassination campaign put in place by a rogue Prime faction aiming to damage Prime. On the hit list, for reasons he doesnt disclose, is Alpha Howards wife, Emily (Olivia Williams). Its harder to explain than to watch. On screen the symmetry of the camera compositions and the expert skills of the cast provide a natural delineation. Alpha Howard is a dutiful public servant, but Prime Howard is a ruthless spy, and their personalities make the division clear. Their interactions, as with the numerous other pairings that possibly haunt key characters in Alpha, are a psychological stress test. Can you really lie to yourself? And is that the worst kind of betrayal? This is a long way from Shoguns feudal Japan, but both shows make great use of newcomers to a world learning on the fly. In Counterpart, the buildings and the people look the same but once the whirring plot starts to show us Prime, which even in Berlin has a stillness that is otherworldly compared with Alphas urban bustle, three decades of divergence lead to intriguing possibilities. The narrative has espionage lingo and sharp bursts of action, but the underlying tone has a metaphysical hum. Loading Complications remain, which are definitely more intrusive in the second season, but the concept translates because its consistently applied in an intimate setting. The Howards dont just see each other, they see the alternates of people they love, or did love. The temptation to make amends, or start anew, is palpable. Sometimes the fascination is self-destructive: the cold-blooded assassin from Prime that has covertly entered Alpha, Baldwin (Sara Serraiocco), cant resist searching for herself. Counterpart does what good science-fiction should: it uses speculation to make us look anew at our own world. Our predilection as a society for othering comes into sharp focus on the show when those being vilified are literally versions of ourselves. The cast, which includes Harry Lloyd (Game of Thrones) and Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee), sells every twist and double-cross with exemplary self-possession. That dissenting voice in your head? Now its standing opposite you. The director of a printing company linked to an alleged $2.7 million union cashback scheme has been arrested by Victoria Police as part of their investigation into the scheme. Victoria Police said detectives from the financial crime squad had arrested a 74-year-old Mount Eliza man on Thursday as part of their probe into accusations of false invoices linked to a union and a printing company. The investigation relates to allegations Health Workers Union secretary Diana Asmar approved paying $2.7 million in members money to a printing service and got cash back. The Fair Work Commission has launched a civil court case against Asmar over the matter, but Victoria Police has also been investigating since October 2023 after information was provided to them about the alleged deception. Federal Court documents sighted by The Age show the commission alleges Asmar and her husband David would regularly be in contact with Peter Walsh, the director of printing firm known as Southern Publishing, in the days before and after these payments went to the company. They claim David Asmar and Walsh would frequently meet at cafes in Tullamarine, Northcote and Mount Eliza, with records showing them both making purchases at these locations. Company documents link both Walsh and Southern Publishing to his personal address at Mount Eliza. Nobody has been charged over the matter. In their statement, police said the man was interviewed by appointment over fraud related offences and released pending further enquiries. They also confirmed two search warrants were issued on May 15 at homes in Mount Eliza and Tullamarine. Walsh has been contacted for comment. About 40 per cent of Australian teenagers do not feel confident calculating the cost of a computer with added tax after a decade of worsening mathematics anxiety that educators say has been exacerbated by faddish teaching methods shunning the importance of basics such as times tables. A new international report says 15-year-old Australian students are more likely to feel helpless, nervous and very tense when they attempt numerical calculations compared to 2012. Students who enjoy the maths and feel comfortable in the subject perform better, the report said. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Australian girls were more likely to express anxious feelings about solving mathematical problems when compared to boys, even if they were top performers in the subject. Stereotyped attitudes towards mathematics may be behind the gender difference observed around the world, the report from the OECD said, with boys more likely to report having a growth mindset in the subject than girls by an average of 7 percentage points. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive on the Royal Train at Birmingham New Street Station to officially open the refurbished station, 2015. Credit: Getty Images In the mid-1990s, when the train was carrying the Queen from Southampton to Slough after the launch of the P&O cruise liner Oriana, I was summoned through to her lounge, which I was told was full of smoke. He realised that a brake pad was dragging on a disc and overheating, but to fix it he had to excuse myself and climb down the side of the train. Her majesty followed me out of her lounge, looked down and said: Ill look out for you, as I was effecting the repairs. Thankfully they succeeded and we got back on time. The Queen had been unfazed, despite her carriage filling with smoke as she sat there. But we were a bit concerned, obviously. The journeys the Queen took in the royal train varied according to her annual schedule. But, Hillyard recalled, She was always interested in what was going on, and when I met her majesty away from the train side of things, the conversation was always about railways. The royal train is the jewel in Wolvertons crown, having been maintained there since 1838. The current train consists of nine predominantly black carriages from the 1970s and 1980s, usually hauled by diesel locomotive 67005, Queens Messenger, or 67006, Royal Sovereign. Its engine carries a unique four-lamp headcode. The whole thing is very functional, Hillyard said, with bedrooms, lounges, bathrooms, offices, dining areas and areas for the household to do their job because it is an extension of the household. Its the royal household on the move. Loading A Hillyard innovation was the occasional return of steam haulage for the royal train. The present King had complained as a child when a diesel engine replaced the steamer, and Hillyard set the ball rolling with the royal household for the use of a steam locomotive. The first, in 2002, was the London, Midland & Scottish Railway Coronation class Pacific 6233, Duchess of Sutherland. Christopher Hillyard was born on March 4, 1957 at Roade, up the West Coast main line from Wolverton. Several family members had worked on the railway, but his father Denis worked at a factory making piano parts, and his mother Edna in the village co-op. The family had lived at Roade since at least the 15th century, and in retirement Hillyard chaired the Roade Local History Society. In 2021, the society published his book Cutting Remarks, chronicling Robert Stephensons construction of the worlds first long-distance intercity railway through Roade Cutting and the railway life of the village, which had lost its station in 1964. Hillyard left Roade Comprehensive in 1973 to work at Wolverton, a longstanding builder of carriages, but the last would be produced in 1977 as the workds concentrated on maintaining existing stock with a greatly reduced workforce. He joined the trains dedicated maintenance team during the Silver Jubilee year of 1977, one of its busiest as the Queen made numerous trips around the country. The train stopped overnight at obscure but safe locations notably the stub of a long-closed branch line at Market Harborough. With privatisation, ownership of the royal train passed from BR to Railtrack to Network Rail, and its operation and maintenance to RailCare, and from 2008 the freight operator DB Schenker (today DB Cargo). Two years later, Hillyard was called in and told of a reorganisation he was being made redundant. The news came as a shock, but he worked out his notice period with dignity. On his final trip, the Queen and Prince Philip thanked him and presented him with a signed photograph. In retirement, he concentrated on researching his book and following the fortunes of Sheffield Wednesday. Chris Hillyard was foreman for the royal train for 33 years. Credit: Courtesy BBC UK One hundred and eighty-seven people live in the far north-west NSW town of Toomelah, and 43 of them went to the primary school on a Saturday in September to vote in their council elections. But only three votes were counted: 93 per cent of ballots from the towns only polling booth were deemed informal by the NSW Electoral Commission, mostly because voters placed only a 1 next to their preferred candidate. If you think theres nothing wrong with that, your vote might not have been counted either. The commissions rules require voters to preference at least half as many candidates as there are available positions. With nine councillors, Moree Plains Shire voters needed to number at least five candidates. An aerial view of Toomelah. Credit: People Oriented Design/Kramer Ausenco Toomelahs voters were faced with one group candidate and a list of independents, resulting in a bizarre vertical ballot layout not resembling an above or below the line ballot. The weather bureau has updated its warning for severe thunderstorms in the southeast, expecting storms to hit Brisbane before 6.30pm today. The Bureau of Meteorology warned at 5.45pm that the Brisbane CBD is in an immediate threat zone. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology Having issued a severe thunderstorm warning at about 3pm today, the bureau has now placed the suburbs from the CBD through to Burpengary and Redcliffe in its immediate threat zone. Loading The bureau warned of damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding for affected areas. Residents were advised to remain indoors or undercover, to park cars in sheltered locations and away from trees, and to avoid driving until the storm has passed. The storm was expected to pass into the Moreton Bay region, hitting Bribie Island by 6.45pm. In Whittlesea in Melbournes north, the VEC found at least 128 suspicious ballots in the Lalor ward election. In Knox in Melbournes east, there were at least 61 irregular returns in the Baird ward. There are serious offences in the Local Government Act for interfering with an election, Bluemmel said. The VEC has declared the election results, which means Lockwood and Kozmevski will be sworn in and sit on the councils while the probes take place. Peter Lockwood and Stevan Kozmevski will have their election wins in Knox and Whittlesea reviewed by VCAT after the VEC detected alleged postal-vote tampering. Credit: Whittlesea Council, The Age Lockwood a previous Labor state MP and councillor won Baird ward by 377 votes, defeating independent incumbent Yvonne Allred after preferences in a field of five candidates. He denied any involvement in the alleged tampering and called for a return to in-person voting at the next local government elections. Voting shifted entirely to postal ballot in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Loading I am hoping for a speedy process so that we can get a resolution sooner rather than later, [and] look forward to my name being cleared, he said. I would prefer in-person voting so that we dont have these problems. Allred said she would respect and stand by the VECs declaration of Peter Lockwood as the elected Knox councillor. The potential subversion of our democratic process is deeply disappointing. However, I commend the VEC for their diligence in detecting these irregularities and their swift action, she said in a statement on Wednesday. In Whittlesea, Kozmevski a former councillor and endorsed Labor candidate won the Lalor ward by just 39 votes over independent Ellen McNaught. Its not me, Kozmevski said. I had one ballot paper, I voted once. Kozmevski said it was up to the VEC and authorities to sort out what had happened as quickly as possible. Its for them to look into because the integrity of the election is vital, he said. Local Government Minister Melissa Horne on Wednesday commended the VEC on its work upholding the integrity of the election to rapidly identify the matter. This is a serious matter electoral integrity is the cornerstone of our democratic process. Any instance of voter fraud is unacceptable, erodes community trust and diminishes the institutions where it has taken place. Loading But state opposition local government spokesman Peter Walsh said the councillors should not be sworn in until the matter was resolved. This matter needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency and should not be caught in the long VCAT waiting list. The communities of Knox and Whittlesea expect and deserve the representation they voted for, Walsh said. The VEC says it detected the irregularities two weeks ago but due to legislation constraints, had to continue with the elections without pausing them. It can challenge the outcome only after a new council is declared. The penalty for voting interference in Victoria is up to $99,000 in fines and five years in prison. I would like to [say] to those who seek to subvert our electoral process: there will be consequences, Bluemmel said. We have these processes in place to make sure this is caught and caught early, and this shows that the processes are working. In 2020, an unrelated vote-tampering scandal resulted in Milad El-Halabi being unduly elected to the Moreland Council. It took until March 2023 more than two years after the election for VCAT to find the Labor candidate had benefited from voter fraud. El-Halabi resigned from the council 18 months after the election when police laid charges. He was spared jail this year after entering a guilty plea but was fined $20,000 with an 18-month community correction order. VCAT vice president Judge Michael Macnamara, who presided over the case, said in his findings that it was difficult to disagree that the case had been inordinately delayed. The March 2023 judgment said it was plainly unsatisfactory for there to be not even a determination at the primary level of a challenge to the outcome of an election to office for a four-year term for a period of 2 years. The VEC, which agreed El-Halabi should have been found unduly elected through voter fraud, defended its actions and said it acted within its powers and appropriately. Loading Helen Davidson, an independent Merri-bek councillor who had pushed for El-Halabis election to be overturned in VCAT last term, questioned whether there was a big enough deterrent for meddling with postal votes. It undermines the democratic process at the most fundamental level of government, local council, Davidson told The Age on Wednesday. Oscar Yildiz, an independent councillor in the same ward who joined Davidson in seeking to have El-Halabi removed, told The Age it was abhorrent tampering had allegedly happened again. While he believed postal voting was a risk, he did not think the government should change the way council elections were run because in-person voting was so resource-intensive. Postal voting does, I think, open the floodgates, Yildiz said. Im shocked but Im not surprised. Despite the likely delays, Lake said he was glad to see the VEC had been vigilant in identifying potential irregularities to protect democracy. People should not rush to judgment on postal voting in response to these latest concerns, Lake said, pointing to resources, convenience and turnout. The fact these concerns are being picked up and are being referred to appropriate review should provide confidence that any attempts at ballot tampering will be identified, carefully scrutinised, and election outcomes voided if necessary. A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed it had received a referral from the VEC that would be assessed by detectives from the financial crime squad. The Local Government Inspectorate may also investigate. A woman has died following a house fire in Melbournes east on Wednesday evening. Emergency services were called to a single-storey weatherboard house in Weigela Court, Forest Hill about 7.40pm after reports of a fire. A woman has died in a house fire in Melbournes east. Credit: Paul Rovere Upon arrival, firefighters entered the home wearing breathing apparatus and located an elderly female. They provided emergency medical treatment to the woman until paramedics arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. She is yet to be identified. 36 Belarusian students awarded Chinese scholarship Xinhua) 13:08, November 13, 2024 MINSK, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-six students from 10 universities and 11 middle schools across Belarus were awarded the 2024 Chinese Ambassador's Scholarship on Tuesday. At a ceremony at the Belarusian State University of Physical Culture, Zhang Wenchuan, the Chinese ambassador to Belarus, said the scholarship was set up by the Chinese Embassy in Belarus in 2016, aiming to help Belarusian young people to learn the Chinese language and culture, better serve the national construction of Belarus, and promote the friendship between China and Belarus. He said that over the past nine years, 300 Belarusian students have been awarded the scholarship. According to the ambassador, in recent years, more and more Belarusian universities and schools have opened Chinese language courses, with over 50,000 people in the country having Chinese language learning experience so far. Alexander Kadlybai, the deputy minister of education of Belarus, said the relationship between Belarus and China has been developing vigorously and efficiently since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and there is great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of education and youth activities. He said Belarus attaches great importance to the promotion of Chinese language teaching and learning, and expressed the hope the recipients of the scholarship will make significant contributions to the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, culture and economy in the future. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, second from right, was accused Tuesday by county officials of having an inappropriate relationship in her office, among other allegations of mismanagement. San Mateo County Sheriffs Office San Mateo County supervisors called for the immediate resignation of Sheriff Christina Corpus and the firing of her chief of staff, with whom she is accused of having an inappropriate relationship following the release of a report Tuesday that alleged abuse of power, retaliation and intimidation under her leadership. At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, supervisors Noelia Corzo and Ray Mueller said the findings of the nearly 400-page report independently conducted by retired Santa Clara Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell were extremely concerning and unprecedented in the history of San Mateo County government. Among the allegations were that Corpus had used racial and homophobic slurs to degrade colleagues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its clear we have a sheriff that we cannot trust, Corzo said. Corpus vehemently denied the allegations, vowing to stay in her job and fight her opponents. I am shocked by the outright slander by two members of the Board of Supervisors this afternoon. No one will call me a racist or a homophobe. Anyone who knows me knows I would not use racist words. I am not capable of that, she said Tuesday night. This is a hatchet job of an inquiry which was commissioned with a predetermined outcome in mind, and it was filled with lies. Just hours before the news conference, the sheriffs department arrested Carlos Tapia, the president of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, on suspicion of felony grand theft and theft by false pretenses. In a statement, the union wrote that Corpus decision to arrest Tapia has all the earmarks of whistleblower retaliation. Tapia was one of many officers who criticized the sheriffs office, accusing management of doubling down on overtime requirements, amid other unfair labor practice complaints that were filed with the California Public Employment Relations Board. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In her own news conference just half an hour before the supervisors announced the findings of the report, Corpus discussed Tapias arrest and stated that she had been working hard at changing the good ole boy culture that has been integrated in this office and also exists in this county government. She denied that the arrest was made in retaliation and said her investigators had found probable cause that a crime was committed. Tapia fired back Tuesday, telling reporters that he would not tolerate the sheriffs abuse of our authority, and retaliation against our union, the San Jose Mercury News reported. I will continue to faithfully represent the interests of our union members, and I look forward to the district attorneys review of this investigation, and Im confident I will be vindicated. The investigation into Corpus leadership was prompted by complaints by sworn and professional staff members of the sheriffs office. Corpus fired her third-in-command, Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan, shortly after he was interviewed as part of the investigation. Corpus previously denied the firing had anything to do with his cooperation. The major findings from the investigation included that Corpus and her chief of staff, Victor Aenlle, have had a personal and intimate relationship since 2021 that constitutes a conflict of interest; that Corpus used slurs, including n; and that she and Aenlle engaged in retaliation and intimidation tactics. Lies, secrecy, intimidation, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and abuses of authority are the hallmarks of the Corpus administration, the report concluded. Sheriff Corpus should step down and Victor Aenlles employment with the Sheriffs Office should be terminated immediately. Nothing short of new leadership can save this organization that is in turmoil, and its personnel demoralized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Corpus delivered a defiant response during her second news conference Tuesday. I have a personal relationship with Mr. Aenlle and with other members of my staff, she told reporters. Ive been dealing with this kind of rhetoric my entire career. I am a woman of color that has gone up the ranks in a male-dominated field. This is nothing new to me. Many of the findings in the report concerned Aenlle in particular, including that he had not met the policy manuals duty requirements for a Level 1 reserve deputy, that he had abused his power with the authority of Corpus, and that he has unapproved outside employment. The report said he did not follow proper protocol and had conflicts of interest relating to his real estate work when negotiating the lease for and selecting a construction contractor for a sheriffs office property. The judge concluded that Aenlle has more experience as an associate real estate agent than he has in law enforcement and that Corpus violated multiple policies in her choice to hire him, have him report directly to her, and recommend pay increases for him at least once having a subordinate send the request under his name instead of hers. According to the report, Aenlle was a consultant on Corpus campaign to become the first Latina and female sheriff in the county, then was hired to consult on her transition team after she was elected in June 2022. But county officials terminated his contract that October after learning the two had taken a trip to Hawaii together. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After she took office in January 2023, Corpus rehired Aenlle as a contractor making $92 an hour. She then created a full-time job of director of administration and hired him for the job that paid $246,000 a year. The job opening was not publicized, and there were no other applicants other than Aenlle. Corpus made several requests to raise Aenlles pay to the level of assistant sheriff, but county officials denied these. Together, Cordell wrote that the Corpus-Aenlle administration is obsessed with loyalty that borders on paranoia, noting at least one incident when Aenlle demanded his office be swept for bugging devices, believing he was being spied on. Cordell said she interviewed 25 current and past sworn employees and 15 civilian current and past employees of the sheriffs office for her report. The woman at the centre of a criminal trial over the alleged neglect of her teenager daughter has denied she was concerned by the girls appearance, despite her weighing just 28 kilograms when she was 16 years old and having yellow skin and thinning hair. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her daughter, was cross-examined in Perth District Court on Wednesday over allegations she was aware the girl was severely underweight in the lead up to a Department of Communities intervention in 2021. A dance school teacher told Perth District Court the girl was small, even by the standard of other students. The 47-year-old and her husband were arrested and charged by police shortly after the girl was diagnosed with grade 4 malnourishment at Perth Childrens Hospital, where she was placed on a nasogastric feeding tube and admitted for almost two months. During that time, the girl gained weight and grew 3 centimetres. Doctors did not find any medical reason for her malnourishment. Chickens cooped up for three months can be labelled as free-range if theres an outbreak of a deadly new strain of bird flu, the consumer watchdog has announced, as Australia prepares for the inevitable arrival of a virus that could decimate native wildlife across the country. While various strains of bird flu have spread around Australia, triggering occasional egg shortages when flocks have to be destroyed to stop the spread, so far the virus has infected only poultry in Australia. The consumer watchdog is reassuring free range egg and chicken meat producers that they can retain their marketing during lockdown orders. Credit: Bloomberg But a deadly variant of the virus, known as H5N1, has spread to every continent except Australia, killing millions of wild birds and mammals. The federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says it is inevitable the virus will come to Australia, most likely via migrating birds. Voters feel lukewarm about the Victorian governments push for higher-density housing, but a majority support making it easier for landowners to subdivide their land and build townhouses, new data shows. The findings are contained in the latest survey by Resolve Political Monitor, conducted exclusively for The Age, which also placed Opposition Leader John Pesutto ahead of Premier Jacinta Allan as the preferred premier for the first time. Premier Jacinta Allan has announced policies aimed at approving affordability through increased supply, including boosting supply in 50 new activity centres in existing suburbs. Credit: Eddie Jim While 57 per cent of those surveyed backed changes that would make it easier to subdivide land, paving the way for more townhouses, voters were less convinced by Allans policy to build higher-density housing in 50 designated activity zones urban centres near train and tram stations. The density policy so far has the support of just 42 per cent of Victorians 37 per cent opposed it, and the remaining 21 per cent are undecided. Labor voters are the most supportive of the plan, at 56 per cent, while 50 per cent of Coalition voters are against and 20 per cent are undecided. Washington: A far-right Republican, who was investigated for sex crimes and was also responsible for a leadership coup that paralysed the US Congress for weeks, has been nominated by Donald Trump to be Americas new attorney general. In an announcement that sent shock waves across Washington, the president-elect has tapped Florida congressman Matt Gaetz to be his top lawmaker tasked with overhauling what Trump has long viewed as a weaponised federal Justice Department. Republican representative Matt Gaetz speaks to the media outside the US Capitol in Washington. Credit: Bloomberg Gaetz is a hardcore MAGA loyalist who was responsible for the coup that led to the ousting of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which resulted in the Republican-dominated House of Representatives being unable to govern for weeks. He was also previously investigated by prosecutors and was still being examined by an ethics committee in Congress over allegations that he was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. He resigned from Congress shortly after the nomination, with AP reporting this will now end the ethics probe. However, not all cities saw declines. Adelaide experienced a 0.8% rise to $609.18, while Canberra posted a strong 2.3% increase, reaching $655.82, and Darwin saw a significant 4.2% rise to $602.75, indicating high demand in those markets. Hobart also observed a modest rise of 0.4% to $505.32. 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. Bogus threats were reported at multiple Bay Area high school campuses. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images Law enforcement agencies in multiple Bay Area cities were dispatched to at least five high school campuses in the region Tuesday following reports of threats later deemed to be hoaxes. It was not immediately clear whether the school threats were related to each other. Police officials in Piedmont, where a high school was targeted, said it appeared to be a widespread swatting incident in which pranksters make false claims to prompt large emergency responses. Officers were called to two Palo Alto schools around 11:40 a.m. after unconfirmed threats were directed at both school campuses, the Palo Alto Police Department announced. Students and staff at Henry M. Gunn High School and Palo Alto High School sheltered in place while officers investigated, the department wrote in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Minutes after the threats in Palo Alto, sheriffs deputies said they were called to Cupertino High School shortly before noon due to a threat of violence, the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. The school went into lock down while police searched the building, officials said, and investigators later determined there was no credible threat. Minutes later, the Alameda County Behavior Health call center received a text alleging that a man dressed in black and armed with an AR-15 rifle was in front of Piedmont High School threatening to shoot people, according to the Piedmont Police Department. Officers responded and placed Piedmont High School, Piedmont Middle School and Millenium High School on lockdown while they conducted a systematic search of the buildings that found no threats. Around 12:10 p.m., the Moraga Police Department told administrators at Campolindo High School that police received an anonymous threat of a gunman near campus, administrators wrote in an alert to parents that was reviewed by the Chronicle. The school went into lockdown while police investigated but found the campus and surrounding area to be safe, administrators wrote around 1 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AMET News Summary The A.P. Moller Relief Foundation, a Danish philanthropic foundation, donated US$ 750,000 to establish a major infrastructure upgrade in the form of a Full Mission Simulator at the Maersk Centre of Excellence (MCE) in AMET Institute of Science and Technology (AIST), AMET Knowledge Park of the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET) University at Thenpattinam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Citco group of companies (Citco), the leading asset-servicer to the alternative investment sector, has announced the launch of Citco Japan Co KK. This new entity in Japan underscores Citcos commitment to the Asia- Pacific region and bolsters its global offering to both current and prospective clients. Citco has over $2 trillion in assets under administration (AuA) and offers a full suite of middle-office and back-office services to alternative investment companies across the globe. These services include fund accounting, treasury and loan handling, investor services, corporate services, regulatory and risk reporting, banking solutions, and tax and financial reporting services, among others. Citco Japan Co KK is situated in Grantokyo South Tower 11F, 1-9-2 Marunouchi Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 100-6611, Japan, and will operate as Citcos local operational headquarters in the region. The team will offer fund accounting, fund operations and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) administration services, with an overarching focus centred on automation to further enhance scalability and growth via its industry leading expertise and proprietary technology. The Head of Client Servicing for Citcos Japan office will be announced in January 2025. Roald Smeets, President and Chief Operations Officer of Citco, said: We are delighted to announce the opening of Citco Japan Co KK and, in turn, our continued expansion in the APAC region. With the government of Japan recently announcing its ambitions to be a Leading Asset Management Centre, we see a wealth of opportunities in the region. Our aim is to support alternative asset managers with both inbound and outbound investments, while offering Citcos comprehensive range of services, world class technology and global office network. Citco is the worlds largest, organically grown asset-servicer in alternative investments through serving the global investment industry for over 70 years, and with increased automation at the core of our strategy, we strive to deliver best-in-class services to clients helping to streamline operations and increase cost efficiencies. At Citco, we pride ourselves on taking the complexity out of our clients day-to-day activities enabling them to focus on growth and with Japan transforming itself as a leading, innovative hub for alternatives, we are excited to extend our offering to the region and look forward to supporting this transition. Notes to Editors About the Citco group of companies (Citco) The Citco group of companies (Citco) is a network of independent companies worldwide. These companies are leading providers of asset-servicing solutions to the global alternative investment industry. With $2 trillion in assets under administration and operations spanning across 36 countries, Citcos unique culture of innovation and client-driven solutions have provided Citcos clients with a trusted partner for more than four decades. Having grown organically into one of the largest asset servicers in the industry, Citcos Fund Services companies offer a full suite of middle office and back office services including treasury and loan handling, daily NAV calculations and investor services, corporate and legal services, regulatory and risk reporting as well as tax and financial reporting services. Investing heavily in innovation and technology whilst further developing its current suite of client-friendly solutions, Citco will continue into the future as a flagbearer for the asset-servicing industry. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112529349/en/ IQM's development roadmap aims to achieve fault-tolerance by 2030 and outlines a path to scaling up to 1 million qubits with combined quantum error reduction and error correction. The roadmap is underpinned by merging IQM's two processor topologies Star and Crystal for hardware efficient error correction as well as an open modular software stack for HPC integration. IQM also demonstrates early industry use cases in quantum machine learning, simulation of quantum systems and optimization. IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), a global leader in superconducting quantum computing, today announced its development roadmap with technical milestones targeting fault tolerant quantum computing by 2030, while enabling a dedicated Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) approach for near-term usage. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113963297/en/ IQM Quantum Computers Development Roadmap (Graphic: Business Wire) Since its start, IQM has successfully delivered full-stack quantum computers based on its first three processor generations. IQM's 12-year roadmap reflects its vision for pioneering quantum solutions through novel algorithmic approaches, modular software integration, and scalable hardware advancements. It leverages the company's ability to design and fabricate next-generation quantum processors with seamless integration into full-stack systems controlled by an open software stack. IQM's unique co-design capabilities steer the roadmap towards efficient error-correction implementations with high system performance by merging IQM's two processor topologies IQM Star and IQM Crystal. To enable the roadmap, IQM systematically invests in its R&D, testing and fabrication facilities to boost technology scaling up to 1 million qubits while maintaining high qubit quality and gate fidelity. To support the developer community and to ease the usage of quantum computing, IQM will also enable tight high-performance computing (HPC) integration and create a special software development kit (SDK). Open interfaces will empower the ecosystem, including quantum error mitigation, co-develop libraries and use-cases on IQMs quantum computers. The company aims to achieve quantum advantage across multiple industry domains, focusing on quantum simulations, optimization, and quantum machine learning. According to a McKinsey report, these selected use-cases will unlock a value potential of more than US$28 billion by 2035. Quantum advantage will be provided by fully error-corrected systems with hundreds to thousands of high-precision logical qubits, for which error correction will be enabled by efficiently implementing novel quantum low-density parity-check (QLDPC) codes. This approach reduces the hardware overhead by a factor of up to 10 compared to surface code implementation. Furthermore, IQM is targeting high-precision logical qubits with error rates below 10^-7, enabling quantum advantage for applications demanding exceptional accuracy, such as in chemistry and materials science. We are implementing Quantum low-density parity-check (QLDPC) codes through a novel chip topology, enabled by our uniquely connected Star topology, long-distance couplers and a very compact approach for advanced packaging and signal routing, said Dr. Jan Goetz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. This underlines our commitment to hardware efficiency, enabling a feasible and scalable pathway to fault tolerance combined with an open and modular software architecture. Goetz emphasizes that the companys proprietary cleanroom facilities will support the fabrication of complex processors with unique long-range connections, facilitating high-performance quantum processors. To this end, IQM will implement novel solutions for advanced packaging and 3D integration to ensure scalability while maintaining its ambitious goals to reduce error rates, while its large-scale processors will be built up in a modular way and powered by cryogenic electronics. The results are reduced heat load, strongly miniaturized packaging solutions, and reduced cost per qubit. These features will result in more performant and affordable products for IQM's customers in the HPC and enterprise market. Offering on-premises and cloud access, IQM has been specializing in integrating quantum systems into HPC centers since 2020. The latest is Germanys first hybrid quantum computer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre. IQM aims to explain further details of the roadmap in future publications, blog posts, and at industry and academic events. About IQM Quantum Computers: IQM is a global leader in designing, building, and selling superconducting quantum computers. IQM provides both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access its computers anywhere in the world. IQM customers include the leading high-performance computing centres, research labs, universities and enterprises which have full access to IQM's software and hardware. IQM has over 280 employees with offices in Espoo, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Palo Alto, Singapore and Warsaw. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113963297/en/ The Belgian Waffle Co News Summary The Belgian Waffle Co, Indias largest waffle brand, reveals its latest campaign for Childrens Day: #AlwaysAKid, reminding everyone to keep their inner kid alive, especially when it comes to indulgence. From the NY Fed: Household Debt Rose Modestly; Delinquency Rates Remain Elevated The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks Center for Microeconomic Data today issued its Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit. The report shows total household debt increased by $147 billion (0.8%) in Q3 2024, to $17.94 trillion. The report is based on data from the New York Feds nationally representative Consumer Credit Panel. It includes a one-page summary of key takeaways and their supporting data points. The New York Fed also issued an accompanying Liberty Street Economics blog post examining the evolution in aggregate debt to income ratios and what that suggests about Americans ability to manage their debt obligations. Although household balances continue to rise in nominal terms, growth in income has outpaced debt, said Donghoon Lee, Economic Research Advisor at the New York Fed. Still, elevated delinquency rates reveal stress for many households, even amid some moderation in delinquency trends this quarter. Mortgage balances increased by $75 billion from the previous quarter and reached $12.59 trillion at the end of September. HELOC balances increased by $7 billion, representing the tenth consecutive quarterly increase since Q1 2022, and stood at $387 billion. Credit card balances increased by $24 billion to $1.17 trillion. Auto loan balances saw a $18 billion increase and stood at $1.64 trillion. Other balances, which include retail cards and other consumer loans, were effectively flat, with a $2 billion increase. Student loan balances grew by $21 billion, and now stand at $1.61 trillion. The pace of mortgage originations increased slightly from the pace observed in the previous four quarters, with $448 billion of newly originated mortgages in Q3. Aggregate limits on credit card accounts increased modestly by $63 billion, representing a 1.3% increase from the previous quarter. Limits on HELOC increased by $9 billion, the tenth consecutive quarterly increase. Aggregate delinquency rates edged up from the previous quarter, with 3.5% of outstanding debt in some stage of delinquency. Delinquency transition rates were mixed. Credit card delinquency rates improved, with 8.8% of balances transitioning to delinquency compared to 9.1% in the previous quarter. Early delinquency transitions for auto loans and mortgages worsened slightly, rising by 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points respectively. About 126,000 consumers had a bankruptcy notation added to their credit reports this quarter, a small decline from the previous quarter. emphasis added Click on graph for larger image. Aggregate nominal household debt balances increased by $147 billion in the third quarter of 2024, a 0.8% rise from 2024Q2. Balances now stand at $17.94 trillion and have increased by $3.8 trillion since the end of 2019, just before the pandemic recession. Aggregate delinquency rates edged up slightly in the third quarter of 2024. As of September, 3.5 percent of outstanding debt was in some stage of delinquency, up from 3.2 percent in the second quarter. ... Delinquency transition rates were mixed. Credit card delinquency rates improved, with 8.8 percent of balances transitioning to delinquency at an annual rate compared to 9.1 percent in the previous quarter. Early delinquency transitions for auto loans and mortgages worsened slightly, rising by 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points respectively. Credit quality of newly originated loans edged up slightly, with some improvements in the credit scores of newly originating auto loan and mortgage borrowers. Two-thirds of newly originated mortgages went to borrowers with credit scores above 760, while the share of auto loans opened by the highest credit score group borrowers hovered just below the long-term high, at 37%. Here are three graphs from the report The first graph shows household debt increased in Q3. Household debt previously peaked in 2008 and bottomed in Q3 2013. Unlike following the great recession, there wasn't a decline in debt during the pandemic.From the NY Fed: The second graph shows the percent of debt in delinquency.The overall delinquency rate increased in Q3. From the NY Fed: The third graph shows Mortgage Originations by Credit Score.From the NY Fed:There is much more in the report An irrigation canal sends water from the delta to farmlands in 2014. Despite both the fears and hopes for a second Trump administration, making changes to the sprawling water systems that harness Californias rivers and send flows hundreds of miles across the state is neither simple nor quick. Michael Macor/The Chronicle 2014 In a social media post days after the election, President-elect Donald Trump made clear that Californias water wars are top of his agenda and hes firmly on the side of big water users, not fish. His early words for the state come as little surprise after his first four years in office. The previous Trump administration successfully rolled back environmental protections to send more water from rivers in the north to farms and cities farther south. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley welcomes water that might return with Trump 2.0, critics worry that the presidents previous term now gives him the know-how for an even bigger water grab, all the while drying up landscapes, killing wildlife and ruining the serenity and sport many residents seek on the states waterways. Im concerned that the incoming administration will be more effective in passing their agenda, said Ashley Overhouse, water policy adviser for the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife. Were talking about generations of Californians that may be impacted by the devastating decisions of this administration. Water is life, so water should be treated as such. Despite both the fears and hopes for Trump, making changes to the sprawling water systems that harness Californias rivers and send flows hundreds of miles across the state is neither simple nor quick. Also, most water policy, such as water rights and river flow requirements, is the purview of the state, not the federal government. Still, water experts expect a handful of moves immediately after Trumps inauguration. First and foremost, they say, the administration will probably try to deliver more water through the federally operated Central Valley Project, by ramping up the pumps in the lush yet ecologically sensitive Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Trump accelerated pumping there during his first go-round, allowing more water from the north to move south at the expense of flows for salmon and other struggling fish. The practice was wound back when President Joe Biden took office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Changes to pumping operations must comply with state and federal laws, including endangered species protections. However, theres wiggle room. What constitutes compliance is not fixed, and just as the Trump administration did in its first term, its apt to rewrite biological opinions to similarly make fewer accommodations for wildlife. Theres no question that a thumb will be on the scale for more water to be pushed out of rivers and the bay delta, said Felicia Marcus, former chair of the California Water Resources Control Board and now a visiting fellow at Stanford Universitys Water in the West Program. Its a question of how much more. The delta, which is where Californias biggest rivers meet and a linchpin not only for fish and wildlife but water supplies, is in a state of rapid ecological decline, owing to pumping and other stressors such as drought and climate change. Marcus said a better balance between exporting water and leaving it for the ecosystem is key to saving the delta. While environmental groups have fought to protect delta flows, agricultural and municipal interests have pushed for more. Many growers in the San Joaquin Valley, where more than a third of the nations fruits and nuts are harvested, saw water deliveries increase about 5% or more in 2020, the first year that pumping picked up under the previous Trump administration, according to the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It has hurt us in the valley (since), and pretty much anywhere south of the delta, by not being able to take advantage of those flows, said Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the county farm bureau. Its popular to beat up on Trump in many parts of the state but were looking to be able to take water when the conditions allow it. Jacobsen and others in farm country, while recognizing the importance of safeguarding the delta, say that years of regulation have done little to improve the estuary. They believe theres opportunity to sustainably increase pumping in wet periods when theres plenty of water for all. Trump has leaned into the frustration over pumping limits. In his three bids for president, he has criticized California for not boosting supplies and made water one of his signature campaign themes in the West. Last Friday, he reiterated his gripes on Truth Social. On the social media site, he cited California water management among the states INSANE POLICY DECISIONS. He explained his concern as the ridiculously rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities & farms dotted all throughout California. Its unclear whether Trumps mischaracterization, that the state reroutes water to the ocean, is intentional perhaps it was done to magnify the insanity of Californias policies. (The state doesnt reroute water to the ocean. Its the other way around: the state reroutes the rivers so that much of the water doesnt go to the ocean.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, Trumps point is clear. He wants to increase pumping, essentially in the delta, and leave less water running out to sea. The talking point has allied him with the biggest players in Californias agricultural industry, and in last weeks election, probably helped him secure wins in all eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley. Water regulators, though, warn of a potential problem in halting too much of the flow from the delta to the ocean one that pertains to the common complaint about water wasted when it is sent to the sea. Not only would wildlife along the waterways suffer, but water from the ocean would push inward without the counteracting outflow, filling the delta and its water supply with salt. Another likely strategy for the incoming administration, water experts say, is expanding the Central Valley Project, specifically enlarging Lake Shasta, the states largest reservoir. An additional 634,000 acre-feet of storage at the lake could meet the water needs of more than 1.2 million households annually, at least in wet years. Such an enterprise has been discussed before, including during Trumps first term. However, it was largely dismissed as a pipe dream. Extending the reservoir would violate state and federal Wild and Scenic Rivers acts and could mean flooding tribal lands. Also, environmentalists say a bigger reservoir would keep more water from fish. With a more experienced administration and likely Republican control of the House and Senate, Shastas expansion would be more viable. A bill introduced by San Joaquin Valley Republican Rep. David Valadao, which stands a better chance of moving forward after the GOPs election gains, would help fund the project. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What the new administration is able to accomplish over the next four years hinges largely on how much pushback the state gives. Gov. Gavin Newsom has assumed the mantle of resistance to Trump, calling for a special session of the Legislature to discuss efforts to combat unwelcome policies. On water issues, state agencies can exercise some regulatory authority over the federal Central Valley Project, alongside Californias State Water Project, to limit new water deliveries. The state and federal governments are still negotiating the details of how the two projects, and the pumping, should continue after changes were made during Trumps first term. Environmentalists, though, fear that state regulators under Newsom, who has shown a willingness to work with the farm community, isnt going far enough to protect Californias waterways. The states proposed operations plan for the projects, which must be coordinated with the federal governments proposed operations plan, has been criticized as doing too little for fish, especially salmon runs. If the Trump administrations plan was the endangered species extinction plan, then the states plan was an extinction plan lite, said Jon Rosenfield, senior scientist at the conservation group San Francisco Baykeeper. The state has a lot of power to protect water and fisheries, but so far the Newsom administration has not created a lot of daylight between it and the federal administration. To the chagrin of environmentalists, and the praise of the agricultural community, Newsom has supported construction of a major new reservoir along the Sacramento River, though situated off the main flow. Hes also pushing plans for a 45-mile water tunnel in the delta, in part to boost water deliveries. Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Water Policy Center of the Public Policy Institute of California, said theres simply too much in flux now to have a clear idea of what will shake out in Californias water world. A nudibranch affectionately called Mystery Mollusk was discovered by MBARI scientists in the outer Monterey Canyon. The sea slug swims with a fingered tail and uses a cavernous hood to capture food. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute A Mystery Mollusk (Bathydevius caudactylus) observed by MBARI offshore of Central California in 2012. Courtesy MBARI A Mystery Mollusk (Bathydevius caudactylus) observed by MBARI offshore of Central California in 2012. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 2002 Bruce Robison was sitting in the control room of a research ship in Monterey Bay when he first saw the diaphanous deep-sea creature glide across a video screen. He had no idea what it could possibly be. The animal was translucent with a large hooded head, a cylindrical foot and what could be mistaken for a crown of antenna, except they were attached to its backside. Two raspberry-red blobs in its center made up its digestive organs. Its really a funny-looking animal, Robison said. It sort of looks like its been made up from spare parts left over from some other job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That was back in 2000, when Robison, a senior scientist at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or MBARI, and others first laid eyes on what they would later call the Mystery Mollusk via a remotely operated vehicle at 8,576 feet. After 150 viewings, many rounds of measurements, some genetic studies and 24 years later, Robison now has published a scientific description of the animal with the scientific name Bathydevius caudactylus. Robison, who co-wrote the description with Steven Haddock at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz, believes it is the most comprehensive description of a deep-sea creature ever. It includes details on what the grapefruit-size organism eats, how it reproduces and its metabolism. Monterey Bay and its 5,580-foot-deep canyon right off the coast is one of the best-studied deep-sea areas in the world, Robison said. The discovery shows how many other animals are likely living in the depths of the other less-explored oceans and the need to conserve those areas, he said. This little critter is an indicator of how much there is yet to discover in the deep ocean, he said. And that, to me, has really profound significance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It took a while for MBARI researchers to even figure out that Mystery Mollusk was a mollusk, the family of invertebrates that includes octopuses, snails and clams. It is the first nudibranch, a type of sea slug, known to live in the unlit midnight zone of the ocean between 3,300 and 13,100 feet. Its a bit of a detour for nudibranchs (branch is pronounced like prank), which are known for their fantastical coloring and shapes and whimsical names like Shaggy mouse, Melody and Sea bunny. Most are found climbing around in tide pools or other shallow habitats, and a few species lives on the deep sea floor. MBARI developed a low-light camera system to film the bioluminescence display of the Mystery Mollusk (Bathydevius caudactylus) in the wild. Researchers believe the brilliant light show may help the mollusk deter potential predators. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Mystery Mollusk has other distinctions. Very few sea slugs have hoods to catch prey. Also unusual: Mystery Mollusk turns bioluminescent when disturbed. In that state, it can drop one of its dactyls the term the scientists use for the finger-like protuberances on its tail as a shiny object, probably to distract predators. Like with a lizard, the dactyls grow back. MBARI scientists collected some Mystery Mollusks and brought them back to the lab, but the deep-sea creatures didnt usually do well in the transition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theyre perfectly adapted to that world down there and definitely not well adapted to the world we inhabit, Robison said. When possible, scientists instead used a ROV equipped with lab equipment to take underwater measurements, such as of its oxygen intake, which helped them determine its rate of metabolism. Robison was surprised at how slowly the animal moves. A Mystery Mollusk (Bathydevius caudactylus) observed by MBARI in 2002. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 2002 So the question is, how the heck does it catch its food, particularly when all we find in their stomachs are these big, strong-swimming shrimp? he said, noting that it can close its hood quickly. The mollusks translucence is also rare among sea slugs but common in deep-sea animals to hide from predators. Thats because without sunlight at those depths, many animals look up toward the light for the silhouette of their prey, Robison said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A transparent body isnt going to cast a shadow, he said. Robison has been studying the Monterey Bay for over 30 years and remains excited about how we still keep coming up with new stuff. Theres so much to learn, he said. If were ever going to live in harmony with our planet, wed better find out whats out there and how it all works. Tom Tuite A 44-year-old man has been accused of repeatedly stabbing a man in the face, leaving life-changing slash wounds, during an incident on Dublins Talbot Street. James Byrne, residing at a hostel, Kinlay House, Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, was charged with assaulting the complainant, 25, on November 7th but strongly denied the allegation, Judge Gerard Jones heard. Detective Garda John Tansey told Dublin District Court that the injured party was approached by the accused, who was with another person. There was an altercation, and he received serious slash wounds to the face and spent several days in the Mater Hospital. The offence on conviction can carry a 10-year sentence. Mr Byrne has been refused bail. Questioned by Judge Jones, the detective said the injured man maintained he and Mr Byrne were not known to each other, which was not accepted by the defence. CCTV He added that CCTV from the area had been obtained. The altercation allegedly commenced nearby, and the man was chased onto Talbot Street, where he stumbled onto the ground. It was claimed that he was subjected to kicks and punches to the face and head. Detective Tansey accused Mr Byrne of making a series of jabs with a sharply pointed implement, and the man suffered life-changing slash wounds to his head and face. Clothes were recovered from the defendants accommodation on Monday. Questioned by defence solicitor Jenny McGeever, the detective agreed there were a number of people in the area but added that he was attacked by two. The contested bail hearing was told he denied having the implement, and the Garda said he had provided his account during an interview, stating, he had an interaction with the injured party but denied inflicting the injuries. He also said it was an ongoing investigation. The defence solicitor pleaded for bail, saying that her client had lived at his current address for 18 months and that nothing found by gardai would implicate him. She argued that the seriousness of the charge was not a reason to deny her clients application. Judge Jones remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next week. Sightseers and fishermen gather at Ocean Beach for afternoon activities. A controversial seawall project on the southern portion of the beach was approved Thursday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Californias main coastal protection agency has approved a $175 million climate-related project that will transform the southern portion of San Franciscos Ocean Beach, despite fierce opposition from some members of the public. A sticking point is a massive seawall that some surfers fear could make the beach disappear. The California Coastal Commission on Thursday unanimously approved the citys Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project, which will be funded by the city. Created by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and other agencies, the plan includes a 3,200-foot-long buried seawall designed to protect a sewage tunnel located along the coast south of Sloat Boulevard. A wastewater treatment plant is nearby. Commissioners expressed concern over many aspects of the plan but agreed that it was the only real option. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It would be, at the end of the day, very irresponsible of us to take the chance for the tunnel to go down, said Commissioner Susan Lowenberg, who grew up in the neighborhood. The 14-foot diameter Lake Merced Tunnel is used to store combined stormwater and wastewater during big storms when the plant is at capacity. Its particularly vulnerable because that part of the beach is projected to erode by more than 100 feet by 2100 because of sea level rise and larger storms that come with climate change, according to a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey. The city wants to avoid the prospect of sewage spilling directly into the sea from the tunnel. Sightseers hang out in an area at Ocean Beach where a seawall project has been approved. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle If this tunnel were to fail, it would result in a major emergency for this side of San Francisco, SFPUC project manager Anna Roche said at the meeting. Failure would mean hundreds of thousands of gallons of combined stormwater and sewage spilling onto Ocean Beach and hundreds of thousands of San Franciscans unable to flush their toilets. But in an earlier interview with the Chronicle, Mandy Sackett, the California policy coordinator for Surfrider Foundation, said the proposed seawall is one of the largest in Californias history, at 55 feet in depth, and that she is concerned about how it would stay covered with sand at a beach known for 30-foot waves in winter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... The scale is enormous, and its on one of Californias highest-energy beaches, Sackett said. Its also not aligned with how the state of California is moving, which is nature based and takes natural shorelines into account. The Coastal Commission typically opposes construction of new seawalls and other armoring because they have been found to be temporary fixes that cause beaches to narrow and even disappear. When large waves hit a seawall on the back of a beach, they bounce back with force, scrubbing away the sand. Local surfer and former Surfrider Foundation representative Bill McLaughlin says a seawall will be highly problematic for Ocean Beach. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle When you have waves being blocked, you have a huge propensity for scour and spreading erosion to adjacent areas. And its really problematic for us to conserve the beach, Ocean Beach surfer Bill McLaughlin, who opposes the plan, said in an interview. McLaughlin worked on earlier versions of the plan, which go back more than a decade, as a former representative of Surfrider Foundation. He pointed out that seawalls can pose a danger to surfers, walkers and fishers on the shore because the waves bounce back down the beach with great force, and said he wants to see a beach-friendly alternative for the area, which is part of a national park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McLaughlin and Sackett advocate for nature-based alternative to building a seawall, often called managed retreat. That involves moving vulnerable infrastructure away from the coast and allowing sand dunes, which naturally disperse wave energy, to return. But that option is expensive. In the meeting, Roche said the project does include managed retreat because it involves rerouting the Great Highway away from an area that is prone to erosion. A stretch of San Franciscos Great Highway will be permanently closed to car traffic after a ballot measure to turn the area into an oceanfront park passed. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle The compromise is were removing the Great Highway between Sloat and Skyline, Roche said. With the recent passage of Proposition K, the Great Highway will also eventually be closed to vehicles from Sloat north to Lincoln Way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The SFPUC also said that the seawall is a good trade-off because it is designed to be buried in sand with restored dunes on top. That will minimize interactions between waves and hard structures that contribute to rip current formation and so-called scouring, spokesperson Nancy Hayden Crowley said in a statement. However, because waves will continually wash that sand away and expose the wall, the plan calls for regularly replenishing the area with more sand, at a cost of $1 million per application, according to the Coastal Commissions report. Surfrider Foundation questions the accuracy of that estimate, considering the high demand for sand for restoration projects in the Bay Area and beyond. In approving the project, the Coastal Commission limited the permit to 25 years and will monitor it every five years. The project will also add enhancements like a new public trail, and the beach will become 60 to 80 feet wider when boulders and riprap currently used to protect the area older armoring that is overdue to be removed by the SFPUC is taken away, Crowley said. The projects design will greatly improve the amount of beach available for surfers and recreation, Crowley said. Project engineers designed the buried seawall to create a more resilient beach while protecting critical sewer infrastructure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crowley said the plan will save money for ratepayers, because relocating the facility would cost billions of dollars. Mark Massara, a surfer who lives at Ocean Beach part time and is a lawyer long involved with coastal conservation, told the Chronicle he is frustrated that there isnt a longer-term strategy, for example, moving the tunnel farther inland rather than the entire treatment plant. Theyre not moving any infrastructure. Theyre planning to armor their infrastructure, he said. Massara successfully sued the city in 2011 over its use of riprap and chunks of concrete to protect the Great Highway from eroding. The city regularly trucks sand from Ocean Beachs wider northern end to the southern part, and in 2021 spent $7 million to dump sand dredged from the ocean floor, courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers, on the same part of the beach to protect the Lake Merced Tunnel. McLaughlin observed that the sand disappeared within months of winter wave action. In the Coastal Commission meeting, Roche of the SFPUC said that for this project, the sand would be placed 80 feet farther back on the beach and on a more gradual slope. When the sand is placed, it doesnt have that same interface that it has now, she said. An upcoming scientific article about the impact of development on California beaches by geologist Gary Griggs of UC Santa Cruz and coastal engineer Bob Battalio called armoring and repeated beach nourishment solutions that are expensive and only effective over a few decades at best. Batallio, who is an Ocean Beach surfer and recent retiree, said in an interview that the most important thing in all the discussions is making sure the beach is maintained. Over half of Irish employees would turn down jobs that did not offer hybrid working, according to new research. The study published by recruitment firm Hays Ireland found a clear preference for hybrid working models among Irish workers. The research found 46 per cent of employees would even be willing to accept a lower salary for a role that was fully remote. Work-life balance continues to be a major priority for Irish employees, with 61 per cent of employees saying they are satisfied with their work-life balance. A further 12 per cent said they were very satisfied and 26 per cent suggested they were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. Despite the ongoing efforts to foster a healthier work-life balance, 26 per cent of employees changed job in the past year, with a better work-life balance being their primary motivator. Flexible working hours and shorter commutes were cited by employees as key factors in improving this balance. Currently, 45 per cent of employees are working in a hybrid model, while 40 per cent are fully office based. However, 55 per cent of Irish organisations require staff to be in the office at least two or three times per week minimum. Only 18 per cent offer flexible formats where employees choose how many days per week they want to work from home versus on site. The report highlights the strong commitment of Irish employers to meet the demand for hybrid working and improve work-life balance. Notably, 47 per cent of organisations believe that hybrid working has contributed to higher employee retention; with 74 per cent of employers anticipating that hybrid working will stay the same in the next 12 months. Additionally, employers identify further factors that help attract and retain staff such as salary, benefits packages, a positive work environment, and career development opportunities. Maureen Lynch, managing director of Hays Ireland, said many employees no longer see hybrid working as a perk, but employers appear less convinced by this way of working. "Many prominent blue-chips are encouraging their employees to come back into the office either four or five days a week. However, they must balance this against their recruitment and retention goals, and the expectations of those that they are looking to attract. "Overall, this shift amongst employees reflects a broader desire for work-life balance, as employees prioritise roles that allow for autonomy over where and how they work. As organisations adapt to meet these demands, Irelands workplace landscape is transforming, signalling a future where flexibility, well-being, and job satisfaction are essential pillars of a thriving workforce." Among Japanese feature animation directors, Naoko Yamada is a unique figure in many ways. Not only has she managed to build a career as a woman director in a male-led environment, she has also worked with prominent studios over the years and is often responsible for her own films storyboard and music. Starting from K-ON! anime series in 2009 to her work as a unit director a year later on The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, both at Kyoto Animation, she then went on to direct series and feature films alike, with titles such as Liz and the Blue Bird, A Silent Voice, and The Heike Story, the latter marking her first collaboration with Science Saru, the studio behind her latest film. A music-lover, Yamadas bond with the art of sound and melody couldnt be more prominent than it is in The Colors Within, which had its North American premiere at Animation Is Film last month. The film will be released in the U.S. on January 24, 2025, through GKIDS. The film follows Totsuko, a teenage girl who struggles with self-doubt and the feeling of being lost in the world, while coping with synesthesia. Her journey is depicted through vibrant and symbolic colors, representing her emotional state and inner world. Throughout the narrative, she is seen trying to connect with herself and others, finding her true voice with the help of Kimi and Rui, who eventually all learn to embrace her unique perspective and talents. While the director has already made it clear that music and sound play a strong role in her cinema, The Colors Within takes the bond between animation, music and, in truth, life, to another dimension of Yamadas career. Cartoon Brew spoke with Yamada about her latest film, animation as a medium, and the art of sharing emotions with drawings, sounds and colors. Cartoon Brew: How does The Colors Within fit within your illustrious career to date and what was something new that you specifically wanted to do with this film? Ive directed several films now, and they always teach me important lessons. In this one, Ive tried to take everything that Ive learned so far and make use of it to deliver the best story. The most recent film is always the one thats at the top of my mind of course, but what I wanted to show with this one was how people communicate with each other, and how it can feel to be different from others somehow. Thats what Totsukos character is all about. For me, everyone has a kind of sense when it comes to communication, the colors that Totsuko sees are only a manifestation of this power that we all have, to see beyond appearances, if we look long enough. Music plays a big role in understanding the characters and their communication with each other. How did you work with your composer Kensuke Ushio to convey these feelings? To me, it was important that these songs the ones that the children create within their band shouldnt sound like grown-up music. It had to be believable that this music was truly created by these three characters Totsuko, Kimi and Rui with their skills and their knowledge of music. I wanted to show all these characters as individuals with their own challenges, complexities, and sincerity, especially the children. As I got older, Ive grown up mentally, but I still respect the young people, and I think its important to try and talk to everyone as an equal, and to respect everyones dignity. I didnt want to show adults as characters who were only trying to get in the way of things, and youngsters as people only doing what they wanted to do. I wanted to depict all my characters as human beings, with their flaws and fragility, and reassure the teenagers that its okay to be themselves fully. The Colors Within showcases different styles and animation techniques. Talk a bit about your visual approach to the film. What I really wanted was for the audience to understand and be able to share the way that Totsuko sees and feels the world. And so, I just kept on working on those sections of the film, until I got to a place where that would be expressed, but at the same time without losing track of the audience. It was a balance to find between Tostukos imagination and the real world surrounding those characters. What were the biggest challenges during this production? For me, writing and drawing the storyboards is always the hardest part. This was particularly true in this case, as the film is an original story. I knew I had to create something nobody had ever seen before, and that was both exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. With this film, obviously finding the balance between the two worlds was also a challenge, but developing those with the team was also a lot of fun. A series of trial and error that led to this result, which Im very proud of. If you were in Totsukos world, what would your color be? I feel like its the hardest question for me to answer! I would say that I dont know myself very well, because when I look at the world, I see everyone else. So I would not be able to answer that question right now. What I do know is that if as a teenager you do not fit in a box, or if youre not able to be in the category that you want to be, then it can feel like youre being rejected. Or maybe youre rejecting yourself, and that leads to negative feelings. And that was the whole idea behind this film, a Japanese topic but also a very universal one. Sometimes, we cant see ourselves as what we are, and its wonderful to find somebody who can show us this positive side of ourselves, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to make this film. A last question and a big one: What is animation for you as a medium? I feel Ive been making animation for so long that I think I take it for granted. But I think you just reminded me of what a miracle it is that I actually get to make animation, and Im really grateful for that. For me, I would just say that animation is life. Advertisement Lafarge Africa Plc has launched its new alternative fuel and raw material (AFR) platform at the Mfamosing plant in Cross River State, Nigeria, aiming to replace conventional fossil fuels with energy derived from non-recyclable waste. The initiative aligns with Lafarges commitment to reducing CO 2 emissions and supports Holcim Groups global net-zero strategy. At the launch event, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO of Lafarge Africa, stated, This facility enables us to lower CO 2 emissions and sets new standards in sustainability and innovation across Nigeria. He also highlighted its role in creating jobs for local businesses involved in waste collection and logistics, fostering economic growth in the region. Daniel Adedokun, head of Lafarge Geocycle, emphasised the platforms alignment with Nigerias net-zero goals, aiming to scale its impact through strengthened partnerships with industries and communities. Government officials, including representatives from Cross River State, praised the project for its environmental and economic benefits. Hon Moses Osogi, commissioner for environment, noted Lafarges leadership in turning waste into wealth and pledged the ministrys support. The Mfamosing plant, one of Nigerias largest cement facilities, is strategically located in Cross River State, a key industrial hub, making it an ideal site for implementing sustainable practices and advancing local circular economy initiatives. The AFR platform marks a significant step towards a circular economy, advancing Nigerias sustainable development goals while reducing waste and lowering the cement sectors environmental impact. A person was found fatally stabbed Wednesday morning near BARTs Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, officials said. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle BART experienced delays in all directions Wednesday morning following a fatal stabbing near the transit systems Embarcadero Station in San Francisco. San Francisco police said in a statement that officers responded to Market and Main streets downtown following reports that a person was bleeding. When officers arrived they found a man suffering from stab wounds, according to the San Francisco Fire Department, which dispatched medics to the scene. It was not clear where the stabbing occurred, but first responders found the man near the middle of the street, fire officials said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No one had been arrested for the stabbing as of Wednesday morning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A BART spokesperson declined to respond to questions about the stabbing, saying only that the Embarcadero Station was closed shortly before 6 until about 6:30 and trains did not stop at Embarcadero while officers searched for a suspect in a crime that occurred in SFPD jurisdiction. San Francisco police on the scene of a fatal stabbing Wednesday morning at Market and Main streets. Emilio Garcia-Ruiz/The Chronicle Just after 6:30 a.m., BART said on social media that the station had reopened, but transit riders should expect considerable delays. The incident follows a recent incident on a San Francisco BART train in which a womans throat was slashed by an apparent stranger. Jovany Portades, the man accused in the attack, was charged with attempted murder. He had not entered a plea as of Wednesday. A crime scene worker leaves a Colebrook Lane home in Dublin where a double shooting occurred on Sept. 7, 2022. The Alameda County sheriffs deputy convicted of the killings has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle 2022 A former Alameda County sheriffs deputy was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison Tuesday for the execution-style killings of a Dublin couple, ending a high-profile case that drew scrutiny to the countys psychological screenings for deputies. Devin Williams, 26, was convicted last month of two counts of first-degree murder for the shootings of Maria and Benison Tran on Sept. 7, 2022. Prosecutors said Williams, who was in a relationship with Maria Tran, entered the couples home and shot them in a cold-blooded act of jealousy. Benison Tran was 57, and Maria Tran was 42. Several of their family members, including their son, who was 14, were home when Williams shot the couple with his department-issued gun, prosecutors said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The double-shooting sparked an audit of the sheriffs office that revealed that 47 deputies failed psychological tests during the hiring process from 2016 to 2022, although the agency wouldnt say whether Williams passed the test before he was hired. The case drew fresh attention when a judge rejected prosecutors last-minute attempts to drop special-circumstance allegations and gun enhancements before an evidentiary hearing. Maria Trans sister denounced the attempt to whittle down the case filed under District Attorney Pamela Prices predecessor. Prices office refiled the case and dropped the special-circumstance allegations and sentencing enhancements anyway, an outcome that spared Williams of the possibility of life in prison without parole. Price, who was recalled in the Nov. 5, election, was elected on promises to seek shorter sentences, especially for defendants 25 and under. Williams was 24 at the time of the shootings. On Tuesday, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden sentenced Williams to two back-to-back 25-to-life sentences. Williams attorney had pushed for concurrent sentences, arguing in part that the murders were linked and both driven by a common factor: Williams emotional instability. Deputy District Attorney Ted McGarvey pushed back, calling for consecutive terms. (Williams) received his break when the district attorneys office dropped special-circumstance allegations and gun enhancements, McGarvey said in court. Fifty years to life in prison quite frankly is not enough for what he did, McGarvey added. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 911 call Benison Tran made, played in court at trial, was the worst 911 call shes heard in a case, Madden said before she handed down the sentence. On the call, Benison Tran reported there was an intruder in his home. Then came the sound of gunshots and hysterical screaming. Madden also took into account Williams former job as a deputy: For you to commit these acts, its really unthinkable, the judge said. The son of Maria and Benison Tran also was on Maddens mind as she recalled that his pain and trauma was palpable when he testified at trial. Their son, now 16, was one of eight family members who expressed grief in court over their loss. They described Maria and Benison Tran as pillars in their respective families. Some of them, including the couples son, asked the judge to hand down the harshest possible sentence. Their son, referred to in court as John Doe to protect his privacy, addressed Williams as the person who took everything from me. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You destroyed my foundation, he said in a letter that McGarvey read in court. The teen said he anticipates he will feel agony and emptiness for the rest of his life. Maria Trans mother, Kim Lee, who witnessed the double shooting, recalled that she felt helpless in the immediate aftermath. That makes the pain even deeper, she said in tears through a Vietnamese interpreter. Williams apologized for his horrible acts and said he didnt expect forgiveness from Maria and Benison Trans family. I know Ill never forgive myself, he said. He also thanked his family for its unwavering support. At trial, Williams attorneys admitted he shot the couple and pushed for the jury to convict Williams of lesser charges of involuntary manslaughter. They argued that it was a crime of passion, because William acted on strong emotions that arose when he discovered the couple still lived together, contrary to what Maria Tran had told Williams. McGarvey countered that Williams knew Tran lived with her estranged husband. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Williams and Maria Tran met at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Leandro, where she worked as a nurse and he watched over incarcerated people who were sent to receive treatment. The pair started dating in February 2022. Williams showed up to the couples home after an argument between himself and Maria Tran unfolded over text messages, not long after he finished a shift at Santa Rita Jail. It was a hot, late-summer night, so the front door was wide open, prosecutors said during the trial. Prosecutors said Williams confronted Maria Train in an upstairs bedroom. Benison Tran called 911 as he stood in the staircase. Williams shot Benison Tran in the neck and head, then shot Maria Tran in the back and head, prosecutors said. Dublin police officers found the two blooded bodies at the bottom of the staircase. At the top of the stairs was the couples son. Each year, the North Georgia Community YMCA serves healthy meals to youth enrolled in YMCA Afterschool Programs. The meals are free to all enrolled children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.Below are the current sites for the fall term: Link@The Y: 1735 Battlefield Pkwy., Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742 North GA YMCA After School at Westside Elementary: 72 Braves Lane, Rossville, Ga.30741 YMCA at Tiger Creek: 134 Rhea McClanahan Dr., Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 YMCA at Battlefield Elementary: 2206 Battlefield Pkwy., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742Last year, the YMCA prepared and served approximately 302,000 healthy meals across 80 total sites in Chattanooga, Cleveland and North Georgia. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare, deliver and serve meals, as well as lead games and activities. For complete information on the Ys Youth Food Programs, including how to get involved, visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/community/youth-food-programs.More information on the programs can also be found on social media: Facebook: @henryymca and @ymcanorthga; or Instagram: @chattfoodfun and @ymca_northga. June 28, 1981. The day my heart was broken. What follows is my recounting of the events of that day, written just hours after the events actually occurred. Arrived at the emergency room at 4:47 a.m. Sunday morning. Contractions about 4 minutes apart. First examination indicates 7 centimeters. 5:52 a.m. Norma has to walk around the room to see if we can get the baby to change positions. 6:40 a.m. Decision made for a Csection. Were going to deliver. They delivered Jonathan Matthew Gault shortly before 7 a.m. We were perfect Lamaze parents. The doctor and the midwife were both present during a vaginal delivery. Everything was A-OK except that Jonathan Matthew was delivered stillborn. A skilled team from Childrens Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) seemed to be almost instantly taking care of the baby. There was obvious concern on the part of several nurses and I saw the neonatologist look at me with eyes that seemed to say, God, how do I tell him? Its not easy to know the truth and yet, not be able to share it, so I continued to encourage Norma Carol that we had done all we could, that professionals were taking care of the baby as best they could and she needed to relax. In my head, I knew there was serious trouble. I confronted the doctor with a straight forward question. He responded with a straight forward answer. It was not easy to deal with how to tell Norma and as things sometimes happen in life, I didnt have to. When I left the room to talk with the neonatologist in charge, Norma asked our midwife how the baby was. What had begun as a celebration of life had somehow come to be a dismal and dark discussion about how to address the issues of death. It is not enough to say that the process itself was as invigorating as an ice cold shower in the middle of summertime, that mother and father delivered perfectly according to the rules of Dr. Lamaze and that everyone had responded as best as they could within the confines of their areas. Its difficult now to look back and remember the excitement that beat in my heart, but it was there. And the fact that Jonathan Matthew was delivered stillborn, will not spoil the beauty of natural childbirth, because what we started together, we ended together. Not a perfect ending, but an ending. To recount a few facts that need to be remembered. The first continuing contractions of a significant nature apparently began around 8 or 9 p.m. the night before. It was around 2:30 a.m. When we finally decided that this was really it, that we were going to have our opportunity to be parents again. I got up and shaved, got ready, and got our previously packed bags. We left home about 3:45 a.m. An uneventful trip to the hospital. Checked into the emergency room. In my review of all events associated with Normas pregnancy, both from a personal and medical standpoint, in the first few hours, I can find no reason to believe that we did anything less than all we could and that those responsible and concerned with the delivery of the baby did all they could. Despite all of the above, Jonathan Matthew never took a breath; the cord was wrapped around his neck three times. It is now a time of pulling together. A time of trying to sort out all those emotions that say suffer and hurt and grieve to advance to a level of strength, leadership and control, not only for my sake, but for Normas sake. She must have that support and I am the only one who can provide it. Our friends, God bless them, have filled my heart with all their offers of help and attempts to be of assistance. It is a woefully desperate act to tell people that an event that was to be so exciting and stimulating to all, had turned into an event of darkness and dread and fear and that they are somehow supposed to be of some help, even though it is unstated. Its a terrible responsibility for friends. Personally, I am deeply grateful and unsure at the same time how to deal with that. I suppose after the first 72 hours, I will find a way. Finally down to try to rest. It seems as if I have somehow been sucked into the great vacuum of space where there is no noise, where there is no gravity and where there seems to be nothing but me and grief, drifting together. As I tried to sleep and perhaps for a short while, did, I tried to isolate my senses from the reality of what has occurred. Of course, that is impossible, but perhaps I prolonged that moment where I must again confront what will be with me the rest of my life. I suppose like all unfulfilled dreams, this one too will pass, and yet, somehow lurking in my psyche will come to haunt me in the years to come. This is also a time of reflection, having had to tell Frederick, who is six and a half, of the death of his baby brother, which he had long awaited and prepared for. Its a time to remember that Frederick is normal. Hes intelligent. And he is perhaps a child that we had been so excited about since he was our first that we had somehow missed the miracle of a perfect delivery of a perfect child. I dont think though that perhaps we had not appreciated enough how wonderful it is to be blessed with a breathing, crying alive baby. It is now a time of regrouping, pulling together, trying to identify those things that a American families are made of. It is a time of serious grief. Somehow being tough doesnt work. Tomorrow, somehow, I must deal with the issues of reality with the funeral home and the ceremonial acts that follow death, whether after a full and happy life or after a non-existent one. It is only my wish that parents of potential babies have the opportunity to feel the exhilaration, the excitement, the celebration of life that Norma and I felt when we thought we were going to deliver a healthy baby. The fact that Jonathan Matthew didnt survive doesnt change all that. It is difficult to identify just how I will feel weeks or months later, but I know that now I have a deep appreciation for the process of a family-centered birthing process. About a year after Jonathan Matthews death, Norma Carol and I started the first Compassionate Friends chapter in Chattanooga help support anyone whose children had died. We led the group for 14 years. There is now an active chapter that meets the 2nd Sunday of each month (except December) at First Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga. If you would like more information, call Kim at 423-580-4139. Today Compassionate Friends has over 500 chapters serving all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico that offer friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members during the natural grieving process after a child has died. * * * Fred Gault can be reached at avfred@gmail.com The Collegiate Conference of the South announced the 2024 Volleyball All-Conference teams and yearly award winners on Tuesday evening.After a dominant year on the court, Hannah Mathis was named Player of the Year and First Team All-CCS. Mathis ranked second in the league in kills, tallying 320 with a .373 hitting percentage which was best in the league. Mathis also led the CCS in total blocks with 111. This is the second year in a row she has been First Team All-CCS.Also making the cut for First Team All-CCS was Sarah Jennings and Kelsey Carman.Jennings, a first time All-Conference player, led the CCS in digs with 485 and 4.58 per set. The sophomore also had a team-high 54 service aces. Carman, who was Second Team All-CCS in 2023, totaled 211 kills and 307 digs. The Cleveland, Tennessee native was a consistent threat on both sides of the net all year and posted four double-doubles.Cali Sandhoff earned Second Team All-CCS honors for her first career All-Conference recognition. The sophomore who saw time at both setter and middle hitter, did a little bit of everything for the Scots. Some of her numbers include 329 assists, 178 kills, 244 digs, 51 total blocks, and a team-high 62 service aces.Senior Anissa Snyder was Covenant's representative on the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.Covenant returns to action tonight in Barnes at 7 p.m. for the CCS Quarterfinals against Piedmont. Avail Enclosure Systems will expand its presence in Southeast Tennessee by expanding manufacturing operations at its Chattanooga facility, officials said Tuesday. The firm will create 82 new jobs and invest more than $10 million through the move, which will help the company meet its growing customer demand for modular e-houses. Since 2020, TNECD has supported more than 40 economic development projects in Southeast Tennessee, resulting in approximately 5,700 job commitments and more than $2.6 billion in capital investments. Governor Bill Lee said, The state with the workers will be the state that wins the future, and todays announcement will create greater opportunity for our highly skilled workforce in Hamilton County. I thank Avail Enclosure Systems for investing in Tennessee, and I look forward to seeing the companys continued success. We consider it an honor to have been part of the Chattanooga community for the past several years. Our success here, along with the reputation and expertise of our talented team, make this financial investment possible, and it reinforces our commitment to manufacturing top-tier products that unlock new opportunities as we continue to grow, said Jeremy Hoffman, chief operating officer and president, Avail Electrical Products Group Avail Enclosure Systems is part of Avail Infrastructure Solutions, the global provider of application-critical equipment, highly engineered technologies, and specialized services to the power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial markets. From fully integrated electrical enclosures and custom switchgear to medium and high voltage bus systems, our proven solutions meet the most exacting requirements for safe, reliable operation. Headquartered in Suwanee, Ga., Avail Infrastructure Solutions has over 1,750 employees and operates through a global network of 15 strategically located manufacturing facilities. A man from Sacramento County was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an employee at a Safeway store in Ocean Beach. Rafe Swan/Getty Images A Sacramento County man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an employee of a store in San Franciscos Ocean Beach neighborhood last weekend, authorities said Wednesday. Kwontell Summerfield, a 28-year-old man from Carmichael, was arrested Sunday following an incident in which he was accused of assaulting an employee at a Safeway on the 800 block of La Playa Street, according to the San Francisco Police Department and KGO-TV. The investigation was continuing. A Safeway spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officers responded to the store about 5:38 a.m. for a report of a man who assaulted an employee before fleeing, police said in a statement. When officers arrived at the store they found an injured victim. Paramedics took the victim to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The U.S. Park Police alerted San Francisco police of a suspect who matched the description of the suspect in the assault incident, authorities said. Summerfield was arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail for charges including aggravated assault and robbery, authorities said. Bohr Electronics has been awarded a contract by Virginia Railway Express to supply 80 magnetic transfer switches. These switches will support ongoing maintenance of VREs locomotive fleet at their Crossroads Maintenance and Storage Facility in Fredericksburg, Va.Officials said, "With 67 years dedicated to material circularity, Bohr Electronics supports rail operators' sustainability initiatives by prioritizing the maintenance of legacy equipment over replacement, keeping valuable components in service and out of landfills.This approach aligns with industry goals to reduce waste and extend the life of essential parts."Magnetic transfer switches manage power distribution within locomotive systems, ensuring key operations remain functional under varying load conditions. Bohrs switches are rigorously tested to withstand vibration, shock, and temperature variations and meet ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003 standards.""Were pleased to support Virginia Railway Express with these magnetic transfer switches as part of their fleet maintenance strategy," said Bruce Bloomster, national sales director at Bohr Electronics. "Our switches align with VREs commitment to reliable and sustainable service, extending equipment life while meeting the demands of rail operations that transport passengers every day.The Virginia Railway Express, a joint project of Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, provides commuter rail service from Northern Virginia to Washington, D.C., with 320 trains across 19 stations, supporting regional connectivity."This contract underscores Bohr Electronics commitment in delivering essential components for locomotive fleet maintenance, reinforcing its ability to meet the needs of evolving rail industry infrastructure," officials said. University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd has appointed Dr. Robert Dooley as interim chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Dr. Dooley, who will assume the role Jan. 1, is a longtime leader at UTC and a proud alumnus of the university, it was stated. Dr. Dooley earned a B.A. in religion/philosophy and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from UTC. He holds a Ph.D. in business administration with a focus on strategic management from UT Knoxville. He has served as dean of the UTC College of Business since July 1, 2011, following his tenure as associate dean for graduate programs and research at Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business. Dr. Dooleys exceptional leadership and his deep understanding of UTCs culture make him an outstanding choice to guide the university during this transition, President Boyd said. His proven success in developing a nationally recognized College of Business and strong relationships within the community will help maintain momentum as we look toward the future. The UT Board of Trustees has scheduled a virtual Executive Committee meeting for Nov. 20 to discuss the search process for the next permanent chancellor, with plans to launch a national search in January. UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman will lead the search committee. Officials said his "strong connection to and deep knowledge of UTC will provide valuable guidance in the search." The university expects to select a search firm by the end of the year, with finalist interviews planned on campus in spring 2025. Dr. Dooley said, "Im so honored to serve during this transition period for the campus. It has been a privilege to work with Chancellor Angle and Im proud to have been a part of what he accomplished during his time at UTC. I look forward to the opportunity to continue that great work and build on the momentum that weve gained. During the July 1925 trial of State of Tennessee vs. John T Scopes about the constitutionality of the Anti Evolution Act (Butler) passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in the spring of that year over the banning of any theory of creation of man except that expressed in Genesis, many famous individuals were in attendance. One of the most renowned participants was a movie star from Hollywood who starred in movies, vaudeville and Broadway. Although his fabulous career was short and ended with his early death in 1930 his fame and legacy was carried on by his descendants until 2005. In the circus atmosphere that included oddities and curiosities present in Dayton, the performer who had just completed a highly successful tour in Atlanta, was recognized and applauded as he strolled through the small town, dappily dressed in a coat, pants, shoes, tie and top hat. The crowds grew as he daily put on a public performance, displaying his talents as he alternated between playing the piano and acrobatically riding a tricycle. However, as the trial droned on with many motions and proceedings outside the presence the jury, the celebrity became bored, and at one point, newspapers across the country published a historical photo of the yawning celebrity claiming that he was bored to death by the proceedings at Dayton evolution trial. In two 2023 Scopes Trial publications by author Randy Moore, the agent and close friends of the visitor Lewis Bauman and wife Gertrude Bauman, are depicted in photographs preserved for history in the Rhea County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum in the basement of the renovated courthouse. The 100th anniversary of the famous trial will be celebrated beginning in March 2025, and will conclude with a two hour reenactment of the original event in the original courtroom and other festivities. (The name of the famous visitor was Jo Mendi, and he is often credited (or blamed) for having famous Baltimore Sun cynic and writer, H L Mencken, describe the important legal proceedings as the Monkey Trial.) PS: Jos net worth in 1925 was set at $100,000. Not bad for a chimpanzee! ---- If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com) Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson has again denied bond for former EMT Justin Whaley, who continues to have appeals before the Criminal Court of Appeals. Judge Patterson earlier granted Whaley a new trial on some counts in his vehicular homicide trial, but not on others. He was granted a new trial on the vehicular homicide by intoxication and DUI counts. He was not given a new trial for the reckless homicide count or the traffic infractions. Whaley was sentenced to nine years for the wrong-way traffic death of James Brumlow on July 2, 2018. The new trial was based on an allegation by the defense that the state failed to turn over an Internal Affairs report about a key state witness. Attorney Lee Davis said, "We are entering a dangerous period where he could be serving more time in jail" than his ultimate sentence would be. Prosecutor Brian Finlay said the time served was still far short of the initial nine-year sentence. He noted that Whaley is building jail time. The prosecutor also said Whaley is a flight risk due to his financial success with a thriving gun range in Van Buren County. He said that Whaley "took the life of James Brumlow" and might be a threat to others. Attorney Davis said Whaley is in contact with his wife and the manager of the gun range by email and phone over operation of the business. He said having the business is incentive for him not to leave this area. The attorney said Whaley has given up his passport and could be restricted to a specific geographic area. A 650-page transcript of the case is to be sent this week to the Criminal Court of Appeals, it was stated. Judge Patterson said the appeals court will then have all the information from the case. He said, "Hopefully, they will rule sooner rather than later." Fiscal Review: 27 no-bid contract requests, including major TennCare extensions The Fiscal Review panel will hear 27 requests from state agencies who are looking for approval to enter into a contract without a competitive bidding process or to extend a contract without restarting the bidding process. Heres a summary of all the contracts and contract extensions. TN Budget Hearings: TN ranks 45th in the U.S. for student funding The heads of 23 state government agencies have presented requests for funding increases to Gov. Bill Lee at public budget hearings. The governor will hear the final three requests today. So far departments have submitted cost-increase requests totaling over $3.1 billion from state funds. State universities collectively requested $1.6 billion for building construction and maintenance. TennCare, Transportation, Correction and Childrens Services have the largest departmental requests. Unfortunately, most of these requests will be rejected because there isnt enough new revenue to fund it all. Economists last week presented four estimates for growth in state tax collections and even the most optimistic revenue projections fall short by billions. Tennessee ranks for 45th in the nation for per pupil student funding [NEA 2024] Public schools are facing a fiscal cliff. With emergency federal aid now expired, education officials are working with a lot less funding for students. Has Lizzette Reynolds, a professional lobbyist, finally earned a teaching license, as required by law to be the state commissioner of education? UPDATE: Gov. Bill Lees corporate tax handouts reach 41,400 CEOs Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announces the upcoming resignation of its CEO Tammy Johnson, after years of dedicated service. Officials said, "Ms. Johnsons departure follows her husbands acceptance of an exciting new professional opportunity in Birmingham, which will lead their family to relocate. Ms. Johnson has been a driving force behind HFHOC's success and growth, leaving a lasting impact on the Cleveland/Bradley County community. "Beginning as the development director, Ms. Johnson progressed in leadership roles, demonstrating great dedication and impactful contributions leading to her appointment as CEO in October 2017. During her seven-year tenure as CEO, Ms. Johnson has been pivotal in advancing HFHOCs mission to foster relationships and connect neighbors to resources to support their path to stability. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including financial stability and growth."As CEO, Ms. Johnson has been an inspirational leader, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within HFHOC. During her tenure, HFHOC has closed on over 40 new homes, developed the new Morelock Meadows Subdivision, implemented the building of multi-unit and pre-cast homes. The organization has retired almost $500K in debt, established the Hope for Habitat Endowment in 2020 at $388K and has grown it to over $1.1M. She led the team to secure the largest grant in HFHOCs history at over $760K, and the ReStore continues to excel with record breaking sales. HFHOC has also won four consecutive Habitat of Tennessee State Impact Awards under Ms. Johnsons leadership, to include Affiliate, Leader, ReStore and Trailblazer of the Year.""Its been a tremendous gift to work alongside such a talented team of staff, board members, volunteers, and community friends with a true commitment to serve and love our neighbors. Im incredibly thankful God led me to HFHOC, and for the opportunity Ive had to make meaningful relationships with our community and team, Ms. Johnson said upon reflection of her tenure at HFHOC.Board President Karen Colley said, Tammys investment in this organization over the past seven years, her visionary, compassionate and insightful servant leadership, has left a legacy that will continue to create opportunities to serve our neighbors in the immediate future and well beyond. The HFHOC board of directors expresses its deepest gratitude to Tammy for her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in advancing HFHOCs mission."Tammy Johnson has been an incredible leader for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, steering the organization with unwavering commitment and a deep passion for the community, said Dr. Dewayne Thompson, president-elect of the board. Her impact on affordable housing in our area is profound, and her dedication to the families we serve will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her next chapter.HFHOC has appointed a dedicated search committee composed of the board president, president-elect and additional current board members to oversee the process of finding and selecting the next CEO. The Board is confident that the next CEO will play a crucial role in shaping the future of HFHOC, building upon the strong foundation laid by Tammy, said Ms. Colley.Ms. Johnson will remain on staff with HFHOC throughout the search process and for an additional period to facilitate the onboarding of her successor."Her dedication to positively impacting the lives of neighbors of all ages across Cleveland/Bradley County has been unwavering, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure through the continued work of the staff and volunteers," officials said.The job posting can be found on the HFHOC website at habitatofcleveland.org/about/careers. All inquiries, as well as cover letters and resumes from interested candidates, may be sent to ceosearch@habitatofcleveland.org. Annas Danish Cookies, as seen in the bakerys San Mateo facility in 2014. Carolyn Jung/The Chronicle For decades, holiday cookie boxes from 90-plus-year old bakery Annas Danish Cookies have been a staple for many Bay Area families. This year will mark a break from the-long running tradition. The company, which currently operates out of Napa, announced to customers that it will not offer its holiday cookie selection a mix of vanilla, coconut, oatmeal and butter cookies this year. This was a very difficult decision, a message on the companys website reads. We want to thank you for your continued support and understanding. We greatly value your business and loyalty, and we look forward to serving you again in the new year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Owner Burt Teaff responded to a request for comment with the same message, but did not respond to further inquiries. The company was founded in 1935, according to its website. It was originally known as Bentzens Danish Cookies at 3191 Mission St. in San Francisco until 1940, when Martin and Anna Donnelly purchased the company and changed the name. The acquisition price: $1,100, which Martin Donnelly borrowed against his life insurance policy, Karola Saekel reported in the Chronicle in 1997, adding that Donnelly sold the cookies on his milk delivery route for 50 cents a pound. The new owners moved the business to its longtime hub at 3560 18th St., where their crisp, buttery cookies developed a loyal following and fueled a nationwide mail-order cookie craze. The oven at Annas also churned out 12-ounce pound cakes, brownies and tarts topped with fresh fruit. Donnelly did not originally bake for retail vendors, but eventually Annas cookies reached the shelves at San Francisco grocery favorite Bi-Rite, Mission Bay Wine & Cheese and Draegers in San Mateo. Bi-Rite spokesperson Sarah Holt told the Chronicle that Annas cookies are a seasonal favorite that sell out every year around the holidays. But Bi-Rite hasnt received a shipment of the holiday cookies since last year, and Holt lamented news of this years holiday box unavailability. We definitely miss having the cookies available to share with guests this holiday season, she said. In the late 1990s, Donnelly was baking 1,500 pounds of cookies a week during summer, the Chronicle reported at the time. The output jumped up to more than 5,500 pounds in mid-October in the lead up to the holiday season. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Home News After Trump's stunning victory against Kamala, what comes next? Pundits and commentators are still exploring the factors that led to President-elect Donald Trump's stunning defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris. The Christian Post's Ryan Foley joins "The Inside Story" today to explain what happened, what the polls say and to look ahead to what comes next in a second Trump term. Plus, he breaks down the states where abortion and other issues were on the ballot. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Inside Story takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture, and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand whats driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Home News Franklin Graham congratulates Mike Huckabee on nomination as US ambassador to Israel Evangelist Franklin Graham congratulated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on his Tuesday nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel. "Congratulations to [Huckabee] on his nomination by [Trump] to serve as US Ambassador to Israel. The Huckabees love Israel and will be a great blessing to the people of that country and represent America well," Graham wrote. Congratulations to @GovMikeHuckabee on his nomination by @realDonaldTrump to serve as US Ambassador to Israel. The Huckabees love Israel and will be a great blessing to the people of that country and represent America well. pic.twitter.com/2TPNzQ5LQ8 Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe November 12, 2024 Graham's congratulatory statement came shortly after Trump announced Huckabee as his choice to the role that will be geopolitically crucial amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel," Trump said in a statement. "Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. 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!" Huckabee welcomed the nomination in a statement posted to X. "It's been [an] incredible day as [Trump] asked me to serve as Ambassador to [Israel] a land I have been visiting since 1973 when I was a teenager. It will be a privilege to serve my country and my President in this role," Huckabee wrote. Huckabee forcefully spoke out against the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage, including American citizens. Israel's subsequent war against Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah has continued since. Huckabee has denounced the attack as "horrific" and compared it to Nazi atrocities. "As horrible as the Nazis were, they werent posting their atrocities on social media and trying to trumpet what they were doing to the world," he said while speaking to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. "Which is what makes this horrendous thing Hamas has done so much, to me, worse, because they want everyone to see what theyve done." Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, has opposed a Palestinian state in the region and has long been outspoken about his support for the Jewish nation, which he has attributed in part to his interpretation of the Bible. Huckabee has expressed support for Israel's control of the West Bank, recently claiming "the title deed was given by God to Abraham and to his heirs," according to The Associated Press. In 2017 while in Maale Adum, Israel, Huckabee expressed his belief that the West Bank does not exist, instead calling it the biblical term "Judea and Samaria." Israel took control of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in 1967. "There are certain words I refuse to use," Huckabee said at the time. "There is no such thing as a West Bank it's Judea and Samaria. There's no such thing as a settlement. They're communities. They're neighborhoods. They're cities. There's no such thing as an occupation." "There is no such thing as the West Bank - it's Judea and Samaria. There is no such thing as settlements - they're communities, they're neighborhoods, they're cities. There is no such thing as an occupation." -Mike Huckabee, Incoming US Ambassador to Israel pic.twitter.com/YmFX8WSveS Eli Kowaz - ????? ???? (@elikowaz) November 12, 2024 While running for president in 2008, he also claimed there is "no such thing as a Palestinian," and that the term is used as "a political tool to try and force land away from Israel," as noted by CNN. "Basically, there really is no such thing as I need to be careful about saying this, because people will really get upset theres really no such thing as a Palestinian, Huckabee told two Orthodox Jewish men during a campaign stop in Massachusetts. "Theres not." Trump's pick of Huckabee drew praise from several prominent Israeli leaders including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called Huckabee "a consistent and loyal friend of the State of Israel and a supporter of the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria[.]" Smotrich added that Huckabee has "for many years fought for our state and our right to all parts of the Land of Israel, [and] I have no doubt that we have won and together with him we will strengthen Israels security and strength and strengthen our hold in all its spaces." Home News Iranian agents plotted to murder Trump, unsealed DOJ charges reveal The details of an unsealed Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump raise questions about how the current administration will act, as President Joe Biden previously warned Iran that the United States would consider its targeting of the Republican nominee as an "act of war." According to a Friday statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri has been charged with planning an Iranian murder plot against Trump ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Shakeri, who is still at large and reportedly resides in Iran, was ordered by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to carry out the task. Two other men, Carlisle Rivera, 49, of Brooklyn, New York, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island, were also charged. The men had been recruited to murder an Iranian American journalist who has been critical of Iran's regime, prosecutors allege. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe As the department noted, the Iranian government is targeting nationals and allies of the U.S. to suppress criticism of the Iranian regime and seek vengeance for the 2020 killing of the former Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quad Force, Qasem Soleimani. The former head of the IRGC-QF was killed in a U.S. military strike in Baghdad. "The charges announced today expose Iran's continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. "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," he continued. "We're committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans." As the criminal complaint outlines, the IRGC ordered Shakeri in September to "put aside his other efforts on behalf of the IRGC and focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump." A member of the IRGC instructed the asset to formulate a plan to murder "Victim-4," which refers to Trump. The IRGC member said if Shakeri could not come up with a plan by the deadline, then the IRGC would wait to kill him after the election, thinking that Trump would lose and he'd be easier to kill. In October, the Biden administration warned the Iranian government to stop making plans to target Trump, stating that Washington would consider assassination attempts against the Republican nominee an "act of war." A U.S. official told Reuters at the time that Biden had been briefed about Iran's plots against Americans and directed his team to address the issue. Regarding the recent report about Iran's plot to kill Trump, it is unclear how the Biden administration intends to respond. The White House did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. Shakeri is an Afghan national who came to the U.S. as a child, and he was deported around 2008 after serving time in a New York State prison for a 1994 armed robbery conviction, according to the criminal complaint. The IRGC asset supplies the Iranian military agency with contacts from a network of criminal associates Shakeri met during his time in prison, providing them with operatives to conduct surveillance or assassinate targets. Rivera and Loadholt were part of Shakeri's network of criminal associates, the complaint states. The journalist that the pair intended to murder, Masih Alinejad, has written extensively about human rights abuses committed by the Iranian government. "I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech I don't want to die," Alinejad wrote in a Friday X post. "I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me, but I urge the U.S. government to protect the national security of America." Esmail Baghaei, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, claimed the DOJ's statement is part of a pro-Israel plot to complicate relations between the U.S. and Iran, The Associated Press reported. "Repeat of the accusation in the current time span is a disgusting plot by the Zionist and anti-Iran circles that has aimed at making US-Iran problems more complicated," Baghaei said. Last Monday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, a Republican, wrote a letter urging Biden to end "bureaucratic delays" and support Israel amid increasing threats from Iran. "It is apparent that Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, are attempting to exploit perceived divisions between the United States and Israel, exacerbated by recent actions of senior Biden-Harris administration officials," McCaul stated. "It is imperative that you act now to deter our adversaries by showing that there is no daylight between the United States and Israel." Home News UK man found guilty of causing womans miscarriage by spiking drink with abortion pills A British man has been found guilty of sexual assault and other crimes for tricking a pregnant woman into drinking a liquid that contained abortion drugs to induce a miscarriage, unbeknownst to the victim. Stuart Worby, a 40-year-old resident of Malthouse Court in Dereham, Norfolk, was found guilty on Oct. 30 of one count of sexual assault and administering a poison to cause a miscarriage. According to a press release from the Norfolk Constabulary, Worby had purchased tablets of Mifepristone and Misoprostol for 470 ($598) in July 2022, acquiring them with the help of his girlfriend, Neuza Cepeda, 39, of Dereham. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In August 2022, Worby urged a pregnant woman who wasn't named in the legal proceedings and had been around 15 weeks pregnant at the time to consume the drink, causing her to suffer a miscarriage. The victim, who had wanted to keep her baby, was unknowingly administered the pills and immediately had to go to the bathroom to be sick and had [diarrhea] and began bleeding, explained Norfolk authorities. She then attended the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and after enduring a number of hours of pain and blood loss, she suffered a miscarriage and had to have surgery. Soon after the miscarriage, the victim discovered messages on Worbys phone in which he told a 41-year-old friend named Wayne Finney that "It's working" and "There is lots of blood." Worby was arrested on Aug. 5, 2022. Worby is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 6. Cepeda, who obtained the abortion drugs, will be sentenced at a later date for her role in the crime. Finney was found not guilty. Detective Inspector Duncan Woodhams was quoted in the Norfolk Police press release praising the bravery of the victim who has endured the most terrible loss, her courage to come forward and give evidence has been invaluable in ensuring a guilty verdict. We also pay tribute to all the medical and health professionals and family, neighbors and friends who have supported the victim in her testimony. The impact of this event could have life-long repercussions for the victim, stated Woodhams. This has been a complex investigation into the deceitful and determined actions of Worby which had such horrific consequences and marks the first of its kind in finding someone guilty of this specific crime. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, a U.K.-based pro-life group, also weighed in on the guilty verdict, calling on the government to review their regulations on the abortion pill regimen. Even before Worby was found guilty, the woman who was complicit in his plan had already admitted to obtaining the abortion drugs for use on somebody else, said SPUC Public Policy Manager Alithea Williams in a statement last week. Its not clear whether Ms. Cepeda in this case acquired the drugs over the phone or in person, but there is clearly something very wrong when abortion pills can be obtained to use on somebody else without their consent. Home News Pakistani Christian families plead for justice after daughters abductions At least two young Christian girls have been abducted and abused in Pakistan within the last three months, sparking concerns over the vulnerability of minority girls and the barriers to justice they face. On July 29, 13-year-old Maryam (pseudonym) went missing from her home in Bahawalpur. When her father returned from work, he discovered her absence. After a frantic search, witnesses informed him that two men, known in the neighborhood, had taken her away on a motorcycle. "A Muslim man from our community was hired to work at my brother's house, next door to ours," Maryam's father said. "He worked there for two days, and on the third day, after observing our routines, he abducted our young daughter when no one was around." When her father tracked down the men, he discovered them abusing Maryam, but they threatened him with weapons and fled. Although both men have been charged, only one has been detained. "We filed a police complaint immediately and urged the authorities to conduct a raid on the kidnapper's home," Maryam's father said. "The police finally raided his residence at 11 p.m., several hours after the complaint was made. They found he had abused her. He was arrested on the spot, but his accomplice escaped." Maryam was questioned at the police station, and a medical examination was conducted. However, the results were not shared with her family. "Maryam is extremely traumatized. This nightmare has left deep scars, not only on her but on all our family," her father said. In a similar case, another Christian girl from the same area was taken. Sixteen-year-old Karen (pseudonym) was abducted in Hasilpur, held for 10 days, and repeatedly abused. According to a police report filed on Sept. 6, Karen was abducted by a group of four or five Muslim men and women while she was at home alone. "They forcefully took me to an unknown location outside our village, where two men were waiting," Karen told Global Christian Relief. "There, I was attacked by both men for ten days. I still have injuries from it." Karen's family says the police department has been unhelpful. "We went directly to them, lodged a report, and requested their help," her father said. "However, their response was not what we expected." Karen was ultimately rescued by a community member who had learned of her kidnapping. "When he heard about the case, he worked tirelessly to find her, using his own resources. He told the police where to find her." Despite ample evidence, Karen's family has faced multiple threats to withdraw their case. "The police have been minimally cooperative, delaying and prolonging the case," her father said. "However, we remain hopeful in God for justice for our daughter. Our family only wants justice." Poor, minority girls are frequently targeted as victims of violent crimes in Pakistan, and advocates are urging the police and justice system to act swiftly to prevent future kidnappings. "Cases like these must be met with swift justice," said Lazar Allah Rakha, the attorney representing both Maryam and Karen. "Lengthy legal proceedings obstruct justice for girls like Karen, whose family lives below the poverty line and cannot afford the lengthy legal processes. This also prolongs the trauma they have experienced." Advocates say the lack of legal aid and limited social support makes justice elusive in cases involving minor Christian girls. The legal system is riddled with delays and loopholes, allowing influential or wealthier perpetrators to purposefully drag out proceedings until the victim's family runs out of resources. This systemic failure contributes to the continued abduction of Christian and Hindu minors in Pakistan. "I urge the authorities to give special consideration to cases involving minor girls, particularly those from the Christian community," said Allah Rakha. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Home News Shark fisherman accused of embezzling over $194K from Kentucky church A shark fisherman and professional roofer has been arrested after being accused of stealing over $194,000 from a church in Kentucky. John David Boggs, a 50-year-old resident of Shepherdsville, was arrested late last month after a congregation in Hodgenville claimed that he was paid $194,791.90 last year to replace the church roof only for him to fail to start the project. Boggs was apprehended with the assistance of the Collier County Sheriffs Office in Florida, who took him into custody before he was extradited, according to a press release issued by Hodgenville authorities. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Boggs was known for being a land-based shark fisherman on Marco Island, having gone before the Marco Island Code Enforcement magistrate on the day of his arrest to get permission to continue his shark fishing business, Coastal Breeze News reported. He is slated to go before a court in Kentucky on Nov. 25, and then will again go before the Marco Island Code Enforcement magistrate on Dec. 17, Coastal Breeze News added. Boggs roofing company, My Affordable Roof, was incorporated in 2017, shortly before Hurricane Irma struck the state, according to the Fort Myers, Florida-based WINK News. My Affordable Roof has been the subject of multiple complaints from customers alleging incomplete work, with the company filing for bankruptcy in 2019. The primary purpose in filing for bankruptcy is to preserve the companys ability to finish the jobs that are currently underway and those that we are left to complete. This is why the company chose to file a Chapter 11 restructuring, and not a Chapter 7 liquidation, stated the business, as quoted by WINK News. We care a great deal about our customers. But without continued support from all parties during our restructuring, the company will fail. Such a result will be devastating to our customers. For this reason, we made the prudent decision to commence a court supervised reorganization, which will protect those customers from suffering any harm. In February 2020, Boggs and a woman named Amanda Christine Lairsey of Spring Hill, Tennessee, were arrested and charged with five counts of Theft of Property 1st. According to the Birmingham, Alabama-based WBRC News, Boggs and Lairsey co-owned a company named My Affordable Roofing that allegedly defrauded as many as 30 victims in Cullman County. At issue were several roofing projects following a local hail storm that still needed to be completed, though some projects were successfully finalized. Authorities estimated that victims in Cullman lost around $167,000.30 victims in Cullman County. Home News WEA's plan to hold General Assembly 2025 in Seoul sparks debate Only weeks after the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization concluded in Incheon, South Korea, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is about to announce plans to hold its next General Assembly in Seoul from Oct. 27-31, 2025. Even before the official announcement ceremony scheduled for this Friday, however, the news has been met with criticism by several Christian groups in the country who have called for the plans to be put on hold. According to reporting by Korean Christian media, the groups have taken issue with what they described as secretive planning, which excluded the representative Christian member bodies in South Korea that the WEA used to work with. They also point to long-standing unresolved theological concerns among Korean churches about some of WEAs leaders, which they say must be resolved before planning for a General Assembly can begin. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Concerns about months of discussions behind-the-scenes According Christian Today Korea (CT-K), the Rev. Junghyun John Oh, senior pastor of SaRang Church in Seoul, is expected to lead the preparations for the next WEA GA with support from Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest Pentecostal church in the world. In a note to Christian media on Sunday, SaRang announced a thanksgiving worship service to mark the launch of the 2025 WEA Seoul General Assembly Organizing Committee to be held this Friday, with Yoidos Senior Pastor Younghoon Lee delivering the sermon. The official announcement and ceremony follow what CT-K describes as months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the WEA and SaRang. Initially, Bp Efraim Tendero, former secretary general and current global ambassador of the WEA, together with then-Secretary General Thomas Schirrmacher met with Lee to see if Yoido would host the WEA GA in South Korea. When these discussions failed to lead to an agreement, the two WEA leaders reportedly approached Rev. Oh of SaRang with a request to provide a venue and financial support, which was met with a favorable response. CT-K points out, however, that the decision to work with a local church without the involvement of its national member body did not follow WEAs regular procedure and could open it up for criticism. As a global association, the WEA is comprised of nine regional and 143 national Evangelical Alliances, with international denominations and ministries as affiliate members. National membership with the WEA is usually reserved for a single representative Evangelical association made up of denominations, churches or ministries. Individual churches and national denominations cannot directly be part of the WEA, according to its bylaws. In the case of South Korea, the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) became WEAs member Alliance in 2009. A few years later, internal divisions led to the formation of the Communion of Churches in Korea (CCIK), which was officially recognized as WEAs member body in 2022. (It was the division within the national member body that led WEA to cancel its General Assembly that was planned in Korea in 2014.) Additionally, the Korea Evangelical Fellowship (KEF) has been a long-time affiliated member of the WEA. However, CT-K reports that sources indicate that neither CCK, CCIK, nor KEF has held official discussions with WEA on hosting the assembly, and that talks were exclusively between certain WEA leaders and SaRang Church. It cautions that excluding these organizations from such major decisions could lead to significant backlash. Some have reportedly also been critical toward Rev. Ohs premature decision to push ahead with the hosting of the WEA GA given the prolonged transitional leadership in the WEA and questions surrounding the financial support expected from the Korean church. After Schirrmacher resigned from his role as secretary general on March 31, citing health reasons, the WEA announced that the chair of its International Council, Goodwill Shana, would take over leadership of the WEA as executive chair for an interim period not exceeding six months. On Sept. 18, however, the WEA announced that Shana would continue in his double-role as board chair and acting secretary general/CEO for more than one year longer, up until the GA in October 2025. Meanwhile, the WEA has yet to announce the search for a new secretary general. The uncertainty surrounding the WEAs leadership and the financial strain raise further questions about the feasibility of hosting the event, CT-K reports, adding that Rev. Ohs term as senior pastor of SaRang is set to end within a year after the proposed GA. Resolving theological concerns before hosting the General Assembly At least since some WEA leaders, including Schirrmacher, participated in the World Council of Churches General Assembly in Busan in 2013, there have been concerns among the largely conservative Korean Evangelical churches about what they perceived to be WEA tendencies toward liberal theology. SaRangs own denomination HapDong, the largest denomination in South Korea and rooted in the Presbyterian tradition, has previously criticized Schirrmacher and other WEA leaders for alleged religious pluralism. While there have been moves within HapDong to officially reject WEAs perceived liberal tendencies, CT-K reported that the denominations General Assembly in 2021 adopted a proposal to withhold a decision on WEA until its stance becomes clearer, and to avoid unnecessary disputes. But it cautioned that hosting the WEA assembly might reignite dormant controversies within the denomination regarding WEA. CT-K also noted that the next HapDong General Assembly is due just before the planned WEA GA. Therefore, if the denomination bans any participation in the WEA, the fallout could become complicated for both the WEA and the Korean church. Mere hours after the CT-K article, a group of 1,000 pastors, elders and professors published a full-page advertising in Kukmin Daily, a Korean church newspaper, on Monday morning, with a statement titled Reasons Why the Korean Presbyterian Church HapDong Cannot Engage with the WEA. Authored by leaders from HapDong-affiliated Kwangshin Theological Seminary, the statement outlined the issues they consider incompatible with the Reformed faith. They specifically pointed to WEAs close proximity to the pope and the World Council of Churches as well as its engagement with Muslim leaders which they view as potential sign of religious pluralism. A few hours later, still on Monday, CCK President the Rev. Seo-young Jeong also went public with his opposition to the WEA GA, saying the planned event risks increasing division among the Korean churches. The strongly worded statement called for all the preparations to be put on hold until the concerns about WEAs theology and allegations of religious pluralism can be addressed. When the CCK previously attempted to host the WEA General Assembly [in 2014], the WEA sought a united Korean church for the assembly, not one marked by division. With the WEAs pluralistic tendencies now even more pronounced, hosting the WEA Assembly in a way that risks further church discord is undesirable, and we cannot stand by and watch as division deepens, Jeong said. Christian Daily International reached out to the WEA and to Schirrmacher for comment but has yet to receive a response. Originally published at Christian Daily International Parche co-owners Paul Iglesias, left, and Sophia Akbar are opening a modern Afghan restaurant in Oakland. Courtesy Felipe Virviescas The Bay Area is home to many restaurants with modernized takes on traditional cuisines Thai, Indian, Korean but not yet Afghan food. An ambitious new restaurant hopes to be the first. Jaji, from the owners of popular Colombian restaurant Parche in Oakland, is set to open in January at 422 24th St., just down the street. Sophia Akbar, who runs Parche with her husband, Paul Iglesias, watched the contemporary restaurant become a meaningful gathering place for first-generation Colombian Americans since opening last year. Her family immigrated in the early 1980s from Afghanistan to the Bay Area, where she grew up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Watching him go through this process of opening this beautiful Colombian concept and seeing young adults walking in with tears in their eyes, bringing their parents in later I want to have that, she said. A space of rejoice is definitely the end game. California and specifically, the Bay Area is home to some of the countrys largest Afghan communities. So while the region is home to many Afghan restaurants, particularly in Fremont, most of them lean traditional. Nationally, only one Afghan restaurant in Washington, D.C. is recognized in the Michelin guide with the more casual Bib Gourmand award. The couple hopes Jajis contemporary take on Afghan food will be something that people will never have seen, Iglesias said. Jaji, named after Akbars familys tribal name and native village in Afghanistan, will be an ambitious, 250-seat restaurant with three different menus. The main dining room will serve an array of small plates that take inspiration from traditional Afghan recipes. Take mantou, or Afghan dumplings. Jaji will serve a classic beef mantou, but also ones filled with rabbit, duck or seasonal vegetables. Theyre also thinking about making a single, large mantou as a shareable dish. Imagine if its not a starter but actually one large dumpling that is handmade, designed to be a shareable item for four people, but its extraordinary in its size and it still gives you all the textures and flavors, Iglesias said. These are the things we get to play with. Parche co-owner Sophia Akbar at the Colombian restaurant in Oakland. She's opening a modern Afghan restaurant with her husband, inspired by her Afghan heritage. Kristen Murakoshi/Special to The Chronicle Similarly, Jaji will serve kabuli pulao, Afghanistans national dish of lamb or meat cooked underneath rice, raisins and carrots, but in a different form. While Afghan cuisine leans heavily on rice and meat, Jaji will serve more veggie-centric dishes, the owners said, including vegan kebabs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bread is also essential in Afghan cuisine. The owners plan to make their own Afghan bread, but if its not up to par, they will source fresh bread from one of the Bay Areas many Afghan bakeries. Every family in the Bay Area has a preferred bread maker, Akbar said. Past the dining room and kitchen are two banquettes tucked into nooks built into the wall that will serve a separate tasting menu. The menu will change often and may feature other chefs, including Akbars grandmother, alongside drink pairings. The two tables seat up to five people, so only a limited number of tasting menu reservations will be available. They want it to feel like a special, intimate experience but not precious. The tasting menu wont cost more than $90 per person, Akbar said. In addition, Jaji will have a speakeasy lounge hidden behind the bar with its own menu of cocktails and snacks. While most of Jajis design will feel modern, the back bar will be decorated with more traditional Afghan touches, including deep-red patterned carpets. Alcohol is banned in Afghanistan, but Jaji will have a full bar. Afghan ingredients will be woven throughout the cocktail menu, such as black tea and spirits infused with coriander, cumin or pistachio. The Uptown Oakland space, last occupied by French bistro Occitania on the ground floor of the Kissel hotel, is long and narrow with huge arched windows. A video rendering shows a warm space decorated with plants, a constellation of pendant lights and names of Afghan cities on one wall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Before opening Parche, Iglesias and Akbar worked at Bay Area restaurants including Teleferic Barcelona in Walnut Creek, Canela Bistro & Wine Bar in San Francisco and Calavera in Oakland. Iglesias also developed cocktail programs for Spanish restaurants Bottega and Coqueta in Napa Valley and San Francisco. The couple has been talking a lot about Jaji with Akbars grandmother, who Iglesias often cooks with. Shes shared with them Afghan recipes that date back 1,000 years. They worried their modern approach would elicit pushback from her and other family members, but its been the opposite, they said. They are so excited, Akbar said. Jaij. Opening January. 422 24th St., Oakland. jajioak.com Home News Canadian gov't accused of banning chaplain prayers during military events Conservatives in Canada have accused the government of banning military chaplains from reciting prayers in accordance with their specific faith during Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada, an accusation liberals have denied. On Monday, Canadians observed Remembrance Day to honor veterans, those killed in the line of duty and those currently serving in the military. Similar to Veterans Day in the United States, the day typically consists of ceremonies and public events to commemorate service members. In the days leading up to the holiday, the Conservative Party of Canada accused the ruling New Democratic and Liberal Party alliance of lying about a directive on public prayer at military ceremonies. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The new policy replaced the word "prayer" with the term "spiritual reflections." It instructs chaplains to use "inclusive" words when delivering a "reflection in a public service setting." Last year, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair promised in an X post that the government would not ban chaplains from prayer on Remembrance Day or any other time. The Conservative Party of Canada, however, asserts that this was a lie, claiming that the government has not granted any exemptions to the directive this year. "Chaplains serve a vital role in the Canadian Armed Forces," the Conservative Party of Canada said in its Friday statement. "They represent Canadians of various faiths and support troops from across Canada." "Before the NDP-Liberal government banned prayers, chaplains were allowed to recite a prayer with faith-specific language during official functions, and made sure to invite those of different beliefs to reflect or pray in whatever way they wished," the statement continued. "During World War II, chaplains led prayer on the boats on the eve of the D-Day landings. Chaplains have provided last rites to dying soldiers in the field. The Prime Minister is now telling Canadians that, on Remembrance Day, they cannot even pray for those who fought for our country. All Canadians should be alarmed by this latest NDP-Liberal government intrusion." The political party vowed to fight what it described as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "damaging woke agenda," promising to also "stand up for our armed forces and bring home common sense to Ottawa." Internal emails from the Canadian Armed Forces obtained by The Epoch Times show that chaplains received a reminder that no exceptions would be granted for Remembrance Day this year. Following the backlash to the directive in October 2023, Chaplain General Brig.-Gen. Guy Belisle permitted a one-time use of the previous 2013 policy to allow prayer during Remembrance Day last year. The new policy relates to mandatory military events and cites the "evolution" of Canadian society and the need for diversity as the reason for the change. "The state must instead remain neutral in this regard, which means that it must neither favour nor hinder any particular belief, and the same holds true for non-belief," the directive states. "The pursuit of the ideal of a free and democratic society requires the state to encourage everyone to participate freely in public life regardless of their beliefs." According to the new policy, chaplains must adopt a "sensitive and inclusive approach" when publicly addressing members of the military. The directive also calls on chaplains to "employ a language mindful of the Gender Based Analysis (GBA+) principles." In addition to changing language, the new directive replaced the respective religious symbols on the chaplains' scarves with the logo of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. It also warns chaplains about their choice of attire, stating that some symbols may cause "discomfort or traumatic feelings." Disciplinary actions may occur against chaplains who do not comply with the new policy, according to the directive. In contrast to conservatives' claims about the directive, members of Canada's liberal party, including Parliamentary Secretary for Defense Marie-France Lalonde, have denied this accusation. As The National Post reported Saturday, Conservative MP Chris Warkentin referred to the directive as "draconian" during a question period on Friday in the House of Commons. Warkentin also argued that many veterans consider prayer an important part of Remembrance Day. Lalonde accused Warkentin of misrepresenting the policy, arguing that it does not ban prayer. Lets be absolutely clear. The Chaplain General issued the directive independently, and it does not ban prayer," Lalonde said, as quoted by the news outlet. "Actually, the directive simply seeks to help our chaplains make their public addresses more inclusive to reflect the spiritual diversity of Canadians and (Armed Forces) members," she said. Conservative MP Blake Richards, chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, later circulated a letter calling for an emergency committee meeting to discuss the directive. While a committee has been set up by the Canadian government to review the policy, it has yet to make any recommendations. Home News Laken Riley murder suspect waives right to jury trial The man accused of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley waived his right to a jury trial in the case that has garnered national attention amid outrage over the Biden administration's immigration policies. Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, is standing trial following his arrest earlier this year in connection with the 22-year-old's murder. Riley was killed in February while jogging on the University of Georgia campus, with authorities later determining that the young woman died due to blunt force trauma to the head and asphyxiation. A 10-count indictment accused the illegal migrant from Venezuela of also intending to sexually assault the Augusta University College of Nursing student. On the day of Rileys murder, the migrant allegedly peered into the window of an apartment at a university housing building, the Los Angeles Times reported. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the indictment, Ibarra has been charged with one count of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, and one count each of kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, hindering an emergency telephone call, tampering with evidence and peeping Tom. Prosecutors won't be seeking the death penalty, according to the LA Times. Instead, they will be seeking a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. During a recent court appearance, Athens-Clarke County Superior Judge H. Patrick Haggard questioned the suspect with the aid of a translator about his decision to waive his right to a jury trial. Prosecutor Sheila Ross informed Haggard that Ibarras attorneys had informed her last week that they only wanted the case to be heard by a judge, with the suspects lawyer, Kaitlyn Beck, presenting the judge with a signed waiver. Haggard determined that Ibarra consented to the decision and said the bench trial would begin on Friday. Ibarra entered the United States illegally through El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 8, 2022, and was later released for further processing. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), New York police arrested Ibarra on Aug. 31, 2023, and was charged with causing injury to a child and a driving violation. However, the illegal migrant was released before ICE could request that police detain him for immigration authorities. An August interim report from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement blamed the policies under the Biden-Harris administration for Rileys death. The report cited Ibarra as an example of the millions of illegal aliens released by the administration who are committing crimes across the country. The Committees review of Jose Ibarras A-file reveals that the Biden-Harris Administrations border policies ensured Jose Ibarras release into the United States nearly two years ago, the report stated. Despite having lived safely in Ecuador from January 2017 through July 2022, in 2022, Ibarra traveled to the United States, potentially drawn by President Bidens and Vice President Harriss open-borders, no-consequence immigration policies. One day after the Border Patrol apprehended Ibarra in September 2022, the administration released him into the U.S. because it determined that his release was warranted due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also cited a lack of detention space as the reason for his release, but the committee highlighted the agencys data, arguing that it could have detained Ibarra. "As a result of his release, Ibarra was free to commit crimes in the United States, including allegedly kidnapping and murdering Laken Riley in Georgia," the committee and its subcommittee noted in the document. Rileys mother, Allyson Phillips, referred to her daughters murder as an avoidable tragedy in a Facebook post earlier this year. She expressed gratitude for the support she and her family received after Riley's murder. As I sat down to write this message, I really just have no words. My family has faced the most devastating, unimaginable loss that anyone could ever be forced to endure, Phillips wrote. "I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being with me and my family during this heartbreaking time. I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I give Him all the glory for getting us through this." Home News Mattel faces backlash over 'Wicked' dolls directing consumers to pornography website The toy company Mattel is facing blowback after consumers noticed the packaging for dolls designed to look like characters from the movie "Wicked" directs people to an adult pornography website, which the corporation says is the result of a misprint. Mattel, which owns various kid-friendly toy brands, including Barbie, Fisher-Price and American Girl, pulled its line of character dolls due to the mistake. The dolls, designed to look like Galinda, Elphaba and other characters, were supposed to help promote the Universal film "Wicked" before its Nov. 22 theatrical release. As the popular X account Libs of TikTok pointed out this month, the boxes for the "Wicked" line of dolls directed consumers to a pornography website for a group called Wicked Pictures. The web address for the official site related to the film is Wickedmovie.com. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On Sunday, Mattel issued an apology after an Instagram user commented on the company's social media page, asking if it was aware the doll's packaging linked to a porn site. The company posted a picture of the movie versions of Elphaba and Galinda. "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," the company replied. "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," Mattel added. "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." Other Instagram users expressed frustration with Mattel over the incorrect website label on the box, noting that people who look it up thinking it's related to the movie will instead stumble across an "inappropriate website." Mattel did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. NBC News reported Monday that the dolls are no longer available for sale online through Target, Walmart and Amazon. Other brands, including Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Macy's, have also removed the "Wicked" toys from their online storefronts. The dolls inside the misprinted packaging are for sale on websites like eBay, but the prices range between $40 and $2,100. According to CNBC, the dolls retailed between $20 and $40 depending on the character and outfit. At the time of reporting, it is unclear if Mattel plans to rerelease the dolls after correcting the website domain name printed on the packaging. "Like any business, mistakes can and do happen in the toy business," James Zahn, editor-in-chief of The Toy Book, said about the controversy. "This was likely an innocent oversight that made it through the normal processes. Most consumers kids and adults alike will never read the fine print on a package, and at the end of the day, the packaging is designed to end up in the trash," Zahn said. "The odds of a kid reading the back of a doll box and being inclined to go online and visit the website are pretty slim." The movie that the dolls were intended to promote, "Wicked," is an adaptation of the musical, which premiered on Broadway in New York City in October 2003. The story is loosely adapted from the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, as well as the 1939 film adaptation of the classic book. "Wicked" explores the friendship between Elphaba and Galinda before Dorothy's arrival in Oz and how the former became known as "The Wicked Witch of the West" while her friend went on to become "Glinda the Good." In the film, Ariana Grande plays Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba. Home News Oklahoma's Education Dept. to create 'Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism' The Oklahoma Department of Education has announced that it will launch an "Office of Religious and Patriotism" to protect the religious practices of students, teachers and parents. In an announcement Tuesday, the state education department said the office will seek to protect students, faculty and parents as they "practice their religion freely in all aspects" and will investigate "abuses to individual religious freedom or displays of patriotism." Specific guidance related to the office will be sent to Oklahoma public schools in the near future and will ensure that "the right to pray in schools is safeguarded." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe State Superintendent Ryan Walters claimed that "our nation's public schools have tragically been ground zero for the erosion of religious liberty across our country" over the past few decades. "The radical left never misses a chance to co- opt the teacher unions and their minions to indoctrinate our children against traditional values of faith and family, seeking to attack any display of faith or religion or patriotism," Walters said in a statement. "It is no coincidence that the dismantling of faith and family values in public schools directly correlates with declining academic outcomes in our public schools." Walters said he looks forward to "working with the incoming Trump Administration" to "aggressively pursue education policies that will improve academic outcomes and give our children a better future." According to the statement, the new office will support teachers and students when "their constitutional rights are threatened by well-funded, out of state groups." The release cited a case in Skiatook last year where a school was legally pressured to remove Bible verses from display. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin-based secularist legal organization that advocates for a strict separation of church and state, denounced the new office in a social media post, deeming it unnecessary. "Students have always had the right to pray. No one is trying to take that away. This dystopian' office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism' is about indoctrination and forced prayer in schools," the FFRF tweeted. Earlier this year, Walters garnered headlines nationwide when he issued a directive to public schools requiring them to incorporate the Bible into their curriculum. He also announced plans to spend $3 million to purchase Bibles for schools. Last month, a group of parents, teachers and clergy representing different faith groups filed a complaint, alleging that Walters' action "interferes with the parents' ability to direct the religious and moral upbringing of their children" and "violates the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act." The plaintiffs were represented by the FFRF, the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. In a statement emailed to The Christian Post last month regarding the lawsuit, Walters declared that "Oklahomans will not be bullied by out-of-state, radical leftists who hate the principles our nation was founded upon." "It is not possible for our students to understand American history and culture without understanding the Biblical principles from which they came, so I am proud to bring back the Bible to every classroom in Oklahoma," he stated. "I will never back down to the woke mob, no matter what tactic they use to try to intimidate Oklahomans." Home News Parents with kids under 18 swung to Trump in 2024 election: exit polling Exit polling from the 2024 presidential election shows that parents of children younger than 18 swung to former President Donald Trump as the issue of parental rights in education continues to loom large in American politics. According to exit polling compiled based on the responses of 22,914 voters in last weeks election, parents of children younger than 18 comprised 27% of the electorate. This year, 53% of this group of voters backed President-elect Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, while 44% supported Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. This represents a shift from 2020, when exit polling showed that 52% of parents with minor children supported Democrat Joe Biden, while only 46% backed Trump. This year, a supermajority (60%) of men with children younger than 18 supported Trump, while just 37% backed Harris. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe By contrast, in 2020, only a plurality (49%) of men with children supported Trump, while 48% backed Biden. While a narrow majority (51%) of women with minor children supported Harris in 2024, this amounts to a drop from the 56% who backed Biden four years ago. Corey DeAngelis, a school choice advocate, weighed in on the exit polling in an X post on Friday. Teachers unions overplayed their hand with school closures and indoctrination in schools, he wrote. The GOP is now the Parents Party. DeAngelis remarks reflect the prominent role that concerns about parental rights have played in American political discourse since the 2020 presidential election. During this time, parents and community members have confronted school board members over the presence of sexually explicit material in school libraries and curricula. The advocacy group 1776 Project PAC has emerged to support the election of reform-minded conservatives who oppose political indoctrination and believe in parental rights, safe and secure schools, fiscal transparency, improving educational standards, promoting transparency, and reversing pandemic-related learning loss to school boards. The Biden administration has faced backlash after the United States Department of Justice sent a memo directing federal law enforcement agencies to convene meetings with federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders within 30 days to facilitate the discussion of strategies for addressing threats against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff. The 2021 memo came five days after the National School Boards Association wrote a letter to Biden seeking federal assistance to stop threats and acts of violence against public school children, public school board members, and other public school district officials and educators. Contending that the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes, the organization urged the Biden administration to use laws designed to prosecute terrorists and hate crimes to go after parents they deemed as threats for speaking out at school board meetings. In the past three years, public school districts have faced lawsuits after school officials have encouraged children to identify as the opposite sex at school without their parents' consent. Leading up to the 2024 presidential election, the Trump campaign placed a high emphasis on the preservation of parental rights. In a statement outlining Ten Principles for Great Schools Leading to Great Jobs, Trump signaled his intention to inform states and school districts that if any teacher or school suggests to a child that they could be trapped in the wrong body, they will be faced with severe consequences including potential civil rights violations for sex discrimination and the elimination of federal funding. Trump has also vowed to cut federal funding for any school pushing Critical Race Theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children and pursue civil rights investigations into any school that engages in race-based discrimination. Similarly, the candidate has proposed implementing a Parental Bill of Rights that includes complete curriculum transparency, and a form of universal school choice. The issue of parental rights also constitutes an important part of the 2024 Republican presidential platform, which states that Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like reading, history, science and math, not left-wing propaganda. The platform contains a pledge to restore the First Amendment Right to pray and read the Bible in school. The 2024 election is not the first time a concern about parental rights was seen as having an impact on the outcome. In 2021, Virginias Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Terry McAuliffe, was defeated, in part, because he insisted that he didn't believe "parents should be telling schools what they should teach. Trump To Appoint Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador, Archbishop Welby Resigns, GOP Dominates Congress link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:10 07:10 Top headlines for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 In this episode, we delve into President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint Rep. Elise Stefanik as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, examining potential implications for international relations. Next, we discuss the unexpected resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion, and what this means for the future of the church. We then turn our attention to the political landscape in the United States, where the Republican Party has secured a majority in the House of Representatives, solidifying their control over the White House and Senate. Finally, we highlight Netflix's upcoming release, taking audiences on a captivating journey back to ancient Judea with a fresh perspective on the Nativity story. ?Follow Us on Social Media ?Get the Edifi App ?Subscribe to Our Newsletter ?Links to the News Home Opinion 'Heretic': Decent horror film with surprisingly deep religious belief talk (review) SPOILER ALERT:This post contains details about, and a major spoiler for, the movie "Heretic." Dont read unless you are OK with having a major part of the plot revealed. Ive written before in other posts how my oldest daughter and I are fans of scary, thriller movies. So, when we saw the trailer for Heretic, we knew wed be sitting in our usual theater seats for its opening weekend. From the trailer and initial reviews we read, we thought it was going to be a decent creeper, and we werent disappointed. But what I didnt expect was a movie that presented the heaviest theatrical narrative Ive seen in a long time about religious belief and disbelief. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Kyle Smith of the Wall Street Journal calls it, not only an expertly engineered work of suspense but also an ingeniously structured colloquy about the most deeply held belief systems. I agree that we havent seen a movie in a while that goes where this one does. The film focuses on two young Mormon missionary women (played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who visit the home of an older man, Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant) in hopes of converting him to Mormonism. It doesnt take long for the missionaries to find out that Mr. Reed isnt as innocent or ignorant of religion as he first pretends. He begins to rock their world by delivering a sweeping (and accurate) look at some of the darker aspects of Mormonism and then moves on to dispense his broader version of religious history in general. The writers want you to accept the assertion that Mr. Reed has done his homework and is large and in charge when it comes to knowing the truth about all belief systems. Reed tells the women that his research led him to discover the one true religion, which he admits he didnt want to find. The rest of the movie is a psychological and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between Reed and the two women where he leads them to his conclusion about the one true religion. While Smiths review of the film says, the movie itself is not merely disparaging of religion; in a way it is also affirmative, and smartly weaves in supporting points for both sides, Im going to respectfully disagree and contend it bends much more towards disbelief. Some of the false material touted in the movie is rhetoric Ive seen many times before. Iterations Hugh Grants character springboards from Mormonism into a dialogue where he argues that all religions are simply iterations of each other. The scriptwriters put in Reeds mouth a long-debunked claim that started with controversial figures like Bruno Bauer, Albert Kalthoff, and James Frazer with his work The Golden Bough where he argued that widespread worship of dying and rising fertility gods has existed since humankind. In the movie, Mr. Reed tells the missionaries that Jesus is only a recent duplication of mythical gods like Horus, Dionysus, Tammuz, Mithras, and others, all of whom were virgin-born on December 25th, proclaimed to be a god, died, and came back from the dead. The missionaries attempt to point out issues with Reeds contentions, but in my opinion, the movie leaves the weight of whos right in Reeds corner. Thats unfortunate as the iterations argument about Jesus is demonstrably false and has been definitively skewered many times by scholars who know better. See works like Ronald Nashs book The Gospel and the Greeks or a presentation I put together on this topic some years ago as examples that showcase the arguments many flaws. Grants movie character moves on to contend that the missionaries only believe what they do because someone encouraged them to believe it. While theyve been in his house, Mr. Reed has led the women to think he has a wife who is home and theres a blueberry pie cooking, and he points out they still believe those things even though hes given them mounting evidence to the contrary. In his review of the movie for Rogerebert.com, Brian Tallerico says, After all, they believe in a higher power, as if his wife were in the kitchen. Because they've been told so. Here, the movie writers touch on the issue of why we believe the things we do. Authoritarianism (testimony) is one path, which is what the movie focuses on, with other routes being subjectivism, rationalism, empiricism, and pragmatism. In negatively highlighting the belief-by-authority model, the film subtly saddles up to statements made by atheists such as Richard Dawkins who have argued we are genetically programmed to believe without questioning the word of authority figures, especially parents, and this opens us up at an early age to what they call the infection by religion, which they liken to a virus and warped reality. The movies final act centers on Mr. Reed leading the women down the path to his conclusion of what the only true religion really is: control. At this point, the writers are echoing the thinking of Karl Marx who thought religion was a mechanism of domination used by societys elite to manipulate the masses, saying, Religion is the self-consciousness and the self-feeling of the man who has either not yet found himself, or else (having found himself) has lost himself once more. This state, this society, produces religion, a perverted world consciousness, because they are a perverted world. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people (Marxs original emphasis). At this point, the movie darkly begins depicting how Mr. Reed is practicing his religion, in essence becoming his own god and asserting control over those around him something that is indeed frightening. Tallerico makes just that observation and starts his review of the movie by asking, What's scarier than believing in a higher power that controls our every move? Not believing in a higher power at all. He's right. At that point, we end up at Dostoevskys famous quote: Without God all things are permitted, which includes very evil things. However, no matter how many times the false assertions of Jesus mythicists or atheist philosophers cycle back around in movies like Heretic. The Gospel found in Christianity proclaims that a good and loving God does exist. Moreover, Scripture emphatically states that the Christian faith is the polar opposite of the control worldview Heretic and Marx put forward. Jesus said, So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36) and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32). Paul tells us It was for freedom that Christ set us free (Gal. 5:1) and For you were called to freedom, brethren (Gal. 5:13). Lastly, contrary to what the movie suggests, the conviction of these truths rests on solid and objective ground, just as theologian Francis Schaeffer says in his book The God Who is There: True Christian faith rests on content. It is not a vague thing which takes the place of real understanding, nor is it the strength of belief which is of value. The true basis for faith is not the faith itself, but the work which Christ finished on the cross. My believing is not the basis for being saved the basis is the work of Christ. Christian faith is turned outward to an objective person: believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved. In todays culture, such thinking is indeed becoming the real heresy. (Photo: Church of England) Victims of prolific abuser John Smyth have called for more resignations after the Archbishop of Canterbury's decision to step down over his failure to report the abuse to police. Archbishop Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday after being strongly criticised in the Makin Review over his failure to report "prolific and abhorrent" child abuse perpetrated by Smyth across decades. The Makin Review accused the Church of England of a "cover-up" and said the abuse "could and should have been reported to the police in 2013". Announcing his resignation, Welby said that "stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England". "It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024," he said. Former vicar Mark Stibbe, a Smyth survivor, said that Welby had "done the right thing" in resigning but that more leaders in the Church of England should go. "What I think the survivor group would like is more resignations because that means more accountability," he told Channel 4 News. Another survivor who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity has called on the Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, to resign over his failure to act on a disclosure while serving as Bishop of Ely. In a statement, Bishop Conway said he was "deeply sorry" for not doing enough but did not respond to calls for his resignation. "As part of my submission to the Review, I confirmed that during my tenure as the Bishop of Ely, I received a disclosure about John Smyth," he said. "Once it became clear that there was an international dimension which directly affected another province of the Anglican Communion, I made a detailed disclosure to Lambeth Palace and contacted the relevant diocese in South Africa to alert them to the issue. "It was my understanding that this matter was reported to the Police in Cambridgeshire and duly passed on to the police in Hampshire where the abuse had occurred. "I am clear that I did all within my authority as a Bishop of the Church of England, bearing in mind that I had no authority over an entirely independent province on another continent. "I acknowledge fully that my fault was in not rigorously pursuing Lambeth about that province-to-province communication, and for this I am deeply sorry." The Bishop of Winchester, Phillip Mounstephen, was asked on BBC Newsnight whether the Bishop of Lincoln should resign. In reply, Bishop Mounstephen said, "Appropriate, proportionate action should be taken with anyone who has failed in safeguarding terms, whatever their position in the church may be." Responding to the Archbishop's resignation, bishops in the Diocese of Blackburn said that the Church of England has an "enormous" task on its hands to reform its safeguarding culture. In a joint letter sent to parishioners in the diocese, Lancashire bishops Philip North, Jill Duff and Joe Kennedy said the Archbishop's decision was "understandable" and that "it is only right that those in the most senior positions are held to the highest standards". "As the Church of England, we now have an enormous task in front of us," they said. "We need to renew our Church such that it places the needs of the most vulnerable, including survivors of abuse, at the centre. We need to reform our safeguarding culture and processes in order to regain people's confidence. We need to hear the voices of critics as prophetic ones." (Photo: Getty/iStock) I recently worked on Article XVII of the Church of England's official statement of doctrine, the Thirty-Nine Articles, in preparation for a lecture I gave at a seminary in the United States at the end of last month. As I worked on this Article, I was struck by how its opening words raise the issue of God's relationship with time. The words in question run as follows: 'Predestination to life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby, before the foundations of the world were laid, He hath constantly decreed by His counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom He hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation as vessels made to honour.' The sentence tells us two things about God's relationship with time. First, God's purpose is 'everlasting,' more precisely as the word aeternum used in the Latin version of the Article tells us, it is 'eternal,' not just lasting throughout time, but transcending time. Secondly, on the basis of that eternal purpose, God has 'constantly decreed' something 'before the foundation of the world.' All this could be read as meaning that when we talk about 'predestination' what we mean is that God has an eternal purpose on the basis of which he issues a permanent decree before a fixed point in time, namely the foundation of the world. Now, from our point of view, as creatures who live in time as fish live in water, all this is perfectly true. However, it is only a partial truth because, although we live in time, God does not. Time is part of the created order and God dwells outside it, just as he lives outside the temporal restrictions which his creatures inhabit. In the words of the early Christian philosopher Boethius: 'God abides for ever in an eternal present' and as a result: '...His knowledge, also transcending all movement of time, dwells in the simplicity of its own changeless present, and embracing the whole infinite sweep of the past and the future contemplates all that falls within its simple cognition as if it were now taking place.' This point, which has traditionally been accepted by Christian theologians, is developed by the Puritan theologian Stephen Charnock in his lectures on The Existence and Attributes of God. Charnock writes that: 'God knows all things from eternity, and, therefore, perpetually knows them: the reason is because the Divine knowledge is infinite, and therefore comprehends all knowable truths at once. An eternal knowledge comprehends in itself all time, and beholds past and present in the same manner, and therefore his knowledge is immutable: by one simple knowledge he considers the infinite spaces of past and future.' A further aspect of God's eternal existence noted by Charnock is that there is no succession in the decrees of God, his decisions concerning what will be either because he directly makes them happen or because he allows them to be as the result of the action of his creatures. God does not decree first this and then that but everything eternally. As this is true of things in general, so also it is true of God's decree that he will save his human creatures from the power of the Devil and of sin. In Charnock's words: 'There is no succession in the decrees of God. He does not decree this now, which he decreed not before; for as his works were known from the beginning of the world, so his works were decreed from the beginning of the world; as they are known at once, so they are decreed at once; there is a succession in the execution of them; first grace, then glory; but the purpose of God for the bestowing of both, was in one and the same moment of eternity. 'He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy' (Eph 1;4). The choice of Christ, and the choice of some in him to be holy and to be happy, were before the foundation of the world; they appear in their order according to the council and will of God from eternity. The redemption of the world is after the creation of the world; but the decree whereby the world was created, and whereby it was redeemed, was from eternity.' What all this means in relation to the first sentence of Article XVII, is that God has known and decreed from all eternity, that there will be a world, that it will Fall into sin, and that a certain body of people will be brought through Christ to everlasting salvation. Once one says this people generally start to become uneasy because they think it means that the Fall and sin were inevitable, and that those who are saved have no choice but to be saved and in consequence the lost have no choice but to be lost. How can it be right, they ask for God to cause the Fall and sin to occur, to then punish people for sin, and finally to save some while rejecting others? The problem with this objection is that it confuses God's eternal knowledge and decrees with some form of absolute determinism. God's knowledge of things to come is because they will be, and they will be because he decrees that they should be, but this does not preclude God decreeing, and therefore knowing, that certain things will occur as a result of the exercise of free will by his rational creatures. To quote Boethius again: '...without doubt, all things will come to pass which God foreknows as about to happen, but of these certain proceed of free will; and though these happen, yet by the fact of their existence they do not lose their proper nature, in virtue of which before they happened it was really possible that they might not have come to pass.' If we ask how this can be possible, how something can be foreknown by God if it might not happen, the answer is that the language of foreknowledge employed by Boethius is an example of what is known as analogous language, language which speaks of God by analogy with creaturely existence. The point is that to us God's knowledge of what has yet to occur in this world is like a human looking forward to something that will happen in the future. However, as we have said, God transcends time. To quote C S Lewis in his book Mere Christianity. 'God is outside and above the timeline... All the days are 'Now' for Him. He does not remember you doing things yesterday; He simply sees you doing them, because, though you have lost yesterday, He has not. He does not foresee you doing things tomorrow; He simply sees you doing them: because, though tomorrow is not yet there for you, it is for Him. You never supposed that your actions at this moment were any less free because God knows what you are doing. Well, He knows your to-morrow's actions in just the same way - because He is already in tomorrow and can simply watch you. In a sense he does not know your action till you have done it: but then the moment at which you have done it is already 'Now'for him.' Seeing things in this light means, for example, that God eternally knew that Judas Iscariot would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and therefore Jesus, sharing the divine knowledge, correctly predicted it would happen (Matthew 26:14-16, John 13:21-30). However, this did not mean that Judas had to betray Jesus or that it was God's will that he should do so. What God eternally knew and allowed was a free decision by Judas to do so in the knowledge that this decision would form part of the process by which the world would then be saved. What is true in the case of Judas is also true in the case of the Fall of Adam and Eve and the existence of sin in general. If we ask whether God knew that the Devil would turn from God and other fallen angels with him, that the Devil would cause Adam and Eve to turn from God and that the result would be, as Article XVII puts, 'curse and damnation,' then the answer is 'Yes.' If we asked whether he decreed that these things should be allowed to happen, then the answer is also 'Yes.' However, if we ask if he forced or willed them to happen then the answer is 'No.' What God knew, because it was real, but which he did not determine, was that some angels and all human beings would misuse their free will. As Lewis explains, such misuse of free will was not inevitable ('curse and damnation' did not have to happen) but the nature of free will made it possible (and therefore when it happened real and therefore eternally known to God). To quote Lewis: 'God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go either wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong; I cannot. If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata - a world of creatures that worked like machines - would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for his higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily, united to him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they must be free.' Some people might argue, of course, that the creation of a world in which the misuse of free will could occur was a mistake given the state of conflict in the universe that has resulted, and which we see today in examples such as the wars taking place in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, as Lewis comments: 'If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will that is, for making a live world in which creatures can do real good or harm and something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which only moves when he pulls the strings then we may take it it is worth paying.' If we ask what all this means in practical terms, the answer is twofold. First, if God knows the future in his eternal present it means we can trust his promises of a good outcome for our own lives and for creation as a whole. God has seen the future, and it is good. Secondly, because God has given us free will and has said that he will judge us on how we use it, this means that we need to take seriously the responsibility to act rightly since, to quote Boethius one last time: '... rewards and punishments are held forth to wills unbound by any necessity...Therefore, withstand vice, practise virtue, lift up yourselves to right hopes, offer humble prayers to Heaven. Great is the necessity of righteousness laid up on you if ye will not hide it from yourselves, seeing that all your actions are done before the eyes of a judge who seeth all things.' (Photo: Unsplash/Jorge Aguilar) Despite their being hailed by some as a victory for indigenous rights, a leading international charity has warned that new reforms to Mexican law that will allow indigenous communities to enforce local customs and traditions instead risk escalating the persecution of Christians. Open Doors, which works to support believers facing persecution around the globe, has warned that the legislation passed in September could see Christians who refuse to participate in traditional rituals and festivals - some involving practices such as animal sacrifice - face legal repercussions. "In many indigenous communities, religious customs are inseparable from community life," Liz Cortes, a partner of Open Doors working in Mexico, said. "Christians who choose not to participate in these rituals are often seen as outsiders, disrupting the social order. "This new reform essentially legitimises this persecution by empowering local authorities to enforce these traditions as law, leaving Christians vulnerable to harassment and violence." Religious practices that combine pre-Hispanic beliefs with Catholic traditions are often considered communal obligations in indigenous communities across Mexico, and Christians who refuse to take part, or contribute to community funds for them, regularly face hostility. Even before the new legislation came into effect, Christians often faced fines, imprisonment, and expulsion. "Christians are often cut off from essential services such as water and electricity," Cortes said. "Their children are denied education, and they are barred from accessing health services." "In some cases, pastors are not even allowed to enter these communities to offer spiritual support." This social ostracism can also see the children of Christians face bullying at school, and even instructions to teachers from local authorities to ignore them in class. Advocates fear that the new reforms will not only embolden the persecution of Christians, but that the increased autonomy it grants indigenous communities in enforcing their law free from external oversight will undermine the ability of Christians to appeal to the nation's legal protections of religious expression and belief. "By recognising indigenous customs as public law, the government has essentially created a 'fourth level' of governance, making it difficult for Christian minorities to defend their rights under national law," Jorge Jimenez, a researcher for Open Doors in Mexico, said. "Indigenous courts, which may be biased against Christians, could handle these cases, complicating legal recourse." The new laws will also make it more difficult for groups like Open Doors to advocate on behalf of local Christians. In the past, rights groups have relied on the Law on Religious Associations and Public Worship which upholds freedom of religion in indigenous areas. However, they worry that its protections may be weakened in the name of respecting the value and importance of indigenous traditions, and are calling on the Mexican government to ensure that cultural preservation does not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion. "We respect the traditions of these communities," Cortes said, "but we cannot stand by while Christians are forced to renounce their faith or face imprisonment, fines, and social exclusion. "It is crucial that the Mexican government safeguards religious freedom alongside the autonomy of indigenous peoples." Chinese man's English skills boost cross-border online sales People's Daily Online) 14:22, November 13, 2024 Workers produce lightboxes at the factory of Guangzhou LC Sign Co., Ltd. located in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo/Tan Zhafeng) Zhu Yu, a young employee of an export company in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, has become a sensation online thanks to his capability to mimic different accents when speaking English, which has boosted cross-border online sales of the company's products. Zhu, 25, has garnered 1.4 million followers on overseas social media platforms. This has helped his employer, Guangzhou LC Sign Co., Ltd., bring in many overseas orders. The company mainly produces and sells LED light boards and lightboxes. "We found that the cost of customer acquisition for traditional e-commerce gradually increased," said Liu Ping, the company's foreign trade manager. In 2021, Liu decided to establish a social media team, with Zhu becoming a member of the team thanks to his fluent spoken English. In the first six months, the videos the company posted barely made an impact, like small stones dropped into the ocean. The new media team then traveled to places like Shenzhen and Guangzhou to attend training courses on cross-border e-commerce and short-video marketing. Zhu Yu (L) is featured in an English short video at the factory of Guangzhou LC Sign Co., Ltd. located in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo/Tan Zhafeng) Learning and improving as they went, Zhu began appearing in videos to promote products. "To make a viral video, it can't be too plain and rigid; it needs to be funny, engaging, and have a bit of a buzz," Zhu said. "I often watched language programs when learning English, and one day it occurred to mewhy not try imitating various accents during filming?" He acted on the idea, and soon Zhu Yu became a sensation on overseas short-video platforms. What surprised international viewers was not only that this Chinese young man could speak fluent English, but also that he could smoothly switch between accents from the U.S., UK, France, India, and other countries, which they found amusing. Zhu's strategy paid off. One success story involves a Kazakhstan client who, after watching Zhu's videos of promoting lightboxes, ordered a sample LED lightbox in September 2023. Impressed by its attractive design and high cost performance, the client placed an order worth $48,000, and continues to be a regular customer this year, Liu said. The company's new media division where Zhu works generated $819,000 in cross-border e-commerce sales last year, and has already raked in $1.87 million since the beginning of this year. "Our production lines are running at full capacity, with standard products shipping within two days of order placement," Liu said. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Sonoma County will require masks for health care workers starting Nov. 18 due to rising COVID-19 and flu cases. Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press Sonoma County will reinstate its mask mandate starting next week, reversing an earlier decision not to implement the requirement, the health department announced Tuesday. Karen Smith, the countys interim health director, issued the order, which will remain in effect from Nov. 18 through April 30, in response to rising rates of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza during the winter months. The mandate applies to health care workers in patient care areas, regardless of vaccination status, at facilities, including hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, dialysis centers, skilled nursing facilities and other medical environments where patient care takes place indoors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each year, we see that higher rates of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that can cause severe respiratory infections occur between late fall and spring, Smith said in a statement. Influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses infect tens of millions in the United States each year and can result in serious medical outcomes, including hospitalizations and death. Previously, Sonoma County officials had told the Chronicle they did not plan to issue a mask mandate for this respiratory season. But, with cases of flu and COVID rising, county officials joined several other Bay Area counties in mandating masks in health care settings during the peak of the winter virus season. Other Bay Area jurisdictions have issued similar health orders. Last month, several counties Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa and Santa Clara announced mask mandates for health care settings, with requirements extending through either March 31 or April 30. The mandates are designed to curb the spread of respiratory viruses in medical settings, where vulnerable patients are at heightened risk of severe illness. For the most part, the orders apply only to health care workers, similar to the mandates issued last year. However, in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, the requirement extends to visitors in health care facilities, and Santa Clara County is also asking patients to mask up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since the peak of Californias summer COVID surge in August, overall COVID-19 activity has remained relatively low. Recent data from state and federal health authorities show a decline in hospitalizations and a sharp decrease in the concentration of the virus in wastewater. However, following a significant summer swell driven by the omicron KP family labeled the FLiRT variants, health experts are now bracing for the more contagious XEC strain to dominate as colder weather sets in. CDC expects the fall and winter respiratory disease season will likely have a similar or lower number of combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season, the agency said in its most recent 2024-2025 respiratory disease season outlook. As most COVID-era mandates have been lifted, these seasonal mask requirements have become one of the few lasting legacies of the pandemic. The co-occurrence of influenza season with a likelihood of another late fall/winter surge of COVID-19 may increase the risk of our health systems being overwhelmed with patients with critical respiratory illness, Smith said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres a summary of the Bay Area mask mandates for health care settings: On investment priorities: Ive been at LIC for less than two years so I can only take credit for some things. Theres been a lot of amazing work done by lots of people before me. Everything we do is for genetic gain. And over the last couple of years, weve spent a lot of time and invested a lot into building new platforms to make sure that genetic gain can happen. Were launching some new products now, which allows our farmers to look at the genetic evaluation. And thats all on the back of the work weve done with some of our new tech, and were proud of where weve got with our new digital platforms. Thats been key. The other parts have been MINDA and our data interoperability. In the agri tech sector, theres been a lot of noise about interoperability and we want to make sure we have it across agriculture. So our key product guys and engineers have made MINDA integrations a lead in regard to wearables, providers, farm automation you name it, we make that happen now. So its been an amazing journey. One side is data science and making sure the platform is there and ready, and the other is around MINDA and data interoperability. On the tech strategy: Ive taken the same approach over the last 10 to 15 years, which is to park technology for a moment and get in front of customers. If youve got customer empathy and you know what their problems are, you know what has to be done. Then you look at the macro level, what New Zealands problems are as an agri sector or dairy industry, and then you can start working out where we fit. So we need that carried from a business perspective. Then we support that through technology. This stuff is so entwined now. When I first got to LIC, I spent a lot of time with the tech team, but probably more with shareholders, farmers, and directors in the senior leadership team. I then took that time with myself and my wider team to be with our staff up and down the company, just looking at our depots, operations and our sales team to see what theyre doing. Once youve done that, you can form a view of whats important and what you need to focus on, and prioritize from there. I think of myself as someone who joins the dots. Weve got lots of smart people across the executive table and in our board, but there needs to be someone to pull it together to say this is how were going to focus technology to deliver. At our heart, were a data science and genetics business, and thats how technology should work. On emerging technologies: Like everybody else, where well spend a lot of time and probably a lot of investment is in AI. I think where well most likely use it is with our scientists in terms of genomic evaluation, how it could help them, and the approach because it allows them to process much more data. Looking ahead, were building a strategy around our enterprise systems and our back office. And there are opportunities for tech to make some of the systems we run for our customers much smoother. We have trucks up and down the country that process milk and other samples, and running all that can be a bit clunky. Automation with the help of AI can improve that. So I spoke with the CEO about a farmer who used ChatGPT to look at breeding traits and genetic evaluation and he found that on his own, and it worked. So it helped him make decisions on the farm. So the more you think about that kind of tech, the more itll be embedded in our software to better the lives of our farmers. 00:00 Hi. Good afternoon, and welcome to this Tech Industry Edition of CIO Leadership Live. I'm your host, Maryfran Johnson, CEO of Maryfran Johnson Media, and the former editor in chief of CIO magazine. Since November 2017 this video show and podcast has been produced by the editors of CIO.com and the digital media division of Foundry, an IDG company. Today's episode is sponsored by Ivanti, a global software provider specializing in bringing IT and security together in one platform. Because when IT and security break down silos, it gives employees a much more secure, productive digital experience. Headquartered in South Jordan, Utah, Ivanti solutions include service management, endpoint management and security, exposure management and network security itself. Visit Ivanti's website to learn more, and if you stay tuned with us here, you're going to learn a lot more about Ivanti as a company and as a tech industry player. My guest today is Bob Grazioli, who is the CIO of Ivanti. Bob joined Ivanti in June 2020 as the Vice President of Software as a Service operations, and then expanded his role to CIO in 2021 with more than 3000 employees working across 23 countries, Ivanti's mission is to make secure remote work possible for its more than 40,000 customers. As the CIO Bob is responsible for all of Ivantis global. IT systems and its SaaS operations as well, including the integration of multiple acquisitions in the past few years. Prior to joining the company, he was serving as the VP of SaaS strategy and operations at BMC Software, and before that, as EVP and Global Head of SaaS partner cloud ecosystem. Bob brings 30 plus years of global experience in business technology that spans financial services, banking and the software industry. He's been involved in some of the biggest software acquisitions in our industry over the last decade, and also responsible for some of the biggest SaaS offerings out there today as the Ivanti. Bob also has oversight of the company's Customer Zero program, where he's taking SaaS operations to the next level by leveraging his own team's direct experience with Ivanti products. Bob, welcome. Well, thank you. Quite an introduction. Thank you. Well, you're very welcome. It sounds like you're a very, very busy guy, so I'm glad you could find time to be with us today. Let's dive in and talk a little bit more about your CIO role, which at a tech industry player like Ivanti, IT calls for a unique mix of technical and business and managerial skills, especially. And I know we're going to talk about this a lot more. The CIO and the chief security officer roles are so tightly coordinated. Tell us more about how that all that works, and how and why this role is so unique. Yes. Even more so tightly coordinated, the CISO role actually rolls up into the CIO org, right? So it's all really under one organizational structure. And, you know, at first there was some say, gaps, in the way we kind of looked at security. I mean, we have IT security, corporate security, application security, and bringing all that together is very unique, because we're able to really take a 360 view of everything that's happening across our entire enterprise and product. And because you mentioned, we use a lot of our own Ivanti products within, you know, Ivanti and the IT organization, we have unique insights into how security works within the product and how it should be applied within Ivanti itself. And having the CISO in the organization, having the insights coming from his tooling, his organization, or his team, applying that directly into IT, helps us really mature what we need to have to secure Ivanti, and then project that out to our customers as our products develop. So we call that the Customer Zero program, or part of the Customer Zero program very effective, right in providing that next level of insight that we believe our developers need, right or product managers need to understand what our customers are looking for in terms of our products. And obviously I have that responsibility to make sure Ivanti, from a corporate point of view has the highest level of security, and that that security isolates Ivanti from. Let's face it, we are a target out in the industry for some nefarious actors, and that has happened, so we have to have a heightened layer and organizational view of how we implement security, both from an internal point of view and product point of view. Okay, okay, that makes sense. You'd also mentioned that as a PE company, you have to do a lot of integration work. You have to you have to master data and manage it into the system, and then you're actually using a pretty sophisticated approach to how you do back office operations. Yeah, let's face it, integrating any company is not easy. You know, there's no manual right off the shelf that tells you how to integrate a company. You know, you look at a company, you look at your strategy around synergies. You know how it all is supposed to come together. But what we learned over the years is that data should be your focus. We have taken up a program about a year or so ago and looked at what we needed to master, you know, key key data records or information within the company, like product information, account information, contact information, once we were able to master that right, and stamp that as what we believe that should be in terms of information and how that information should flow into our back office systems. When we do an acquisition, then we're taking a look at their processes, taking a look at what data represents those processes, and easily, really mapping it into what we've mastered that makes us really efficient at transitioning their processes and what they need to execute their business into Ivanti, and that that helps with all kinds of of leverage. In terms of, hey, we have a synergy target of X. We need to hit that target in X number of months to be accretive in any type of acquisition we want to make. So having the ability to integrate something quickly, efficiently and have that business just roll into Ivanti, mastering the data to us as the secret sauce, and that has worked fairly well for us over the years. Okay, great, great. You'd mentioned, we passed over mentioning customers. And I wondered, how often do you get out in the field, often enough where you feel like you have a pulse on what the customers are most concerned about, although I suppose, given the portion of the industry that you're in, it's probably security conversations you have with us, but tell me more about that. When you talk with customers, what is top of mind for them? I mean, beyond talking about Ivanti's products, of course. Well, you know, obviously we stress SaaS, right? That's our direction. And CIO and being in charge of our SaaS teams, it is very important I get in front of our customers and reassure them about the service, because, you know, it's thought for as a service, and obviously, you know, let me put my CIO hat on if I'm thinking about going to SaaS, the first thing I'm thinking about is I'm giving up my run and operate to some to another company, yeah, they're going to provide this higher level of service than than I currently provide, hopefully. Okay, so I have to really dig into what that really represents. So I'm on a lot of calls with customers, talking about how we implement our run and operate, how we deploy our product, and then, yes, most importantly, you know, it's about the security, you know, we we're always reviewing our SOC, two, we're looking at ISO, you know, we're looking at exactly how, on a regular basis, we're doing scans for vulnerability in the environment and making sure that it's properly, obviously patched, remediated, so that we're not having issues, obviously, with with security or any other breach that might impact our customers. One of the things you mentioned when we talked earlier was that everything your mantra tends to be around continuous improvement. How is that? That sounded very familiar to me in the many years when I've talked with CIOs, that there's always constant change, managing change, improving, innovating. Those are kind of keystones of the CIO role. What is it about your work at Ivanti that feels different? Is there more of an intensity on it, or is it pretty much a continuation of what every CIO out there is concerned about. I mean working in many different industries and across, you know, many different types of organizational structures. I would say that, my mantra and what I insist on in my organization is, very simple. I always insist on people looking and understanding how relevant they are in anything they're doing, right in their role, in the way they're working with our customers and so on. So you know, looking at your relevancy will automatically initiate improvement, initiate change, or at least make you aware of change. So staying and being aware of what's relevant, I think is for me, that's the magic that I try to instill in my organization and how I approach, you know, dealing with everything that you know I have responsibility for. All right, and one of the other things you mentioned was that you take a very aggressive approach inside Ivanti on managing IT. Now, that sounded to me like a very tight budget, but I would imagine a lot of our CIO listeners and out in other industries tend to think that if you work for a tech industry company, well, you know, the sky's the limit, you can have whatever you need, because, you know, this is our business, so talk about, talk about your budget. And when you say that you're you manage it very aggressively. What do you mean? Well, you mentioned earlier, obviously, we do a lot of acquisitions, and yeah, because of that, there is a very tight line on what we're doing with margins and and being accretive when, when we we have an acquisition. So it really is not a matter of tight budgets. It's a matter of being sensible about what we need to spend money on, right? So we absolutely are laser focused on what's important for us to spend money on, for instance, like this year. Obviously, the whole talk is about AI, right? So, you know, when we look across our budget, we're looking at, hey, what percentage of our budget now should be going towards AI? And we start to, you know, turn to that, and we say, Okay, well, you know, this is the budget, so we're a little light. So what can we trim here to move there and and continue to evolve what we think we need to do with AI, but budgets are extremely important for us to manage, because, don't forget, my organization spans quite a few different disciplines, right? We have SaaS ops, which is SRE DevOps, we have security, we have traditional IT support. I have my AI team now also do a lot of Customer Zero work, which is around how we're expressing a real ROI, as we mentioned earlier, around our own products. So we have a lot to, you know, spend on in order to be relevant as we continue to evolve some of the technology that we need to have in the organization, right? Okay, and you're not doing all this work with 1000s of people in your IT department. I believe you tell me you have about 200 in your in your step. How have how are those organized? I find that other CIOs are always really interested in how other IT departments, no matter how broad or narrow their scope, how are you organized? It used to be such an easy question. It would be. It would be a plan run and operate, or plan run build, but it's gotten so much more complex so well, I think I have a very interesting opportunity when I came to Ivanti in taking over both CIO it role and the SaaS operations role, we were able to leverage that customer facing infrastructure team, right, and the IT infrastructure team. So we brought a lot of teams together and leverage that infrastructure experience, DevOps experience, IT support experience. So we really are bringing together two sides of the organization, both the customer facing, SaaS side of the organization, and the it. Bringing that together has really helped us manage budget, become more efficient and and I would say the biggest advantage has been the insights that we've been able to bring together to tightly manage and improve how we're using things across both disciplines. Because don't forget, on the SaaS side, we're managing a service, and we're always looking to improve the service, but we're also conscious of the margins we need to keep in order to be making money in that side of the business. So having the ability to have all that insight into how the product's being used, and then applying that to know the product itself and the services we provide to the customer, it's really helped us manage budget and create an organization that's relevant. And I, you know, I think our teams love the idea that they have the ability to cross the line. They can go from SaaS, they can go to it, they can go to security. So keeping that fresh for employees and giving them the opportunity right to kind of cross themselves into different tech stacks, different tooling, really helps the organization stay fresh and relevant as they continue to develop their career and help Ivanti forward. That's yeah, that's cool, because I remember when we talked just a minute ago, you mentioned DevOps, but are you have you transitioned DevOps over to dev security ops, Dev sec Ops? Absolutely. I mean, we might get into secure by design a little later, but, yeah, absolutely. We're focused on establishing these team pods, right? And in the team pods, there's a cross section of technology folks you know, around security, DevOps, SRE product managers, even. So we've really embraced, you know, bringing a group of people that understand different disciplines of what we're trying to manage, build right and deploy service, and having them share their ideas, share their experiences, and bringing that into either the product or the way we're servicing our customers. Yes, well, you mentioned secure by design, and I think we probably should spend a little time on that, because that is a very big deal, right? I know you mentioned as one of your strategic priorities coming going into 2025 so talk about that a little more when, when we talked about it earlier, you said we signed our name in security blood sounded a little dramatic, but well, you know, when the government is involved. Exactly, yeah, we did. We did. We were one of the, I think, 200 plus companies that now have signed a pledge, okay, that we will implement secure by design as a practice in the way we develop, develop code and software at Ivanti. So we did it. Now, look, it's not something that that just showed up yesterday. It's been around a while, and we have been practicing, you know, secure by design, but maybe not as you know, in the same framework, as you will, that we're now signed up for. So what we've done is we've taken a look at the secure by design principles, and we look at how that should be applied across all of our product development. Our CISO has now implemented a strategy, and I mentioned earlier, we've established these security pods, and within security pods before anything is actually developed designed, the security pods are formed, and that design principle is brought to bear on anything we're thinking about developing, so our architect DBAs and so on, before they're thinking about anything or bringing in A third party product to integrate into, into our product, we're looking at how that needs to be secured so become the number one priority before any code is written, that we have that design embedded in what we're thinking about. Yeah, it wasn't easy. It was not easy. And along those lines of, it wasn't easy. Give us an example of a before and after, something that has changed for the better or maybe for the worse and then had to be fixed. But what we talked about continuous improvement and change and all that in a before and after scenario, what does that look like in kind of the day to day life of your development teams. Well, I again, before there were security principles that obviously were part of our normal development cycle, our pipeline for delivery and so on. But having now a dedicated team, dedicated looking at all of the principles that need to be absolutely, absolutely adhered to. Because, let's be honest with each other, you know, we have a very broad portfolio of software. And, you know, there's tight timelines, there's all kinds of, you know, pressure to move things along. And sometimes, sometimes, you know, when you do things by committee. Lots of times you'll evaluate something and say, You know what, I'm looking at that, and I think the risk is low. So let's move on, right? Let's, let's keep, keep going now that evaluation has a higher, you know, higher level of focus, so that if that was a two before, you know, it's now a 10 for us and we can't move on. It needs to be fixed before we go any further. Or you need to develop it this way now, because the other way, it left a little too much risk there for us to, you know, continue to do that. So it's really increased the bar, right? Made it more of a focus for everyone, everyone in the organization, to pay attention to what the risk is if we do this as opposed to that, right? So I think it really has changed the culture, the mindset and the focus of our teams on what truly we need to have in the design of our products. And look, when you sign something, as you said, with the United States government, and by the way, you know, there's, there's some teeth around it, you know, they, there's a process where they're checking, they're evaluating whether or not we're adhering to a lot of the framework that's there. So it's no joke, you. Need to embrace this. You need to have everybody on board, and it is a full team effort to make sure that we are complying and staying within the framework that's been designed. And don't forget, it's it. This is an international standard now, right? There's 17 or 18 other countries that are around this. So we're an international company. We're trying to sell our software everywhere, right? SaaS, so now, when we go into a lot of these countries, they're asking us about these things. Are we doing it right? How? How, how much have you really embraced it? So you talked about, you know, me, interfacing with customers earlier, yeah, it's the ISO, it's the SOC, but now it's the secure by design, right? How they're shifting all those questions further left about the design of the product. Now, instead of looking at, you know, when you talk about SOC and ISO and these standards, it's a little bit more operational. You know, the operational controls and what you're doing to manage the run and operate. When you talk to talking about secure by design, you're really shifted the discussion further left, and that's all about how we're even building software now, right? Have you found that it's easier to get the business side on board with all this, because a lot of times, the concerns from the business side are that, Oh, Bob, all these regulations are great, but aren't they going to slow things down? When are we going to get our new stuff? You know that that that's such a push pull between IT and security operations always, and I don't know whether this has made it any better or worse, although secure by design is at least really clear when you talk about ISO, regular people in the world are probably trying to think, What does that stand for again? But at least, secure by design is pretty clear English. So have you found more support on the business side than maybe we could have crossed our fingers about? No, I look, I think that's true, right? Obviously, the business, we have a big deal. We got to get this done. And you know, that's the normal, you know, conversation. But I think over the past few years, you know, the fear of security has now penetrated, you know, the business, because they're seeing having to pay millions and millions in ransomware downtime. Look at the CrowdStrike incident and so on, right? So I think that fear has changed everything. So yes, in fact, in our, in our, you know, in a lot of our executive meetings, absolutely, when we talk security, everybody kind of sits up a little bit more and wants to make sure that what they're selling what they're telling customers, right? Some of our SLAs, Because don't forget, when you have SaaS, those SLAs are extremely important to the customer, and in those SLAs, downtime, performance security, if you breach those SLAs, you're paying your customer back penalties, right, credits and so on. So it's, it's now part of the conversation to make sure, did we check the box on security? And if we haven't, let's delay it. Let's delay it. And you know, I would say this, we've tried to make velocity a standard for software delivery. Okay? And I think that's now come back to haunt us in a lot of ways, because that's where the shortcuts started to happen, right? Because I want to move fast. I want to get this out there. Look how fast I deliver this once a day, once a month, and so on. You know, now we're looking back at some of those practices, you know, fail fast. Wait a minute. You don't want to fail. Okay? We'd rather not fail with the security things very much. But these were mantras that you heard as part of a, you know, a change, but now because of, you know, what we're seeing, you know, people take advantage of, right? They're taking advantage of things that we said, hey, let's let that go. We'll fix it later. Let perfect be the enemy of the good, or something along those lines. But that's changed the tone, right? So that people, if you said, I need to delay this to fix that, that's changed the tone and says, Okay, let's do that. Let's take our time. Let's get it right, and let's make sure we don't, you know, damage the business, or, you know, create a situation where, you know, the perception in the market is that our software doesn't work, or it's not secure, or whatever. So it's definitely making people think twice about what's important. That's actually that could be a really good trend if we can stick with it, because I know that we've gotten into that velocity. Just get it out the door, and then we'll patch it later. We'll fix whatever went wrong. I've had conversations with CIOs over the years of. Out frustrations with SaaS providers in general, in that they would just get some the newest upgrade or the newest changes. They'd get them all finally working. Everybody settled down understand what the new stuff, and then there'd be another upgrade. And it was exhausting for a lot of IT staffs out there. I mean, think about it, you know, the change management went to the waste. That's another, you know, another casualty of velocity, right? Yeah, you know, the the velocity of change really put the CIO in a bad spot, because all of the change management practices that they might have, you know, considered that in their in house, run and operate, went out the window, right? Because you became now a servant of the SaaS provider, right? And they, they said, Oh, this week you're getting an upgrade. Well, wait a minute, you know what? What's in the upgrade? How is it going to affect my customers? So all that went out the window. But you know, now I feel it every day, customers saying, Hey, can we slow down the release? I don't think I could handle that release. And I'm going to from the other side of the equation. What wasn't really factored was the amount of tech that that that might create in the product and for our engineering. Okay, so there, it really is a double edged sword there, because, yeah, the velocity what was impacting the customer, and then that velocity also created potential tech debt. Because, you know, as you put more things in the product, and you are trying to find out what adoption looks like, if that adoption wasn't, as you know, exciting to the customer, as you know, you would think we eventually need to pull that out. Why? Because you can't have these bloated, you know, systems running in a SaaS service, because that just costs more money for us to run and operate. Now, look with microservices and containers and so on. That helps a little bit, right? But at the end of the day, tech debt, you know, that's an evil that you need to control, otherwise it could really hurt, you know, hurt the service and hurt your profitability going forward. Yeah, is dealing with tech debt or poor modernization? Does that make your top priority list going into 2025? Well, you know, I would say, because we do a lot of acquisitions, tech debt is, is always a top priority, because we inherit the tech debt when you acquire exactly, and that tech debt is looked at as inefficiency cost, things we need to get out in order to improve our margins and profitability So and the performance it and the way, you know, obviously, at some point we acquire software so we can integrate it, cross, sell it, and so on. So you want to make sure tech debt is definitely one of your priorities to look at. Try to, you know, put some cycles, some sprints together to eliminate it as much as you can. Okay, now I want to, I want to circle back and talk about two things. Next one, I'm so proud of us. We've been talking for nearly a half an hour, and we only mentioned AI once. So I want to go back and I want to talk about that AI team that you put together. What? What are they doing? How big is the team? Is it cross functional with business and technology organization folks involved. What is your AI team actually up to? So tell us about that. Well, first of all, I'm really proud of the way Ivanti has approached AI we we approached it first with governance, absolutely, and that governance really exist within our legal department, they have done an exceptional job of looking at data privacy. How, you know, what is the ethical way for us to look at AI within the business and so on? So we started there. Yes. From there, we evaluated, you know, what AI tools should be important to us, obviously, the CO pilots are out there. Einstein's the jewels. There's so many of them. And really, my strategy was to, I did not want to have 10 AIS, you know, running across the enterprise for people to use, right? That's just not going to work. So, is there an Uber AI? Uber AI. But then you get into the discussion about how, how do you manage the data that that AI needs to have in order to be effective, right? Is there a singularity that you need to create around data so that you have an efficient AI? Okay, so I we created a team, an AI team, and this is a cross functional set of people. I took people out of our SaaS ops organization. IT security. We have some business people in it, and we started developing use cases around what we thought would be an efficient way for us to initially look at AI. Okay or not, we've developed in that pod about 700 use cases for AI. Wow. Okay, yeah, impressive amount of use cases. Now, I don't know what that means in terms of whether or not we're inefficient or efficient or whatever, but there's a lot of ways for us to address put AI into the business and become more obviously, more efficient, more productive, etc. So 700 and now, when you say that, does that mean you've got 700 use cases that are now in production, are operational. Let's dial that number back a little bit. So when you look at the use cases, then the problem was we had to look across the all these different AIS like copilot, et cetera, and say, Where's the best place for that AI to live, right? Or somebody to use it. We eventually decided that we should have our own AI, and we developed something called Ivy. Okay, right. So Ivy is officially Ivanti Uber AI, where our, our customers, internal customers, go to use AI, all right, okay, so we're not, you know, they're not directly in COP. Now, I don't want to say that copilot, or something from Microsoft is not being used today, because, let's face it, Microsoft is embedded co pilot in all the office products. You know, you can't miss that little. I don't even know what that is, that little squiggly thing they have out there now, yes, yes. So it's there. But we're we encourage our users to go to Ivy, where we have a certain amount of governance there, right, which allows us to obviously control access to certain data permissions, who's seeing what and so on. So it really creates a nice interface for people to go to that allows for our corporate governance around AI and what we believe the top use cases are for productivity within the company to be properly leveraged. Okay? So we can see the productivity that we're getting through Ivy, whereas, you know what we're finding in copilot is, yeah, people are click using Word or PowerPoint and copilot, but we're not able to track the real productivity that comes from that we're, you know, we're seeing, okay, I can create a PowerPoint presentation with AI, okay, was that 10 seconds, or was that two hours? You know, we haven't been able to really collapse that into productivity yet. Okay, and we're working with Microsoft and others to capture that, and I'll give you a good example in our customer success organization, we did a very extensive analysis on on how our customer success agents were dealing with various issues, right and dealing with accounts right, to make sure that, obviously, we're getting the highest level support, how they felt about product and so on, or even new opportunities. When we looked at how they were able to engage the customer and what functions they needed to perform, we found that using, in this case, it was co pilot, we brought back, we brought back in a 40 hour work week, right? We brought back almost 30 hours. 30 hours now that's because there is a lot of creating PowerPoints working in Word, right? Some Excel, you know. So it was a high use of Microsoft products that with AI embedded there, it was able to really, really accelerate what outcomes they needed by using those products. So we're seeing high levels of productivity in some of the office products with copilot. But we believe that with Ivy, and the way we're integrating Ivy into Salesforce, we use Salesforce, we use workday, we use SAP. So having an Uber AI that integrates into our enterprise and is encapsulating all the data that's in that enterprise is much more effective for Ivanti in the way we're developing a AI. And so our AI team is building connectors into these enterprise products, right, creating a singularity around the data we need right for our customers to use AI and so that they can quickly gather information query, a particular, you know, a sales opportunity, a particular financial report. Because when we look to this is an interesting statistic. At one point, we had 1000s, 1000s of reports that were just being created in the company. I wanted to see this. And I. Wanted to see that, and I want to see and that creates a big overhead, right? Because there's a lot of data, a lot of lot of infrastructure required for reporting. Here's your legacy systems hard at work, exactly, exactly. And believe me, a lot of people don't you know, don't realize that expense when you know, when you drill into that expense, for the storage of that data for all the compute required to produce these reports, maintaining the queries, you know, the DBA infrastructure that's required to manage the indexes in the performance and so on. It's a lot now taking look at those reports and what, what the our customers were looking for, AI eliminated 40% of that reporting because they were only looking for maybe some, you know, really small part of that report, or that, you know, little item of information that might have been, you know, six pages down in the report that they were looking for, Right? So AI really allowed for a much more focused, or focused ability to extract information and get information quickly, without generating all these reams of information out of this reporting infrastructure that we created. So that's been a tremendous benefit, too for us. Well, and you, I'm sure you remember this too, because you've been like me, you've been around the industry a while. Do you remember executive information systems, EIS that? I mean, that was, that is like, kind of the Holy Grail, where you can just dive into this golden mountain of data and get the information you need. You can do it really quickly. And AI seems to be very, I don't know, a lot of companies I think are using it much to help their own capabilities, to sort through all of those mountains of data, which are not all gold, as it turns out, yeah, and right, and the and back then, you know, you had an army of people too, trying to get all that to happen, right? True. That's true. You would have had 2000 people working for you then, right? Well, you know, I don't look at the number anymore because, you know, Microsoft, I think, just came out with something interesting. Now they're going to have an AI agent that they're going to sell, right, specific to a particular, you know, business or something. You know, when we started this, I said I looked at AI as an employee, okay, you know, I didn't see it as as, really a tech tool, you know, if you because, you know, as we try to bring Ivanti employees on board with AI, education was very important. We have monthly education sessions for employees on AI to educate them, you know, to because, look, it will impact people's jobs. There's, you know, you have to, you cannot believe that AI will have some impact on the way people do their job, or what that job is. We see it so education and making sure people have the awareness so that they could adjust their relevancy right in either their job or, you know, what they feel their importance is to the company is absolute and important when you start to implement an AI program, right? I really want to put the employee first as we transition in this technology, and I, I've been really focused on that, and that's why, too, we have the AI group, where I can rotate people into that group, right? You know, someone that's maybe, you know, a DBA, we put them in the AI pod because they could help, maybe with different insights and how we're we're building our data marts, or how our models are being built and so on, or they might want to be a prompt engineer or, you know, assistant in the way we're looking at our our whole AI infrastructure. And you know, an important thing for companies to start to look at is the way this is being monetized, is through these tokens. Oh, okay, so, you know, it's kind of like, you know, you you start using it, right, and then the meter starts to run, you know, so, you know, all of a sudden, you know, a $1,000 expense turned into $10,000 okay, you know, $100,000 because, you know, as people do more and more prompt engineering, and AI becomes more ubiquitous in the enterprise, token usage is going to just ramp up. So you have to pay attention, and that's why we felt Ivy was a good approach for us, because we could monitor and control some of that token usage that's required, obviously, as you start to use AI. So that's another big reason why we, we created the AI team again to make sure we we were really looking at everything that had to be managed when we had a full AI program rolled out to the enterprise. Okay, the remind me when. We're talking about that the best of breed versus the universal the ERP, like systems, that is another pendulum that goes back and forth in our industry. And I'm wondering, is AI driving the trend toward one end of the pendulum or the other? Are we going to end up with more individual best of breed apps again, or are other companies going to look to create an Uber, maybe create or buy an Uber AI that handles most of this for them? Where do you what do you think you're spot on? I mean, that's the way I feel about it. I see the pendulum coming back to, again, I said a singularity, right? Because, if you think about it, why? Why should I have now all these different data stores out there, and, you know, again, I'll mention, you know, workday or SAP, or Salesforce or whatever, and then you have all the middleware that's that's doing the transit and and some of the processing there, when you have, you know, this best of breed approach. So yes, if you're to me, if you're looking at, you know, the future and where AI needs to, you know, be having some singularity of data, and if that means an ERP, and maybe it evolves to something else. But yeah, I think, I think that will push us back, especially as a CIO, I'm looking for simplicity, right? I'm looking for a better way to look at my data. And let's face it, I need to secure that data. And having data, you know, all over my enterprise is not a good look, right? It's not a good way. You know, did somebody need that? Or did someone get access to this? And you're constantly playing Whack a Mole with whose access? Wow. So yes, I do believe maybe the ERP or or going back to a singularity of a either application and data will help definitely simplify the enterprise and give you a better opportunity to have a more coherent model as you start deploying AI in your organization. So I agree with you 100% on that. Well, on that point you made about the importance of staying on top of employee concerns and worries and paranoia about AI. You'd mentioned that you don't call anybody data scientists anymore, and that that, that that encourages a more inclusive sort of feel about, yeah, you can come and join the AI team. Is it that much like if I was over in the say, I'm in your communications department, and I want to learn more about AI? Do I go and join the AI team? I wouldn't. I wouldn't bring a lot to it. I have to warn you, you would say that if you walked in day one, but I think if you left in day 10, you'd probably be in a good place. Yeah? Because lots of notes. Well, lots of notes, and I think there's a lot of hands on work that is done in the group too, right? These people that extra level of insight, no, but look, I think, yeah, we have to all understand, and you know, you can't, you can't look at, you mentioned silos. It's not only a security silo, right? You have to break down all silos, right? You can't, you can't think of people as DBAs anymore, network people or system administrators anymore. And the reason, reason why that's going to be absolutely true is because AI is bringing everything together, right? It's bringing it's bringing all the years ago, we always wanted to connect the dots, right? You connect the dots, you get the big view of what really is happening, and you can make decisions, and you could, you know, really be efficient. AI is doing that for us today. Okay, so, you know, I was joking with my team the other day is, I said, Look, I'm going to go out and get every one of you guys an AI assistant, okay? And it's true, I think we're going that direction. So what that allows you to do is, I can take a network person and make them a DEA, because they can have their DBA assistant help them, right? I see, oh, they can learn as they go. And, you know, because the AI assistant will establish at least a baseline for what that job is okay, because, and then hopefully this, this new person will will contribute new insights into way the job could be done, or you know how to make it better? Because I find that people that are coming from another place always have that different perspective, that that can make a difference at some point, because they have a different angle. Angles are important. You got to have some angles, and those angles help us be more efficient. Look at ways to improve things and so on. So I like moving things around, getting those different perspectives. And I think AI helps us do that faster and more efficiently. Well, and I was noting to just pivot over to the topic of your customer zero team. Back year or two ago, an article that you authored on the Ivanti website was about fostering that IT security, closing, combining those silos, more collaboration between IT and security and in the various strategies that you wrote about. Strategy number four was become a customer zero. And, you know, figure out if you prioritized features in your products over security. Tell me about your customer zero team. And what have you What have you learned from having one? It sounds like it's relatively new, or has it been around for a couple of years? I would say at least a couple of years. Well, look, I think I learned a long time ago, unless you have the people in your own company aware of what we actually do as a company and and it can those people go out to their next door neighbor or anyone and explain, you know, our products, or even what you know, what it means right to use an Ivanti product. And so, you know, I tell a couple of stories. You know, the Apple story is obviously famous where, you know, Steve Jobs said, I'm getting rid of every typewriter in the company, and we're all going to use Apple. Apple, you know, Max, that was a customer zero story that that changed Apple, right? Yeah, you know, I did work at SAP. I tell the story where, at one point, the CEO of SAP, no names mentioned. Everybody knows him, yeah. Well, Christian Klein is there now, and Bill McDermott was there when I was there. That's who I was thinking of. Yeah, right. So you know, when, when the light bulb went on, that SAP was using more of Oracle than than HANA. Okay, there was the big push to say, Okay, we got to get rid of Oracle and have our, you know, have our whole SAP use Hana. And, you know, I think that was a sea change for the company at the time, because, again, they weren't using HANA and adopting their own product. So it's absolutely important to have a customer Zero program in your company, because it builds loyalty and it builds ownership for what we do and what our customers are experiencing. Okay, if we can't experience what our customers are experiencing, it just disconnects us more from their feeling, right? Because a lot of it's like, this is slow, this is not working. You know? We need to feel that. We need to feel that, empathize more with that, and then push to get that fixed. And that's what our customer zero group. That's their mission. So we, number one, want to know what's going on with these products. Number two, and more importantly, we do try to develop new ROI around our own products and that that's kind of brought AI together with our customer Zero program. Yeah, we've implemented Ivy right our AI around ITSM, for instance, where we've we have aI now automatically again, what ITSM is? I'm sorry, it's our service management platform, service, Ticket, ticket, um, so what we've done is, as you know, The burden of a lot of operations, folks, security people, etc, is managing all these tickets that come in. You know, something's not working. Can you execute this? For me, I schedule something, you know, it's a constant drum beat of tickets. Now, those tickets obviously have to be triaged, routed to the proper silo, right? Yes, we've done now with AI is we have AI, categorizing the ticket, routing the ticket to the right organization or person, and then we're at that last stage now, where if there's a remediation that could be performed right away, we will automatically remediate that ticket. So that has all kinds of benefits, right? Because your mean time to repair your MTTR that drops considerably because we're fixing it almost immediately interesting, right? Number two, by routing directly to the you know person that would be responsible for fixing that. That's also lowering your MTTR, because now we, boom, we put it right into the place it's supposed to be, and they can work on it, get it resolved. Customer happy, yeah, okay, yeah. And also, what we're finding too, is that, let's face it, we service 1000s of customers. We're seeing redundant tickets. So you know, same problem. Home. So because of that, we're able to categorize those tickets, you know, into one ticket, yeah, and then get that remediated problem solved. Less tickets, less volume, etcetera. So customer zero did all that Okay, right? And now we push that back into our product folks, and that that is part of the new service management platform that we will distribute to our customers. So really, you know, being relevant, right? Producing something that has a real, tangible value to the company, and then obviously we know how that's going to affect our customers. So win, win, and don't do everything at breakneck speed, because you're not supposed to be breaking things and falling forward, especially when customers are counting on you with for network security and endpoint management and all that. When you and I reviewed your strategic business and tech priorities going into next year, we mentioned secure by design, the fact that you do hear a lot about regulatory demands from the customers you talk to, and that ultimately it is all about data. And with all the talk we've done about AI, I've started to, I remember a year or two ago, it was always talking about the data management platform, or Enterprise Data Management has AI pretty much subsumed all that? Or has it become a specialty spur in enterprise data management that's just attracting so much attention data? You know, I think about our CIO 100 innovation awards program that cio.com runs every single year. It's like a 38 year old awards program, and over the last two decades, about 60 to 75% of the winners each year were usually some kind of cool data management fix that they were doing at their companies. I mean that data management was at the bottom of so much. And I just sometimes I wonder, Where did all that go? Do you have a chief data officer anymore? We don't have a chief data officer. And as I said earlier, I think, I think we created, you know, data nightmare out there, with all the different data March, data silos, it has become difficult, right? And look, that's, that's, that's a it's clear that that's a problem, because look at all the data breaches we're having almost on a regular basis. Yet, somebody's in the funny papers about, oh, somebody access this PCI that, you know what's going on, and what's going on is that there's been a definite dissemination of data throughout enterprises, and the control of that, and the access of it, you know, it, it was just too much, right? The scale of that becomes difficult, right? Becomes so. So, yeah, I think, as I said earlier, I think there is going to be a move to create a singularity around where data is stored, how it's managed, and and I and, as I said earlier, it's not a DBA anymore, right? You're having people that have to know how these models are created, what data is going in there. Now look, let's face it, there's a lot of Kool Aid out there from vendors about, you know, you need to, you need to have this data mart with this layer to control access and and so on. I think that, I think the jury's still out. That's my view of it right now. I think we need to take our time, because a lot of this, a lot of the modeling, is still fresh, right? So you don't want to, you know, lean too far left to too far right. You have time. You do have time. So I think right now it's, it's really understanding how to create that singularity of where the data is going to live, then developing the strategy for access what tool, what tool does accomplish, the the very high level of scale that AI will bring to managing data, okay, right? It is a high level of scale. And you know, I do find that over my travels in the industry, that is the single most difficult skill for people to really make part of their portfolio or their resume. Scale kills, and if you can't manage it, you're in trouble. So you really have to understand, you know, if it's if it's here, but it's going to go to, you know, 3000 how? Do you amplify all your processes, your people, you know, the infrastructure, if you don't have some concept of that level of acceleration, yes, you make a lot of mistakes, and those mistakes will finally come back and really cause some problems. So understanding that AI is. Scaling function that will will happen across your enterprise, Will is definitely something you need to put in your calculus as you continue that journey and an understanding of how you're going to implement it. Well, that's a good that's a good perspective and a good thought. I couldn't help but think, when we were talking about all the data stuff, that it's basically the Nate, the nightmare on data mountain, where you've got data warehouses and data marts and data islands and data resorts, and I've heard them all called all kinds of stuff. It's a whole lot of fuss over those zeros and ones, isn't it. I want in our wrap up here, I want you to talk a little bit about what you have learned about your own leadership style over the last few years you've had, you've had CIO positions in the past, but then a lot of running SaaS operations and being very customer focused, and now that you've arrived at this latest pinnacle in your 30 plus year career, tell us what you've learned, what you learned now that you wish you knew 20 years ago. 20 years ago. Well, 10 years ago. I know 20 years ago is 100 in this industry, yeah. My career is a little bit. I spent 15 years, actually, in Europe. I worked for the Italian government, managing the, you know, the whole, let's say, consolidation of the European stock exchanges and privatization of a lot of European companies onto those exchanges. And when I went over there, you know, I learned a lot about what it takes to deal with different personalities, okay, obviously, my last name is Grazioli. So I was, you know, I was an American, not an Italian, when I went over there, which was, You were dealing with them in Italian, because a lot of things are in English there, right? It's, it was a little bit easier for me being in the financial sector to deal in English. But my point there is, though, when I, you know, went to, went to, you know, Switzerland or Germany or France or and made those travels, technology was the the least of what it took to get things done. You know, it wasn't like, Okay, well, at that time, Sun Microsystems and these kind of things were, were still around. And so my point here is that it was learning, learning to deal with the people first, and not trying to just, you know, push the the the effectiveness of of technology, or what it's going to, you know, do it was, it was winning over, you know, people that wanted to travel with you, go on that journey with you, and getting that buy in. Because once you got the buy in, then it became easy to start to talk about what technology we're going to use, how it was going to be implemented, and what effect was happening. Because, don't forget, over in Europe, unions have a big part of how things done there. And that was a that was a big learning process for me. I worked on Wall Street, where, in Wall Street back then, you know, people came and go, just like that. It was, you know. So I really the learnings are that people count, having people engaged, being making them feel relevant in what we're trying to do as a team, as an organization, and continuing that no matter what the situation is, don't lose don't lose those Principles. Keep that as your guiding light on how you want to accomplish things. Don't make it all about what you know at what, what's the Holy Grail? No, it's about, it's about bringing people along, having them buy into what we're trying to accomplish, and executing with those people. Because at the end of that journey, everybody feels good. Everybody wins, and they want to continue to win, you know, they want to stay on that, that winning formula, with you. So, yeah, I mean, because at younger Bob was definitely, let's get it done. Let's go, you know, velocity. It was all about velocity. Yeah, that's what counted so, well, look, it's not that, I don't, you know, I think velocity is important. You want to get things done. But I also think in today's age, people are nervous, you know, they're nervous about their lives, their jobs and everything. And I think having a more, you know, personal touch with people about what we're doing, why we're doing it, I think it settles that down a little bit, gives people more confidence in your organization, that you know what you're doing, that you are a leader, right? And that really, really helps. It really helps. You know, one of the things I'm kind of proud of is that, you know that attrition number in any organization is always out there, and I pay attention to. Question, I take it personally when not that someone's leaving for a better job or but if they're leaving because you know something in the organization wasn't clicking right, or there was a gap in communications, or those are the things I know you need to focus on as a leader. I know you need to reach out to people and make them feel included in what we're doing, how we're doing it, and, again, make them relevant. Make them feel relevant in what they're doing on a day to day basis. So I think that's kind of where, where I landed after all these years. Okay, well, and that's another good answer. And I kept I kept thinking. One of my mantras is always, keep on talking, you know, keep on having conversations, you know. And I hear so much more about communication and empathy from CIOs in the last few years that didn't used to be the focus. And it's kind of, it's nice to see such a great focus on people. And I think it'll be especially important going forward as AI becomes more of this gargantuan thing in our lives. Oh, you're spot on. Yeah. Thank you so much, Bob. It's been delightful talking with you today, and I appreciate you making the time. My pleasure. It was great. Thank you very much. Okay, you're very welcome. I hope that you enjoyed today's conversation with CIO Bob Grazioli of Ivanti, as much as I obviously did, this episode is the latest addition to our extensive library of CIO leadership live podcasts, where we have more than 140 in-depth interviews with prominent CIOs all available pretty much as long as the Internet lasts. We're going to keep those interviews up there at CIO.com and on CIO YouTube channel, the show is also available as an audio podcast Wherever you find your podcasts. Please take a moment to subscribe to the aforementioned YouTube channel where, in addition to dozens of conversations that I've had with US based CIOs over the years, you can also find now several international spin off editions of the podcast that feature I senior IT leaders from Canada, India, New Zealand and Australia. Thanks so much for joining us today, and we'll see you back here next time. Email Toate Articolele Va rugam sa activati javascript in browser-ul dvs. pentru a putea trimite acest formular Farm workers harvest grapes in the early morning at Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa on Oct. 15. The living and working conditions farm workers endure often do not reflect their immense contributions to society. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Calling the U.S. farm workforce critical is an understatement. Agricultural workers labor feeds us. Yet their living and working conditions often do not reflect their immense contributions to society. Most farmworkers are paid above the minimum wage, and average wages have increased in recent years. However, because farmwork is highly seasonal, hourly wage rates provide a misleading indicator of overall earnings. Thats just one component of working conditions. Farmwork requires back-breaking exertion, and farmworkers are exposed to harsh environmental conditions and because most do not have paid time off, they face a difficult decision: Work, and potentially damage their health, or do not work and not get paid. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There have been many national and state efforts to bring U.S. citizens from nonfarm backgrounds into the occupation. But most people cannot tolerate the high physical demands and long hours and dont have the unique and underappreciated skillsets to be successful at these jobs. Across these failures, the lessons are consistent: We are incredibly lucky to have people who are able and willing to perform these vital and demanding tasks. Policymakers have tried to raise earnings and improve the working conditions of farmworkers many times. Some have been successful California policies intended to reduce the negative health impacts of high temperatures and pollution seem to have mitigated exposure to detrimental climate conditions, but the results have been mixed. My own work reveals that Californias well-intentioned effort to improve worker well-being by requiring employers to pay standard overtime (that is, paying 1.5 times the normal rate for working more than eight hours a day or 40 a week) led to reduced hours; quality of life for workers may have benefited, but their pay fell. Scholars havent studied Californias 2022 card check law, intended to make it easier for farmworkers to organize into unions. But national evidence and findings from other industries suggest that it could benefit some workers, for example, by enabling them to negotiate for higher wages, while being detrimental to others, by reducing the number of jobs. The complex challenges associated with formwork and the demographic characteristics of the farm workforce have important implications for life outside of work. While some workers are provided health insurance, housing, transportation and child care by their employers, this is not the norm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Social safety net programs fill the gap for many workers in low-wage industries, which makes their continued employment more sustainable by ensuring their basic needs are met. However, because nearly 70% of hired crop workers are born in foreign countries and nearly 50% are undocumented, many farmworkers are not eligible for these programs nor for retirement programs including Medicare and Social Security (even though they pay taxes that support these benefits). Participation rates in programs like unemployment insurance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid are surprisingly low. This picture of farmwork environments sounds dismal. So, what are the avenues forward? My dream for the future of farmwork is a world of farm professionals, where all employees earn living wages and receive benefits, such as paid time off and sick days, enabling them to make better decisions regarding their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, this is not economically viable for most farm operations in the U.S. For professionalized farmwork to be feasible, we need to increase the share of grocery store dollars going to farmworkers. Several voluntary certification programs have emerged, including the Equitable Food Initiative and the Fair Food Program. Just like organic labels send signals to consumers about growing practices, Equitable Food Initiative and Fair Food Program labels indicate that the products are grown under operations that meet high standards for social responsibility, mostly related to workers. Equitable Food Initiative-certified farms must meet stringent standards for workplace safety, provide equitable and reasonable pay, have retaliation protections in place to promote reporting workplace incidents, elevate worker voices in operational decision-making, and more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Farmworkers could also benefit from new technologies that enhance productivity. These would likely reduce the number of workers but create jobs that are higher paying and less physically strenuous. Policies are also needed to improve these crucial employees lives outside of work. These might include a path to citizenship, as proposed in the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, or reimagining several dated programs that once provided affordable housing, health care and education to farmworkers and their families but are less relevant to todays farm workforce. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies While the challenges for our farm workforce are immense, there are also many opportunities. The solutions I have outlined, among others, have the potential to enhance the well-being of these crucial workers and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Its vital we make them work for us all. By wedninth, Adobe Concerns over funding for youth charities have been raised after the government announced that it would close the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme and the not-for-profit organisation that manages it. Yesterday, culture secretary Lisa Nandy announced that the government would wind down the NCS from March 2025 as part of plans for a new national youth strategy , which will be co-produced with young people. The government said it would work closely with the NCS Trust, which runs the programme, to ensure an orderly closure of the NCS programme and retain valuable learnings from the trusts experience in the sector. Its decision to close the NCS was criticised by those involved in setting it up and charity UK Youth, which runs a network of more than 8,000 youth organisations. Jacob Diggle, chief impact officer at UK Youth, said the closure of the NCS and a lack of renewal of the Youth Investment Fund would take hundreds of millions of pounds out of the sector, which is already on its knees. This includes funding for about 250 youth organisations which were expecting NCS funding from April next year, he said in a statement . Closing, rather than repurposing, the NCS will risk wasting millions of pounds and years of momentum. Former PM: A deeply backward and regrettable step The NCS programme was established by David Camerons government in 2011 as part of its big society agenda to bring together local communities by helping young people. In 2013, the NCS Trust took over managing the programme. Cameron wrote on social media that the decision to close the programme was a deeply backward and regrettable step. Much like young people, organisations need to grow, evolve and adapt to new challenges and changing times, his post reads. NCS has constantly adapted to meet the times, not least during the pandemic, which impacted young people in such a devastating way. NCS has never been more vital, empowering our young people to be united in their diversity, with the skills to get on in life and the compassion to support each other. Michael Lynas, who helped set up the NCS and became NCS Trusts first chief executive in 2013, also said he was saddened by the governments decision to stop funding the NCS. Back in 2009, I began working on something that would change not just my life, but the lives of more than a million young people, he wrote on X . He added: For some, it gave them the confidence to realise their potential, be that getting a job or going to university. For others it connected them to their power to make a difference to others through social action. For many it helped them to build friendships with people from very different backgrounds. So out of this sad day, let us celebrate the young people who are the stars of these inspirational NCS stories and the incredible team at the NCS Trust and hundreds of local youth organisations who made these stories possible. NSC Trust disappointed In a statement on its closure, NCS Trust said it was sad and disappointed by the government announcement. NCS was founded to help build a more cohesive society through supporting young people at a crucial moment in their lives, through connecting young people across many walks of life, building their skills and confidence, and empowering them to make a difference in their communities. Were immensely proud of the impact we have had for young people. Together with hundreds of youth sector partners and thousands of youth sector staff, weve delivered over a million experiences to young people, and participants have taken part in over 18 million hours of volunteering. As one of the most rigorously evaluated youth initiatives in the country, NCS has consistently been shown to have a positive impact on young people who report improved wellbeing, greater optimism about the future, increased understanding of those who are different to them, and a greater commitment to get involved in social action and volunteering. The NCS Trust added that there has never been a more important time for the kind of work that NCS delivers, with young people facing an increasingly uncertain future due to the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on their generation. Government: Difficult decision On its new youth strategy, the government said that it plans to put the views of young people at the centre of decision-making on policies that affect them. The strategy will prioritise the delivery of better-coordinated youth services and policy at local, regional and national levels, ensure that decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach and rebuild a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the governments missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services, the government said. The government will establish a youth advisory board to help it throughout the development process as well as engage with youth organisations, industry leaders and academics specialising in youth issues. Nandy announced that over 85m will be earmarked for more youth facilities including 26m for youth clubs to buy new equipment and undertake renovations via the Better Youth Spaces programme. In addition, 100m from the next tranche of the Dormant Assets Scheme will be used to deliver youth outcomes between 2024 and 2028. Ruth Marvel, CEO of the Duke of Edinburghs Award, said the national youth strategy must build on the NCS Trusts learning to date, to ensure meaningful funding is invested where it will have the most impact. NCVO executive director Saskia Konynenburg said our sector is ready and willing to engage in the consultation on the new youth strategy to achieve the most impactful programme possible for both young people, and communities. Credit: Alex Brenner The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employment support system should be devolved, with charities given core funding to provide services instead, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told an event yesterday. Burnham, who was re-elected for a third time as mayor in May, previously announced in his election manifesto that he was committed to the devolution of the employment support system. However, he made no reference to the charity sector specifically at that time. Speaking at the Locality annual conference in Manchester yesterday, Burnham said that national and local government needs to start backing the sector with core funding so that it can carry out its work without worrying about financial insecurity. Government needs to empower civil society Noting that 2024 is a significantly different era from when he was last in government, Burnham said: Its time to reimagine the British state and the way it works and its relationship with communities and the sectors that support those communities. Whether we like it or not, the voluntary welfare state is going to be here for the long haul. Burnham also called on the government to do more to empower charities and avoid the attitudes of previous governments to hold the sector at arms length, which he said permeated from the national government down to local authorities. Whitehall silos, he said, are only able to see part of a person and therefore are unable to truly empathise with the causes of many civil society organisations and fail to empower the sector. Addressing the audience of some 500 charity staff and trustees directly, Burnham added: You spend your time bidding imagine if you didnt have to do that because you were just trusted to deliver? Imagine the difference that that would make. He added: What does government national and local need to do? Let me make it really plain it simple: it needs to start backing you all with core funding. Not project funding, core funding. Give people the money that you need to build in your communities and so you can do what you do, day in day out, without constantly looking over your shoulder, worrying about sustaining your organisation and the people you employ. His statement was met with applause and shouts of agreement from the audience. Employment support devolution Burnham criticised the DWP and its employment support system as one that is working against us. It damages peoples wellbeing, their mental health [...] and then you have to pick up the pieces. Citing the present DWP welfare model as one that sees the worst in people, it doesnt see the best in people, the charity sector offers a contrast, as it sees the best in people by instinct. Burnham argued that voluntary and community organisations, rather than national and local government, should be given more responsibility and autonomy when it comes to helping people into employment. He said: We are calling for devolution of employment support. The money around 6bn currently spent through large corporates providing quite a dehumanised system imagine if that money was the new money that came flooding into the community and voluntary sector to give you that core funding, and with it, came that responsibility to get more people into work. I am certain that we would all rise to that challenge. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Jazz drummer Roy Haynes died on Tuesday at the age of 99. Leslie Haynes-Gilmore, his daughter, shared with The New York Times that her father peacefully departed after a short battle with illness on the South Shore of Long Island. For over seventy years, Haynes made his mark on the music scene, playing alongside legends like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan. A recent tribute praised his significant contributions and lasting impact, calling him "an irrepressible force" who managed to stay stylish and relevant throughout his incredible career, which began in the bebop era. Born on March 13, 1925, Haynes grew up in Roxbury, Boston, and kicked off his musical journey in the early 1940s, turning drumming into his full-time career by 1945. During the '40s, he worked with the famous saxophonist Lester Young and was part of Charlie Parker's quintet from 1949 to 1952.In 1952, Haynes turned down an offer to join Duke Ellington's band, choosing instead to work with smaller groups that allowed him more creative freedom. In 1952, Haynes declined an opportunity to join Duke Ellington's band, opting instead for smaller musical groups that offered greater creative freedom for musical expression. His contribution stands out as remarkable, gracing the recordings of figures such as Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, and Thelonious Monk, establishing his name among the jazz elite. Before the 1960s dawned, Haynes had already left his mark on the industry, featuring his talent alongside icons like Ray Charles and Stan Getz. Transitioning seamlessly into a bandleader role, he continued to make waves, releasing his debut album "Busman's Holiday" in 1954. In 1988, Haynes was honored with his first Grammy Award nomination for his collaboration with Chick Corea in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Performance Group. Throughout the following two decades, he celebrated victory at the prestigious awards ceremony twice out of eight nominations. The year 2012 marked a significant milestone in his career when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammys. Among Haynes' accolades was the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres given upon him by the French government in 1996. Additionally, he received honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. His exceptional contributions to music were recognized in 2004 when DownBeat magazine honored him with induction into their Hall of Fame, a testament to his consistent presence in their readers' and critics' polls over 14 instances. Timothy West, a British actor of both theater and screen, has passed away at the age of 90. His children, Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph West, expressed in a statement, "After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old." "Tim was with his friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly." They also extended their gratefulness to hospital staff, saying, "We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George's hospital, Tooting, and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days." Shortly after the news of his death was made public, the late actor will be seen in an episode of "Doctors" later today, as per The Mirror's report. West was born on October 20, 1934 in Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. His illustrious career spanned both stage and screen, with stints at the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1960s, per Variety. Throughout his lifetime, he was known for his commanding performances in iconic roles such as "Macbeth," "Uncle Vanya," and "King Lear." In 1975, he made his debut on the big screen through the TV series "Edward the Seventh," where he brought to life the character of the titular king from his youth until his passing. Following this success, he went on to charm audiences from 1983 to 1990 as the patriarch Bradley Hardacre in the comedic drama "Brass." Among the movies that showcased West's talent were Richard Attenborough's "Cry Freedom" (1987), Luc Besson's "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" (1999), and Richard Eyre's "Iris" (2001). In the 2000s, West expanded his presence on television by taking on various roles. He graced the screens as Geoffrey Adams in the BBC One comedy series "Not Going Out" between 2007 and 2009. Additionally, he became part of the cast of the popular ITV soap opera "Coronation Street" in 2013, portraying the character Eric Babbage, who becomes entangled in a romantic storyline with Sue Johnston's Gloria Price. Between 2014 and 2019, a Channel 4 series called "Great Canal Journeys" featured him and his wife, Prunella Scales, embarking on narrowboat adventures across the UK and Europe. Following this, he portrayed Jeremy Lister, a British officer during the American Revolution, in the historical drama series "Gentlemen Jack" from 2019 to 2022. San Francisco has spent many millions of dollars to develop a brand for its airport, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson wrote in granting an injunction blocking Oakland from changing its airports name. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle A federal magistrate on Tuesday blocked Oaklands plan to add San Francisco to the name of its airport, saying the renaming would falsely tell travelers the airport was affiliated with San Francisco. San Francisco has spent many millions of dollars to develop a brand for its airport, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson wrote in a ruling granting a preliminary injunction against the name change. Hixson said San Francisco has not yet shown that travelers are confused by the renaming of the East Bay airport as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, which was announced in May. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But, referring to the trademarked name of Oaklands designation of San Francisco International Airport as the sites Mark, he said, San Francisco is likely to prevail on its claim that the new name of the Oakland airport uses San Franciscos Mark in a way that falsely implies affiliation, connection and association with the airport across the bay. Oaklands Port Commission voted in May to change the airports name in hopes of increasing traffic. Port officials denied trying to mislead anyone and said they were looking instead to help travelers understand that Oakland is a gateway to the Bay Area. San Francisco had already filed suit in April and moved for an injunction in September, saying airport officials were already reporting confusion among travelers about where they were heading. Hixson said Tuesday that San Francisco has presented little evidence of passenger confusion so far. Airlines make their flight destinations clear, he said, and it is very difficult to see how an internet shopper would confuse OAK and SFO and buy a ticket to the wrong airport. But Hixson said the addition of San Franciscos name to the Oakland airport is highly likely to imply affiliation, connection or association to the typical airline customer, in violation of San Franciscos rights under federal law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Francisco International Airport brand is routinely ranked among the top airport brands, the magistrate said. By contrast, the Oakland airport is much smaller than SFO, with more limited infrastructure, and far fewer flights. It is rated worse in terms of customer satisfaction. The new name for the Oakland airport strongly implies affiliation with San Francisco and the San Francisco International Airport. This damages the goodwill and value of San Franciscos Mark and deprives San Francisco of control over its Mark. Hixson said the injunction merely requires the Port of Oakland to remove the few signs it has installed with the changed name, while prohibiting installation of additional signs. The harm to the Port is minimal when it remains free to use the well-known name for the Oakland airport that it has used for 60 years, he said. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said Tuesday that city officials had tried for months to negotiate with Oakland and come up with alternative names that would work for all of us. Unfortunately, those efforts were not productive, and we had no choice but to ask the court to step in and protect our trademark, Chiu said. We have built an incredible brand, and we are happy the court agreed that brand should be legally protected from trademark infringement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Port of Oakland spokesperson Robert Bernardo said officials were reviewing the ruling and considering their options, which could include an appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Many elected officials are poorly paid and some cant even afford to live in their own districts. Former Newark City Council Member Mike Bucci, seen here with his wife, Megan, and their daughter Kendra, is moving to Southern California after being priced out of his hometown. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Mike Bucci was supposed to be preparing for a run at his dream job: mayor of Newark, the East Bay city he has called home almost his entire life. Instead, Bucci, 47, is packing boxes. Unable to buy a house in his hometown and weary of spending money on rent, he resigned this past summer from his longtime post on Newarks City Council. Next stop: Ventura County, where Bucci plans to move into a family-owned, two-bedroom condominium with his wife and daughter. Its devastating, he said, fighting back tears. Our whole lives are here. Just because we cant afford a million-dollar house, we have to give it all up and start over. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stories like Buccis are increasingly common among Bay Area politicians. What makes their plight different from the numerous other residents forced to find housing they can afford elsewhere is a cruel irony: As local elected officials, they are often the policymakers trying to ensure their communities have enough housing. Unable to buy a house in his hometown and weary of spending money on rent, Bucci resigned this past summer from his longtime post on Newarks City Council. Next stop: Ventura County, where hes moving into a two-bedroom condo. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The big question now is what departures like Buccis mean for local governments. The more housing advocates who are priced out of public office, the worse the Bay Areas affordability crisis might become. Like many other local politicians, Bucci was not highly paid, receiving a modest monthly stipend for his part-time position on Newarks City Council. Even in a big city such as Oakland, where homes regularly sell for well into the seven figures, full-time council members earn less than $109,000 a year. To make things work financially, aspiring Bay Area politicians must often fit one of three categories: Theyre either independently wealthy, residents of rent-controlled apartments, or longtime homeowners who bought before prices skyrocketed. Rather than reflecting their communities diverse demographics, some local city councils are filled with retirees and rich tech workers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For almost two decades, weve had severe restrictions on housing growth in most cities in the Bay Area, said Matthew Lewis, spokesperson for California YIMBY, a tech-industry-backed group that lobbies the state on housing issues. During that time, weve had a flooding-out of teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses really, all the people who sort of keep our communities functioning. Its concerning, but not surprising, that thats now extending into the people who get elected and run for office to actually fix these problems. One big question is what departures like Buccis could mean for local governments. The more housing advocates who are priced out of public office, the worse the Bay Areas affordability crisis might become. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The federal government classifies a family of four earning up to $149,100 a year as low-income in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties the highest such threshold in the nation. A monthly payment of $4,170 qualifies as a so-called fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. Local politicians have the unenviable task of trying to somehow make housing more accessible. But even if mayors and council members become experts, they still might not find homes they can afford in their jurisdictions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What happens when you price out a lot of people is you lose a lot of what makes a place special, said Greg Magofna, a former housing advocate in Berkeley. You lose a lot of what made the Bay Area a destination for hippies and gays, artists and creatives. Magofna, 40, is part of a growing segment of millennials and Gen Zers whose passion for building more housing drew them to politics. In June 2022, after working for several housing nonprofits in the Bay Area, he looked well-positioned to win his Berkeley City Council race. Housing advocate Greg Magofna dropped out of his Berkeley City Council race in 2022 because he couldnt afford an apartment in his district. He now lives with his parents in Hawaii to save money for an eventual home purchase. Judah Rice There was just one problem: Magofnas roommate was moving back home to San Bernardino County for the cheaper cost of living. Though he was earning a decent salary as a nonprofit director, he couldnt afford a one-bedroom apartment in his district. Magofna was no longer willing to split rent with a stranger. News of his decision to drop out of Berkeleys City Council race just months before the election received significant local media attention. Someone who was part of the pro-housing movement was being priced out, Magofna said. The irony was Shakespearean. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now living with his parents in Hawaii as he saves money to finally buy a house, Magofna recognizes that numerous stories like his never hit the news cycle. Some aspiring politicians dont mount a campaign because they cant commit to staying four years in such an expensive place. Others push themselves to the financial brink while in office, then leave the Bay Area as soon as they lose reelection. South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman, 25, said he can only make things work because he still lives at home with his mother. Though he earns just $1,000 a month for a side gig that often feels full-time, he is reminded of his purpose when old high school classmates message him on Instagram. South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman, 25, earns just $1,000 a month for a side gig that often feels full-time. He said he can only make the numbers add up by living at home with his mother. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle Theyre always like, Hey James, when are you going to build more affordable housing so I can move back to South City? Coleman said. They want to come back because they love the community here, and they have friends and family here. Its sad because they just cant. In November 2022, South San Francisco passed a ballot measure that Coleman authored for the city to build and acquire more affordable rental housing. But as state Assembly Member Alex Lee, 29, pointed out, such progress is often too slow to help politicians desperate to live in the town or district they represent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even if you passed something today, he said, itd take at least three to five years for that housing to materialize. Lee (annual salary: $128,215) and two big-city mayors on their way out of office, Oaklands Sheng Thao ($216,000) and San Franciscos London Breed ($383,760), all rent in the Bay Area while they save to someday purchase a house. Paul Williams a housing economics expert and founder of the Center for Public Enterprise, a think tank focused on public investment believes that the simplest fix is increasing city council members pay. If you want professional leaders, he said, you have to pay professional salaries. However, even that brings major obstacles. Lobbying for higher pay can be political suicide because it contradicts the of-the-people ethos local elected officials are supposed to embody. Mike Bucci epitomized what local elected officials are meant to be about: A 1996 graduate of Newark Memorial High School, he returned to his hometown after college, serving on a slew of boards and earning a reputation as an avid volunteer. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle With no clear solution for Bay Area politicians housing crunch, their towns might be the biggest losers. Just look at Newark. In many ways, Bucci epitomized what local elected officials are meant to be about: A 1996 graduate of Newark Memorial High School, he returned to his hometown after college, serving on a slew of boards and earning a reputation as an avid volunteer. In 2011, midway through his first campaign for Newark City Council, Bucci experienced a bilateral retinal detachment that left him blind in both eyes for five months. Refusing to concede the race, he kept knocking on doors with his wifes help and finished second. Such perseverance propelled Bucci to election three years later. During his decadelong run on the City Council, he was instrumental in the town of roughly 47,000 building a new city hall, police station and library, as well as its first dog park and skate park. Bucci was also the City Councils strongest advocate for affordable housing. When Newark Mayor Michael Hannon tried to honor a controversial real-estate agents group at a City Council meeting this past April, Bucci, who wears an eye patch, unleashed a 10-minute diatribe from the dais blasting that groups inequitable housing practices. What few knew at the time was that Bucci learned just weeks earlier that hed need to step down from City Council for housing-related reasons. The sudden death of his longtime landlord had ratcheted up the urgency of Buccis house hunting. But even with $60,000 down, he couldnt find a home in Newark with a reasonable monthly mortgage. With Mikes background in the trades, he was really a voice for the working people of our community, Newark City Council Member Matthew Jorgens said of Mike Bucci. Its a huge loss. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle In many other parts of the country, Buccis annual salary about $110,000 between his full-time millwright job and City Council work would have made housing a non-issue. Yet there he was on June 27, resigning from his cherished City Council seat on the last-possible day before his departure would trigger a special election for his replacement. With Mikes background in the trades, he was really a voice for the working people of our community, Newark City Council Member Matthew Jorgens said. Its a huge loss. As more and more people get priced out, its going to be harder and harder to find that voice. Almost five months removed from his last City Council meeting, Bucci still gets weepy discussing his resignation. His plan had been to run for Newark mayor in 2028. Some assumed hed be a shoo-in. Now bound for that family condo in Oxnard, Bucci figures his political career is over. California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a news conference in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on Nov. 7. Terry Chea/Associated Press Attorney General Rob Bonta listens on the third night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Two days after Donald Trumps election as president, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who typically addresses reporters from under the fluorescent lights of government buildings, held a news conference in a San Francisco park with a clear political message. Im here today to assure you that in California, progress will prevail, he told reporters as he stood in front of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Areas rolling hills and vowed to fight any Trump attacks on the states policies. One day earlier, Bonta told the Chronicle he had not made up his mind about whether to run for governor in 2026. But a candidate for Californias highest office could not have picked a more iconic spot to campaign for the job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the days and months and years to come, all eyes will look West to us, he said. Behind him, people walked and biked through the park, going about their daily lives. And in California, theyll see: We are still moving forward. Trumps election is elevating Bontas profile and that of other California politicians a dynamic that could affect their political fortunes for years to come. It also means Trumps second term as president will shape not only Gavin Newsoms final two years in the governors office, but also the race to replace him. Bonta is not the only one leaning into the politics of the moment. Newsom hosted a call on Friday with supporters from his political fundraising lists describing his plans to fight the policy agenda on which Trump campaigned. State schools chief Tony Thurmond, who is running for governor, called a news conference the same day to criticize Trumps threats to cut funding for public education. Theres a whole bunch of people in California from governor down to dog catcher who are going to be part of the resistance, said Democratic political consultant Andrew Acosta. It gives a bunch of people fodder to stay relevant in the eyes of the Democratic faithful. Bonta, in particular, is well-positioned to be a leader in that movement because of his role as attorney general with an army of lawyers at his disposal to challenge Trumps policies, Acosta said. Last week, Newsom called on lawmakers to send Bontas office even more money to fund his legal efforts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The resistance to Trump will mostly be carried out through lawsuits and other legal maneuvers, said Loyola Law professor Jessica Levinson. That will be a political boon for Bonta. Arguably he is now the most important state attorney general in our nation, she said. His profile will be raised significantly. He could become a household name in California, and potentially a very popular political figure in the blue state, she said. Bonta already seems to be capitalizing on that dynamic with a media blitz last week during which he talked about how he has prepared to confront a Trump administration. He said that he will defend abortion rights and that he has a plan to ensure clinics can continue to send abortion pills within the state. He also told the Chronicle he expects Trump to target California over its policies on immigration, LGBT rights and the environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If he oversteps his jurisdiction and moves beyond what he is rightfully able to do in the executive branch, if he violates the Constitution he did all these things in his first administration well hold him accountable, will take him to court, and well win, Bonta said. Hes not the only potential gubernatorial candidate who could campaign on fighting Trump. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra served in the same role the first time Trump was in office after then-Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him attorney general. Becerra is considering running for governor, Politico reported. Becerras fights with Trump may have faded from the publics memory, but he could certainly remind voters of his lawsuits during the first administration, Levinson said. Becerra sued the Trump administration more than 100 times during his tenure and successfully defended the states clean air rules, health care policies and legal protections for undocumented people. If Bonta and Becerra formally jump into the race, they will join an already crowded field of Democratic candidates. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has raised significant money for her run, reporting about $4.5 million in cash on hand for the most recent reporting deadline in June. Former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins reported nearly $3.8 million in cash on hand in her 2026 governor campaign account. Thurmond and former Controller Betty Yee, meanwhile, each reported roughly half a million dollars in cash on hand. Bonta reported about $5.9 million in cash on hand in an attorney general reelection account as of September. Being seen as a Trump opponent will almost certainly be an asset in Californias primaries in 2026, Acosta said, where much of the electorate will likely be made up of loyal Democratic voters. Whether that extends to the general election that year remains to be seen, he said, especially after Democrats suffered a historic defeat last week, and the states voters show signs of a rightward shift. Advertisement Article continues below this ad UC Berkeley political science professor Gabriel Lenz said he thinks its too soon to say what voters attitudes will be in 2026. A big tech lobbying group is suing California over a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that would cut into when and how social media companies can interact with young people. Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/TNS An industry group representing large technology companies is suing the state of California after the Legislature passed a law this session aiming to cut into social media addiction among young people, the latest salvo in a legal battle in California and nationwide centered on kids online safety and privacy. Authored by Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the Protecting Our Kids From Social Media Addiction Act, SB976, targets unnamed addictive internet-based service or application, including websites and apps that offer addictive feeds as a core part of their service. Under the California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, companies operating those services cannot send out notifications at night, or during school hours from September through May, when school is in session, without parental consent if the company knows the user is under 18. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Not only does SB976 restrict access to information conditioned on the willingness to hand over sensitive information, but it requires companies to continually track minors and send reports to the government annually, said Paul Taske, associate director of litigation for NetChoice, the group filing the suit, in a statement. Skinner disagreed with that characterization. Theres nothing in the bill that requires anybody to hand over any information, she told the Chronicle. Instead, the onus is on the social media company to change the settings on the accounts of young people whose ages she said they already reasonably know. If parents want to change those settings they can, she said. California has taken the offensive in court over the issue more recently. Last month Attorney General Rob Bonta and 32 other states filed a lawsuit accusing Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, of unlawfully enticing and addicting millions of young people to its online platforms, and lying to the public about it. Last week Bonta told the Chronicle he will sponsor a bill next session that would affix cigarette-like warning labels to social media sites and apps in California. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SB976 does not regulate speech, Bontas office said in an emailed statement. The same companies that have committed tremendous resources to design, deploy, and market social media platforms custom-made to keep our kids eyes glued to the screen are now attempting to halt Californias efforts to make social media safer for children, the statement added, saying the attorney generals office would respond in court. NetChoices members include Google, Amazon, Meta, and a host of other notable tech companies. The group has brought similar lawsuits in Utah and elsewhere over laws addressing how young people use social media. Other tech lobbying groups TechNet and the Chamber of Progress opposed Skinners bill, along with the California Chamber of Commerce. They urged Newsom to veto the legislation, saying many young people already used safety tools online and that the law could backfire and subject kids to more negative content than before. The law also bans providing an addictive feed to a known minor without parental authorization and requires social media companies to reasonably determine that a user is not a minor before giving them access to an addictive feed by Jan. 1, 2027. The NetChoice lawsuit argues that companies would be forced to collect information about users, like their age, and to prevent adults and young people from viewing legally available content if they do not. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SB976 would fundamentally limit the expressive activity of NetChoice members, by restricting how and when they can disseminate personalized feeds, the groups attorney said in the lawsuit. Furthermore, it would limit the expressive activity of users by placing multiple restrictions on minors and adults ability to access covered websites and, in some cases, blocking access altogether. Skinner flatly denied that the law put limits on speech. Social media has it in their power to protect our kids. They chose not to, she said. This is a perfect example where theyre going to file a lawsuit rather than doing the right thing. Its not the first time the issue of age verification has come up. Newsom signed the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act in 2022, which requires social media companies to determine the age of young users and automatically trigger strict privacy settings when underage users visit a site. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LVMH-owned luxury hospitality company Belmond will launch a luxury sleeper train next year that will take travelers through the countryside of England and Wales. The Britannic Explorer will run three itineraries: one to the southwestern county of Cornwall and the other to the opposite end of England through the Lake District of Cumbria in the north, while the third will journey though the country of Wales. All trips will start from London and run for three nights, with the England routes operating during the weekends (Fridays to Mondays) and the Wales route during the week (Monday to Thursday), allowing travelers to combine two journeys into one trip. Belmond operates several luxury hotels around the globe, including the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Asia's Eastern & Oriental Express. Amazon has rolled out a new storefront featuring apparel, home goods, electronics and other items priced below $20, to fend off growing competition from discount upstarts Temu and Shein. Called "Amazon Haul," the storefront is accessible through the company's mobile app, and promises "crazy low prices" on a plethora of goods. Shoppers can buy $1 eyelash curlers and oven gloves, or a $3 nail dryer. The company is offering free shipping on orders over $25, or a $3.99 shipping fee on orders below that threshold. An Amazon spokesperson pointed to a company blog post announcing the storefront. The company noted that it screens the products offered through Haul to make sure they're safe, authentic and comply with regulatory requirements. "Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices," said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon's vice president of worldwide selling partner services, in a statement. "It's early days for this experience, and we'll continue to listen to customers as we refine and expand it in the weeks and months to come." CNBC previously reported that Amazon planned to launch its own discount webstore with goods shipped directly from China. Amazon is betting shoppers will wait longer for products in exchange for rock-bottom prices. The company noted that most purchases made in Amazon Haul will be delivered in under two weeks, "although shipping times may vary and are dependent on a customer's delivery location." That's a shift for Amazon, which has partly cemented its dominance in e-commerce by offering faster delivery speeds than its competitors. The company upended the online shopping world when it first offered free two-day delivery, and it's been speeding up delivery times since then. Amazon now offers same- or next-day delivery, and in some parts of the U.S. it promises delivery within a few hours of an order being placed. With Amazon Haul, the company is responding to the rise of Temu, Shein and TikTok Shop, which all have ties to China, the world's second-largest economy. The platforms have rapidly gained popularity in the U.S. over the past few years by hooking deal-hungry shoppers with their low prices on clothing, makeup, home goods and other items. Amazon is able to offer low prices through its Haul storefront by importing each item directly from manufacturers in China, similar to how Temu's and Shein's business models operate. To manage costs, the company says it won't accept returns on items that are $3 or less. President-elect Donald Trump's second term could mean more gains for Block , according to Bernstein. "The crypto piece is obvious bitcoin is ~3% of gross profits and SQ has been strategically focused on bitcoin mining hardware and self-custody wallet," analyst Harshita Rawat told clients. "But SQ has also come under regulators' scrutiny (FinCen, CFPB) recently around its Cash App and Afterpay businesses. Lower regulatory scrutiny may also mean that SQ can lean into more Cash App products (e.g., on lending, commerce)." SQ YTD mountain SQ, year-to-date Rawat also sees potential for Block's inclusion in the S & P 500 and an acceleration of Square gross payment volume which is the total dollar amount of card payments processed by sellers using the Square platform heading into next year. The president-elect has taken a pro-crypto stance during his time on the campaign trail , pledging to ensure that the federal government does not sell off its bitcoin holdings. Trump has also vowed to unseat U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who has been more aggressive in regard to regulation. Wall Street is already largely bullish on the name, with 36 of the 48 analysts covering it having a strong buy or buy rating. Its average price target of $88.18 reflects around 1% upside from Tuesday's close. This comes as the stock has surged nearly 13% in 2024 and more than 25% over the past month. A more favorable regulatory environment could also spell gains for Visa , which has rallied around 19% this year, according to Bernstein. Back in September, the Department of Justice sued the world's biggest payments network , accusing it of having an illegal monopoly over debit payments. "The DOJ lawsuit likely shaved some turns off of Visa's multiple," the analyst said. "While it is unlikely that the DOJ pulls the case, it's possible that President-elect Trump names a more pro-business Head, who might be more amenable to a weaker settlement with Visa." With that in mind, Rawat likes Visa over Mastercard in the near term. She also said Capital One's planned acquisition of Discover Financial Services the likelihood of which has increased since the election's outcome could also dampen Mastercard shares in the long term. That stock has seen the biggest year-to-date gains of the three, rising around 24%. Dr. Shirin Towfigh thought she had designed a medical device that would revolutionize hernia care for women. Now, Towfigh is suing Medtronic, a global leader in medical devices, accusing the company of stealing her patented design. A Beverly Hills surgeon with over 22 years of experience, Towfigh says she discovered that a significant number of her hernia patients experiencing post-surgery complications were women and that most mesh designs on the market were primarily tailored to the male anatomy. In 2016, she filed for an international patent to protect a new design aimed at improving outcomes for patients. In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware on Tuesday, the latest in a series of patent challenges against Medtronic, Towfigh accuses the medical device company of stealing her design after the parties met in 2015 and signed a mutual non-disclosure agreement. In 2016, Towfigh says she visited Medtronic's manufacturing site in France to discuss a potential collaboration and her patent-pending product. In May 2017, Medtronic filed its own hernia mesh patent for a product that Towfigh says closely resembles her design. "I expected a publicly traded company to have a more ethical approach about it, and that's not what I experienced," Towfigh said in an interview with CNBC. Denmark on Wednesday laid out a framework that can help EU member states use generative artificial intelligence in compliance with the European Union's strict new AI Act and Microsoft 's already on board. A government-backed alliance of major Danish corporates, led by IT consultancy Netcompany, launched the "Responsible Use of AI Assistants in the Public and Private Sector" white paper, a blueprint that sets out "best-practice examples" for how firms should use and support employees in deploying AI systems in a regulated environment. The guide also aims to encourage delivery of "secure and reliable services" by businesses to consumers. Denmark's Agency for Digital Government, the country's central business registry CVR and pensions authority ATP are among the founding partners adopting the framework. This includes guidelines governing how the public and private sector collaborate, deploying AI in society, complying with both the AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), mitigating risks and reducing bias, scaling AI implementation, storing data securely, and training up staff. Netcompany CEO Andre Rogaczewski said the provisions laid out in the white paper were primarily aimed at companies in heavily regulated industries, such as in financial services. He told CNBC he's aiming to address one core question: "How can we scale the responsible usage of AI?" Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks as Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. president Donald Trump reacts during a rally at the site of the July assassination attempt against Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 5, 2024. Tech billionaire Elon Musk was handed a major win Tuesday evening when President-elect Donald Trump announced that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO would co-lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" with Vivek Ramaswamy. The announcement reinforces the closeness that Musk appears to have has managed to achieve with Trump, even after the election. But for some people in Trump's orbit, Musk's presence has felt overbearing. Musk has been so aggressive in pushing his views about Trump's second term that he's stepping on the toes of Trump's transition team and may be overstaying his welcome at Mar-a-Lago, according to two people familiar with the transition who have spent time at the Palm Beach, Florida, resort over the past week. The sources said that Musk's near-constant presence at Mar-a-Lago in the week since Election Day had begun to wear on people who've been in Trump's inner circle longer than the tech billionaire and who see him as overstepping his role in the transition. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they're not authorized to speak publicly. "He's behaving as if he's a co-president and making sure everyone knows it," one of the people said of Musk. "And he's sure taking lots of credit for the president's victory. Bragging about America PAC and X to anyone who will listen. He's trying to make President Trump feel indebted to him. And the president is indebted to no one," this person added. Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. In a statement, Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, "Elon Musk and President Trump are great friends and brilliant leaders working together to Make America Great Again. Elon Musk is a once in a generation business leader and our federal bureaucracy will certainly benefit from his ideas and efficiency." Musk traveled to Mar-a-Lago to watch the election returns come in last Tuesday night, and he's been there much of the past week, the two sources said. They said Musk is there at all hours, sitting with Trump and joining calls and meetings. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been involved in sensitive conversations, even before his role in the administration was announced, including briefly joining a phone call last week between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. An adviser to Trump said that Elon Musk would join Trump in a meeting Wednesday with Republican lawmakers ahead of leadership elections. The second person said that Musk has an "opinion on and about everything," and that he shares them so forcefully that he's begun to pester Trump insiders. "He wants to be seen as having say in everything (even if he doesn't)," this source said. The individual said that some Trump advisers said they were concerned that Musk didn't understand one key to being effective in Trump's world: keeping a low profile. Musk's engagement has been overly aggressive and may hurt his standing in the long run, the source said. The second source also said that Musk appeared to be pushing his own agenda, instead of focusing on Trump's. They said that while Musk is clearly a smart and capable person, the transition is about ensuring those loyal to Trump will be the ones carrying out government policies. "Appointing people because they are loyal to Elon doesn't work," the source said. Musk has been among Trump's most energetic supporters. His super PAC spent more than $152 million to elect Trump and other Republican candidates, with much of the money coming from Musk himself. He held rallies for Trump in battleground state Pennsylvania, offered $1 million daily giveaways for registered voters and turned his social media app X into a megaphone for Trump. In posts on X in the past week, Musk has pushed various policy ideas including deporting immigrants and slashing government spending. "Very productive day of work by the transition team," Musk posted Monday night, in a response to Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, one of the two advisers leading the transition. Musk has also shared photos from Mar-a-Lago, including a photo with him and the extended Trump family. On Sunday, one of Trump's grandchildren, Kai Trump, posted a photo on X of herself with Musk, writing that Musk was "achieving uncle status." Musk's private jet landed in West Palm Beach, near Mar-a-Lago, last Tuesday and was there for about 24 hours, according to the @ElonJet account on Bluesky that uses publicly available flight data. The plane took off from West Palm Beach last Wednesday and headed to Austin, Texas, where Musk has a home, but then it landed again in West Palm Beach on Friday and has been there for the four days since, according to the account. It's not clear whether Musk was on the jet for every flight. The relationship between Musk and Trump has been rocky over the years, despite their recent alliance. Musk said in 2022 that Trump should "hang up his hat & sail into the sunset," prompting Trump to hit back at the time that Musk would be "worthless" without government subsidies. There's been intense speculation about the long-term viability of the relationship between Musk and Trump, given the ambitions and personalities of the two men, with many people on social media predicting an eventual falling-out between the two. But Musk has already gained since the election in one respect: Tesla's share price has risen more than 15% from last Wednesday's opening price, outpacing the 1.8% growth in the S&P 500 over the same time period. Philip Morris shares have more room to run as the Marlboro maker continues to shift its focus from cigarettes to smoke-free products, according to Goldman Sachs. Analyst Bonnie Herzog has a $150 price target on the stock, which implies shares can jump 21% from Tuesday's close. Herzog also reiterated her buy rating and called Philip Morris a top pick heading into 2025. "PM is transforming into a faster growing and more profitable business an earnings compounder with an attractive valuation," Herzog told clients in a note Wednesday. "Bottom line, we believe many investors are not sufficiently appreciating PM's improving/accelerating fundamentals and its compelling valuation." Herzog said she is "incrementally bullish" on Philip Morris achieving long-term, double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share. That comes as the company attempts to see two-thirds of its business tied to smoke-free products by 2030. The potential smoke-free market in the U.S. increases Philip Morris's total addressable market by some 60%, according to Goldman Sachs estimates. Herzog said the company can expand the business mainly due to two products. First, she said the Zyn oral nicotine pouch has a continued runway after showing major growth. Zyn has become the public face of the move away from cigarettes toward alternatives. Philip Morris announced earlier this year that it would invest $600 million to build a new Zyn production facility in Colorado. Easing supply constraints for the product in the U.S. would help boost the stock, Herzog said. PM YTD mountain PM, year to date Herzog also said Philip Morris shares will benefit from the domestic debut of heated tobacco product Iluma. In addition to the Iluma rollout, she pointed to the possibility that fourth-quarter earnings will top expectations and "the likelihood that initial FY25 guidance is robust" as additional catalysts for the stock in 2025. Philip Morris shares have jumped more than 33% in 2024. The stock hit all-time highs following what Herzog described as a strong third-quarter earnings report late last month. I believe all newspaper archives are haunted places. Not with freaky apparitions or toy clowns that come to life, but with a constant game of telephone (or telegraph) between long-dead journalists and their counterparts today. In the Chronicle archive, files and photos are lost, sometimes for a century or more, then appear so fortuitously that it seems as if a conversation is happening with photo editors or librarians who met their end decades ago. One such find happened several years ago, when librarian Bill Van Niekerken showed me a slim black book that had been passed down from librarian to librarian for decades. Inside were photos of the Chronicles 1924 newsroom, printing press and lobbies, kept as a physical record of the time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The find set off research, revealing a milestone: Exactly 100 years ago this week, on Nov. 13, 1924, the Chronicle opened to the public in a grand new building at 901 Mission St. that remains its current home. Knowing that date is important. It allows us to celebrate a birthday, and makes us the only major metropolitan newspaper in its current headquarters for more than a century. The photos, taken for a special section trumpeting the Chronicles new location, reveal an ancient-looking newspaper life in the 1920s, with fire poles to a sub-basement printing press, information transmitted by pneumatic tubes and a clock tower with a view of San Franciscos future. At first glance, there are few hints of the newsroom today. But with a closer look, similarities appear. The Chronicle still covers a rapidly changing city that needs good journalism as much as ever. A book of photos from the 1924 opening of the San Francisco Chronicle building at 901 Mission St. has been stored in the newsroom archive for 100 years. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle The Chronicle building at Fifth and Mission streets is full of history. In this building weve received notes from the Zodiac killer, covered the assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk and hosted Herb Caen for most of his 61-year newspaper career. This is where advice column Dear Abby and legendary comic The Far Side were born, and where Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima photographer Joe Rosenthal spent three decades capturing everything from Willie Mays arrival to a kindergarten class on their first day of school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the newsrooms history begins in 1865, six decades before that small leather-bound book was assembled, when Charles and Michael DeYoung founded the newspaper as a theater listings sheet the Daily Dramatic Chronicle on Kearny Street when the downtown San Francisco thoroughfare was still a dirt road. The newspapers early years were filled with stress and drama. The de Youngs started the newspaper with a borrowed $20 gold piece that had to be repaid within a week. In 1879, Charles shot San Franciscos soon-to-be mayor and fled to Mexico, then returned five months later and was killed in the newsroom in 1880 by the mayors son. Want a chance to tour of the Chronicles historic newsroom? Were starting newsroom and archive tours, exclusive to subscribers of the free Total SF newsletter. Sign up at sfchronicle.com/totalsfnewsletter and look for instructions in next Thursdays edition. Michael in 1890 built the original Chronicle Building at 690 Market St. Californias first skyscraper and the first steel-framed building west of Chicago which survived the 1906 earthquake and stands today. But that narrow 218-foot building, the tallest in San Francisco for eight years, wasnt made for a 1924 newsroom where the communication ran horizontally, with reporters, copy editors, artists, photographers and typesetters constantly handing things off to each other. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So, co-founding publisher Michael de Young, then in his 70s, set out to build a $1.75 million news factory, with a massive basement for the printing press and three stories each the size of a city block. Left: San Francisco Chronicle employees use a pole to drop into the basement printing press room in November 1924. Right-top: The Chronicle's 1924 printing press makes a test run in the basement of the paper's new 901 Mission St. offices. Right-bottom: Chronicle workers in 1924 move newspaper stacks on a conveyor belt. Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios Top: San Francisco Chronicle employees use a pole to drop into the basement printing press room in November 1924. Middle: The Chronicle's 1924 printing press makes a test run in the basement of the paper's new 901 Mission St. offices. Above: San Francisco Chronicle workers in 1924 move newspaper stacks on a conveyor belt. Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios The Chronicle framed the move as one of entrepreneurial foresight. In the special section released for the Nov. 13, 1924, opening, a Chronicle reporter declared Michael de Young a visionary: Mission Street is destined to be another Market Street. (It) will grow to equal glory and importance. Were still waiting for that to happen. But the new location was a model of practicality, accurately labeled as the first great building west of Chicago to be designed expressly for newspaper production on modern factory principles. Inside, printing workers slid down poles like firefighters as news production moved by gravity from the third floor to the sub-basement, where massive rolls of paper were printed with the days stories and a fleet of trucks picked up stacks to launch the newspaper into the world. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chronicle copy editors use a pneumatic tube system to ferry text between departments in the new San Francisco Chronicle building at 901 Mission St in November 1924. Gabriel Moulin/Moulin Studios The Chronicle at 901 Mission St. was a product of its era, with grand gothic accents on the outside, art deco flourishes on the inside and a retina-burning neon sign, seemingly inspired by the growing theater district on Market Street. The newsroom was a living breathing thing. The movie Alien was more than five decades in the future, but Swiss designer H.R. Giger would have loved the Chronicles biomechanical flourishes. Pneumatic tubes used to transport pods filled with news copy snaked through the rooms like a cardiovascular system. As the news copy worked its way down from the third floor typewriters to the below-ground printing press, the machines kept getting larger. The first floor typesetting machines were the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. The 140-foot-long press, nestled in a cavern with 50-foot ceilings, was described as a shining monster like a dragon in its cage. (I saw the dragon in action circa 1980 during an elementary school field trip to the Chronicle. When it was running you could feel the floor shake three levels above.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad Left: Michael de Young sits in his grand office inside the new San Francisco Chronicle building. Right: Reporters work at typewriters in the 1924 newsroom. Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios Top: Michael de Young in his grand office inside the new San Francisco Chronicle building in 1924. Above: November 1924: Reporters sit at typewriters in the 1924 newsroom. Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios In the modern newsroom, its hard to tell who works for whom, and who exactly is in charge. Many of us use shared desks that we reserve online; publisher Bill Nagel and editor-in-chief Emilio Garcia-Ruiz sit in windowless coves. But the Chronicle of 1924 was more structured and had visible castes; an ant hill of an office where production lines were clear. Reporters worked the streets during the day and banged away side-by-side on typewriters in the afternoon. The city editor, managing editor and editor in chief had private offices sized according to their rank with glass windows looking out to the newsroom like auto factory bosses. De Youngs office, meanwhile, was four times bigger than the rest, with ornate wood panels, stained glass, and molding and accents that made it look like a European aristocrats hunting lodge. A hint of this excess remains visible in the Chronicles third floor lobby, where the former offices facade now faces the elevators. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A view of San Francisco from the Chronicle clock tower in November 1924, days before the newsroom opened to the public in the building it still occupies today. Gabriel Moulin/Moulin Studios Other elements of the building are more intact. The clock tower was and is the centerpiece of the building; a timepiece that has become a timeless symbol of the structure. Photos taken from inside the tower in 1924 show a changing city, viewed through the metaphor of the clock face, and the sets of three vertical openings on each side of the tower. The citys next skyscraper boom is visible from the spot, including the grand art deco Pacific Bell Building at 140 Montgomery St., the citys tallest building from 1925 to 1964. The clock tower lost its gothic elements during a 1950s remodel, and its marquee-style neon sign was dismantled a decade after that. But today, the tower still views a growing city, looking out on two new eras of skyscrapers from the 1970s and 2010s that bumped 140 Montgomery (still visible from the Chronicle) to 42nd on the list. Left: The lobby at the San Francisco Chronicle building on Nov. 5, 2024. Right: Gothic arches were built in the lobby of the new San Francisco Chronicle building at 901 Mission St. in 1924. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle; Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios Top: The lobby at the San Francisco Chronicle building on Nov. 5, 2024. Above: Gothic arches were built in the lobby of the new San Francisco Chronicle building at 901 Mission St. in 1924. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle; Gabriel Moulin, Moulin Studios There are other remnants from the old Chronicle in the new one. While the original Chronicle had a three-chair barber shop, manicurist, tobacco shop and travel agency, our coffee shop continues run by the same couple since the 1990s. The archive has typewriters and computers from every decade of production at 901 Mission St., including one typewriter seen in those 1924 photos that weighs almost 50 pounds. That main printing press shut down in the late 1980s, and the Chronicle is printed in Fremont now, by way of page designers in Houston. But ink still stains the walls in the sub-basement, where a painted sign warns HEARING PROTECTION MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES in red letters. And the building is vast enough that we still find treasures. A few years ago, we discovered two red rotary phones, one labeled MAYOR. Presumably these were editor hotlines to City Hall and the M&M Tavern, our old newspaper bar on the corner of Fifth and Howard. The original gothic adornments have been stripped from the San Francisco Chronicles clock tower, but it remains a local landmark in 2024. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The Chronicle has been reconfigured scores of times since I arrived in 1999, to the point where even the lifers can get lost. Our biggest remodel took place from 2019 to 2021, when the third floor newsroom was transformed from the eccentric mess seen in the movies Zodiac and Contagion into something brighter, whiter and much more well lit. Tinting was removed from the large arched windows making Mission Street look even more chaotic and alive. (I assumed that cloudy film was decades of nicotine.) Restoring the newsroom also meant exposing the past. The remodel revealed the original ceiling and polished marble flooring in our third floor lobby and cafeteria on view for the first time in at least a half century. A 1924 floor-to-ceiling safe still exists in the basement from the Herring-Hall Marvin Safe Co., presumably too big to ever move. And theres still the same thirst for innovation. In the 1920s, that grand opening special section heralded a state-of-the-art press and conveyor belts that dropped newspapers into trucks. Since my arrival 25 years ago, the Chronicle has produced blogs, podcasts and Emmy-winning videos, and added development and data teams to track fires and call elections. But the foundation of the Chronicle remains, both figuratively and literally. And with your help, we might get another 100 years in this historic space. Ill give the final words to my uncredited 1924 counterpart, who wrote the Nov. 13, 1924, lead story, and is a much better poet than Ill ever be. Here's the average percentage of restaurant workers' incomes from tips in every U.S. state as of September 2024, according to Square: Employers must make up the difference if your tips don't bring your hourly wage up to at least the minimum, but nationally, tips make up an average of about 23% of restaurant workers' total income, according to newly released Square data . That's because the minimum wage for workers who are expected to earn tips is significantly lower than the regular minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.15 an hour, while the minimum tipped workers can be paid hourly is $2.13. It's well known that restaurant workers like waitstaff and bartenders often rely on tips to make a living. It's important to note that minimum wage varies by state, and five states Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee have no minimum. Georgia and Wyoming both have minimum wages lower than the federal minimum, so the federal minimum applies to workers in these states. It makes sense, then, that the state where tips make up the highest share of restaurant workers' incomes is Wyoming, with an average of 33%, according to Square. Restaurant workers in Wyoming earn an average of $11.09 per hour, plus $5.34 in tips, according to Square data. And as of 2024, customers tip an average of 16%, which is slightly lower than last year's average. Workers earn a few more dollars per hour on average in South Dakota, Alaska and Kansas, but those are the only other states where tips make up at least 30% of their incomes. Tipping has become somewhat of a controversial topic in recent years, with 35% of Americans saying tipping culture has gotten out of hand, according to a recent Bankrate survey. Consumers feel like they're faced with the question of whether to tip more frequently, and often on electronic screens with pre-determined amounts, Bankrate found. While many Americans are used to tipping on their bill at sit-down restaurants, there seems to be less of a consensus on tipping for services like food delivery, hotel housekeeping and rideshares. Still, it can be incredibly difficult for individuals like restaurant workers to get by on minimum wage. In Wyoming, for example, a single person with no children would need to earn about $21 an hour to be able to afford basic necessities like housing, food and transportation, according to MIT's living wage calculator. The minimum wage in Wyoming is even lower than the federal rate at $5.15 an hour, but workers there are required to earn at least the federal wage of $7.25. Want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC's new online course How to Negotiate a Higher Salary. Expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to get a bigger paycheck, including how to prepare and build your confidence, what to do and say, and how to craft a counteroffer. Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 50% off through November 26, 2024. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. Remote-controlled cranes towering 165 feet overhead containers from vessels' holds at the Long Beach Container Terminal in Middle Harbor at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California, U.S. Automation continues to be the sticking point in the negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association to prevent the potential for a new strike that could shut down port operations from New England to Texas starting in mid-January. Recent negotiations, the first since the end of the three-day ILA strike that shuttered ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coasts in early October, have bogged down over use of automation at ports, according to the USMX. The group, which represents port owners in the talks with the union, released a statement on Wednesday saying while some progress had been made, there was no headway in the area of automation over the last two days of negotiations and no new date has been set to resume talks. "While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation's future supply chain demands." Since the October strike ended after a tentative settlement on wage hikes, the parties agreed to work towards a lasting agreement by a January 15 deadline, or face the prospect of another ILA strike. The use of cranes with semi-automated capabilities is the stumbling block, according to sources close to the negotiations who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive talks. Semi-automatic cranes use real-time data and positioning systems to move and identify priority containers for pickup. These cranes are operated by union workers, using a remote control in an indoor operator's station. The union workers are not physically on the crane. The ILA declined to comment beyond saying in a statement that it is communicating directly with union members regarding the negotiations. It should come as no surprise that automation is a major roadblock. ILA President Harold Daggett has never wavered in his stance on automation. After the agreement on wages was made, Daggett said, "The ILA negotiated restrictions on automation and semi-automation in the last contract. The ILA just wants to tighten the language that no automation means no automation." In another comment, he vowed, "We want absolute airtight language that there will be no automation or semi-automation, and we are demanding all Container Royalty monies go to the ILA." He also called semi-automation a "back-avenue into automation." Dennis Daggett, executive vice president of the ILA and Harold Daggett's son, called automation a "cancer" in a video message to union members shared during a September meeting ahead of the strike. "We do not believe that robotics should take over a human being's job especially a human being that's historically performed that job, so we're going to continue to fight that from from now to the rest of our existence. It doesn't matter if they pay us $100 an hour, we will not have jobs in the future," he told union members. In Wednesday's statement, the USMX said it is not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs. "What we need is continued modernization that is essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike. We look forward to resuming negotiations with the ILA." Stephen Lamar, CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, said in a statement to CNBC, "We are disappointed that the International Longshoremen's Association has walked away from negotiations for the East and Gulf Coast port contract, again. When negotiations broke down earlier this year, the ILA initiated a three-day strike in October that caused significant delays and backlogs that lasted weeks and negatively impacted American jobs and transportation networks globally." "It is imperative the ILA return to the negotiating table immediately so that the parties can jointly resolve outstanding issues regarding modernization so that a long term, sustainable, and fair agreement can be finalized this year," Lamar added. Research on the impact of automation on union jobs is mixed. A study conducted by Dr. Michael Nacht, Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, and Larry Henry, Founder of ContainerTrac, concluded that higher output of automation at the two semi-automated terminals at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, California, actually increased jobs for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The report was commissioned by the Pacific Maritime Association, which manages West Coast ports and reached a deal on a new contract with the ILWU in 2023, averting a strike. But a study commissioned by the ILWU found that automation eliminated job hours and wages. Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the US Department of Justice building in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2023. WASHINGTON Special counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, a source familiar with the matter said. Smith's office has been evaluating the best path for winding down its work on the two outstanding federal criminal cases against Trump, as the Justice Department's longstanding position is that it cannot charge a sitting president with a crime. The New York Times first reported Smith will step down. The looming question in the weeks ahead is whether Smith's final report, detailing his charging decisions, will be made public before Inauguration Day. The special counsel's office is required under Justice Department regulations to provide a confidential report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who can choose to make it public. Follow live updates about the 2024 election aftermath In late October, Trump said in a radio interview that he would immediately fire Smith as special counsel if re-elected. "It's so easy I would fire him within two seconds," Trump said, adding that he got "immunity at the Supreme Court." The next attorney general could decide not to release Smith's final report as well. Before Trump's re-election last week, Smith and his team had continued moving forward in their election interference case against Trump. After Trump's victory, however, a federal judge overseeing the case agreed to give the special counsel's office until Dec. 2 to decide how to proceed. The Justice Department indicted Trump last year for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. But Smith's case was hampered early on by appeals from Trump's legal team and then in July of this year by the Supreme Court's ruling that he has immunity for some acts he took as president. In August, Smith's team re-tooled the indictment stripping it of certain evidence the high court said was off limits and a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment in the case. The Justice Department had also charged Trump in Florida with allegedly hoarding classified documents after he left office and then refusing to give them back. But a federal judge dismissed the case in July, saying Smith's appointment was illegal. That case remains on appeal. When the former president was first indicted, Smith said he would move quickly to trial, but Trump's legal team successfully sought to delay in both cases while then-candidate Trump routinely lambasted Smith at his rallies and online. The election-interference case in Washington was narrowly focused on Trump, but an open question remains as to whether any unnamed co-conspirators referenced in the indictments face future legal jeopardy. There's no Justice Department norm for alleged criminal conspirators to avoid being prosecuted because they are connected to an incoming president, or because that future president is likely to pardon them. Jeffrey Tiong, founder and CEO of PatSnap. Courtesy of Jeffrey Tiong. Many entrepreneurs will say that building a successful startup is costly both financially and emotionally. Just ask Jeffrey Tiong. The 40-year-old is the founder and CEO of intellectual property and research and development startup Patsnap, a Singapore-based unicorn company that has surpassed an annual recurring revenue of $100 million, Tiong said in a statement in June. Tiong's journey in building Patsnap has been far from easy. He started the company straight out of college at age 24, and has been working on it ever since, for the past 17 years. "Up until now, Patsnap is my first and only job," he told CNBC Make It. "Let me put it this way: For the last 17 years, building the business, there have been many dark times [and] low times. I will not want to go through it again, but I'm grateful for this experience." "I have really [learned that] what cannot kill you will make you stronger," said Tiong. Light bulb moment Tiong was born and raised in a relaxed coastal city in East Malaysia called Kota Kinabalu. Growing up in a typical Southeast Asian household, he thought he would become a doctor, engineer, lawyer or accountant. At 18, he moved to Singapore, where he attended the National University of Singapore and studied bioengineering. During his studies, Tiong was accepted into an overseas program by his university, which granted him the opportunity to study abroad in the U.S. while working full time for a year. Jeffrey Tiong with friends during his overseas program. Courtesy of Jeffrey Tiong. As part of the program, Tiong moved to Philadelphia in 2005 to study business at The Wharton School while working at a local medical devices startup. During his time at the startup, he helped handle research and development, as well as intellectual property due diligence. That meant digging through free public databases for information in old patents, which contained the "secret sauce" on how inventors created their inventions, he said. After months of patent research, Tiong realized that the process was highly time-consuming and "messy," which made the research more difficult than it had to be, he said. He wanted a better tool, so he thought: Why not try to make it myself? In one of his business classes, which involved learning how to write up business plans, he decided to check if there was a market for a new kind of patent database that would be more streamlined and easy to use. As it turned out, there was. "I was really thinking to myself, these patents are so useful. If I ... learn how to read, decode, extract the key information [and] make this patent information available to as many people as possible, I think that will be really useful," he said. So, he took the idea and ran with it. Self-doubt as an entrepreneur In 2007, Tiong returned to Singapore and started Patsnap with the help of a government grant worth 55,000 Singapore dollars (about $42,000), as well as some incubation support from the National University of Singapore. However, he encountered many challenges when starting the business. "I remember I pitched to many people, and imagine... someone like myself, a fresh grad, no track record it was just impossible to raise," said Tiong. It didn't help that he was introverted, and was trying to find investors during the height of the 2008 financial crisis, he added. It wasn't until 2010 that Tiong raised his first $1 million for Patsnap. That year, he grew his team from 15 people to about 50 people. But because of his inexperience with hiring and leading a team, Tiong had to layoff two-thirds of the company within half a year. The founding team of Patsnap. Courtesy of Jeffrey Tiong. "Back then, I didn't know how to properly interview and hire a person... so a lot of issues happened, and the product broke down," he said. Within about six months, Tiong spent about half of the funding he had raised half a million dollars and thought about closing down the business. "I definitely had a lot of self-doubt," he said, "I [was] thinking: Should I just return the money to our investors and call it a day?" But he was motivated to see things through and continued to raise funds. For about a month, Tiong and his investor traveled between major cities in Europe, Asia and the U.S. to try to gain investor support, but to no avail. "We couldn't get any interest, so I remember, we were in a meeting room and he just banged on the table and criticized me and said: 'Hey, [you're] not fit to be CEO,'" Tiong said. "So that was one big setback, because I respected him a lot, and it's true, I didn't have enough conviction or confidence back then." "That was a personal low point," said Tiong. Big lessons learned Investment firm GQG Partners has a fund that's trouncing the broader stock market. The Florida-based firm's GQG Partners U.S. Select Quality Equity Fund (GQEPX) is up 33% in 2024, outpacing the S & P 500's 27% year-to-date total return. The fund, which is rated five stars by Morningstar, is also a long-term outperformer. GQEPX has returned more than 130% to investors over the past five years, while the broad market index has seen a total return of roughly 107% in that time, according to FactSet. It has also outperformed 99% of funds in its category over the past five years, per Morningstar. GQEPX is a 30-name portfolio, with the top 10 comprising between 35% and 50% of assets at any time. This matches the rest of the firm's fund strategies, GQG portfolio manager Brian Kersmanc told CNBC. The fund's top holdings are more heavily weighted toward tech, health care, consumer and utilities. Some of the names include Nvidia , Eli Lilly and Coca-Cola . The fund has more than $3 billion in assets and charges 0.67% in fees. Its minimum investment is $2,500. The firm manages $161.6 billion across all funds. Here's a breakdown of the firm's investment approach and how its top holdings encompass it. Aim for consistent growth "Our ultimate goal is to compound capital over the course of time. It's much more of an absolute focus than it is a relative focus," said Kersmanc, who manages the fund alongside GQG founder Rajiv Jain and two other portfolio managers at the firm. "We want a fund that's high single-digit, low double-digit compounding over the course of time, and we want to do that with less volatility, less risk," he said. "If we achieve that, and miss those more severe downturns and compound at a reasonable base in more normal periods or the rest of the time you end up outperforming the market by 200 to 300 basis points annualized over the course of the set market cycle," Kersmanc said, speaking about the firm's broader investing view. "If you're doing that, you're getting a smoother ride along the way." One percentage point equals 100 basis points. Behind this view lie three pillars that support GQG's overall investing strategy: A stock's long-term growth horizon, its "forward quality" and its capital preservation. GQG has at least a five-year view on the stocks in their portfolios while constantly optimizing its exposure to changing trends. For example, Kersmanc said GQEPX had a minimal weighting in technology stocks in 2022 and 25% weighting in energy, while tech has now gone up to comprising about 45% of the fund. The firm owned a double-digit percentage of Nvidia in GQEPX and has since shaved the stock down to a single-digit percentage in the fund, though it's still one the largest holdings in GQEPX. The firm began cutting its tech holdings in April due to a less compelling risk-reward in those names, given the run-up in pricing of stocks such as Nvidia, Kersmanc said. As GQG trimmed its tech holdings, it bought more staples and utilities. One of those names is Philip Morris, which comprises 4.32% of the fund as of June 30. Kersmanc said the tobacco company has proved high single-digit, low double-digit earnings compounding. He also noted that its next-generation products are seeing good momentum and profitability compared with its legacy products. The stock which is up nearly 33% year to date has reclaimed its reputation as a growth company due to the recent success of Zyn oral nicotine pouches. "There's software companies out there that are growing at that similar clip from a top line perspective ... but I would argue that Philip Morris is a little bit more stable in terms of the way that they earn over the course of time," Kersmanc said. "Very good growth, very good return, and you're paying a really reasonable multiple for it. So we just thought the risk-reward was better on that, and maybe a little bit more underappreciated with a name like that versus some of these other areas in the portfolio." Coca-Cola 's another top holding of the fund that demonstrates strong pricing with its product, distribution machine and volumes, especially when compared with other staples companies, he added. The beverage maker's shares have gained 7% this year. The sizeable portion of staples and health-care names in GQEPX revives the notion that "boring is the new exciting," Kersmanc said. "We do move pretty swiftly and aggressively at times, or reposition the portfolio. We do adapt and change to what we believe that five-year view is," Kersmanc said. "Because of how efficient trading is done, we believe that there's almost infinite ability to substitute back and forth. ... Even if we don't necessarily have a name in the portfolio we could take that name out it doesn't mean that we no longer have a strong five-year view on it. We just might be optimizing and substituting other players into the team, so to speak." The firm's second and third pillars quality and capital preservation refer to how well a company can hold up during periods of a downturn. GQG gauges these through different traits, including strong return on equity over cost of capital, balance sheet strength, an economic moat, modest leverage and whether a company has a margin structure that can sustain forward earnings growth, he said. "We focus on this concept of forward quality," Kersmanc explained. "We have a belief that quality ebbs and flows over the course of time, and may exhibit itself in some places, and may fade away in others. It's not a static measure." An example of this was seen two years ago, when the fund bought Exxon Mobil. Kersmanc called it a "very high quality asset" under the thesis that energy businesses had a solid long-term structural outlook with strong free cash flow levels and shareholder returns. Exxon pulls "oil out of the ground cheaper than anybody else around the world. ... Even if oil prices go down, refining stuff does better. So they're considered that sort of a blue chip, almost widow-and-orphan stock within the portfolio," Kersmanc said. Exxon shares had a rocky 2023, losing more than 6%, but are 20% higher this year. The stock had jumped 80% in 2022. The fund has since sold its Exxon holdings. "Allow the fact that you can change your mind to actually give you greater conviction and a call on a longer-term basis," Kersmanc said. Shares of satellite startup AST SpaceMobile have made a strong comeback, regaining their losses following President-elect Donald Trump's recent victory. The Texas-headquartered company is considered a challenger to Elon Musk's SpaceX, which makes Starlink satellites. AST SpaceMobile says it is building "the first and only space-based cellular broadband network." It launched five satellites in collaboration with telecom giant AT & T earlier this year, and 17 more are scheduled for early next year. These will add to the 150 target for this decade as it looks to achieve full global connectivity. However, the start-up's stock tanked by about 10% in the two days after the U.S. elections as investors feared the company might be disadvantaged due to Musk's close relationship with the new U.S. administration. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has voiced strong support for Trump and participated in Republican campaign events over the past several months. ASTS 1Y line Scotiabank analysts suggest that Musk's political alignment could benefit SpaceX's efforts to obtain a crucial regulatory waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate its direct-to-cell (DTC) satellites, allowing it to compete with ASTS more directly. DTC satellites enable text messaging, calling, and internet connectivity anywhere in the world from mobile handsets. "Without the waiver, Starlink's DTC satellites can't function at full power," Scotiabank analysts Andres Coello and Leonardo Curtidor said in a note to clients on Nov. 6. The investment bank's analysts believe this benefits AST SpaceMobile, which has "superior technology" that allows it to comply with existing FCC regulations. The investment bank has a $45.90 price target for the stock, which points to a 90% upside potential. 'A David vs. Goliath fight' Deutsche Bank analysts are also bullish on AST SpaceMobile, increasing their price target to $63 in September. This currently points to a 154% upside. However, analysts say that for AST SpaceMobile to succeed, it will have to move quickly to gain market share, as Musk's SpaceX is likely only a few months behind in launching a competing service. "ASTS may still have precious months ahead to build continuous coverage in the U.S. before SpaceX is granted the waiver," said Scotiabank's Coello and Curtidor. "This is a David vs. Goliath fight; we believe ASTS's superior technology will prevail." The consensus price target of four analysts polled by FactSet points to a 65% upside for ASTS. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Nearly three decades ago, Tomas Gorny came to the U.S. as a Polish immigrant living on $3 a day, after rent and transportation costs. He worked up to 100 hours per week at three different jobs to make ends meet, he says. Today, the 49-year-old Gorny is the founder of multiple tech businesses, including a cloud-based business communications company called Nextiva that was most recently valued at $2.7 billion. Gorny, the company's CEO, has a net worth exceeding $1 billion, according to a Nextiva spokesperson. Gorny attended college in Germany while dreaming of moving to the U.S. to start a tech business. When a friend invited him to Los Angeles to help build a website-hosting startup in 1996, he took the chance, dropping out a few months before graduating and bringing his life savings of around $15,000, he says. The money disappeared "super quickly" spent on housing, legal fees for a work visa and a "piece of crap" car that broke down within months, Gorny tells CNBC Make It. DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to negotiating a higher salary His startup, called Internet Communications, wasn't bringing in any money yet, so Gorny spent nights and weekends working as a parking valet and commercial carpet cleaner. After rent and transportation costs, he had only a few dollars per day for food and other necessities, he says. "I was living off McDonald's," says Gorny. "Once a week, I remember, my friend and I, we went to Sizzler [and] got all-you-can-eat for $7.99 ... I always over-ate, because it was this one time a week I got to really enjoy [my meal]." Two years later, his $3 per day turned into a net worth above $1 million, he says. Three years after that, he lost nearly all of it before making his money back again, ultimately becoming a billionaire in the process. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, (C) greets attendees during a campaign stop to address Pennsylvanians who are concerned about the threat of Communist China to U.S. agriculture at the Smith Family Farm September 23, 2024 in Smithton, Pennsylvania. After Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency last week, tech CEOs including Apple 's Tim Cook, Meta 's Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon 's Jeff Bezos publicly praised the president-elect. One name was conspicuously missing: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. His absence was notable considering that of all the top tech companies, TikTok faces the most immediate and existential threat from the U.S. government. In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that requires China's ByteDance to sell TikTok by Jan. 19. If ByteDance fails to comply, internet hosting companies and app store owners such as Apple and Google will be prohibited from supporting TikTok, effectively banning it in the U.S. Trump's return to the White House, though, may provide a lifeline for Chew and TikTok. Although both Republicans and Democrats supported the Biden TikTok ban in April, Trump voiced opposition to the ban during his candidacy. Trump acknowledged the national security and data privacy concerns with TikTok in a March interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box," but he also said "there's a lot of good and there's a lot of bad" with the app. Trump also leveraged TikTok's shaky future in the U.S. as a reason for people to vote against Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris. "We're not doing anything with TikTok, but the other side is going to close it up, so if you like TikTok, go out and vote for Trump," the president-elect said in a September post on his Truth Social service. Since his election, Trump hasn't publicly discussed his plans for TikTok, but Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told CNBC that the president-elect "will deliver." "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," Leavitt said in a statement. Trump's rhetoric on TikTok began to turn after the president-elect met in February with billionaire Jeff Yass, a Republican megadonor and a major investor in the Chinese-owned social media app. Yass's trading firm Susquehanna International Group owns a 15% stake in ByteDance while Yass maintains a 7% stake in the company, equating to about $21 billion, NBC and CNBC reported in March. That month it was also reported that Yass was a part owner of the business that merged with the parent company of Trump's Truth Social. Daniel Haarburger always asks job candidates a simple, common interview question: What does your day-to-day life look like? One candidate gave him a textbook example of the "worst response that I've ever heard," Haarburger, the CEO of Denver-based dog toy company Woof, tells CNBC Make It. The answer, he recounts: "Life's a hot-mess express right now. It's pretty wild." "I was like, well, that's not how you want to start an interview," says Haarburger, who's hired for more than 50 different roles since launching his company in 2019. "So that [interview] didn't go too well. That was someone blatantly saying, 'I don't know what the hell I'm doing.'" You do need to be honest during job interviews, Haarburger notes. Lying about who you are and what you're capable of, including on your resume, isn't just unethical if discovered, you'd likely be immediately disqualified from the position. Plus, bosses often want to hear about your weaknesses, hiring expert and staffing agency LaSalle Network CEO Tom Gimbel told Make It in January. DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to acing your interview and landing your dream job So if your life is indeed a hot-mess express maybe you're deeply frustrated by your current job, or overwhelmed by something outside of work take a moment to think about how you're making progress handling the situation. Then, make that the focus of your response: "My day-to-day life is pretty busy, because I have [X] responsibilities. I'm managing them with scheduling strategies like [Y]." That kind of answer helps you be honest about something you can improve on, while actively showcasing your ability to work on your shortcomings, Gimbel said: "We all have weaknesses, and we need to admit what we're not good at. Be honest about what you stink at." Haarburger offers another piece of advice: No matter what you say, keep your demeanor and body language consistent throughout your interview. This shows confidence and clear communication skills, which leaves a lasting impression, he says. "[I like] when someone feels calm, direct and clear, versus when someone starts rambling and getting distracted and jumping across points," says Haarburger. Specifically, you should make sure your hands are visible while talking, have a straight back with relaxed shoulder blades and practice good eye contact, Stanford University lecturer and communication expert Matt Abrahams told Make It in May. "When you watch someone who is swaying, you assume they are nervous," Abrahams noted. Want to land your dream job? Take CNBC's online course How to Ace Your Job Interview to learn what hiring managers really look for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. U.S. and Canadian banks reported a tenfold surge in digital scams this year as criminals flock to techniques that rely on duping customers into sending them money, according to cybersecurity firm BioCatch. The sharp rise in reported scams from the first three quarters of 2023 comes as banks have put in place more controls to prevent account takeovers and other forms of fraud, according to BioCatch Director of Global Fraud Intelligence Tom Peacock. "Fraudsters have realized that the humans are the weakest link," Peacock said. "It's easier to convince a human to do something through manipulation than it is to try and circumvent a technological control." BioCatch, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based firm that uses behavioral data from mobile apps and websites to help banks distinguish between real users and criminals, provided its findings to CNBC ahead of a report that culled information from 170 U.S. and Canadian institutions. The company said American Express, Barclays and HSBC are among its clients. Banks are under pressure to kick criminals off their platforms and compensate more victims as regulators and lawmakers focus on the harm done by digital scams. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo have said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may punish them for their roles in the giant Zelle payments network. Customers of the three banks reported a combined $166 million in Zelle transactions were fraudulent in 2023. The rise of "social engineering scams," in which criminals use persuasive tactics to convince victims to send them money, began around five years ago, but "really started to take off" in the past 18 months or so, Peacock said. Zelle is the preferred way criminals extract their funds because it is faster than other remittance options, Peacock said. "When social engineering scams really started to take off in the U.S., it kind of coincided with Zelle, because the two went together," he said. "Platforms like Zelle are enabling fraudsters to be a lot quicker and more successful." Zelle owner Early Warning Services has said that while transaction volumes rose in 2023, reports of scams and fraud fell by almost 50%, and that only a tiny fraction of payment volumes are disputed as fraud. The increase cited by BioCatch is also driven by greater identification of activity that the banks previously didn't flag as scams because of mounting regulatory pressure, Peacock added. BioCatch declined to provide a specific number for reported scams, citing client confidentiality. In another sign of the cat-and-mouse dynamic of cybercrime, BioCatch clients reported 59% fewer fraudulent account openings. Instead, criminals have focused on taking over existing bank accounts, leading to a threefold increase in fraud through that channel, the firm said. Several international airlines cancelled flights to and from Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Wednesday, after further eruptions of a volcano that has spewed ash clouds as high as 10 km (32,808 ft) and forced thousands to evacuate.Jetstar and Qantas said they had stopped flights to Bali on Wednesday for safety reasons because of volcanic ash, while plane tracking website Flightradar24 showed flights to the island by AirAsia and Virgin were also cancelled.Singapore Airlines said it had cancelled a flight on Wednesday from Bali to Singapore due to the eruption.Bali is Indonesia's top tourist hotspot and is a popular destination for Australian visitors.All flights to and from the island of Lombok in the West Nusa Tenggara province, another popular destination for tourists, were also cancelled, a local airport spokesperson was quoted as saying by Indonesia's state news agency Antara.The first eruption of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Nov. 3 in the East Nusa Tenggara province, about 800 km (497 miles)from Bali, killed at least nine people. It has since erupted repeatedly, including multiple times on Tuesday.From Nov. 4 to Nov. 12, 80 flights in Bali were cancelled, including from Singapore, Hong Kong, and several Australian cities, said Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, general manager of Bali's Ngurah Rai airport.Indonesia has close to 130 active volcanoes and sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an area of high seismic activity atop various tectonic plates.The ash column from Mount Lewotobi has reached as high as 10 km and authorities have said sand fall has covered surrounding areas. Oh, dont do it there. We were planning on buying that First lets address the obvious joke: No, none of the places in this article are in the butt. Well, one entry is about butt sex, but that factor isnt relevant. No, were talking today about locations in the world where people were caught in flagrante delicto, each being public locations that they really should have avoided. You might think the main consequence of being caught like that would be embarrassment, but it turns out it can get quite a bit worse than that. 5 Atop a Ferris Wheel In 2016, Philip Panzica and Chloe Scordianos entered the High Roller Ferris wheel on the Las Vegas strip. This Ferris wheel is huge tallest in the world until 2021 and its enclosed compartments perhaps provide the illusion of privacy. But when the two of them starting taking off each others clothes, some people in nearby compartments took out their phones and recorded them on their phones. A security guard yelled at them to stop (stop having sex, not stop recording), and when they didnt, police intervened. Don't Miss The couple was charged with committing intercourse acts in public. Keep in mind, a ride on this wheel takes 30 minutes, so one might argue that couples are obligated to attempt intercourse at some point. It appears the two were set to plead it out and likely wouldnt have been punished too harshly. Then, a month later, Panzica was shot dead. Advertisement During that month, Panzica had scored a paid TV interview about the tryst, and hed been bragging about the $4,000 that had netted him. Then he got into a car one day with his stripper girlfriend (a different woman from the one from the Ferris wheel) and two friends of hers. The friends shot him in the back and robbed him. Some theorized that the girlfriend was in on the plot and was taking revenge on him for cheating, but that doesnt appear to be the case. She narrowly escaped being shot herself. The killers went on to get caught, because as they drove away, the ended up crashing into a barbecue restaurant, hurting an elderly couple. Every couple in this story ended up getting hurt, sadly. 4 Bed, Bath & Beyond Advertisement You might have seen a comic going around, featuring a couple showering in a bathroom then having sex in a bed. Only in the final panel do we see that this whole thing is happening in an Ikea. Like all comics, this depicts something from real life. The true-life version happened in a New Jersey Bed Bath & Beyond in 2017, and the couple were two men, both 28 years old. In their defense, the guys were high at the time. Wait, scratch that according to lawyers, marijuana possession didnt count as a defense but was, in fact, an additional crime. Employees called police, who hauled the men out, but they later discovered a new wrinkle: The guys were hosts for that contagious mite known as scabies. That meant the entire police station needed to be fumigated. It also meant police were forbidden from disclosing the mens names, under HIPAA. Kalumet/Wikimedia Others call for a law mandating the release of such names. Bed Bath & Beyond said that they removed the bed in question from the store. They didnt, however, say that they destroyed it, so if you bought a bed from New Jersey around then marked used just once, that explains all the itchy holes currently in your scalp. Advertisement Advertisement 3 Inside a Whale The blue whale is the biggest animal to ever exist on Earth. Youll likely never see one in person (particularly if you live in Arizona), but you do stand a single shot at seeing ones preserved body. You just need to visit the Natural History Museum in Goteborg, Sweden. The Malm Whale beached itself in Sweden back in 1865, and a taxidermist preserved it for future generations. This doesnt mean he pickled the corpse, flesh and all, but rather that he removed the skin and treated it, removed the skeleton and treated that, then wrapped the skin around a wooden frame. Mirko Junge We dont know what happened to the meat, but we hope it was delicious. During the whales first years of exhibition, they set it up so its giant mouth hinged open and closed. Visitors could climb inside, which didnt quite provide a realistic tour of a whales internal anatomy but took them to a decorated room within, which was still fun. Then, in the 1930s, a couple went and had sex inside the whale. Advertisement From then on, the museum decided to keep the mouth shut. Except for on Election Day, which is a time of orgies for all. 2 Next to a Church If youre planning on setting up an illegal brothel, experts recommend discretion. For example, you might do what some entrepreneurs in San Diego did and title your business Ocean Spa, claiming just to offer massages. Some people will know exactly what a massage parlor really does, but police may still ignore you. However, Ocean Spa had the misfortune of setting up shop right next to where a church had offices. Church members informed police when the sounds of loud sex interrupted their Bible study sessions. Apparently, though, that alone didnt make them call the police. Spa employees also tried propositioning students of these classes, who werent ideal sales targets. Advertisement Advertisement Dolina Modlitwy They already had satisfying release through prayer. The city shut down the spa last month. Authorities didnt quite hurry the case along. They spent multiple years on it, and this year, officers spent 125 hours visiting the place, in what we trust was a very hands-on investigation. The early years of Saturday Night Live werent exactly the most sober. In retrospect, Lorne Michaels probably should have credited a giant baggy of cocaine as one of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. But even though the cast was far from clear-headed, an early hosts drinking problem was so severe that it nearly derailed the entire show. During its second season in March of 1977, SNL featured host Broderick Crawford, the legendary actor best known for his Oscar-winning performance in All the Kings Men. Don't Miss Unfortunately, Crawford was a severe alcoholic, whose drinking became so bad that he was arrested several times for DUI. Oddly enough, this happened while he was working on the TV cop show Highway Patrol. In a recent interview with The A.V. Club, Dan Aykroyd was asked about the one and only time that Crawford hosted SNL. Aykroyd recounted that Michaels begged Crawford to watch the drinking during the show. Crawfords response? Lorne, its St. Patricks Day! Of course Im gonna get drunk! Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, apparently someone at SNL thought it would be a good idea to invite an elderly actor famous for his prodigious imbibing to host the show on the Saturday after St. Patricks Day! Luckily, Crawford had a solution, Ill do the monologue from a chair, he told Michaels. And he did, Aykroyd recalled. He did it from a chair. And he was great! He was solid. Neil Levy, a production assistant at the time, claimed that Broderick Crawford was completely drunk all the time. And Michales tasked Levy (his cousin) with making sure that Crawford didnt get totally wasted while rehearsing the show, which proved to be more difficult than you might think. Lorne had given me very explicit instructions: You have to stay with him all the time. And Crawford tried to trick me. The actor, then in his late 60s, actually managed to escape at one point. Hed always try to get to the elevator, Levy explained, Id say, Where are you going? Hed say, I gotta go find my script, I left my script downstairs. Id say, Ill go with you. No, you dont need to come with me. Advertisement He did get away from me once, Levy admitted, and I found him in a bar. Advertisement Future news anchor and one-time SNL host Brian Williams was actually at the taping of that episode, and later remarked that he was horrified to see (Crawford) taking oxygen during breaks, adding, I believe it remains on Lornes list of the top five all-time worst shows. Of course, Crawford wasnt the only SNL guest to drink too much during a show night. The late Kris Kristofferson was, according to Levy, completely wasted and unable to say his lines during dress rehearsal, prompting Michaels to order his staff to find the biggest coffee pot you can. And The Replacements were famously banned from the show after getting drunk with host Harry Dean Stanton. Advertisement Which seems a little hypocritical considering how much airtime they gave to Drunk Uncle. Advertisement Contrary to what his many, many haters may claim, controversial CEO and Donald Trump ally Elon Musk is not the most evil monster to ever host Saturday Night Live though he might be the least funny one. SNL fans have long grappled with the fact that, when it comes to placing the show smack-dab in the center of the zeitgeist, Lorne Michaels will never have any moral qualms about booking controversial hosts, so long as the divisive celebrity is adequately positioned toward the top of the A-list. The pretense of SNLs impartiality (or, at least, equal mockery) demands that Michaels book public figures whom his majority left-leaning audience might not find palatable, and the comedy king-maker continues to prove, time and time again, that theres no fence on which he will not sit just to keep his show in the middle of every cultural conversation and political discussion. However, for all the outrage within the SNL fandom over far-right figures like Musk getting the full Michaels glazing, sometimes the fans forget that literal murderers have delivered the opening monologue in Studio 8H though, to be fair to Michaels, its not like he could have known it at the time. Don't Miss SNL Twitter recently discussed which past hosts exceed Musks awfulness when he hosted the show back in May, 2021 after a fan mistakenly labeled him as the shows most despicable guest, and i's clear that Norm Macdonald would have some choice words about the Michaels real worst picks: While Musk may be hell-bent on tearing down the country for personal gain, its still too soon to consider him even more evil than a double-murderer like O.J. Simpson, a single-murderer like Robert Blake, or the multiple Republican presidents who more directly attacked the critical institutions in our democracy. On top of that, Steven Seagal may very well be the most evil man of the bunch with his numerous physical and sexual assault allegations and his recent demand to join the front lines in Russias invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Still, top 6 aint bad considering that the show's been on for nearly 50 years and half of Hollywood has graced the stage where Musk delivered his awkward monologue on that forgettable May evening. Plus, the Twitter CEO could always just tinker with the algorithm until it puts him at #1. If youve ever visited the Louvre in Paris and seen the Mona Lisa, you may well have been underwhelmed. Not because the painting itself isnt beautiful, but because viewing it these days allows about as much chance for personal connection as youd have with a fragment of uranium. Its housed in a jail that looks designed more for Magneto than a piece of art, and unfortunately, theres a good reason for it. Security was understandably ramped up from previous levels, which were roughly zero, after it was stolen in 1911. Funnily enough, the Mona Lisa wasnt nearly as world-famous as it is now before the theft, and its fame is at least somewhat thanks to the theft. Once it was gone, though, it became world news, and there was global pressure to solve the case and return her freaky little smile to its official seat. Possible suspects were received with a sigh of relief that at least they had someone to point to, and one finger landed on another famous artist: Pablo Picasso. Now, the title of this article has probably hinted at the result, that Picasso wasnt the thief they were looking for. It wasnt an unfounded accusation, however, because it turned out he was, in fact, a thief who was holding hot items from the Louvre at that very moment. Don't Miss The Mona Lisas disappearance prompted a famehound and high-class kleptomaniac named Joseph Gery Pieret to confess to the Paris-Journal that he'd been stealing culturally significant bits and bobs from the Louvre from years. As for the Mona Lisa, he had no information, and denied the theft, but did reveal a nameless compatriot in Paris had bought stolen pieces from him before. Another slipup led police to connect him to the poet Apollinaire, who was himself connected to Picasso, who wasnt exactly known for being the kind of artist who sips tea, paints and sleeps soundly. Picasso hadnt stolen the painting, of course. He did, however, have two stolen statues stamped PROPERTY OF THE LOUVRE sitting in his apartment, which wouldnt paint him in a particularly flattering light. He considered throwing them into the river, but instead coughed them up to the Paris-Journal and would eventually be put on trial along with Apollinaire, an especially risky turn of events since Picasso could face deportation as a result. Advertisement In the end, the case turned out to be as anticlimactic as a modern visit to the Mona Lisa, since both Apollinaire and Picasso were such a mess in court that the judge ended up throwing out the entire case. Which was just as well, since the Mona Lisa had never passed through his possession, and was instead the stolen property of an Italian handyman whod simply walked out of the Louvre with it. He was arrested and convicted, though he claimed he was just returning her to her homeland. Maybe he should have tried crying in court, like Picasso did. It wouldnt be an official Saturday Night Live season without disgruntled comedians complaining that the nearly 50-year-show ripped off their jokes. Sometimes, the accusations are eye-rolling in October, a New York stand-up complained that Andrew Dismukes Hey Soul Sister sketch copied his bit. But theres not much to the allegation both simply make fun of Trains cringe song. Get in line. People have been ripping that song for years. The Whitest Kids U' Know, the 2000s sketch comedy group with a cult hit on IFC, might have a more credible claim to comedy idea theft after the recent John Mulaney episode. As Matt Belloni observed in his What Im Hearing column, Last weeks Beppo the monkey astronaut sketch on SNL looks very similar to this Bo Bo the Monkey sketch by the Whitest Kids U Know from about 15 years ago. While the Kids havent complained publicly, the similarities between the two sketches are striking. Consider: SNL s sketch features a monkey astronaut named Beppo. The Kids sketch features a monkey astronaut named Bo Bo. Both sketches take place in a mission control room full of scientists outfitted in white shirts, neckties and horn-rimmed glasses. The driving plot of both bits: Our beloved Beppo/Bo Bo wont be making the trip back to Earth. The scientists are heartbroken. Beppo/Bo Bo proves himself to be an emotionally manipulative monkey, using limited vocabulary to plead for his life. Both lead scientists turn off communications monitors rather than listen to the monkeys cries for help. Theres a last-ditch effort to bring the simians back. Both bits appear to end with a monkey-mangling explosion, although SNL adds a twist ending. A few fans of Whitest Kids U Know have noticed the parallels. Advertisement Most accusations of SNL sketch theft can be attributed to parallel thinking an obvious premise that gets exploited in a vaguely similar way. But Beppo/Bo Bo is an oddly specific duplication, right down to the names of the chimp astronauts. Its enough to make one wonder if some actual monkey business was going down. Inheritor devotes decades to pass on Tibetan carpet weaving skills in NW China's Qinghai People's Daily Online) 15:34, November 13, 2024 Yang Yongliang works at his workshop aimed at passing on Jiaya Tibetan carpet weaving skills in Shangxinzhuang town, Huangzhong district, Xining, capital of northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Qinghai Daily/Jia Hong) Yang Yongliang, a 62-year-old inheritor of the Jiaya Tibetan carpet, has devoted himself to this traditional craft for more than five decades in Shangxinzhuang town, Huangzhong district, Xining, capital of northwest China's Qinghai Province. As the seventh-generation inheritor of the craft in his family, Yang began to learn the ropes from his parents when he was 8 years old. This included skills like selecting the wool, twisting the threads, and dyeing the threads. By age 14, he began designing patterns that combined modern style with traditional elements, and by age 15, he was skilled enough to complete all the steps of the process independently, improving the techniques to make larger Tibetan carpets more feasible. Yang said there are many procedures involved in the manufacturing of Jiaya Tibetan carpets, which encompasses over 70 varieties across 14 main processes. Yang has insisted on using the wool of sheep endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and maintaining traditional dyeing methods using natural plants and minerals to make Jiaya Tibetan carpets. Traditionally, the skills have been passed down exclusively to male inheritors. Yang has broken tradition by teaching the skills to his wife, apprentices, and fellow villagers. Now over 100 rural households are engaged in the Tibetan carpet industry. As a national-level inheritor, Yang has offered free training for farmers and herders, and from 2006 to 2023, he trained over 1,500 people annually. He established a workshop aimed at passing on Jiaya Tibetan carpet weaving skills in 2011. In recent years, Yang has served as a technical adviser at some enterprises, offering technical support in terms of handmade Tibetan carpets. "In the past, making carpets was for survival, but now, it's to ensure this craft continues," Yang said. Young people from other regions have come to learn the craft and Yang is pleased with their interest. "I only ask two things of them: one is to share the beauty of Tibetan carpets with their communities, and the other is to think creatively about how to develop the craft in new ways," Yang explained. In October, Lai Ruoyan, from the Shanghai Academy of Visual Arts, studied at the institute for a week. After the course, she continued to consult with Yang online and share her works. Yang has been impressed by the creativity of young people, saying that they have many ideas, and though some are not feasible, as long as they help innovate Tibetan carpets, it's worth it. Previously, Huangzhong district, as a targeted area for assistance from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, invited Tsinghua University to help plan the development of the Jiaya Tibetan carpet industry. The collaboration with Tsinghua has led to new product lines and livestream marketing. Last year, Yang led his team to Xizang Autonomous Region, Shandong, Beijing and Nepal to explore new directions for the traditional craft. The past 30 years have witnessed more and more varieties of handmade Tibetan carpets, including creative cultural products, symbolizing the strong development of Jiaya Tibetan carpets, Yang said. Yang's son and daughter-in-law have joined the family business. Yang said they will continue to create more impressive Jiaya Tibetan carpets to pass down the traditional craft. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Aixtron SE, a leading provider of deposition equipment for the semiconductor industry, experienced a significant downturn in its stock value on November 13, 2024. The companys shares fell by 3.38% to 13.71 on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, marking a new 52-week low. This decline comes in stark contrast to the generally positive trends observed in the semiconductor sector, which has been benefiting from increased demand for advanced semiconductor solutions. Despite the recent setback, Aixtron remains a key player in the industry, particularly in LED and display technology, as well as energy management solutions. Financial Outlook and Market Position The companys recent quarterly results reflect a challenging business environment. Third-quarter revenue for 2024 decreased by 5.25% compared to the previous year, totaling 156.33 million. Earnings per share also declined from 0.35 to 0.27. Analysts, however, maintain a positive outlook, projecting an average fair value of 21.47 per share. With a market capitalization of 1.6 billion and a forecasted dividend yield of 1.72% for 2024, Aixtron continues to attract investor interest despite the current market pressures. The companys price-to-earnings ratio for 2024 is estimated at 13.72, suggesting a moderate valuation in the current market context. Ad Aixtron Stock: New Analysis 14 November Fresh Aixtron information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Aixtron analysis Aixtron SE, a leading provider of deposition equipment for the semiconductor industry, experienced a significant downturn in its stock value on November 13, 2024. The companys shares fell by 3.38% to 13.71 on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, marking a new 52-week low. This decline comes in stark contrast to the generally positive trends observed in the semiconductor sector, which has been benefiting from increased demand for advanced semiconductor solutions. Despite the recent setback, Aixtron remains a key player in the industry, particularly in LED and display technology, as well as energy management solutions. Financial Outlook and Market Position The companys recent quarterly results reflect a challenging business environment. Third-quarter revenue for 2024 decreased by 5.25% compared to the previous year, totaling 156.33 million. Earnings per share also declined from 0.35 to 0.27. Analysts, however, maintain a positive outlook, projecting an average fair value of 21.47 per share. With a market capitalization of 1.6 billion and a forecasted dividend yield of 1.72% for 2024, Aixtron continues to attract investor interest despite the current market pressures. The companys price-to-earnings ratio for 2024 is estimated at 13.72, suggesting a moderate valuation in the current market context. Ad Fresh Aixtron information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. One enduring curse of the internet is the unutterable rubbish people say and do on social media in pursuit of clicks, and the sheer number of nasty individuals who seem to make a living out of this. Narinder Kaur is a case in point. You may remember her as the first British Indian contestant on Big Brother back in 2001. Since then, she has hovered in Z-list Land, turning up to the opening of various envelopes and forging a career for herself as an outspoken pundit for assorted panel shows. Think of her as a kind of Asian Katie Hopkins, only without the winning charm. On Sunday, Narinder Kaur took her royal trolling to a whole new level when she attacked the Princess of Wales over her appearance at the Remembrance Sunday commemorations Narinder Kaur has forged a career as an outspoken pundit for assorted panel shows, as a kind of Asian Katie Hopkins, only without the winning charm She once described the late Queen Elizabeth as the Queen of Crime, claimed the St Georges Cross is associated with bigotry, fascism and racism and called the Princess of Wales stiff, dull and unrelatable. The Duchess of Sussex, by contrast, is a saint. Meghan really is the alternative Princess the world needed. Shes real, warm, and amazing with kids, Kaur declared earlier this year on X. She is, of course, entitled to her opinion. But on Sunday Kaur took her royal trolling to a whole new level when she attacked the Princess of Wales over her appearance at the Remembrance Sunday commemorations. Sharing a photo of Kate looking solemn at the Cenotaph, Ms Kaur wrote on X: Genuine question why has Kate aged so much? Isnt she only 42? Is she a smoker? Ms Kaurs apology, which in reality was no more than a self-justifying rant Sharing a photo of Kate looking rather sad and solemn at the Cenotaph, Ms Kaur wrote on X: Genuine question why has Kate aged so much? Isnt she only 42? Is she a smoker? Its the only explanation. Ye gods! Didnt her mother ever teach her: if you cant think of anything nice to say, dont say anything at all? Needless to say, theres been quite a backlash. But even that seems to have presented an opportunity for Ms Kaur. Shes now issued an emotional video apology, referencing her own brothers cancer and claiming shes the real victim, having allegedly received a number of racially and sexually motivated threats. If thats true, then of course thats wholly unacceptable. Still: live by the troll, die by the troll. Even in her apology which in reality was no more than a self-justifying rant she couldnt resist a further dig at the Princess, accusing her of having had a privileged time during her treatment for cancer. Kaur said: Shes had near enough a year off work. Of course it must take its toll, I know plenty of people who have been in hospital and out for pre-cancerous treatment, and theyre back at work. Ms Kaurs supporters claim she has the kindest heart and that she is a fearless advocate for women Her supporters claim she has the kindest heart and that she is a fearless advocate for women. But its hard to see how appearing to imply that the Princess of Wales might have given herself cancer through smoking while also commenting negatively on her appearance and suggesting shes having an easy time of it could be interpreted as anything other than kicking another woman when shes down. Ms Kaur on TV trying to defend her Princess of Wales ageing remark So much for the sisterhood, eh? As ever, those who count themselves as members of the be kind brigade are often precisely the opposite. Bottom line: Kaur makes a decent living out of dissing the royals, so she thought shed say something bitchy about the Princess of Wales for clicks and assumed she would get away with it. She didnt and now shes weeping and wailing and playing the racism-sexism card because shes worried her panel-show gigs will dry up. She neednt worry. Rantings equal ratings, and that always gets TV producers salivating. Besides, in this woke world its impossible to get cancelled for criticising a white person. Just look at the Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh, who described the Buckingham Palace balcony as terribly white at the Kings Coronation last year prompting thousands of complaints but who has just been unveiled as the well-paid face of Bootss new Christmas TV ad. Such is the topsy-turvy world we live in. Kate has only ever done what was asked of her. She has endured a cancer diagnosis with quiet dignity and, at every turn, has fulfilled her duty to the British people. Yet now she has to endure the pathetic attacks of tawdry opportunists and bottom-feeders like Kaur, who continue to cash in on her private pain. Coleen will Roo that outfit Coleen Rooney arriving at Brisbane Airport in Australia, clutching a 1,762 leather tote bag from Chanel, a 1,000 nylon bomber jacket from Loewe, with black leggings and gladiator sandals from Hermes, worth 730 I feel for poor Coleen Rooney going into the Jungle. As an accomplished Wag with a well-publicised love of designer clothing, being photographed in that ghastly outfit must have been almost as irksome as any bushtucker trial. Chaos as Hampshire shoppers queue to buy discounted Le Creuset kitchenware. Its encouraging that it shows the middle-classes are not defeated in Starmers socialist utopia. But, its also puzzling. Its so heavy you need Schwarzenegger guns just to wash up. Days into her leadership Kemi Badenoch polls two points ahead of Keir Starmer, at 29 per cent. But Reform UK are at 19 per cent, so in an election would dilute the Tory vote and give Labour victory. The next voting battleground will be Tories v Reform. A climate cop out Cop29, which the Prime Minister is currently attending in Azerbaijan, heard yesterday from the countrys leader, Ilham Aliyev, that oil and gas are the gift of God and that countries rich in those resources should not be blamed for bringing them to market. Meanwhile, the summits chief executive, Elnur Soltanov, was filmed appearing to promote fossil fuels. Its almost as if theyre laughing at our naivety. The thermostat is now a bone of contention in British homes, according to a poll. Ill say: my daughter wants things tropical, I like it as cold as the grave. She has 13 togs of duvet in summer, I have 4.5 in winter. But its not just a metabolic thing. My grandmother taught me it was common to overheat ones home and the late Queen was economical in that respect, often making do with a two-bar electric heater in Buckingham Palaces Audience Room. If it was good enough for Liz . . . Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday over Church abuse scandal Odd that Justin Welby announced his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury with a photograph of his leaving letter lying on a table, clearly snapped on a smartphone and so zoomed out youd need a telescope to read it. It seems as though he was in something of a hurry. I wonder: is it a coincidence that the Governments enthusiasm for the Assisted Dying Bill comes as many care homes say they may have to close their doors thanks to Rachel Reevess employer National Insurance hike? Bridgets midlife magic I must confess the new Bridget Jones movie looks most appealing. Bridget, alone again and with two children in tow, embarks on an adventure with a hunky younger man. Now theres a plotline to gladden the heart of any midlife singleton. In a few short years marijuana went from being a sordid brain poison used mainly by deadbeats and drop-outs, to being an allegedly harmless miracle medicine and supposedly mild intoxicant at the heart of a billion-dollar business. It is tolerated in all kinds of places from New York City to Germany (since last April Fools' Day). And an apparently unstoppable campaign hopes to make it legal everywhere, including here. Will this happen? So strong (and so rich) is the force behind the campaign for legal cannabis that both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris embraced the policy in the months before the US election. Mr Trump was bullish. He wrongly predicted last August that personal amounts of marijuana would be legalised for adults in Florida, 'whether people like it or not'. He seemed to like it, declaring 'someone should not be a criminal in Florida when this is legal in so many other states'. (As of April 2024, recreational use is legal in 24 states). A cannabis shop drums up trade in Los Angeles. California, where cannabis has long been legal, is now crammed with both legal and illicit marijuana shops He added, regurgitating the arguments of legalisers everywhere: 'We do not need to ruin lives and waste taxpayer dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them.' Ms Harris, for her part, pledged: 'I will legalise recreational marijuana, break down unjust legal barriers and create opportunities for all Americans to succeed in this new industry.' Their confidence was not surprising. Almost $150 million was spent by the pro-legalisation campaign, most of it supplied by existing marijuana businesses And yet both of them seem to have misjudged the mood. As well as Florida, North and South Dakota had pro-marijuana proposals on the their ballot papers on November 5, which would have legalised it for recreational use. But in all three, the pro-drug cause was defeated. By far the greatest blow to the marijuana cause was the Florida result. It is a populous state much visited by American and foreign tourists. But its voters refused to approve a constitutional amendment that would have made cannabis legal. Many were influenced by the vigorous and intensive opposition of the state's successful and effective governor Ron DeSantis. He warned that permitting the unrestricted use of marijuana would inundate cities with marijuana smoke and make roads more dangerous, saying: 'It would be everywhere. The state would smell like it. We don't need that in Florida.' To pass, the proposal required 60 per cent of votes, but it only won 56 per cent support (5,927,237 for; 4,682,004 against). On the same night, voters in South and North Dakota defeated legal weed initiatives by more decisive margins. In South Dakota, the rejection of legal marijuana was strong 55.5 per cent against (237,228) versus 44.5 per cent in favour (189,915). Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris backed the campaign to legalise cannabis in Florida during the US election - but voters rejected a change to the state constitution last week In North Dakota, the vote was closer but still definite 52.5 per cent (190,107) against 47.5 per cent (171,708) in favour. These are not crushing defeats, though they show what can happen when the anti-legalisation movement fights hard. But it does look as if America's almost total surrender to billionaire lobbies for dope legalisation is faltering. Mainstream political support for so-called 'legal regulation' of marijuana is common in Britain, too. Labour's David Lammy, now Foreign Secretary, praised Canadian legalisation of the drug in 2019. In 2018, former Tory Leader and one-time foreign secretary William Hague urged the then prime minister, Theresa May, to legalise cannabis, saying the UK's drug policy was 'inappropriate, ineffective and utterly out of date' and that the 'battle is effectively over'. Lord Hague jeered that telling the police to stop people smoking cannabis was 'about as up to date and relevant as asking the Army to recover the Empire'. Ireland's Fianna Fail, a mainstream party, is also toying with cannabis decriminalisation. The arguments have been the same for a quarter of a century. Cruel laws, it is claimed, throw harmless dope smokers into prison for a victimless crime. Racial minorities are more severely treated, for this offence, than the majority. Legalisation will allow the state to raise huge new tax revenues, and permit the regulation of the drug to stop nasty high-strength versions reaching the market. None of this is true. The main victims are the families of users, trying to cope with the incurable illnesses of their children. In Britain, for decades it has been hard to find an instance of anyone sent to prison for a simple first-offence charge of marijuana possession. Police in Britain generally ignore dope-smokers if they possibly can, and the usual response is an unrecorded 'caution' or 'warning'. In the US, in 2012, the ultra-liberal magazine Rolling Stone published a list of the top-ten marijuana myths, one of which was that the jails were full of people prosecuted for marijuana possession. As the magazine said: 'About 40,000 inmates of state and federal prison have a current conviction involving marijuana, and about half of them are in for marijuana offenses alone' but 'most of these were involved in distribution. Less than one per cent are in for possession alone'. It will be many fewer by now. As for the 'regulation through legalisation' myth, its flaws were evident. The feeble police response to marijuana possession has helped the growth of huge illegal markets all over the West. Legalisation barely dents it. Illegal drugs are cheaper, precisely because they are not regulated or taxed. Colorado, one of the first US states to go legal, initially did well because people flocked from other states to buy licit drugs. But the spread of the legalisation movement, and the undercutting of legal sellers by untaxed illegal sellers, have led to a severe downturn there. The main effect of legalisation is to make the drug easier to buy, without in any way curbing the gang-dominated lawless market. Six years after legalisation in Canada, as much as half the Canadian market may still be in the hands of illegal dealers. How would anyone find out for sure? California, where cannabis has long been legal, is crammed with illicit marijuana shops. Drug-driving is a growing problem (as it is here in the UK). The drug is also linked with anti-social behaviour and the decay of formerly orderly neighbourhoods. But the other huge problem is the mental health issue. Many still argue that cannabis is a wonder drug, though hard evidence of its curative powers remains elusive, and the side-effects as I shall show might make it unattractive anyway. One of the US's longest-serving campaigners for dope legalisation, Keith Stroup, admitted in a student newspaper interview in February 1979 that he and his allies would be using medical pot as 'a red herring to give marijuana a good name'. Which they certainly did. But that is not all. Florida's governor Ron DeSantis campaigned against cannabis being legalised in his state, saying: 'It would be everywhere. The state would smell like it. We don't need that in Florida' What if marijuana is actually bad for you and for society? What if legalisation just makes life more dismal and sordid? In July 2023, the liberal Washington Post finally exploded the legalisers' myth that Portugal's feeble drug laws have created a sort of paradise of tolerance. In an article illustrated with dispiriting pictures of drug-related squalor on the streets, it described how 'authorities are sealing off warren-like alleyways with iron bars and fencing in parks to halt the spread of encampments'. Those living nearby were scared, and even the police in many countries now a noisy part of the pro-drug lobby blamed a rise in crime on the growing number of people using drugs. But that is not all. Now that many US cities, especially New York itself, stink of cannabis, and its victims wander the streets in often obvious distress, many are wondering if allowing its unlimited use was wise. Following the publication of two powerful books linking marijuana use with mental illness Patrick Cockburn's Henry's Demons, in Britain and Alex Berenson's Tell Your Children, in the US, the smug certainties of the drug's boosters have faded. Even the New York Times, the megaphone of liberal opinion, recently published a major, deeply researched article, warning: 'From Washington State to West Virginia, psychiatrists treat rising numbers of people whose use of the drug has brought on delusions, paranoia and other symptoms of psychosis.' Is it possible that the long and damaging domination of the pro-dope lobby is at last coming to an end? Let us hope so. Nora Ephron fall has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, as millennial and Gen Z women rush to dress like Meg Ryan and other characters from her famed rom-coms in chunky cable knit sweaters and cozy turtlenecks. New York-based culture editor Ilana Kaplan recently released the book Nora Ephron at the Movies: A Visual Celebration of the Writer and Director Behind When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and More. The coffee table tome discusses the proliferation of 'Nora Ephron fall,' which has experienced a major resurgence in recent years - in fact, You've Got Mail costume designer Albert Wolsky, 93, even opened up to InStyle recently about styling the film. While Nora's signature rom-coms were released more than 25 years ago, the classic styles seen in her films are still just as popular today. To find out why the fashion resonates years after Nora passed away at 71 in 2012, FEMAIL reached out to Ilana, as well as fashion experts. Nora Ephron fall has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, as millennial and Gen Z women rush to dress like Meg Ryan and other characters from her famed rom-coms in chunky cable knit sweaters and cozy turtlenecks While her signature rom-coms were released more than 25 years ago, the classic styles are still just as popular today The coffee table book discusses the proliferation of 'Nora Ephron fall,' which has experienced a major resurgence in recent years British Vogue covered the ongoing trend, offering up suede pieces that promised to elevate autumnal looks and fit with the aesthetic, while Vanity Fair procured plaid skirts and chunky knits that captured the look. Ilana told DailyMail.com that when it comes to 'Meg Ryan fall,' she immediately thinks of 'Sally's bowler hat and tweed blazer in Washington Square Park, Harry and Sally crouching in their cable knit sweaters and Meg happily carting a pumpkin in hand in a black coat and skirt.' Culture editor Ilana Kaplan recently released the book Nora Ephron at the Movies: A Visual Celebration of the Writer and Director Behind When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and More Ilana believes these fashion staples helped shape the 'cozy aesthetic' of the New York City filmmaker's famed rom-coms over the years. The culture editor thinks these now-iconic looks are so popular because 'they feed into a nostalgic fantasy of fall.' The resurgence of these fashion moments on social media also helped, as well as the fact that they're classic and feed into the quiet luxury trend. 'Meg Ryan fall' also spans generations - Ilana explained that because of TikTok, 'Gen Z is now ushering in a new generation of Ephronites.' Ear Sass, founder and stylist Sophie McGown, based in London, agreed that 'the trademark feel of a Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan-inspired fall is 'cozy autumnal outfits,' which are 'somewhere between simple, studious, and timeless.' Sophie thinks 'it's not just about cozy cable-knit sweaters or turtlenecks' and that it's 'the layering (think thick wool tights with a jumper dress), clean lines, and a mixture of oversized and tailored pieces, along with a muted color palette' that sets it apart. Ilana told DailyMail.com she immediately thinks of 'Sally's bowler hat and tweed blazer in Washington Square Park,' as seen above Meg toting a pumpkin down the street in You've Got Mail in 1998 quickly became synonymous with fall in Manhattan British Vogue covered the ongoing trend, offering up suede pieces that promised to elevate autumnal looks and fit with the aesthetic Stylist Sophie McGown told FEMAIL 'the trademark feel of a Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan-inspired fall is 'cozy autumnal outfits,' which are 'somewhere between simple, studious, and timeless' Sophie, whose designs have been worn by Kate Middleton, thinks part of the popularity is because of a 'back to school' mentality, leading people to refresh their wardrobe every fall with investment pieces that won't go out of style. While Nora's signature rom-coms were released more than 25 years ago, the classic styles are just as popular today Sophie suggested updating the outfits with accessories, like chunky earrings or a modern take on a statement necklace. Fashion consultancy Collection Atelier co-founder and CEO Allie Pellerano-Rendon told FEMAIL while Nancy Meyers movies claim spring summer - think cottagecore and coastal grandma - 'Nora Ephron owns fall.' 'The key pieces featured in You've Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally share a common thread. 'They're not about designer labels or flashy logos, but about effortless comfort and approachable style,' Allie explained. Allie suggested 'tailored pants, layered cardigans, tights, and oxfords' for practical and timeless looks that 'can be easily recreated using classic pieces most people already own.' With its bustling restaurants and packed-out pubs, one might assume that Londoners' social lives are as packed as their tube carriages. However, a new survey found that the UK's capital is the nation's loneliest city, with four in ten admitting to feeling isolated. Dating app FindingTheOne, which focuses on real-life meets, surveyed 2,000 single individuals to find which British cities tackle feelings of desolation the most. While the Big Smoke nabbed the top spot, Birmingham and Manchester followed closely behind. When asked whether they consider themselves lonely, 42 per cent of participants in London answered yes, compared to 38 per cent in Birmingham and 36 per cent in Manchester. The survey also found younger generations are struggling the most with loneliness, with 60 per cent of 18-24-year-olds conveying feelings of isolation, compared to 39 per cent of those aged 35-44. The survey attributed the levels of disconnect to increased rates of individuals working from home. Sylvia Linzalone, a dating expert at FindingTheOne, also noted the pandemic as one of the reasons a high number of singles are noting a feelings of isolation. While London, Birmingham, and Manchester took the top three spots as the UK's loneliest cities, Liverpool came next with 33 per cent of individuals saying they suffer from feeling alone. Leeds came next at 31 per cent, followed by Glasgow at 30 per cent, and Cardiff at 28 per cent. Bristol was at 26 per cent, then Belfast at 23 per cent - coming in before Leicester at 21 per cent. Expert Sylvia discussed the findings, stating: 'More people are working from home, cutting down on opportunities for in-person connections. 'A generation of office workers who once met colleagues face-to-face now communicate virtually, and the result is a growing sense of isolation.' She explained that the repercussions of the pandemic have additionally resulted in a further change in how Britons socialise. 'The lockdowns and social distancing measures introduced during the pandemic led many people to get used to staying home and avoiding social interaction,' she added. 'For some, the habit stuck, and even as restrictions were lifted, people continued to avoid in-person interactions, leading to an increase in loneliness. The survey found that the younger generations are struggling more with feelings of loneliness (pictured: Stock image) 'In fact, 22 per cent of people we surveyed said they feel less comfortable with face-to-face encounters compared to before the pandemic.' The survey highlighted the importance of face-to-face meetings for creating genuine connections. 'As humans, we're hardwired for face-to-face interaction,' Sylvia added. 'Yet, many people are losing confidence in their ability to connect offline. She concluded: 'Our research shows that fostering real, in-person relationships is essential to combating loneliness in our cities.' It comes after new analysis found that unmarried people are up to 80 per cent more likely to have depressive symptoms than those who are wed. Researchers have discovered that saying 'I do' appears to have a protective effect against depression, which affects around 16 per cent of adults in the UK. The risk of depression also seemed to be higher in men, and those who had higher levels of education. Dating expert Sylvia Linzalone contributed the rate of loneliness to an increased number of people working from home (pictured: Stock image) The UK cities with the highest rates of loneliness... 1. London - 42 per cent 2. Birmingham - 38 per cent 3. Manchester - 36 per cent 4. Liverpool - 33 per cent 5. Leeds 31 per cent 6. Glasgow - 30 per cent 7. Cardiff - 28 per cent 8. Bristol - 26 per cent 9. Belfast - 23 per cent 10. Leicester - 21 per cent Source - FindingTheOne Advertisement And the findings may help to identify groups at higher risk of the mental illness, experts say. Researchers from Macau Polytechnic University analysed data collected from questionnaires from more than 100,000 people in seven countries - the US, UK, Mexico, Ireland, South Korea, China and Indonesia. Across a follow-up period of up to 18 years, they found that being unmarried was linked to a 79 per cent higher risk of depressive symptoms compared to those who are married. Divorced or separated individuals had a 99 per cent higher risk of depressive symptoms, while widowed individuals had a 64 per cent higher risk. Unmarried participants in Western countries - including the UK - had a higher risk of depression than their counterparts in Eastern countries, they discovered. The scientists suggest that the lower rates of depressive symptoms among married couples could be due to better social support, being better-off financially and couples having a positive influence on each-other's wellbeing. Writing in the journal Nature Human Behaviour they said: 'Depression represents a significant global public health challenge, and marital status has been recognised as a potential risk factor. 'Our analysis revealed that unmarried individuals had a higher risk of depressive symptoms than their married counterparts across all countries. 'This heightened vulnerability emerged especially among single, highly educated males in Western nations.' They said that across certain countries, drinking alcohol and smoking worsened depressive symptoms across people who were single, widowed or divorced. Despite the findings, experts have previously described the idea of wedded bliss as 'largely a myth' with 'hardly any evidence' that tying the knot leads to a better life. Scientists last year reviewed dozens of studies to examine the differences in suicide, loneliness, physical health and happiness between people who are married and those who are not. They discovered that people who stay single typically have 'very similar outcomes' to those who have said 'I do'. Psychologist Dr Bella DePaulo, who led the previous study, said: 'It is widely believed that people who marry become happier and healthier than they were when they were single. 'In fact, this belief is so pervasive, and so rarely challenged, that it is more than a belief - it is more like a mythology or ideology. And like many myths, this one is wrong. 'Studies that follow the same people over the course of many years of their lives find hardly any evidence that people who marry become happier or healthier than they were before; there is even some evidence that people become a little less healthy after they marry.' She warned that single people can be stereotyped as 'miserable, lonely and alone, selfish and self-centred, and as wanting nothing more than to become coupled'. Big W Australia has taken on the likes of Target and Kmart with a range of high-end 'copycat' outfits that look similar to the real deal. And the latest is one of the best we've seen yet for the summer season. Spotted by the Kmart Insider, Big W's &Me Les Argumes Print Shirt Dress is just $30 and reminiscent of Jag's $220 Aimee Linen Postcard Dress. Similar looks can also be found at St Frock ($99.90), Elk ($349), Walnut Melbourne ($199.95) and Aere ($160). 'Vacay style on a budget with summer's IT print,' the team wrote alongside a comparison of the two designs. The Big W version is far more vibrant than the designer option and offers a refreshing Alemais-esque citrus print in a multi-coloured palette. The woven viscose/nylon fabric ensures easy wear on warm days and it can be styled with a belt or tie-string for a more defined silhouette. The Jag version - which is seven times more expensive - is made from 100 per cent linen, has a buttoned collar, adjustable rouleau loops, short sleeves and an all-over exclusive in-house print. Big W Australia has taken on the likes of Target and Kmart with a range of high-end 'copycat' outfits that look very similar to the real deal The Big W version is far more vibrant than the designer option and offers a refreshing Alemais-esque citrus print in a multi-coloured palette (left). The Jag version (right) is made from 100 per cent linen and has a buttoned collar and an adjustable roulo Many would-be fashionistas argued over which was the better buy, with many agreeing that while the Jag option is a more flattering cut, the print is more desirable on the Big W frock. 'The vibrant colours on Big W is better but the cut on the Jag is nicer,' one wrote. 'I much prefer the print on the Big W design but I can't turn down linen. Looks like I'm getting both, sorry future me,' another added. It's not the first time Big W has come into its own in the dupe department, with the store launching a $39 version of a popular $4,850 coat in September. Many would-be fashionistas argued over which was the better buy, with many agreeing that while the Jag option is a more flattering cut, the print is more desirable on the Big W frock It's not the first time Big W has come into its own in the dupe department, with the store launching a $39 version of a popular $4,850 coat in September The '&me Women's Short Trench Coat' been praised by customers for its affordable price tag - not to mention It also looks near identical to the Burberry Canvas trench coat. Fashion influencer Genevieve bought the budget Big W version and styled it with a white T-shirt, blue jeans, sneakers and a brown handbag. The perfect transitional vibe. The Big W buy is designed with two pockets, four large buttons on the front, shoulder and wrist tabs, and is made from polyester. The essential is so popular it immediately sold out online in sizes six, eight and 10. Good Morning America host Michael Strahan is opening up about his 20-year-old daughter Isabella's battle with cancer, and how it affected him as a parent. Last year, the University of Southern California student bravely announced that she was battling a rare brain cancer called medulloblastoma. According to GMA, the disease accounts for 20 percent of all childhood brain tumors and is typically found in around 500 children each year, most commonly those who are between the ages of five and nine. Isabella underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments to remove the cancer, and is now thankfully on the other side, and back at USC for her freshman year. She also courageously took video diaries of her journey with the disease and her treatment, which she completed at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in North Carolina, where her twin, Sophia, is studying. The father-daughter duo gave the interview to Town & Country , gracing their November 2024 Philanthropy issue, whose theme is 'Now Its Personal: What Happens When Philanthropy Begins at Home' Last year, the University of Southern California student bravely announced that she was battling a rare brain cancer called medulloblastoma Isabella underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments to remove the cancer, and now, is thankfully on the other side , and back at USC for her freshman year Now, over a year later, Isabella and her father are revealing how the difficult time took a toll on them, and how they coped. They gave the interview to Town & Country, gracing their November 2024 Philanthropy issue, whose theme is 'Now Its Personal: What Happens When Philanthropy Begins at Home.' In the moving new piece, Strahan shared how 'painful' it was to watch his daughter have to go through her cancer treatments. 'It was definitely tough and painful to watch that,' Michael told Town & Country. 'It was like, "How soon is it going to come back?" It was painful for her to get out of bed and move and do those things that are completely necessary for her to do,' he continued. He added: 'As a parent, to see that was unsettling at times. But throughout this entire journey, Isabella has inspired and helped us all by how she has approached what she was facing.' 'She has worked so hard, and with such amazing spirit. And she is still on a journey with her vision, balance, and getting her weight back.' The dad-of-four also admitted that he was faced with difficult questions during his daughter's cancer battle. The disease accounts for 20 per cent of all childhood brain tumors and is typically found in around 500 children each year, most commonly those between the ages of five and nine In the moving new piece, Strahan shared how 'painful' it was to watch his daughter have to go through her cancer treatments She courageously took video diaries of her journey with the disease and her treatment, which she completed at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in North Carolina, where her twin, Sophia, is studying He revealed to the magazine whether or not he was frightened that Isabella would pass away. 'Yes, as a parent you hear that your kid has cancer and you go, "Whoa,"' Strahan admitted. 'You have to control your thoughts, because your brain thinks of the worst case scenario, and then you work your way back from there. I dont think Ill go through the rest of my life without some worry in some shape or form about this.' During the interview, Isabella explained that she was 'happy to be here' and that this year had made her 'stronger.' 'The people in your life are what makes it enjoyable,' the budding model shared. 'Now I dont say no to anything. I dont think, Ill do it next week. You dont know what next week will look like.' When Isabella announced her diagnosis, she bravely revealed the news during a joint interview with her father conducted by Robin Roberts, who is a two-time cancer survivor. 'I noticed something was off since probably September,' Isabella, who has a twin sister, Sophia, shared. 'Like October 1st, that's when I definitely noticed headaches, nausea, [I] couldn't walk straight.' When Isabella announced her diagnosis, she bravely revealed the news during a joint interview with her father conducted by Robin Roberts, who is a two-time cancer survivor During the new interview, Isabella explained that she was 'happy to be here' and that this year had made her 'stronger' 'You know, [she was] 18 years old at the time, you're not thinking this,' he said. 'Maybe it's vertigo, maybe it's something else. But she's young, strong, healthy.' Michael Strahan is dad to four children, including twins Isabella and Sophia, who grew up in New York City Initially, Isabella says she mistook her symptoms for vertigo, explaining that she 'looked that up' online and 'associated it with walking straight'. Michael confessed that when his daughter shared her symptoms with him, he never considered that they might be indications she was battling cancer, particularly because she was just 18 and was so 'young, strong and healthy'. 'You know, [she was] 18 years old at the time, you're not thinking this,' he said. 'Maybe it's vertigo, maybe it's something else. But she's young, strong, healthy.' However, on October 25th, Isabella's condition took a severe decline, and she began throwing up blood soon after waking up. It was at that point that Michael said the family decided Isabella 'really needed to go get a thorough check-up' with a doctor, adding: 'Thank goodness for the doctor... I feel like the doctor saved her life.' Isabella said the doctor 'did an EKG and other stuff', before sending her to another facility in order to get an MRI. 'So I went to take [the MRI] somewhere else and then she called me and she said, "You need to head to Cedars-Sinai right now, I'm going to meet you there,"' she recalled - explaining that the doctor gave her no other information about her diagnosis at the time. Once at the hospital, Isabella was told that she had developed a 'fast-growing 4cm tumor in the back of her brain' that required emergency surgery. Thankfully, Isabella is now cancer-free. Actors Nicholas Chavez and his girlfriend Victoria Abbott have some pretty big titles under their belts, but it's their romance that seems to have captured the public's attention. The couple, who have been dating since mid-2023, both feature in Ryan Murphy's Grotesquerie, with 25-year-old Chavez becoming a near overnight sensation after his starring role in Murphy's mini-series Monsters. His good looks have entranced TikTok users, who have made fan 'thirst trap' edits of the actor, further catapulting his fame. 'What blows me away is [my girlfriend] Victoria showed me a video of a bunch of people in a college classroom, literally hundreds of people gathered in a college classroom, watching this edit, which is so funny to me,' Chavez told People in October 2024. 'I'm bowled over by the whole thing,' he admitted. 'But it's cool. And more than anything, I'm glad people are having fun.' Actors Nicholas Chavez and his girlfriend Victoria Abbott have captured the public's attention with their romance But who is Victoria Abbot? Here FEMAIL delves into the actress' backstory and her relationship with Chavez. Victoria is a Nebraskan actress Abbot, 23, was born in Bellevue, Nebraska, but moved to California with her sister when she was in eight grade. She started acting after moving, telling VoyageLA in July 2020 that she 'fell absolutely head over heels in love with it.' She booked her first job not long after arriving in California, after booking a Disney infinity commercial when she was 13. Her big break came when she landed the role of Gina in Netflixs Echoes, and she plays Andrea Salana in Grotesquerie. The actress has an identical twin, Margaret, who also acts. They appeared together in Echoes, portraying the younger versions of twins Gina and Leni McCleary, and both had roles in Grotesquerie. Chavez plays Father Charlie Mayhew in the series. Abbot, 23, was born in Bellevue, Nebraska, but moved to California with her sister when she was in eight grade She started acting after moving, telling VoyageLA in July 2020 that she 'fell absolutely head over heels in love with it' The actress posted behind the scenes from Ryan Murphy's Monsters Chavez has spoken fondly of his girlfriend in several interviews, recalling how nervous he was after his callback for Monsters and his excitement when he got the call telling him he had the part She started dating Nicholas Chavez in mid-2023 It's unknown when the couple officially started dating, but Abbot first posted a picture of him to her social media via Instagram Stories in September 2023. The couple have also shared pictures of each other to social media, with 23-year-old Abbott snapping pictures from the set of Monsters, captioning them: 'I took my role as on set BTS iPhone photographer girlfriend very seriously,' she wrote. 'MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story streaming now on Netflix!' The couple have been dating since mid-2023 Chavez said he called Abbott when he got the part of Lyle Menendez in Monsters The couple both had roles in Grotesquerie. Chavez plays Father Charlie Mayhew and Abbott played Andrea Salana Chavez has spoken fondly of his girlfriend in several interviews, recalling how nervous he was after his callback for Monsters and his excitement when he got the call telling him he had the part. 'I gave my family a huge hug. I ran out into the parking lot,' he told Interview magazine. 'I called my girlfriend. I called all the people I love and shared the good news.' Abbott made her first appearance on Chavez's Instagram in July, after he shared a photo of himself kissing Victoria in LA with the caption: 'Midwest princess.' Chavez has spoken fondly of his girlfriend in several interviews, recalling how nervous he was after his callback for Monsters They love to travel together The couple have not limited their time together to set visits, traveling to Europe in 2024. In August, the couple uploaded some pictures from Italy, captioned: 'Two lovers in Italy.' Not long after, she uploaded pictures of the pair from Monaco, with Chavez cheekily commenting: 'Call (me).' The couple have not limited their time together to set visits, traveling to Europe in 2024 Emily O'Brien was 24 when was coerced into smuggling drugs by her boyfriend A woman has revealed her harrowing ordeal after her seemingly 'caring' boyfriend coerced her into smuggling drugs across the Canadian border. In a new Channel 5 documentary My Boyfriend Made Me Do It, which airs tonight at 10pm, Emily O'Brien reveals how her controlling ex convinced her to illegally teansport four kilos of drugs into the North American nation. In the documentary, Emily revealed first hand the story of how she first met the seemingly kind and 'caring' Noah - who would later turn into a drug smuggling monster that changed the trajectory of her life forever. Emily, 35, from Toronto, was an aspiring entrepreneur for a social media company when she first met Noah in 2013 aged 24. She had been forging her career in social media when a 'bomb dropped in the family' that left her struggling to cope. A woman has revealed the harrowing details of how she was coerced by her 'caring' boyfriend into smuggling four kilograms of cocaine across the Canadian border In a new Channel 5 documentary My Boyfriend Made Me Do It set to air on Wednesday night at 10pm, Emily O'Brien (pictured) reveals the harrowing details of how she was coerced by her boyfriend into smuggling drugs into Canada After finding out that her parents were getting a divorce, the 24-year-old turned to alcohol and ended up developing a dependence, describing it as 'medicating' with booze. Speaking in the documentary, criminologist Dr Honor Doro Townsend said all the things going on in Emily's life made her 'vulnerable' and 'looking for stability and support'. Emily first met Noah as a client. He claimed to be looking for social media services for his car company when he first reached out to Emily in winter of 2014. Friends at first, things quickly took a romantic turn and the pair began to develop feelings for each other. 'There was just something different about him, he was so warm and so nice,' she said. Noah would even help her out around the house and buy her gifts, seemingly the perfect boyfriend. While struggling herself with drugs and alcohol, Emily found our that Noah had been sober for a number of years, making him someone she could 'trust' who was 'stable'. Dr Honor Doro Townsend said Noah had become 'a lifeline to Emily because he was presenting as someone who understands her struggles. She was seeing this person as a bit of an inspiration for what she can hope to achieve.' Emily, 35, from Toronto, was a aspiring entrepreneurs for a social media company when she first met Noah in 2013 aged 24 Forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes says in the documentary: 'Noah's willingness to help her out is establishing quite a dependency. He's an enabler who's wheedling his way in there.' But things quickly took a turn. Noah stopped paying for Emily's social media services and refused to pay up - leaving her 'perturbed' but feeling unable to do anything about it. 'He owed me about $800 at this point,' she says, reflecting on the first red flag that had cropped up during her whirlwind romance. Noah eventually coughed up the cash he owed her - but soon after, she found herself in another sticky financial situation when he offered to sell her his brand new car for $10,000. Emily obligingly handed over the money but never received the car, despite Noah having promised to give it to her two days later. After four weeks with no news on when she'd receive the vehicle, Emily began to distance herself from Noah. Though Emily was hesitant to keep in contact with him, Noah attempted to win her over again by suggesting they take a trip to Puerto Rico together. However, the holiday on offer was hardly a romantic break; as Noah suggested the pair smuggle drugs from the island back into Canada, claiming they'd each earn $8,000. 'I was so shocked, there was this guy that was sober and he asking me smuggle drugs and trying to incentivise me,' Emily said. Realising he had upset her, Noah walked back on his proposal, but convinced her to go on the trip anyway claiming he wanted to treat her to a nice holiday. When the pair got to the airport, Emily discovered that, instead of Puerto Rico, Noah had booked flights to St Lucia. When she questioned the destination, Noah convinced her that they had always planned to go to St Lucia and blamed her confusion on her drinking habit. Dr Honor Doro Townsend (pictured) said Noah had become 'a lifeline to Emily because he was presenting as someone who understands her struggles. She was seeing this person as a bit of an inspiration for what she can hope to achieve' Forensic psychologist, Kerry Daynes, (pictured) said in the documentary: 'Noah's willingness to help her out is establishing quite a dependency. He's an enabler who's wheedling her way in there While struggling herself with drugs and alcohol, Emily found our that Noah had been sober for a number of years, making him someone she could 'trust' who was 'stable' Emily pictured after prison with her mother. Collectively, Emily and Noah attempted to smuggle 4kg of cocaine into the country - an amount that has a street value of around 150-200,000 Reflecting on Noah's behaviour Dr Townsend said it was 'straight up gaslighting'. Despite telling her that he was sober, Noah was drinking throughout the trip, feeding Emily's and his own addiction. 'Noah had presented himself as a calm, stable influence in Emily's life but as soon as they got there, he starts drinking, giving her drinks. It went against the same set up,' said Dr Townsend. He then informed her that the two will be smuggling drugs back to Canada with them. 'He had this look like there was no one inside. And he says 'We're here to work, did you really think this was all fun and games?',' Emily recalled. According to Daynes: 'This is a classic example of Bait and Switch. She's been baited with the idea of a beautiful trip to St. Lucia to detox and that's not what's available at all, they're there to work.' Noah then took her to a mystery house in the the countryside in the island where she discovered she would be carrying 2.2kg of cocaine in a pair of shorts under her dress, into her native Canada. 'I felt absolutely trapped,' she admitted. 'I knew this was extremely illegal. I didn't know the extreme consequences but I knew it was wrong and I wasn't comfortable with us.' Collectively, the pair attempted to smuggle 4kg of cocaine into the country - an amount that has a street value of around 150-200,000. After successfully getting through security in St. Lucia, the pair endured an agonising four and a half plane journey to Canada. But after the two landed, Emily couldn't control her body's reaction to the fear of being caught and they were stopped at customs. 'He turned into that stone cold heartless person I had encountered in the hotel room St. Lucia,' she said. 'She is almost in a hostage situation,' said Daynes. 'By his very presence, he is threatening.' Forensic psychologist said: 'Emily's whole identity in terms of how other's perceive her has turned on its head. She was the social media entrepreneur and now she's a cocaine smuggler and that will follow her for the rest of her life' 'Noah had presented himself as a calm stable influence in Emily's life but as soon as they got there, he starts drinking, giving her drinks. It went against the same set up,' said Dr Townsend In January 2018, her case was heard. Emily pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in jail Emily could no longer conceal the fear in her body, and customs officers were quick to pick up on her shifty behaviour. After a round of rigorous questioning, Emily confessed to carrying the drugs and was arrested and placed in a prison. Her parents were forced to pay $50,000 for her bail and ended up having to put their house up in assets to retrieve their daughter from the correction facility where she was being held. She was placed under house arrest for two years, leaving her 'isolated emotionally and physically'. She was banned from having any contact with Noah. 'There's also this unwavering anxiety. I had lost drugs that weren't mine and I didn't know this world and I didn't know if they were going to come after me and my family. 'That level of constant paranoia was debilitating,' she said. 'That was the hardest time for me. It was very dark. That made me realise how much I valued my freedom.' Forensic psychologist said: 'Emily's whole identity in terms of how others perceive her has turned on its head. She was the social media entrepreneur and now she's a cocaine smuggler and that will follow her for the rest of her life.' In January 2018, her case was heard. Emily pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in jail. But it was in prison that she had an 'enforced rehab'. Forced to quit the drinking, she started to pick up on her old, healthy habits, getting back into exercising and reading. Always the business woman, she began a new business venture: ComeBack Snacks Popcorn, a brand of flavoured popcorn that would offer jobs to ex convicts. She wanted to 'prove to people that we are worthy of second chances'. She launched the company in 2020 while still in prison and is still managing her company today. 'The goal of ComeBack Snack is to help everyone find relatability in mistakes. But also forgiveness. Anyone can make a mistake but also anyone can make a comeback,' said. A pub in Belgium has made it almost impossible for customers to steal their glasses by making them hand over one of their shoes as an insurance policy. Boozers across the UK face punters pocketing their glasses on a regular basis, leading to them constantly having to order more. But Dulle Griet, located in Ghent, has attempted to tackle thieves looking for a free souvenir by tacking by taking something they can't leave without - their footwear. Somi Lynda, from Amsterdam, went to the tavern during her trip and filmed her bizarre experience. She took off one of her Adidas trainers and gave it to a bartender when ordering her beverage. Dulle Griet, located in Ghent, has attempted to tackle thieves looking for a free souvenir by tacking by taking something they can't leave without - their footwear He then took it away and tied it up with a bunch of odd shoes belonging to other customers in the pub. Dulle Griet also hangs the shoes up on the ceiling to prevent drinkers from snatching their footwear back when nobody is looking. Belgium is famous for its ale, so Somi ordered their 1.2 litre beer which came in an unusual glass reminiscent of a sand timer. The tall cup had a large rim around the top and bottom and a thin stem, meaning it had its own wooden holder so it didn't topple over. The pub is said to charge customers a whopping 74.99 (90 Euros) on the spot if you break the glass. Somi - a travel content creator - hilariously showed her followers the various funky socks that boozers were sporting. The bar has a traditional, yet wacky, interior that has wooden tables and chairs, various animal heads hung up on the wall and colourful advertisements for various beers pinned up. She said: 'This pub in Belgium takes one of your shoes as an insurance [policy] when you order beer, so you can't walk away with their glass. The pub is said to charge customers a whopping 74.99 (90 Euros) on the spot if you break the glass 'You get it back when finish the 1.2 litre [glass] of beer. It's also ok if you don't finish it. 'This was such a funny experience in Ghent. Would you be willing to give up a shoe as insurance?' 'Also, if you break the glass you have to 90 on the spot.' The clip went viral on Instagram and whopped up a whopping 26.5million views, along with 451,000 likes and many comments. One user wrote: 'It's tradition with the brand Kwak, those glasses are hella expensive. Really any bar that serves Kwak does this.' Another penned: 'I'd wear a cheap ass pair of slippers and hippidy hop home with my lovely glass thanks.' A third said: 'Cold feet, other people's stinky fungus shoes... no thanks.' A fourth commented: 'Lol actually really smart. I wonder how many people have forgotten their shoe.' Dulle Griet has been rated 4.4 stars out of more than 6,000 reviews on Google, with many of them mentioning the entertaining shoe policy. Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain looked effortlessly chic in a suit as she greeted athletes with King Felipe in Madrid today. Letizia, 52, looked in high spirits as she stepped out with a warm smile on her face in a stunning ensemble. The event - which took place at the El Pardo Palace - was put on for Olympians and Paralympians who competed in Paris this year. The mother-of-two put her best fashion foot forward and donned a burgundy outfit consisting of a tailored blazer and matching smart trousers. She paired the stand-out piece with a black blouse featuring a pussy bow, highly polished black boots and glitzy gold stud earrings. Letizia, 52, looked in high spirits as she stepped out with a warm smile on her face in a stunning ensemble Her husband, King Felipe, 56, looked dapper in a chequered grey suit which he paired with a crisp blue shirt, red patterned tie and shiny brown loafers. The royal couple personally congratulated the contestants on their medals and titles that they bagged in the French capital this year. They both joined royals from across the world in cheering on their countries at various games in the summer. Letizia was pictured bending down and greeting a Paralympian in a wheelchair by kissing her on the cheek. Elsewhere, she shook hands of athletes donning the colours of the Spanish flag - red and yellow. Letizia looked typically stylish as she wore her brunette tresses down in a sleek straightened blow-dry. The Queen opted to wear glamorous makeup, sporting purple sparkly eyeshadow, blush, highlight and lip gloss. King Felipe and Queen Letizia took to the stage and made a speech to the crowd, before posing for one large group photo. It comes as the royal couple were pelted with mud and heckled during a visit to Paiporta on November 3. She paired the stand-out piece with a black blouse featuring a pussy bow, highly polished black boots and glitzy gold stud earrings Letizia was pictured bending down and greeting a Paralympian in a wheelchair by kissing her on the cheek King Felipe, 56, looked dapper in a chequered grey suit which he paired with a crisp blue shirt, red patterned tie and shiny brown loafers Letizia and Felipe were snapped greeting athletes during the reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes who competed in Paris this year The royal couple made a speech commending the athletes The duo hosted the reception at at El Pardo Palace in Madrid King Felipe and Queen Letizia took to the stage and made a speech to the crowd, before posing for one large group photo Letizia and Felipe from across the world in cheering on their countries at various games in the summer Valencia was hit with severe flash floods last month which have killed more than 200 people. Areas of Spain such as Valencia, Catalonia and Andalusia regions, as well as the Balearic Islands, are on orange alert for more torrential rain and low temperatures. Letizia cried as she spoke to a woman in Paiporta, after mud was thrown in her face. The flood victim chatting to Letizia, who gave her name as Alicia, appeared to offer the emotional Queen a shoulder to cry on and a comforting embrace in a series of images that went viral following the royal visit. But Alicia recently now set the record straight - she was not there to console, but to confront. 'People have called me from all over, from Italy, from Romania... they say that I was trying to console the queen. The Queen opted to wear glamorous makeup, sporting purple sparkly eyeshadow, blush, highlight and lip gloss Letizia was snapped smiling as she spoke to athletes wearing red and yellow, the colours of the Spanish flag Letizia looked typically stylish as she wore her brunette tresses down in a sleek straightened blow-dry Letizia bent down to speak to a Paralympian during the event in Madrid today 'What I was telling her was that they had not seen anything of what happened, that they should go into the town,' Alicia told Las Provincias, recounting the moment that left Letizia struggling to maintain composure. 'This could have been avoided.' Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences while others pelted the monarchs with mud and chanted 'murderers!' Letizia looked on several occasions to be overwhelmed by the torrent of anger after mudslingers in the crowd left her face spattered with dirt. Eyes bulging from her head, the Queen was seen gingerly rubbing her temples in an attempt to remain calm before she burst into tears amid her conversation with Alicia. Queen Letizia appeared to be crying as she spoke to a woman (Alicia) in Paiporta on November 3 Spain's King Felipe has been heckled and had mud thrown at him by furious local during his visit to Valencia, where more than 200 people died in devastating floods on November 3 Queen Letizia hugs a woman who has been impacted by the floods on November 3 'All she could say was, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry",' Alicia recalled. King Felipe was also pelted with mud and objects, such as drink cans, by frustrated survivors of the deadly floods as he walked through the muddy streets. Letizia also met with representatives from Code.org at the royal residence in Madrid yesterday to discuss the importance of teaching computer science in schools, especially to young girls. The non-profit organises the annual Hour of Code - a movement that sees 10 per cent of pupils across the globe coding for one hour during Computer Science Education Week in December. Princess Martha Louise of Norway's husband has insisted she knows about the 'mistakes' he's made with clients - weeks after he strenuously denied sexual assault claims. Shaman Durek, 49, made headlines last month after he was accused of assaulting Swedish father-of-two Joakim Bostrom in one of his 'spiritual sessions'. The American Shaman, real name Durek Verrett, who married King Harald V's daughter Martha Louise, 53, in August, has denied the claims and said he has a 'legal document' in place to protect him. Now, in a resurfaced audio recording obtained by Norwegian paper Se og Hr, the 'spiritual healer' reportedly reveals: 'I have this part of me that just doesn't restrain myself, before adding that his royal wife is helping him 'process through these sides'. It comes after the release of three voice messages, in which Verrett reveals he performed oral sex on one of his male clients after their session and helped a woman 'clean' her vagina after she had 'violent' sex with her partner. Princess Martha Louise of Norway's husband (pictured together) has insisted she knows about the 'mistakes' he's made with clients - weeks after he strenuously denied sexual assault claims He admitted he 'crossed the line' with five of his clients during his work as a 'spiritual healer' in the bombshell audio recordings. On Tuesday, Se og Hr published a conversation they claimed Verrett had with his former friend of eight years Eric Nies, 53, via audio messages in the autumn of 2020. American former model Eric was apparently concerned after being approached by two of the Shaman's former clients, who said things of a sexual nature happened during the sessions, which made them feel uncomfortable, reported the publication. In the audio, Verrett says: 'Martha knows about every single thing and Martha understands every single thing. 'And the reason why I make those mistakes is because sometimes guys will do things and I have this part of me that just doesn't restrain myself because I live in a world where I'm just all about love and connection and energy and so forth. 'And Martha does know about this side of me and she's been helping me process through these sides and look at where they come from and what they're about and she's actually here right now listening to our conversation. 'And I appreciate all of this happening, I call it the coyote moment. Coyote is the trickster, the trickster is the one who helps bring things to a certain way so we can heal them and look at them and confront them and grow and all of that and there's growth in everything. 'I think it's a great thing that the coyote's showing up right now on all levels even for Martha right now, she's listening to everything so it's really good.' Shaman Durek (pictured on his wedding day in August 2024), 49, made headlines last month after he was accused of assaulting Swedish father-of-two Joakim Bostrom in one of his 'spiritual sessions' Shaman Durek has admitted he 'crossed the line' with several of his clients during his work as a 'spiritual healer' - weeks after denying claims of sexual assault The Shaman insists that the princess is sitting next to him while he's recording the audio and hears everything he says. However, only Verrett's voice can be heard in the messages. MailOnline has contacted the representatives for both Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Shaman Durek Verrett. It comes after Verrett admitted he 'made a mistake' in sessions with five of his clients, in bombshell audio recordings also obtained by Se og Hor. In the three voice messages, Verrett reveals he performed oral sex on one of his male clients after their session and helped a woman 'clean' her vagina after she had 'violent' sex with her partner. The shocking conversations took place with MTV star Eric Nies in 2020, who shared them with the paper in light of the recent allegations against Verrett. Mr Nies's side of the conversation is not heard in the recordings. In one recording, the Shaman can be heard saying: 'I have crossed - I did cross - the line one time with [name redacted]. I did. 'And it was a mistake and I'm aware of that mistake. And I did cross the line when [name redacted] pulled out his c***. 'I should have never sucked his c***. I should have just left it and put the sheet back over it, but we finished with the session and I asked him. I said, "do you want to go here?' The bisexual American Shaman, real name Durek Verrett, married Martha-Louise , 53, in August. Pictured on November 10 Verrett, from California , refers to himself as a 'shaman' - a type of leader who attempts to heal by connecting to the spiritual world. Pictured - file image of Verrett performing one of his 'sessions' 'And he says yes. And I'm like, ok, are you sure? And he goes yes. And I'm like, okay. And when the situation happened with [redacted], I did cross the line and I told [redacted] I crossed the line, and I apologised to him and he understood and he spoke with me and we worked it out and that's what it was.' Verrett, from California, refers to himself as a 'shaman' - a type of leader who attempts to heal by connecting to the spiritual world and even counts Gwyneth Paltrow among his celebrity clients. In a second audio clip, he said he helped a woman 'clean her vagina' after she'd been subjected to 'violent' sex by her partner - though did not provide exact details of the process. There is no indication that the process involved the Shaman physically touching the client. He admitted that the woman had 'freaked out' after they'd completed their 'session'. Verrett continued: 'Oh and one more just so you know, there was a woman who came in who asked me to help her with a situation she had with her boyfriend, who was violently having sex with her. 'I stood across the room and helped her clean her vagina and then she freaked out and felt like a man shouldn't have been in the room with her talking about vagina. And that happened, so, that's what happened.' Verrett claimed a third client asked him to 'put his finger beneath his scrotum' due to having 'sexual issues', despite his girlfriend telling him it was inappropriate. When contacted by Femail, a spokesperson for Verrett said: 'That being said its very easy to make this a story anyone wants it to be. 'Without sharing or hearing the full context of the conversation between two people in its entirety, a one sided account doesnt paint the full picture of the situations being talked about, its biased and sloppy journalism.' The shocking conversations took place with MTV star Eric Nies in 2020, who shared them with the paper in light of the recent allegations against Verrett. Nies is pictured in 2008 Nies, 53, appeared on MTV's The Real World: New York, The Grind and Confessions of a Teen Idol in the 2000s. On his Instagram account, Nies calls himself a 'soul liberator' and 'dragon king'. Like Verrett, he also claims to promote 'modern Shamanism' on his website. The pair are thought to have previously been good friends after meeting in Malibu in 2012, but appear to no longer be in contact. The shocking voice notes come just weeks after Durek was forced to deny sexually assaulting a Swedish father-of-two. Joakim Bostrom, 49, has accused the royal of 'grabbing his penis' and 'trying to have sex with him' in one of his 'spiritual' sessions. Speaking to Se og Hr, Mr Bostrom claimed the pair met in New York in 2015. He says he decided to book one of his sessions because he is 'spiritually curious'. Mr Bostrom alleges that the Shaman, also 49, quickly 'crossed a line' and flirted with him. 'It wasn't just in the session that he crossed the line. When I think back on it, he always had a sexualised behaviour and he would always touch me. It was tiring.' He added: 'The fact that he is inside the Norwegian royal house is absolutely sick! In my opinion, Durek is looking for power and position. That so few see through him is absolutely incredible.' Verrett strongly denied Mr Bostrom's accusations. Shaman Durek has now been accused of sexual assault - weeks after marrying Princess Martha Louise of Norway Durek and Princess Martha, 53, gathered 300 guests, including many royals, at their wedding in August. The nuptials were controversial, partly due to Verrett having previously voiced conspiratorial views, which include believing that childhood cancer is caused by unhappiness. The allegations come amid a very difficult time for the Norwegian royal family, which has in recent weeks been blighted by illness and further assault scandals. Mr Bostrom said he first met Durek in New York in 2015 - and the pair became close friends, often hanging out in bars in the evening. But despite knowing his friend was married to a woman, Durek began 'flirting' with him, which became 'increasingly intense', according to Mr Bostrom. Mr Bostrom claims he was touched in an 'inappropriate way' by Verrett after attending a spiritual session with him, after he claimed he had a cyst in the area. 'He started touching my penis. I reacted violently and shouted what do you think is going to happen? You want me to get an erection?. I told him to stop, but he wouldn't budge. He seemed determined to persuade me to have sex,' he told Se og hor. In a later session, he said he was then sexually assaulted by the Shaman, who didn't stop when he asked. Mr Bostrom didn't report Durek's behaviour at the time - something he now regrets. In a statement given to Se og Hr, Durek's representative Jenni Weinman said Bostrom had been his Swedish agent before being fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a member of staff. Princess Martha Louise of Norway recently shared snaps from her surprise honeymoon to Turkey with her new husband She claimed the perceived assault was part of the Shaman's 'healing methods', which often require him to 'remove energy' in areas around the armpits and groin. Weinman added that Durek has a 'legal document' in place to protect himself from people with 'evil intentions' as his work involves touch. In 2020, Emily Jane Fox recounted her own trip to one of the Shaman's healing sessions for Vanity Fair, revealing she'd signed a waiver to take part. She wrote: 'You expressly consent to any and all treatments, methods, and techniques necessary that Shaman Durek may perform in your session as determined by him. 'This includes but is not limited to physical touching, energy healing, releasing of toxins, energetic entry or physical touching of my genitals or electric shock treatment in the spine. 'The waiver also gives Durek the right to terminate a session if you try to kiss or touch him; fondle yourself; get undressed or try undressing him; attempt to have intercourse or oral sex with him or sex with yourself; or threaten him in any way.' Fox said Durek justified the waiver by claiming in shamanism 'you have to speak to the sexual glands'. Durek married the Princess Martha Louise in August - several weeks after Marius Borg Hiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was himself arrested on assault charges. Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her US groom Shaman Durek delighted crowds lining the streets by sharing a kiss after their wedding Princess Martha and husband Durek greeted people from a balcony Speaking on Instagram, Shaman Durek discussed 'lifting negative energy' and religion. Durek found himself in hot water in 2022 when claims from his book, Spirit Hacking, published in 2019, resurfaced when he and Martha Louise got engaged. He claimed that children 'can get cancer from being unhappy' and was dropped by his publisher shortly after the couple announced their engagement in June 2022. He previously told Se og Hr, that there is a 'place and time for everything'. The self-proclaimed Shaman added: 'In my practice, I have experienced that people seek my spiritual help when they are ready for it. Everyone has their own, unique path to follow, and I respect the path each individual ends up taking.' Borg Hiby also claims he himself has been a victim and faced abuse in a past relationship. Earlier this month, Princess Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, was taken into custody after breaching a restraining order. Crown Princess Mette-Marit's eldest son Marius Borg Hiby is facing assault charges brought against him by two of his ex-girlfriends, which he denies Princess Martha Louise confirmed her decision to resign as a senior royal in November 2022, months after her engagement to American businessman Durek Verrett - who describes himself as a 'Shaman' Speaking last year, Martha Louise addressed her decision to step back for the first time, claiming the moment was filled with 'turmoil' The couple married in August in a three-day ceremony in the fjords in Norway. Pictured in 2022 He has now been questioned in eight police interviews, his defence lawyer yvind Bratlien told TV2. Martha, who describes herself as 'spiritual' and claims to be a clairvoyant, got into a relationship with Durek after overcoming the loss of her first husband, Ari Behn, who died by suicide in 2019. But things have not been easy for Martha, as she was forced to leave her role as a working member of the royal family because of her fiance's controversial views. Durek stated that he believed that childhood cancer is caused by unhappiness in a book he wrote. Following their nuptials, senior members of Norways royal family partied into the early hours as they celebrated Princess Martha Louise's controversial marriage to Durek. King Harald, who is 87 years old and in frail health, did not return to his royal yacht, which was anchored by the shoreline of the Geirangerfjord until after 1am. November 12, 2024: Ukraine has been promised nearly a hundred F-16 jet fighters and currently has about twenty of them in service. These jets stay at least 40 kilometers from the Russian border because of the massive number of anti-aircraft missile systems stationed there. There are plenty of Russian targets inside Ukraine for the F-16s to attack. NATO nations that donated the F-16s did not provide enough SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) weapons to deal with the Russian air defenses inside Russia and along the border. Ukraine still attacks targets deep inside Russia using drones. These aircraft are cheaper and carry no pilots. For the cost of one F-16, Ukraine can buy over 300 of these drones. While the drones dont have hardpoints for carrying bombs, they do have video cameras that enable a distant operator or the guidance systems in the drone to find a specific target and attack it. The remotely controlled drones have to deal with Russian jamming and, when the Russians are able to disrupt the control signal, the drones are programmed to either return to base or attack one the nearby targets programmed into its flight computer. F-16s and other manned aircraft are still needed to find and attack other targets even if the pilots radio communications are jammed as pilots can adapt to unexpected situations. There are now systems that enable a F-16 pilot to control several jet powered drones accompanying him. In a jamming situation the pilot can use a laser based communication link that cannot easily be jammed. It would appear that the future has jet fighters and drones operating together. Some larger drones can carry guided bombs and missiles to launch at target and then return to base for reuse. For decades commercial and military aircraft have had automatic landing systems. Even carrier based air use this software for day and night landings. Drones began using this auto landing software over two decades ago. Many of the upgrades applied to F-16s are being installed in the cheaper and expendable drones. The F-16s, despite this competition, are still widely used. Out of 4,500 22-ton F-16 jet fighters built during the last fifty years, about 2,100 are still in service in 25 countries. About a third of these F-16s are in the U.S. Air Force. All these F-16s are not being replaced by the new F-35, which is a 31-ton single engine, single-seat aircraft that entered service in different versions between 2015 and 2019. The two aircraft are similar in size but the F-35 is much heavier and can carry eight tons of weapons compared to seven tons on the F-16. The F-35 also carries three times as much fuel but the lighter F-16 can travel 4,200 kilometers on internal fuel while the heavier F-35 can only go 2,700 kilometers. Both are single engine, single seat aircraft but the F-35 engine generates 48 percent more power than the one on the F-16. Despite this, the F-16 can carry seven tons of weapons compared to eight tons on the F-35. The F-16 can obtain most of the fire control system advantages of the F-35 by carrying a 241 kg targeting pod and a 207 kg navigation pod. That means nearly half a ton less for weapons on the F-16. Many F-16 users find that the targeting and navigation pods do what is needed as well as the built-in targeting capabilities of the F-16. This is why many current users of F-16s are keeping their aircraft. Price is a major factor. The average cost of an F-16 is about $33 million while an F-35 costs $83 million. Another major difference is operational costs per flight hour. It is $19,000-$25,000 for the F-16 but $44,000 or more for the F-35. Drone flight costs are 20 percent or less than manned aircraft of similar size. The first F-35s were built in 2006 for development purposes. The aircraft has stealth characteristics and is equipped with all the most modern avionics (aircraft electronics), sensors and capabilities. The F-35 has a max range of 2,800 kilometers for repositioning missions to a different country. For destinations more than 2,500 kilometers distant, the F-35 must land for refueling along the way. Combat range for ground attack missions is 1,200 kilometers while carrying eight tons of missiles and bombs. Combat range for combat with other aircraft is 1,400 kilometers. The F-35 can carry 2,600 kg of weapons internally and 6,800 kg externally. Max speed is Mach 1.6 and max altitude is 15,000 meters. The F-35B is a STOVAL (short takeoff and landing) version that carries a third less fuel because of the STOVAL modifications. There is an F-35C aircraft carrier version that is like the F-35A but equipped with a tail hook and more rugged landing gear. The wings have larger control surfaces, and the outer portions of the wing can be folded so the aircraft takes up less space on the hanger deck. Missiles and bombs that the F-35 is equipped to carry include all current American air-to-air missiles as well as all air-to-surface missiles. Pilots benefit from several features that make their job easier and much more effective. The cockpit where the pilot sits features a bubble canopy providing excellent views of what is outside the aircraft. Cockpit controls have been reduced and made easier to see and use. This is done by using a 50 by 20 cm touch display that shows flight instruments, stores management, CNI (Communications, Navigation, and Identification) information, and integrated caution and warnings. Pilots can customize the arrangement of the information. Below the main display is a smaller stand-by display. Pilots also have a helmet-mounted visor, a display that enables the pilot to look at an enemy aircraft and fire a missile at it. This point and shoot capability is an enormous advantage in air-to-air combat. The F-35 electronics also provide a better view of ground targets and the ability to quickly select the most suitable ground attack weapon carried and use it. The cockpit has a speech-recognition system but does not have a heads-up display. Instead, flight and combat information is displayed on the visor of the pilots helmet using a helmet-mounted display system. The one-piece tinted canopy is hinged at the front and has an internal frame for structural strength. The Martin-Baker ejection seat is launched by a twin-catapult system housed on side rails. There is a right-hand side hands-on throttle-and-stick system. For life support, an OBOGS, or onboard oxygen-generation system is fitted and powered by the Integrated Power Package, with an auxiliary oxygen bottle and backup oxygen system for emergencies. The radars and electronic countermeasures provide the pilot with an integrated view of the surrounding air space. This degree of situational awareness gives the pilot an enormous advantage in combat because the F-35 pilot can see, either with his eyes or via his sensors, more about what is in the area more easily and in much greater detail than any enemy pilot. About 1,200 F-35s have been built so far and eventually, by 2044, at least 2,456 will be built. Production numbers will increase as more export customers order aircraft. So far F-35s have been exported to Britain, Australia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the Netherlands. In 2023 Israel ordered another 25 F-35s. Israel already has fifty, organized into two squadrons. With the new aircraft there will be three squadrons. Israel was the first export customer to receive F-35s because it was the only export customer that was regularly involved in combat, including airstrikes. Israel was also the only export customer allowed to modify and upgrade their F-35s. For this reason, the Israeli aircraft is known as the F-35I. The United States initially opposed Israeli requests to carry out modifications and upgrades, but the Israelis had a record of doing this with F-16s and F-15s obtained from the United States, so F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin agreed to cooperate by making some modifications to the F-35Is before Israel received them. These included changes in command, control, and communications systems, including computers, and the thorough integration of intelligence collection, electronic warfare, and weapons systems. Israel agreed to not change anything inside the aircraft but was free to add capabilities on top of the existing infrastructure. Israel Aerospace Industries, for example, was already working on such systems for the F-35I. The F-35I was designed to allow software updates to electronic warfare and weapons systems. F-35I power and cooling systems were modified to allow incorporation of Israeli developed weapons. Israel has developed its own air-to-air missiles and GPS guided bombs. Since 2021 there have been a lot more joint exercises involving Israeli and foreign F-35s. Details of these exercises have not been publicized but it apparently involves testing current and new F-35 capabilities and sharing that knowledge with other F-35 users. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 a lot of European nations sought to obtain F-35s while canceling plans to buy older models of American and European combat aircraft. F-35s are meant to eventually replace all F-16, all 450 F-15s, and 600 F-18 aircraft. Russia and China have not yet produced a stealth aircraft as capable as the F-35, and now NATO nations with F-35s realize they have a substantial edge and have shared that knowledge with other NATO countries. Israel demonstrated what the F-35 was capable of when their F-35I fighters had been operational for over a year. These F-35Is flew training missions near the Syrian border and then operational missions over Lebanon and Syria. This came after years of overcoming opposition from the United States to allowing Israel to modify the F-35A to use Israeli electronic warfare equipment and software, and also to handle Israeli-made missiles and smart bombs as well as a smart helmet, which was something Israel pioneered. This led to the Israeli aircraft being designated the F-35I, which have been in the air since 2018, often armed and within range of hostile radars and anti-aircraft missiles as well as the latest Russian electronic warfare equipment. Israeli F-35s were first used in combat during 2018 and have done so several times since, including recent Israeli air raids on Iranian targets. The Russian made air defense systems were unable to detect the F-35s that were there to destroy Iranian air defenses. Israeli engineers also confirmed fears that the F-35 is eminently hackable. Other foreign users who have received their first F-35s agree that the heart of the F-35s superior capabilities are its software and digital communications with other aircraft and troops on the ground. Users are pointing out all manner of potential network vulnerabilities, and all are actively seeking which of these vulnerabilities are actual and fixable rather than potential and unlikely. F-35 software was designed over a decade ago when much less was known about how combat aircraft software could be hacked, and already some basic changes in F-35 software architecture are underway to deal with that. The F-35 software is more complex and omnipresent throughout the aircraft than in any previous warplane. Its a major effort to carry out and test any changes. Some major upgrades are needed in how F-35 software changes are made and how quickly. In wartime this would be essential, as otherwise vulnerable aircraft would be grounded when needed most. Foreign users have also provided useful advice on penetration or red team testing and this has become another major effort that was not anticipated. The U.S. and other foreign users of the F-35 noted Israels F-35I experience, and the Israelis have increasingly been sharing it with allies. Israel got priority on deliveries because they are literally a combat zone. Initial reactions of Israeli F-35I pilots and air force commanders were positive. What the Israeli pilots and all others who have flown the F-35 agree on is that its software and degree of automation is spectacular, easy to use and very effective. The F-35 has a large number of sensors, as in receivers for electronic signals, as well as six cameras and a very capable radar. The fusion of all that data and presentation to the pilot based on the current situation is impressive and makes the F-35 much easier to fly than any other fighter, despite all the additional capabilities it has. Israel has become something of an unofficial member of NATO and is sharing a lot of its F-35I knowledge with NATO nations. Israel not only has to deal with Russian aircraft and electronic systems in Syria, but an even more dangerous threat from Iran. Israel has established diplomatic and defense relationships with Arab countries who are also threatened by Iran. That made it possible for Israel to establish diplomatic relations with some Arab Gulf States and that led to American willingness to sell F-35s to the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The U.S. Air Force had to refurbish several hundred of its 22-ton F-16 fighters, because their replacement, the 31-ton F-35, did not arrive on time. Most existing F-16s are old, and by 2016, many were too old to operate. Back then the average age of F-16s was over 20 years, and the average aircraft has over 5,000 flight hours on it. In 2009 the first Block 40 F-16 passed 7,000 hours. In 2008 the first of the earliest models, Block 25 F-16s, passed 7,000 hours. While older F-16s are being retired for their age, they tend to have at least twice as many flight hours as their Russian counterparts. Because of greater durability and ease of maintenance, the seemingly more expensive Western fighters are actually cheaper in the lifetime of an aircraft because they last longer and are easier to maintain than equivalent Russian designs. The F-16V was introduced in 2012 as the last model of the F-16 but production of the F-16 did not end as planned in 2016 because further sales of the F-16V were certain and it was possible to upgrade some or all of the older F-16s to the Block 7o standard. These Block 7o upgrades are not always possible, or practical, for the oldest models of the F-16. These upgrades include replacing many structural elements as well as installing more powerful engines and the most modern electronics and fire control systems available. F-16s continue to be upgraded and refurbished. Production of the new F-16V continues because of buyer demand. The changes in the V model are considerable. The airframe is upgraded and strengthened to enable 12,000 flight hours per aircraft. The electronics undergo an even more extensive upgrade which involves replacing the mechanical radar with an AESA phased array radar, an upgraded cockpit, a Sniper targeting pod, a Link 16 digital data link and upgraded navigation gear. The newly redesigned cockpit is all digital and flat screen touch displays that replace dozens of gauges and switches and make it much easier to fly. AESA and the new fire control system make it possible to track multiple aircraft at once as well as track vehicles on land or vessels at sea. The targeting pod enables the pilot to confirm visually what is on the surface and promptly attack it with smart bombs or missiles. Manufacturer LockMart (Lockheed Martin) initially expected to get orders for at least 700 newly built F-16V or less expensive upgrades. An upgrade brings in as little as $10 million per aircraft while five or ten of these upgrades equals the price of one new F-16V. But when you have orders for hundreds of F-16V upgrades, you have a lot of F-16 work. The F-16 thus follows the path of previous best selling fighters. During the 1947-1991 Cold War Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s. After 1991 warplane manufacturing plummeted about 90 percent. However, the F-16 has been popular enough to keep the production lines going strong into the 2020s. The U.S. still has about 1,200 F-16s in service, with about half with reserve units. F-16s built so far went to 27 countries before Ukraine requested them. America has hundreds in storage, available for sale on the used airplane market. The end of the Cold War led to a sharp cut in U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons. Moreover, the new F-35 is on its way to replacing all U.S. F-16s by the late 2020s. The U.S. has plenty of little-used F-16s sitting around, while many allies need low cost jet fighters. Many current F-16 users planned to replace the F-16 with the F-35, but that aircraft costs more than twice as much as a new F-16V so air forces are seeking to operate a mixed force of F-35s and late model F-16s. A current example of this is Poland, which is sending its older MiG-29s to Ukraine. These have a few good years left, which is all Ukraine needs. Since the 1990s most F-16s produced were for export and some cost as much as $70 million each, like the F-16I for Israel. Some nations, like South Korea, built over a hundred F-16s under license. The 16 ton F-16 also has an admirable combat record and is very popular with pilots. It has been successful at ground support as well. When equipped with 4-6 smart bombs, it is an effective bomber. Since first entering service some 4,600 F-16s have flown over 12 million hours. Despite fears that a single engine fighter would be less safe, F-16s have, in the 21st century, suffered an accident rate, which is loss or major damage, of 2.4 per 100,000 flight hours. The F-16 is one of the most modified jet fighters in service. While most are still called the F-16C, there are actually seven major mods, identified by block number like 32, 40, 42, 50, 52, 60, 70 and 72, plus the Israeli F-16I, which is a major modification of the Block 52. The F-16D is a two seat trainer version of F-16Cs. The various block mods included a large variety of new components and can choose from five different engines, four sets of avionics, five generations of electronic warfare gear, five radars and many other mechanical, software, cockpit, and electrical mods. Until Block 70 came along, the most advanced F-16 was the F-16 Block 60. The best example of this is a special version of the Block 60 developed for the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The UAE bought 80 Desert Falcons, the F-16Es which are optimized for air combat. It is a 22 ton aircraft based on the Block 52 model, which the KF-16 was originally, but with an AESA radar and lots of other additional useful accessories. Block 70 goes beyond Block 60, especially in terms of electronics and airframe enhancement to extend flight life. The most successful F-16 user is Israel which set a number of combat records with its F-16s. Israel plans to keep some of its late model F-16s flying until 2030 as it retires the oldest ones. At the end of 2016, Israel retired the last of its 125 F-16A fighters. The first 70 were acquired in 1980 and 1981 and included 8 two-seater F-16B trainers. One of the F-16As achieved a record by being the single F-16 with the most air-to-air kills, 6.5, all achieved in 1982 using three different pilots. Israel received 50 used F-16As in 1994 including 14 B models and used these mainly as trainers. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked typically cheerful in a canary yellow ensemble today as she continued her work on financial inclusion in Zoetermeer in the west of the country. The Dutch royal, 53, made an entrance in a lemon-coloured coat, which she wore open to reveal an equally striking cowl neck top and a pair of wide-leg trousers, both in the same bright shade. Maxima appears to be a huge fan of the colour after she was recently pictured in a yellow silk dress at a tech event in Singapore. The mother-of-three teamed her outfit with a pair of tan, round toe boots and a matching clutch bag, which she carried under her arm. The beaming queen completed her look with a pair of gold statement earrings. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (pictured) was typically cheerful today as she visited the western city of Zoetermeer The Dutch royal, 53, opted for a canary yellow ensemble, which included a cowl neck top, wide-leg trousers and a matching coat She beamed as she met with people at finance company Pension3daagse, also known as the Money Wise platform She wore her shoulder-length, blond hair in a classic blow dry for the occasion and added a pair of statement gold earrings Wearing her shoulder-length, blond hair in a classic blow dry, Maxima looked fresh-faced with minimal make-up. In addition to her usual black eyeliner, the radiant royal added a slick of nude lipstick. Maxima, who has a degree in economics and serves as the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), was visiting a company called Pension3daagse, also known as the Money Wise platform. As honorary chair of the platform, she acts as a special adviser and works with stakeholders to expand financial self-reliance initiatives. It has been a busy week for the Dutch queen - only last Thursday she was in Singapore for the FinTech festival. Maxima also met with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana presidential palace in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA). Dressed in a silk yellow dress from Belgian fashion house Natan, she looked as youthful as ever. The bright ensemble reflected Maxima's beaming expression, as she appeared in great spirits for the second day of her three-day trip. She has been seen in the dress several times since 2015, which was elegantly decorated with a woven floral motif, and complemented with a flattering belt. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked stunning in a silk yellow dress as she attended the Singapore FinTech festival today. Pictured meeting Prime Minister Laurence Wong The Dutch royal, 53, appeared in great spirits as she shook hands with Mr Wong at the Istana presidential palace She kept her blonde tresses loose and opted for her classic natural make-up style. Maxima also attended a fireside chat event during the Singapore FinTech festival, which is taking place from November 6 to 8 - and is the reason behind her visit. The Singapore FinTech Festival is the largest in the world of its kind. The annual events seeks to recognise innovative FinTech solutions, financial institutions, technology companies. The Dutch royal has previously given speeches at the annual tech festival in Singapore, having been a guest speaker in both 2017 and 2019. Maxima was recently appointed the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA). In her new role, she continues to campaign for equitable access to financial tools and literacy to help people secure their future. As part of her former role in the UN as Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, Maxima previously discussed the importance of tech innovations in improving access to financial services at the annual tech festival. She advocated for better access to current or savings accounts, insurance, loans, pensions and digital payments - for the 1.7 billion adults worldwide who lack access to these basic financial services. She looked as youthful as ever in the yellow number from Belgian fashion house Natan, one of her favourite places to shop Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), meets with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana presidential palace The royal also attended a fireside chat event during the Singapore FinTech Festival She is attending the tech festival, which is taking place from November 6 to 8 - and is the reason behind her visit The Dutch royal has previously given speeches at the annual tech festival in Singapore, having been a guest speaker in both 2017 and 2019 Maxima appeared in great spirits for the second day of her three-day trip On the first day of the festival, Maxima looked radiant as she delivered a speech at the FinTech Festival. She donned a stunning checkered black and white suit as she arrived in the southeast Asian country - and later met with Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. She looked glowing in a stylish distressed suit as she stepped up to the podium. She wore a matching blazer with an accompanying knee length skirt in a tweed material with distressed black and white tassels. As part of her trip, the Dutch royal also met with Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the nation's Istana presidential palace. Before meeting the President, Maxima had the chance to sign the guest book. The two were pictured sitting down together to chat, while they enjoyed a tea together. Zendaya also shed light on what its like working alongside Tom The Euphoria actress met her other half before they started filming Spider-Man Zendaya has revealed the moment she was first introduced to her boyfriend Tom Holland, spilling that they actually met before they started filming the 2017 film Spider-Man: Homecoming. The Euphoria actress, 28, has been loved up with the Peter Parker star, also 28, since 2021, five years after the Hollywood heavyweights starred alongside each other in the superhero movie. Lifting the lid on when Tom first came into her life, Zendaya shared they met during a chemistry read. The revelation came as she opened up about feeling 'strangely comfortable' working with him. She divulged: 'It's like second nature, if anything. You feel extra safe with the person you're acting beside. Zendaya has revealed the moment she was first introduced to her boyfriend Tom Holland The Hollywood heavyweights have been loved up since 2021 (pictured at the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in 2021) 'I love working with him. He's so talented, and so passionate about what he does.' Speaking to Variety for the 2025 Hollywood Issue, she continued: 'He always gives things one thousand percent, even if he's absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. 'That's how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read.' This isn't the first time Zendaya has shed insight into her relationship with Tom in recent months. In April, the talented A-lister gushed about their relationship as she graced the cover of British Vogue's May Issue. Speaking about how they've grown together, she said: 'We were both very, very young, but my career was already kind of going, and his changed overnight 'I definitely watched his life kind of change in front of him. But he handled it really beautifully.' Zendaya also revealed that she has also considered the prospect of starting a family in the public eye, admitting she doesn't want her future children to 'have to deal with her fame.' Lifting the lid on when Tom first came into her life, Zendaya shared they met during a chemistry read She added to Variety that she loves working with Tom because he is 'so talented' She said: 'It's a matter of sustainability, how she can continue to make this demanding business that she loves so dearly work for her. 'Because I don't necessarily want my kids to have to deal with this [fame]''... and what does my future look like? Am I going to be a public-facing person forever?' Discussing her fame, she added: 'You just kind of get used to the fact that, ''Oh, I'm also one of these art pieces you're going to take a picture of.'' I just gotta be totally cool with it and just live my life.' 'I think growing up, I always felt like when someone asks for a picture, I have to do it, all the time. You have to say yes, because you just need to be grateful that you're here. 'And while I still feel that way, I also have learnt that I can say no, and I can say kindly that I'm having a day off, or I'm just trying to be myself today, and I don't actually have to perform all the time.' Earlier this month, Tom admitted he often checks up on his superstar girlfriend by googling her. The actor explained: 'The last thing I googled was actually Zendaya I'm not on socials and I delete it when I'm not using it. So sometimes like - it's more of a bit of an anxiety thing. 'I'll check to see if everything's good and to make sure we're all cool. So I just give her a little Google and look through the news and I'm like, "she's good."' Have you ever wondered if the clothing brands you wear secretly reveal your political affiliation? According to a TikTok content creator, your favorite designers could be a giveaway. New York City-based content creator Elysia Berman made a video for her 149,000 TikTok followers about 'popular fashion items that scream conservative.' 'I'm not saying only conservatives wear this, but if you wear these, I will question who you voted for in this election,' the design director explained in the viral video, which received 53,000 likes and almost 2,000 comments. The so-called 'conservative' brands ranged from wildly expensive Golden Goose sneakers - which retail for $600 a pop - to classics like L.L.Bean, a favorite with New Englanders. The so-called 'conservative' brands range from wildly expensive Golden Goose sneakers (above) - which retail for $600 a pop - to classics like L.L.Bean, a favorite with New Englanders Elysia first mentioned Golden Goose sneakers, and said that usually the people who wear these pricey Italian shoes pair them with 'several thousand dollars worth of Cartier' and a LoveShackFancy dress, as seen above Elysia mentioned Texas-based jewelry designer Kendra Scott's necklaces 'or any Kendra Scott jewelry at all,' joking that she was 'basically describing the Bama rush uniform' Elysia first mentioned Golden Goose sneakers, and said that usually the people who wear these pricey Italian shoes pair them with 'several thousand dollars worth of Cartier' and a LoveShackFancy minidress. 'Something about spending $600 on a pair of pre-distressed sneakers screams conservative values to me,' the digital creator said. '[Liberal people] like me wear their shoes until they actually look like this and we don't get rid of them after, either,' Elysia quipped. Elysia also mentioned Texas-based jewelry designer Kendra Scott's necklaces 'or any Kendra Scott jewelry at all,' joking that she was 'basically describing the Bama rush uniform.' The young women going through recruitment at the University of Alabama famously wear thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and clothing, opting for preppy brands and wildly expensive accessories. According to Elysia, another designer worn by conservative woman was the Australian brand Zimmermann, which she described as the grown-up version of LoveShackFancy. The boho chic Aussie brand has amassed a whole slew of celebrity fans, including pop stars Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Ariana Grande, who all endorsed Kamala Harris, and Paris Hilton, who is a childhood friend of Ivanka Trump. Tiffany Trump wore a floral dress from the brand to her sister Ivanka's daughter's bat mitzvah in June of 2023. The Ralph Lauren American flag sweater also made the list - she suggested getting the viral teddy bear sweater instead, which she called more neutral Elysia said that the viral Ralph Lauren bear sweater, shown above, is a more neutral option than the American flag sweater, which she believes skews more conservative The L.L.Bean Boat Tote also made the list as conservative, although she said it's considered more liberal if it's embellished with a cheeky saying In the comments, some completely agreed with her fashion insights, while others thought that some simply signified preppy style, especially in the Northeast The Ralph Lauren American flag sweater also made the list - the creator suggested that Democrats don the viral teddy bear sweater instead, which she called more neutral. The L.L.Bean Boat Tote also made the list as conservative, although she said it's considered more liberal if it's embellished with a cheeky saying. Barbour jackets, barn coats and Sperry boat shoes were also described as conservative - which Elysia clarified is 'all in good fun.' In the comments, some completely agreed with her fashion insights, while others thought that some simply signified preppy style, especially in the Northeast. A few people suggested other brands that seemed to signify conservative style, including Vineyard Vines, Lily Pulitzer, and Louis Vuitton. While some people said they didn't think L.L.Bean was conservative, others agreed wholeheartedly with the list. 'Can confirm this is accurate, I own multiple RL flag sweaters and Golden Goose shoes and voted for Trump,' one woman admitted. Drew Barrymore is known for her hands on approach whilst interviewing guests on The Drew Barrymore Show, but the actress' infectious on-screen energy sometimes leaves her guests visibly uncomfortable. After raising eyebrows following her handsy interview with Martha Stewart, 84, this week, viewers couldn't help but feel some second-hand embarrassment for the talk show host. The interview went slightly off topic when Barrymore, 49, bit her finger and playfully asked Martha: 'What makes you soft and gooey?' The question, and Barrymore's subsequent attempt to caress Stewart, prompted the cookbook author to playfully shove the host away. From her backlash surrounding her interview with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, to her bizarre touchy chats on her infamous couch, the actress always makes an impact when chatting to her famous peers. Here, FEMAIL looks back some of the cringy moments of the actress' talk show. Martha Stewart The cook was a guest on an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show this week, which made a point of celebrating her legacy and paid homage to the famous cook as the 'original' influencer. The interview went slightly off topic, however, when Drew, 49, bit her finger and playfully asked Martha: 'What makes you soft and gooey?' Eventually, Martha replied: 'Soft and gooey treatment.' 'Soft and gooey treatment?' mom-of-two Drew repeated, as she proceeded to start caressing her guest's arm. 'When you're treated like a lady?' 'It's nice,' Martha confirmed. 'When someone comes in' Drew continued, but before she could complete her sentence Martha batted her away while declaring 'you're the wrong gender!' 'I know, I know,' the E.T. actress relented as she dramatically fell back on the sofa. 'Although, the way it's going with men though, Martha, I'm not so sure anymore.' The uncomfortable moment was soon over though when one of Drew's dogs came up to the sofa, making for a nice distraction. Drew bit her finger and playfully asked Martha: 'What makes you soft and gooey?' Martha batted her away the television host as she kept caressing her arm Dua Lipa In May, Dua Lipa, 29, and the talk show host lost their balance and nearly fell over on stage as they hugged in front of hundreds of fans while filming an interview for The Drew Barrymore Show. The duo were equally in awe of each other, as they fawned over one another and their collective new moniker 'Drua,' which prompted them to shriek and stumble backwards. Dua Lipa and Drew Barrymore both lost their balance and came close to falling over on The Drew Barrymore Show The host quizzed the pop star about singledom, which Dua said is 'so important' Chloe Sevigny In an October episode of her talk show, the actress revealed she had a secret bathroom hook-up with Chloe Sevigny back in the '90s.' 'We shared something in the bathroom in the 90s. What was it?' Barrymore asked, before giving the options of lipstick, toilet paper, or a kiss. After the woman selected lipstick as her final answer, Barrymore mused: 'Well, it did involve lipstick.' 'It was the 90s!' Sevigny said, with a laugh. The Charlie's Angels star added: 'It was the 90s. It was a kiss. We were very free and just having the best time and it was just the sexiest, cutest, most [meow].' The Charlie's Angels star revealed she had a secret bathroom hook-up with Chloe Sevigny back in the '90s' Terry Crews In an October episode of her talk show, Barrymore let an X-rated sex confession slip during a game of ping pong with Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Terry Crews. The presenter admitted to having sex in public places on 'several' occasions, including in bathroom stalls and on airplanes. After Drew accidentally batted the ball off the table, she was faced with a playful question that asked whether she'd ever 'done the deed' in a public place. The former child star went on to cheekily say she'd had sex in 'several' public places. 'Bathrooms, airplanes, backs of cars, I don't know. I had a good time when I was young,' she quipped. She then embraced the actor at the end of her admission. Drew made the confession during a game of ping pong with actor Terry Crews before she stressed that her wild days are truly behind her, adding: 'I'm so ultra-conservative and just so mellowed out now' Chris Hemsworth Barrymore isn't a stranger to fangirling over her own guests, recalling the first time she almost met Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, 41, when he appeared on her show. Hemsworth left the mom-of-two blushing after he revealed that he saw her in a hair salon during a very awkward encounter. The pair were both getting their hair done in the same place in Los Angeles a decade ago - but Barrymore admitted she was too star stuck to introduce herself. 'I just so wanted to be respectful. I was freaking out the whole time!' she recalled. 'I still too get so excited about people. For three weeks, since we've known you were coming on this show, we were like, 'Chris Hemsworth is coming on the show.' I'll never lose sight of how incredible that is' the He's Just Not That Into You actress admitted. The Australian actor appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show this week for the first time and the American actress was quick to recall that they'd almost met before Jason Kelce In April, Barrymore raised eyebrows after covering the former Eagles center completely in flowers, after greeting him backstage at WrestleMania in Philadelphia. The actress, Kelce, and his former teammate, Lane Johnson, were all guest celebrities in the WWE's two-night celebration through April 6 and 7 at Lincoln Financial Field. After the event, a video of Barrymore, in character as Flower Power, meeting Kelce and Johnson backstage surfaced. She handed Kelce a gold WWE replica belt before covering him in flowers. 'I am Flower Power,' she said as she entered the room. Kelce played along with the character, saying: 'You look unbelievable.' 'Thank you very much,' Barrymore responded. 'Flower Power wanted to dress up to present you with this [belt] that has been all over the place. It was at the Super Bowl, but it needs to come home to you, Jason and Lane, and come home to Philly.' 'I love this, Flower Power, thank you for delivering the golden belt for WrestleMania,' Kelce exclaimed before they broke character. Barrymore was the first to break as she introduced herself and gushed over the former Eagle and veteran offensive tackle. Drew Barrymore sprinkled flower petals on Jason Kelce backstage at WrestleMania 40 Barrymore attended Night 1 of WWE's two-night event as Flower Power Henry Winkler Barrymore was left choking during an interview with veteran actor Henry Winkler, after taking a sip for a mug while chatting to the 79-year-old. Fans gasped as the talk show excused herself and ran off the set while signaling for help. 'Don't you worry. Don't you worry. It's Ok,' Winkler said comforting Barrymore as she hurried backstage. 'No? OK.' Knowing that the show must go on, the Happy Days star jumped into action and asked the audience: 'So, thank you for being here. It is such a pleasure. So, while we're waiting, is there anything you'd like to hear about?' Drew Barrymore shocked fans as she rushed offstage choking while filming her talk show with Harry Winkler on Friday The actress appeared to be in distress as the interview went awry Austin Butler Barrymore's interview techniques were bought into question again in April, raising eyebrows after her chat with Austin Butler resurfaced - with uncomfortable viewers declaring her style 'invasive.' The talk show host, 49, invited the Hollywood actor and his Masters of the Air costar, Callum Turner, on her program back in February, where they shared the advice they received from George Clooney. During the interview, Drew sat close to Austin as she revealed that George had once encouraged her to maintain eye contact while shooting a scene despite her finding it 'intimate.' After a clip from their chat was posted on Drew's social media pages, viewers couldn't help but notice the host's physical closeness to Austin, with one going as far as claiming she was 'frightening' him. Social media users who logged onto social media today may have seen their timelines flooded with Elon Musk memes. The memes, which are AI generated, depict the tech entrepreneur as President-elect Donald Trump's First Lady. According to the Daily Dot, the memes started after Musk was featured in a Trump family photo. They then gathered steam when a false rumor was spread that author Stephen King had been banned from X, formerly Twitter, for referring to Musk as 'Trump's First Lady.' Memes depicting Elon Musk as President-elect Donald Trump's First Lady have flooded social media The memes are largely being shared by liberal X users as a way to mock Musk A false rumor involving author Stephen King kicked off the memes King later clarified that the rumors weren't true and that he had not been banned from the platform. 'I see there's a rumor going around that I called the Musk-man Trump's new first lady,' King posted. 'I didn't, but only because I didn't think of it. There's also a rumor going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am.' The memes are largely being shared by liberal X users as a way to mock Musk. In the memes, the entrepreneur has been transformed into a stately female figure using AI tools. It comes as Trump officially tapped Musk to 'dismantle' the $6.5 trillion bloated US bureaucracy by spearheading the newly created 'Department of Government Efficiency.' Trump made the bombshell announcement Tuesday night saying Musk will co-lead the 'Manhattan Project of our time' with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. 'This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!' Musk said in a statement. It comes as Trump officially tapped Musk to 'dismantle' the $6.5 trillion bloated US bureaucracy by spearheading the newly created 'Department of Government Efficiency' Republicans have long complained about government over-spending and Trump touted that DOGE will accomplish its goals by July 4, 2026. Trump pledged that the pair would help him 'dismantle' government bureaucracy and 'slash excess regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure Federal Agencies.' Trump said the immense project will 'drive out the massive waste and fraud' and would be completed by July 4, 2026. A young mum-of-two has issued a warning about a toy every parent should avoid buying ahead of Christmas if they want a clean home. Emily Skye, a fitness trainer and model from the Gold Coast, revealed she 'instantly regretted' buying sticky and stretchy rubber animal toys after they ended up on her ceiling. 'I made a huge mistake,' she said in a video. 'I bought the kids these sticky dinosaur things that you put on your finger and you flick them through the air, and they're like jelly. 'They're now stuck on my ceiling and I can't - for the life of me - get them down. 'I don't have a ladder tall enough... What a nightmare.' The video shows several animal figurines stuck to Emily's ceiling inside her family home. While some of them have fallen off, the mum said they left a greasy, coloured stain on her roof. Mum-of-two Emily Skye has issued a warning about a toy every parent should avoid buying Several animal figurines are stuck to Emily's ceiling - and while some of them have fallen off, the mum said they left a greasy, coloured stain on her roof Emily Skye is a fitness trainer and model from the Gold Coast Emily's husband had to create a long stick to try and remove the toys from the ceiling. A few mums shared Emily's pain. 'My kids got lizard ones in a party bag and the colour transferred - so we ended up with coloured lizard shapes on our ceiling,' one said. 'I have these on my roof too,' a mum added. 'They leave sticky marks.' 'They also took our ceiling paint off,' another wrote. 'What a nightmare.' One offered some solace: 'They'll fall down eventually. Maybe in a few years. I had a rat like them, took about three years to fall off.' But children are not the only ones to blame for the toys. 'We had them in Christmas crackers one year, and as a family threw them on the roof above our lunch. 'Stepdad was repainting the roof a month later because of the stains.' '90 per cent of the sticky toys on Kmart's ceiling are thrown by adults,' another observed. Hundreds of sticky toys are tacked to the ceiling above the children's section in Kmart Emily revealed she 'regrets' buying animal toys that stick to surfaces - such as her ceiling This is not the first time something like this has happened - shoppers previously discovered a 'strange' phenomenon at Kmart stores across the country. Hundreds of the mini sticky toys were tacked to the ceiling above the children's section at a Kmart store in Penrith. 'This is the roof above the toy section in my Kmart,' a woman said, sharing a photo of the crime scene. 'Obviously the kids have a game to try and throw sticky toys on the roof.' Dozens of people from across the country reported a similar occurrence at their local stores. At the age of 23, Jane* was an introverted, almost painfully shy young woman. 'I was a well-behaved child and teenager, with good academic grades,' she tells me. Then, in her early twenties, a period of anxiety and continually feeling highly strung led her to seek help from her GP. She was prescribed Aropax, an antidepressant that contains selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Aropax helps to control mood and is typically prescribed for people who suffer from depression, anxiety or panic disorders. 'I wasn't told to abstain from alcohol, although it does state it clearly on the packet.' Now 47, she believes that the antidepressants led to a period of wild behaviour and an unhealthy dependency on alcohol. 'While the tablets helped take away my anxiety, they also removed my inhibitions,' she says. 'Before taking the antidepressants I was drinking fairly regularly, but sensibly: it helped relieve the stress I was experiencing as I had debilitating anxiety in every aspect of my life, including terrible social anxiety. But once I was on the tablets, I felt elated, almost manic.' Taking prescribed SSRIs and drinking heavily led to a period of her life that Jane describes as 'debauched'. She says drinking large amounts of alcohol typically two bottles of wine a night - was 'uplifting' for her after a period of anxiety and darkness. During this time, Jane moved to Japan to work as an English teacher, living in shared accommodation with other expats. 'The antidepressants helped me overcome the shyness I would have normally felt in this sort of situation. And expat life is pretty crazy there's a lot of drink and drugs. I threw myself into partying. I was having such a great time. The tablets removed my inhibitions and I would drink almost every night. I'd buy two bottles of Prosecco on the way home and that would just be for starters. We'd drink at home, then go out for more drinks and, sometimes, drugs.' Jane says the mix of alcohol and antidepressants left her with 'boundless confidence. I was just super happy and open to all experiences.' However, as the months went by, her behaviour became even more manic, in all areas of her life. At 23, Jane* was an introverted, shy young woman - but she claims the antidepressant Aropax completely altered her personality and made her a 'debauched' heavy drinker (stock image) 'I didn't have a "stop" button,' she says. 'That was completely removed. But otherwise I was healthy, although perhaps I should say addicted to a high. I'd drink and party all night, then get up in the morning and head to the gym. Even here I would overdo it I'd do hundreds of sit-ups, not stopping to catch my breath. I just couldn't get enough of that "high" that alcohol or exercise gave me. People would tell me that I'd done enough, but it never felt like I'd reached my limit.' Before taking the SSRIs, Jane 'drank as much as her friends, perhaps a little less. At high school I'd have a drink with friends, but I certainly didn't go overboard or crave alcohol.' Now, almost twenty years later she realises that she was on a spiral towards alcohol dependency. Jane is not alone. According to Dr Cathy Andronis, Chair of Psychological Medicine at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, alcohol dependency can develop while you're on antidepressants. 'Antidepressants are a large group, the majority prescribed is the group SSRIs, but there are some other, small groups of antidepressants which are prescribed, and people may have different reactions to when mixing with alcohol.' Dr Andronis says different antidepressants can react in various unpredictable ways to food or other medications, and can cause health issues such as high blood pressure. 'We can't assume it's safe or unsafe to use alcohol with antidepressants; this has to be an individual's decision made with that patient's doctor.' So, what does happen to your brain when you mix alcohol with your medication? 'When people drink, they get variable effects,' says Dr Andronis. 'At a lower level, most people will get disinhibition or a sense of social connection because it decreases anxiety at lower levels. At higher levels, or after prolonged use of alcohol, it's a depressant, which is why you may fall asleep or feel tired after drinking.' According to a 2014 paper in the International Journal of Risk and Safety Medicine that looked at 200 cases of people who'd reported increased alcohol consumption as a result of taking SSRIs, 'multiple lines of evidence amplify a thus far barely recognized signal of interactions of SSRI and related antidepressants with alcohol'. Dr Andronis finds that genetics can play a role in your reaction or growing dependence on alcohol when mixed with antidepressants. 'Genetically, people metabolise alcohol differently. For instance, in Asian cultures where people drink much less, they're very sensitive to alcohol because of their enzyme patterns and the way they metabolise alcohol in their liver. So even a small amount can cause disinhibition.' Jane recognised she was engaging in risky behaviour after several 'blackouts', when she was found unconscious on the side of the road. 'I decided to take myself off the antidepressants I put two and two together and realised my heavy drinking had coincided with beginning the course of tablets.' However, going cold turkey meant she endured three days of detoxification symptoms, ranging from insomnia, racing heartbeat and feeling chronically overwhelmed. 'I felt paranoid and even though I've never been suicidal, I did feel that the world was caving in on me. Thankfully a flatmate found me and helped me through the worst of it. I began my antidepressants again and this time, took myself off them in a slower, more controlled manner, cutting down my dose gradually. 'I then moved from Japan to Seville, Spain, and while my drinking slowed down a little, I would still easily drink a bottle of wine a night. When I returned to Australia, the drinking ramped up again.' Jane admits her family drink heavily, and there is a history of alcoholism. 'We all drink more than we probably should,' she tells me. At age 36, Jane began experimenting sexually - which she believes was caused by another antidepressant, Zoloft - and had a compulsion to drink David Godden, a psychologist and director of The Bay Addiction Centre in Byron Bay, says that in his experience, an increase in a reliance on alcohol and the link with antidepressants isn't necessarily genetic. 'I do believe it's a reaction between the individual, the alcohol and the antidepressants,' he says. 'Most people who are starting antidepressants probably already self-medicate with alcohol, to a large extent or not, regardless of whether they were told to stop drinking when they were prescribed alcohol. I don't think antidepressants make people uninhibited, but the combination of an [antidepressant] which can increase people's energy and mixing these with alcohol, can make people potentially feel euphoric.' Dr Godden says that many don't stop drinking on SSRIs due to the side effects of alcohol withdrawal. 'They may then drink to manage those feelings,' he adds. The recognised physical symptoms of the interaction between antidepressants and alcohol can include a worsening of depression, low mood, agitation, headache and electrical shock sensations in the brain, known as 'brain zaps'. With 14 per cent of the Australian population now on antidepressants, SSRI-induced alcoholism could potentially be a relatively common problem yet is largely unrecognised. Jane's return to the Gold Coast coincided with another period of depression and anxiety, brought on by a new, demanding job. 'I was quite healthy, although extremely stressed. Then I met someone and together we began to drink heavily.' The end of this relationship and continuing work pressures led to nervous breakdown, after which she was prescribed anther SSRI, Zoloft. She abstained from drinking on this course of tablets, under the advice of her GP. 'When I felt stronger, I moved to Melbourne - but began drinking again.' The move to Melbourne coincided with Jane once again entering another 'manic period of her life, with no inhibitions.' Now 36, she began experimenting sexually - which she believes was caused by the Zoloft - and had a compulsion to drink. What followed was several years of high-risk drinking, during which time she suffered from alcohol poisoning. With her then-relationship at risk, she decided it was time to finally address her health issues. 'I was in my late thirties by then and I needed to take care of my health. I realised I wanted to have a child. I had some of my eggs frozen when I was about 38 years old but I didn't cut back on my drinking.' Jane met her now-partner when she was 40 and decided she wanted to go ahead with an embryo transfer. 'I continued to egg harvest and attempt embryo transfer, but I think the alcohol and subsequent inflammation in my body affected my ability to fall pregnant.' There's a happy ending to the story: Jane and her partner moved back to the Gold Coast where they were able to have a child - a daughter who is now five. Jane is no longer on SSRIs and drinks just a few glasses of wine or beer on the weekend. She recently had several health issues which she suspects are related to her years of alcohol abuse combined with taking antidepressants. She now suffers from fibromyalgia and memory loss, and continues to have fertility challenges. 'Without a doubt antidepressants caused me to drink heavily and removed my inability to say "enough". I feel lucky that I'm on the other side of those chapters of my life and just hope that my past doesn't affect my health in the future.' The RACGP recommends avoiding alcohol entirely when taking antidepressants. 'Alcohol can counteract antidepressants' benefits, worsening depression and anxiety,' says Dr Andronis. 'There are not many positive effects of alcohol and once we take away mind-altering experience we're after, it is a poison. Small quantities of alcohol may be okay for some people, sometimes, but there is not really a positive.' She points to research that shows consuming large amounts of alcohol are linked to health problems such as cancer, high cholesterol levels and mental health issues. 'Alcohol is a depressant in the brain, it affects sleep patterns, causing broken and poor-quality sleep,' she adds. 'The effects of poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues and other symptoms of depression, such as overeating and lower inhibitions.' *Name has been changed Men should be given as much emotional support as women in the run up to parenthood, a study suggests. More focus should be put on dads-to-be during antenatal and other clinical appointments to stop them feeling 'left out', a review of evidence found. Many new fathers reported being 'physically and emotionally tested to breaking point', experiencing bouts of exhaustion and postnatal depression symptoms. But they felt unable to reach out for help on the grounds that they were not supposed to be the ones finding new parenthood difficult. The academics called for clinical guidelines to be developed to give mental health support in the run up to - and shortly after - becoming fathers. This would help them cope with the physical, psychological, and social changes in their lives during transition to fatherhood, they suggest. Researchers drew on findings from surveys, interviews and focus groups from the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, involving more than 1,000 men. Some had a positive experience with no mental health repercussions, but most faced challenges, they found, which had a detrimental impact on their overall mental health and wellbeing. Experts have called for clinical guidelines to be developed to give mental health support for men in the run up to becoming fathers. Many new fathers reported being 'physically and emotionally tested to breaking point' Fathers said they 'often felt ill-prepared for the exhaustion and new responsibilities' prompted by the arrival of a new baby, which left little time for intimacy and quality time with their partners and that this 'strained the relationship'. They often felt excluded from the mother-child relationship, starting during pregnancy when they 'felt like bystanders', undermining their confidence in their ability to parent. Other themes included insufficient tailored information or antenatal classes that addressed their needs during the transition to fatherhood as it 'wasn't considered important', according to the findings published in the BMJ. In nearly half of the studies, fathers particularly felt that they needed to be better informed on parenting in general, but especially breastfeeding issues to better support their partners. The research team, from the University of Newcastle, say clinical guidelines should be developed for paternal perinatal mental health support and management. Doctors, midwives and other healthcare staff should also ensure adequate time is allocated to acknowledge fathers' wellbeing during perinatal appointments, they suggest. They conclude: 'By addressing fathers' wellbeing concerns and challenges during the transition to fatherhood through the development of clinical guidelines on the management of paternal perinatal mental health, as well as effective practitioner/organisational engagement and inclusion of fathers, may assist in removing stigma and gender expectations that society still follows. They add: 'It is clear that fathers require equal emotional and practical support to mothers during this period, and therefore it is important that future tailored support is provided and that fathers are not considered a 'forgotten entity'. An NHS spokesperson said dads-to-be are involved in care in the run-up to births, as long as their partner consents. He said: 'Partners of pregnant women and new mothers who are themselves suffering from anxiety, depression or more severe disorders such as psychosis are automatically offered a comprehensive mental health assessment and sign-posted to professional support if needed.' A woman in Minnesota has a rare allergy that makes exercise deadly. Maggie Habashy can no longer go on a run or to a workout class, knowing if she does, she suffers a severe allergic reaction and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Her torso and limbs become itchy until hives break out on her skin, and her eyes swell shut. When she tells people about her rare allergy to exercise, 'The usual response is, 'Ha ha, me too! Right?' She told Fox: 'People love to say that; it's a joke, I've heard it a million times. But no, literally, it could kill me.' The ordeal began about 10 years ago, soon after giving birth to her daughter. She was on her first run in months when she suddenly became increasingly itchy. After a short while, she realized her entire body was covered in hives angry red, itchy welts that appear when the body releases certain chemicals that launch an immune response against a perceived threat, like pollen or shellfish. Anaphylaxis during a workout is typically triggered by specific foods to which a person may be sensitive or mildly allergic. For example, a person with gluten sensitivity who eats a protein bar containing wheat a couple of hours before exercising may be more likely to experience symptoms similar to Ms Habashy's. Today, Ms Habashy cannot make it 20 minutes into an exercise class without experiencing swelling in her throat and itchy hives all over her body. Maggie Habashy experiences swelling in her face and throat as well as itchy hives all over her body when she works out It's not clear how many people have exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA), but the current estimate is about 0.05 percent of people experience it at some point in their lives. For 30 to 50 percent of these cases, EIA only happens when certain foods are eaten before exercise. In addition to itchiness, hives, and throat swelling, other symptoms of EIA include swelling in the face, lips, hands, feet, and/or genitals, face reddening, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, fainting, profuse sweating, headache, and GI issues such as diarrhea and nausea. After that first run, Ms Habashy said she assumed she was allergic to something in the air and didn't give it much more thought. 'And then it kept happening,' she said. 'But not only did it keep happening, it kept getting worse.' The allergic reaction generally begins about 15 minutes into her workouts. She has been through a range of allergy tests to try to identify a specific food or allergen as the cause but doctors have found nothing She suffered a severe reaction about 20 minutes into an exercise class. Her husband picked her up and they rushed to the hospital Dr Micah Karasov, her allergy specialist, ran a battery of tests to identify substances, such as pollen, pet dander, and certain foods, that could be causing her reaction. He said: 'Most people, there is a food trigger that as long as they avoid the food, whether it's wheat or soy or whatever, as long as they don't eat that for, let's say, two to four hours before exercise, they're not going to react. 'Maggie's case is unique in that there was clearly not a food trigger because she was fasting during the time.' Both were reasonably certain early on that food was not the cause, as she was in the midst of fasting for Ramadan when she experienced a similar reaction 20 minutes into a workout class. Ms Habashy now carries an Epi pen wherever she goes in case she experiences anaphylaxis again Your browser does not support iframes. The itchiness was in her throat this time. She called her husband Ali in a panic, and they rushed to the hospital. She said: 'He could see my whole face was swollen up. I couldn't talk, and the doctor, she asked him, 'Has this ever happened?' He said she's gotten allergic reactions before from working out, but definitely nothing like this. 'He said the doctor looked really scared, and she said, 'I don't know what would have happened if she would have waited 10 minutes.' When Fox shadowed her at an exercise class, only 15 minutes had passed before the itchiness took over, and her mouth went numb. She said: 'Sometimes I make it 15 minutes, sometimes I make it 45. It just kind of depends on the day. 'Some days are more emotional than others. I get frustrated that I can't finish it, but I just do the best I can and move on.' Residents in this tiny, unassuming town South Carolina can't believe it has become one of the most talked about places in America in recent days. Yemassee drew national attention last week when 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from a research facility known to locals as the 'monkey farm'. The break-out prompted a police warning for the town's 1,000 inhabitants to lock down their homes and call 911 if they encountered the primates. When DailyMail.com visited Yemassee on Tuesday there were still 13 monkeys on the loose and while we didn't run into any, we could hear them cooing, grunting and rustling around in the woods near the Alpha Genesis facility where they escaped. Residents told us that they were initially 'nervous' upon hearing about the escape, especially given the risk they could be diseased. But now that the monkeys have been deemed harmless, many are now embracing the town's newfound fame. Mom, I'm being interviewed by Daily Mail and I've got the New York Times on the phone, said one local, utterly amazed the news was making national headlines. This place is certifiably in the middle of nowhere, another added, so to have all this press... has been really something. Our taxi driver was equally stunned: 'Oh wow! DailyMail - Ill have to tell my wife you were in town, I read you guys all the time! The quiet town boasts just three shops on its Main Street, one of which has begun selling $20 t-shirts that say straight outta Yemassee and picture a monkey. Luke Andrews, pictured wearing a 'Straight outta Yemassee' shirt being sold in the town as it cashes in on its newfound fame The store has already received hundreds of orders, with some from as far away as Florida, California and Tennessee. Annette Youmans, who runs Carolina Graphics, said she was initially nervous about the monkeys. The first day I was, I pulled my car up right up close and ran in and shut the doors because they said to shut them - so I was a little nervous. But after that Im fine now, you see the doors are open and all this. Your browser does not support iframes. She added: On Saturday, there were so many people just come to see the monkeys - and theyd stop [at my shop] too! Its great to have something different [to focus on] from the election. The townspeople have become accustomed to escapes - there were six in 2022 alone - but last week's was the biggest, which initially caused some alarm. Charlotte Murray, who runs a local business, said: Forty-three escapes was a number that we had not heard before, that was a lot of monkeys. Luke hunts for the monkeys in the woodland near the research lab The quiet town boasts just three shops on its Main Street, one of which has begun selling $20 monkey t-shirts It was also unusual that we were asked to lock our doors and windows.' But residents were assured that the small monkeys - which are around the size of a house cat - were not dangerous and were not used in experiments. And within days 'cars were stopping and people were trying to take pictures [with the monkeys],' said Ms Murray. Yemassee is about 50 miles west of Charleston and an equal distance north of Savannah. According to locals, the only people who pass through are truckers and tourists traveling between those cities. DailyMail.com was denied entry to the facility (shown) but we could hear what we believe were the escapee monkeys calling to others still in their enclosures The facility, which houses more than 3,000 monkeys, is based on the edge of the town 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 But police say they have been inundated with visitors over the weekend, with people stopping by the road outside the research facility to take photographs. DailyMail.com was denied entry to the facility but we could hear what we believe were the escapee monkeys calling to others still in their enclosures. We were also threatened by police if we tried to enter the woods. The troop of on-the-run primates have been hunkered down in there since they escaped and officials are using food and traps to try recapture them. Alpha Genesis has around 3,000 primates in its Yemassee site at any one time, where they're used for testing for vaccines and brain treatments. Locals tell of cases where a monkey turned up in the post office, and when another was seen clambering through the trees by a street with a baby on its back after escaping in previous years. In another case, one local business owner told DailyMail.com how a monkey with a 'soft-ball sized tumor on its neck' climbed onto their shop's AC unit. November 12, 2024: Since Russia invaded in 2022, an unexpected supplier for Ukraine was South Korea. These weapons did not go directly from South Korea to Ukraine. South Korean laws prohibit supplying weapons to nations at war. South Korea honors and evades this prohibition by selling weapons to Ukrainian allies. These allies then provide Ukraine with the weapons the South Korea items replaced. This matters because by 2019 South Korea is the 10th largest defense manufacturer in the world. Thats up from 13th a few years earlier. In 2024 South Korea was number 8 with a 2.8 percent share of defense exports. The top three are the United States with 39 percent, Russia with 19 percent and France with 11 percent. Currently South Korea is exporting weapons to nations in its neighborhood, with a growing number of orders coming from NATO nations. Poland, which borders Ukraine, is now a major customer for South Korean arms. NATO nations like the quality and competitive prices of South Korean weapons. After 2022 South Korea replaced sanctioned Russia as a supplier of weapons in many regions. The importance of NATO support for Ukraine after the Russians invaded in 2022 has led pro-NATO nations in the Pacific to establish closer relationships with NATO. Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand, as well as the United States are seeking to apply lessons from how NATO supported Ukraine after Russia invaded to a similar threat in the Pacific where Chinas growing navy is acting more aggressively towards its Pacific neighbors. South Korea and Japan have substantial naval and air forces while Australia is upgrading and expanding its own fleet. Although Australian naval bases are far from China, South Korea and Japan, the Australians know from their World War II experience that they are dependent on keeping sea lanes to the Americas, the Middle East, South Korea, Japan, and India open. While European NATO is largely supporting land operations in Ukraine, in the Pacific any conflict would be over who controls key shipping lanes. Another threat from the Pacific is Chinese support for Russian forces in Ukraine. The Chinese support is unofficial and concealed as much as possible, but it is substantial and growing. China believed the invasion of Ukraine was a mistake, but Russia is a long-time military and economic partner that must not be allowed to fail. Russia was soon losing in Ukraine and may have to admit defeat and leave Ukraine, and probably all the Ukrainian territory Russia has occupied since 2014. Russian leader Vladimir Putin vows that will never happen. Putin had earlier predicted his 2022 invasion would quickly subjugate and conquer Ukraine. Because of the war the Russian economy is a mess, in part because the Western economic sanctions caused major problems for Russia. The sanctions wont end until the Ukraine War is over and perhaps not even then. Russia is seen as a long-term threat by NATO countries, and the Pacific nations NATO is now talking to see China as a greater threat to pro-NATO Pacific nations. China insists it has no intention of using military force against its Pacific neighbors. China has the largest fleet in the region, including aircraft carriers. The Chinese fleet is growing and China expects it to be larger than the entire U.S. fleet by the 2030s, though this is doubtful due to corruption and the problems it has manning its existing fleet. Chinese military practices put more emphasis on intimidation than action. China is heavily dependent on seaborne trade and if that is disrupted it would mean China would not get essential food and petroleum supplies. China has to import food to feed its population with popular items not available in China. Imported petroleum is essential to keep the economy going. Based on past performance, China may threaten and sometimes act aggressively but wont deliberately try to kill anyone. The initial Chinese public reaction to a Pacific NATO was to accuse the Americans of seeking such an alliance to sustain U.S. economic and military domination in the Western Pacific. This situation was an aftereffect of World War II. China and Russia agressed in Korea, Vietnam and a few smaller wars. Their only success was in Vietnam, but that came at the expense of economic growth, individual prosperity and personal freedoms. Vietnam is still ruled by a communist dictatorship, although one that is trying to, like China, allow a free market economy to operate. Vietnam is still a communist dictatorship that, unlike China, was unable to make the most of free market opportunities. As a result Vietnam currently has a GDP per capita of $4,300 compared to over $12,000 for China. South Korea, which remained an ally of the United States since the end of World War II, is now one of the top ten largest economies in the world with a per capita GDP of $35,000. In socialist North Korea it is $1,200. South Korea is a democracy with elected government officials. North Korea is a socialist dictatorship where the government started by Kim Il Sung in 1948 has been continued by his son and grandson as a hereditary dictatorship. Unlike the constitutional monarchies in Europe that are overseen by an elected government, the North Korean hereditary government is a dictatorship with no input from the population. Because of this situation South Korea welcomes NATO while North Korea condemns it and sells Russia weapons to be used in Ukraine by the Russian invaders. A grieving husband has blamed his wife's death on the NHS using 'cheap' physician associates. Roy Pollitt didn't know his 77-year-old wife, Susan, was being treated by a physician associate, a relatively new role that only requires two years of medical training and originally designed to support doctors. Physician associates, also called PAs, have been mired in controversy, being labelled cut-price medics and substitutes for doctors as they're cheaper to hire. PAs are not qualified to diagnose patients, prescribe drugs or order scans, and are meant to be constantly monitored by a doctor. Yet as a concerning number of cases suggest, hospitals are using PAs to cover for a lack of doctors in wards. An inquest held earlier this year into Ms Pollitt's died from an infection that developed after a PA botched a procedure to drain excess fluid from her abdomen. 'She would have lived if the NHS had not used cheap labour,' Mr Pollitt told the BBC. It comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting today said there are 'legitimate concerns' over the role of PA amid worries they are being used to replace fully-qualified doctors. Roy Pollitt didn't know his 77-year-old wife, Susan, was being treated by a physician associate, a relatively new role that only requires two years of medical training and originally designed to support doctors Susan was admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, in July last year with a broken arm after a fall at her home At an inquest into Mrs Pollit's death held earlier this year, a coroner said her fate highlighted a lack of a national framework covering PAs' training, supervision and competency. That inquest found she died after an unnecessary medical procedure was carried out by a physician associate. Mrs Pollitts, a retired housewife and mother of four children, was originally admitted to The Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester with a broken arm after a fall at her home last year. But she died five days later after a procedure to remove excess fluid from her abdomen was botched by a PA. When Mrs Pollitt arrived in hospital, a decision was made to remove excess fluid from her abdomen known as an ascitic drain due to another health condition. This procedure involves cutting the abdomen to insert a plastic tube and stitching a cuff to the skin around it. In Mrs Pollitts case it was carried out by an unnamed PA despite there being no adequate procedure for ensuring PAs were competent and capable of undertaking this task, the coroner said. Ascitic drains should be left in for no more than six hours in Mrs Pollitts case it was there for nearly a day. She developed an infection called bacterial peritonitis and subsequently died. Mrs Pollitt's daughter, Kate, recalled staffing levels at Royal Oldham seemed 'very low' the night that she died. The tragedy comes as criticism grows around the NHS s reliance on PAs healthcare workers who do not have a medical degree but are employed to support doctors The BBC reported that they had seen evidence that PAs were being used to cover nearly a fifth of doctors shifts at Northern Care Alliance the Trust that Royal Oldham is part of. It has also emerged that the PA in question was only approved as competent in using the equipment for an ascitic drain because a nurse assumed he was a doctor. Despite the tragedy, the Pollitts don't blame the individual PA involved, describing him as the only staff member who had shown empathy. 'He thought he was doing right... but he was in a situation where he wasn't supported,' Kate said. 'We just want change it wont mean things like this wont ever happen again but if we can help reduce the chances then its worth it.' Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning Mr Streeting said he wanted to look into issues surrounding PAs before a planned expansion of their role within the NHS. Mr Streeting acknowledged there were concerns around the tasks PAs were doing and transparency, with patients not necessarily realising they weren't being treated by a doctor. He said: 'I am taking these concerns seriously and Ive spent a lot of time listening to clinicians, listening to physician associates as well, by the way. 'I think they do have a role to play and can add value, not least in freeing up doctors time to do the things that only doctors can do. 'But I think there are legitimate concerns about the extent of doctor substitution and replacing doctors with PAs, there are issues around transparency. Mr Streeting said he would be saying more about the associate roles 'in the coming weeks', hinting an expansion in the number of the roles could be paused while work is carried out to address concerns. There have been concerns about the expanding scope of PAs for years. MailOnline's sister publication, The Mail On Sunday, has revealed dozens of cases where PAs had been allowed to cover doctors shifts and care for severely unwell patients. In response, the Government pledged to end the practice and ensure patients are cared for by the right, qualified healthcare professional. A group of senior doctors are also suing the medical regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC), the doctors regulator, for failing to set out clear rules over which medical tasks PAs are allowed to do. Lawyers representing the group, who call themselves Anaesthetists United, has accused the GMC of acting unlawfully by failing to create strict regulations on the roles of PAs and specifically anaesthesia associates (AAs) PAs who assist with sedating patients before surgery. The group claims that AAs are being allowed to put patients to sleep without a doctor present. They also claim that, in some hospitals, AAs are sedating children without the supervision of a doctor. And earlier this year, doctors union the British Medical Association (BMA) also called for PAs to be barred from diagnosing patients. Mrs Pollitt's case isn't an isolated one. In 2022, actress Emily Chesterton, 30, died of a blood clot after a PA dismissed her symptoms as anxiety and gave her pills instead of directing her to A&E. And in February, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Brinton told a House of Lords debate that doctors had reported '70 instances of avoidable patient harm and near misses caused by PAs', including 'fatalities, missed diagnoses causing terminal diseases, sepsis and heart attacks'. The NHS employs more than 3,500 PAs in England and plans to increase this to 10,000 by 2036. Northern Care Alliance chief medical officer Dr Rafik Bedair said the trust was 'saddened' that Mrs Pollitt didn't receive the standard of care she should of and they were 'deeply sorry'. He added that the Trust would learn from the incident to make care safer for future patients. When Ellie Wilcock was hit by sharp pains on one side of her abdomen and sudden bouts of fatigue in 2022, she blamed it on a urinary tract infection. But the actual cause was a cancer that kills almost 17,000 Brits each year and is climbing in the under 50s. The then 25-year-old from Peterborough was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer the most serious kind of the disease that means it's spread elsewhere in the body. Now in a TikTok video, seen over 400,000 times, she has warned of the four early warning signs she suffered before her diagnosis. Perhaps the most unusual was am agonising pain that affected just one side of her abdomen and pelvis, leading some doctors to believe there was a problem affecting her reproductive system. 'It [the pain] was in my left hand side,' she said. 'It was because the tumour was obstructing my large bowel. 'I thought it was more like urinary pain...doctors thought it was a UTI.' In another clip, she explained that some hospital doctors believed she may be suffering an ovarian cyst. Now in a TikTok video , seen over 400,000 times, Ellie Wilcock has warned of the four early warning signs she suffered before her diagnosis In 2022, the then 25-year-old from Peterborough, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer the most serious kind of the disease Ms Wilcock also suffered other symptoms that are more commonly associated with bowel cancer. The first, a change in bowel habits that saw her experience both diarrhoea and constipation. She said: 'For me, it was a constant change between the two but it just wasn't normal for me' 'And fatigue. I would come home from work and just want to lie down and go to bed. 'I was really tired, I was really fatigued. Even sat at my desk, I was falling asleep I was so tired.' She also noticed blood in her stool; another well recognised sign of the condition. 'At the time I didn't think I had this but on reflection I did and just didn't notice it,' she said. 'This could be a range of colours, it could be bright red or a dark red. 'But anything that isn't normal for you and you've noticed consistent blood in your poo then get it checked out. 'It is nothing to be embarrassed about. The sooner you look at it, the sooner you get it out the way.' According to the NHS, anyone experiencing these symptoms for three weeks or more is advised to speak to their GP. The first, a change in bowel habits that saw her experience both diarrhoea and constipation, is one of the most well known symptoms of the disease The content manager's illness began with an 'extreme pain' in her abdomen, a classic symptom of the disease. However, at the time she thought 'nothing of it' and suspected it was simply a UTI Bowel cancer symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, but it's important to get checked so the disease can be spotted as early as possible. Ms Wilcock first sought help for the pain in her abdomen in April 2022. Tests for a UTI came back negative, but blood tests conducted around the same time showed markers of inflammation. Such signs can indicate cancer but also other potential diseases and conditions. She was then booked in for an ultrasound, and doctors expected to find an ovarian cyst. But the pain worsened rapidly, forcing her to seek aid via A&E. It was only when a biopsy was conducted that the devastating truth was revealed. Tests in February 2022 revealed the disease had spread to her liver, ovaries and the peritoneum the membrane that holds the organs in the abdomen. But when the pain got worse, she decided to seek help from her GP. Tests for a UTI came back negative, but blood tests conducted around the same time showed markers of inflammation Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms After undergoing multiple surgeries to remove her cancer as well as gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, in August 2022 she was told there was no more evidence of the disease. In her fresh TikTok video she urged anyone experiencing unusual symptoms to get checked out straight away. 'I always say cancer can happen to anyone, it doesn't discriminate. 'It is just a bulldozer that moves into people's lives and it fills waiting rooms with people, all with their own stories, their own families fighting this horrible disease.' Her post comes as experts continue to warn of a disturbing rise in bowel cancers in under 50s, which has baffled doctors around the globe. The disease, the third most common cancer in the UK, is the same type that killed Dame Deborah James at age 40 in 2022. There are more than 44,000 new bowel cancer diagnoses in the UK each year, and almost 142,000 in the US. Although the vast majority affect those aged over 50, rates in older age-groups has either declined or held stable while diagnoses in younger adults have risen by 50 per cent over the last 30 years. Dame Deborah James, nicknamed the 'bowel babe' raised more than 11.3mn for Cancer Research and is credited for increasing awareness of the disease, which killed her in 2022 aged 40 Earlier this month, actor James Van Der Beek revealed he has been diagnosed at the age of just 47. Cancer Research UK estimates that over half (54 per cent) of bowel cancer cases in the UK are preventable. Doctors have suggested obesity, antibiotic over-use, mobile phone radiation and even invisible particles of plastic in drinking water are potential triggers. However a growing number of experts are pointing ultra-processed foods as a cause. Also known as UPFs, these are ready-made foods including bread, cereals and even salad dressing made with artificial ingredients used to preserve, add flavour and enhance texture. Some have even gone as far as to say they could be as dangerous as tobacco and should come with a cigarette-style health warning. Speaking to MailOnline earlier this year oncologist and Queen's University Belfast professor Dr Joe O'Sullivan said: 'The spike in young cancer rates has to be due to something we're consuming. 'And ultra-processed foods are the biggest lifestyle change in the last 40 years.' A further concern is that younger people with colorectal cancer suffer slightly different symptoms from older patients, according to a recent study. The researchers looked at 5,000 people in Taiwan of various ages with the disease, found six in 10 under-50s suffered rectal bleeding before being diagnosed with the disease, compared to fewer than half of over-50s. And nearly 60 per cent of young people with the disease also experienced changes in their toilet habits in the lead up to or after a diagnosis, compared to 48 percent of older patients. The study found patients under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed later when the cancer had spread, perhaps because they dismiss the health changes. Male NHS employees suffering from the 'manopause' are being offered special uniforms, bespoke desk spaces and up to a year's paid leave from work to help them cope with the 'hormonal change', MailOnline can reveal. The controversial term describes the supposed drop in sex hormones that affects men in mid-life although experts say a significant fall is only true for a vanishingly small number with medical disorders. When used as a comparison to the female menopause, the term is 'unhelpful and misleading', according to the NHS website. Experts say while the menopause is caused by a sudden shift in hormones that triggers the dreaded symptoms, the decline in testosterone happens gradually and much less significantly over many years. This means symptoms are far less likely to appear. Yet, earlier this week, data from Freedom of Information requests obtained by the BBC revealed as many as one in ten NHS trusts have protocols for managing the 'manopause' also called the andropause. Now, MailOnline can reveal intriguing details of some of these initiatives. For instance, the NHS East Midlands Ambulance Service has produced a document for bosses entitled: 'Andropause in the Workplace Guidance Document'. NHS employees suffering from the 'manopause' are being offered special uniforms, bespoke desk-spaces and equal access to menopause support. Stock image The guidance advises 'all staff' to be aware of the manopause, and encourages men to 'ask for reasonable adjustments in the workplace' if suffering. The document also states that men are entitled to a special uniform made of 'natural fibres' which could help with 'hot flushes/flashes and sweating'. Another available adjustment is changing the position of a man's desk. 'Positioning near a window or a door may help,' the document reads. Managers must also 'ensure portable fans or heaters are available' to 'enable the individual to personally control the temperature surrounding them'. Other support listed includes flexible working and time off to attend medical appointments for the manopause, and the offer to discuss the condition with a manager. The document adds: 'The male should not be placed in a position of embarrassment where they are expected to suffer in silence, but to have the support offered to be able to identify the issue [as] real.' Staff at the trust are also offered up to a year of paid leave if they are affected by the menopause, similar to the Trust's policy for other health conditions, according to previous reports. NHS East Midlands Ambulance Service isn't alone in offering male employees andropause support. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust offers mid-life male staff the same 'extra' support it offers women experiencing the menopause, according to its website. Testosterone levels peak in young adulthood, around age 20, but decline by about 1 per cent annually after age 30 Like with women, the 'male menopause' is used to describe the period in an adult man's life when his hormone levels crash, causing a host of symptoms that can be life-changing and debilitating from erectile dysfunction to depression, anxiety and rapid fat gain Several other NHS trusts also include brief mentions of the 'andropause' in documents outlining their menopause policy, but don't specify details of support offered. Medics insist it is incorrect to equate the manopause and menopause. Studies suggest that an estimated one in 50 men see significant reductions in sex hormones as they age. But this is true for every woman. It's also different in terms of timescale and impact. The menopause happens over the course of just two to five years. In contrast men experience a gradual decline in testosterone after about the age of 30, equivalent to roughly about a 1 per cent drop per year. Not all men will suffer from symptoms as a result. The NHS warns menopause symptoms can have a 'big impact' on women's lives, including on relationships, social life, family life and work. But the health service is less generous when it comes to describing the andropause. The NHS website reads: 'This label is misleading because it suggests the symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the female menopause. This is not true.' Much like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, some men struggling with the drop in testosterone can be offered artificial boosts to help combat symptoms. This is usually for men whose plunging levels are related to a specific medical condition known as late-onset hypogonadism, meaning their testes make too little of the hormone. A bereaved mother claims to have seen angels at the site of a horrific car crash where her daughter lost her life. Melinda Martinez, 43, believes a 'blurry figure' in haunting photos taken by the police shows her child's spirit. Her daughter Isabelle Gonzalez, 16, died in a car crassh after she went out with three friends, drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. She got into a car with her friends and Brandon Gomez Hunsperger, 22, who was drunk driving. The car spun out of control and crashed into a tree, in San Jose, California. Both Isabella and Brandon, the driver, were pronounced dead at the scene and the two other passengers were rushed to hospital. In the image captured by the police, there is a faint bright light hovering over the crash site. Melinda, who works in sales, from San Jose, California, said: 'When she died I asked the police department for the reports and photos. Melinda Martinez, 43, whose daughter died after getting into a car with a drunk driver said she could see 'angels' at the crash site Isabelle Gonzalez, 16, went out with three friends and was drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana 'I wanted to know everything she went through good or bad. 'They gave me some photos and as we were looking through them I said 'oh my god, these are angels'. 'I felt like my daughter was so special that god allowed us to give us that moment. 'I think if I didn't see those photos I would not be here today because I wanted to be with her so bad.' The crash happened on March 15, 2018, after Isabelle asked Melinda if she could go out with some friends. The next morning, Melinda woke up and noticed that Isabelle wasn't there and called her school who wrongly said she had turned up. Melinda said: 'The school told me that she was there but had missed the first and second periods. 'They said they couldn't find her because there was a cheer rally which made sense as she was a cheerleader. 'They gave me some photos and as we were looking through them I said 'oh my god, these are angels,' said Melinda Martinez The crash happened on March 15, 2018, after Isabelle asked Melinda if she could go out with some friends 'When school finished and she still wasn't home, I called my mom and told her what was going on. 'She started freaking out and she told me there had been a car accident and a girl and boy died.' Melinda started contacting different hospitals with no success until she called Regional Medical Center, San Jose, California, who told her to come in. Once Melinda arrived with her mum, the security took her to an upstairs ward. She said: 'I thought, how sad for the parents of the girl I am going to have to identify. 'We got upstairs and I saw Isabelle's best friend and I just fell to the floor. 'The security guard said it was ok because she was alive and I said 'you don't understand, if she is alive then my baby is gone'.' Melinda and her mum then went downstairs and her family were waiting in the reception. Melinda found out that Isabelle had gone out with her best friend, her boyfriend, and a friend of his She said her dad and stepdad were the ones to identify Isabelle's body. She said: 'I saw that my dad was talking to a cop and I was looking at him for a reaction. 'He started walking towards me and I started shouting 'dad is it her'. 'He carried on walking towards me and said 'yes, baby it is her' and my heart just dropped. 'I just felt like I needed to be with her on whatever journey she was on. 'I just wanted to hold her and be with her - I still felt her close to me, I didn't feel like she was gone.' Melinda found out that Isabelle had gone out with her best friend, her boyfriend, and a friend of his. Isabelle was seated in the back passenger seat when the car lost control and crashed into a tree and the driver and Isabelle died at the scene. It was later reported that the driver, Brandon Gomez Hunsperger was under the influence of alcohol. Isabelle's funeral was held on April 3, 2018, and Melinda said it was a 'beautiful' ceremony where her cheer team came out to pay their respects. She said: 'It was a heart-wrenching day, in my family it is all girls. 'I have two sisters, my sister has two daughters and I have two daughters. 'When they started lowering Isabelle's body into the ground I was a mess. 'I asked them to open the coffin as I wanted to hold her for one last time. 'Isabelle was super funny, she had a lot of friends and everyone loved her. 'When she put on her cheer uniform she lit up the whole world - it was incredible to see her shine like that.' A liberal obstetrician and gynecologist has been fired after wishing that women who voted for Donald Trump suffer a deadly pregnancy complication. Nicole Hart, a physician assistant (PA) in Philadelphia specializing in OB/GYN, posted to Facebook days after the election: 'To every woman that voted for Trump, I hope your daughter has an ectopic pregnancy.' The brutal condition occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus it's always deadly for the baby and makes half of women infertile. Ms Hart was employed by Jefferson Health, a healthcare system based in Philly, and as a PA is permitted to independently examine, diagnose, treat and prescribe medications to patients. However, shortly after her post went viral, Jefferson Health said in a tweet: 'We were made aware of social media comments that are inconsistent with our values. 'This individual is no longer employed by Jefferson Health.' President-elect Donald Trump flipped the state of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election, earning more than 3.5million votes, beating out Vice President Kamala Harris 50.5 percent to 48.6 percent after the commonwealth had gone to President Joe Biden in 2020. Nicole Hart posted the above on Facebook following the election of Donald Trump The above screenshot from a tweet posted by X user @captnawesome112 appears to show a social media profile of Nicole M Hart Ms Hart's LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram appear to all have been deactivated or deleted. Her profile on Jefferson Health's website has also been removed. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) lists Nicole M Hart as currently board certified with a license valid through 2025. She has been a board-certified PA since October 2001. The NCCPA says on its website there are no current reportable disciplinary actions levied against Ms Hart. However, scores of people responding to tweets about the situation said they've filed complaints against Ms Hart or plan to. While Ms Hart does not reference abortion directly in her post, many commented that her statement may be related to the issue. One person commented: 'Nicole probably doesn't know that treating an ectopic pregnancy is not an abortion and is perfectly legal, and mandatory, in all 50 states.' In Pennsylvania, abortion is accessible, but it does not have legal protections. The law prohibits the procedure after 24 weeks of pregnancy and there are multiple requirements for and restrictions on obtaining an abortion. X user Digital Princess said Ms Hart also posted her sentiment on her Instagram story Trump has said he wouldn't impose a federal abortion ban - leaving decisions to the states - but has repeatedly bragged about and taken responsibility for the overturning of Roe vs Wade in 2022, which provided federal protections for abortion. Despite varying laws and accessibility of abortions across the US, there are exceptions in every state - even those with total bans - to prevent the death of the pregnant person, which may include ectopic pregnancies. However, in 14 states, there is no health exception. Because of an ectopic pregnancy's uncertainty, it is not clear if the condition would qualify for a 'health exception' under states' abortion laws. In most cases, it is up to a medical professional to exercise 'reasonable medical judgment' or 'good faith medical judgment' when determining if an ectopic pregnancy qualifies as an exception and an abortion should - and can be - performed. Jefferson Health has 17 locations in the Pennsylvania tristate area, including hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices However, doctors are reporting they are increasingly confused by abortion laws and exceptions and are worried about performing the life-saving procedure for fear of being prosecuted. In one instance, a pregnant Utah woman was in labor for 34 days and forced to endure contractions every four to six minutes after doctors were afraid to induce her because of the state's abortion law. Shelby Gambrell said she went to the hospital seven times on the advice of her care team due to the agonizing pain of contractions. But doctors refused to induce her at 34 weeks pregnant and the only option for Gambrell to give birth at that time was for her water to be broken, she said. Under Utah law, which bans abortion after 18 weeks of pregnancy, a medical practitioner can't induce the mother before she is full term - 39 weeks - because it is considered to be inducing to abort. Ms Gambrell said in a TikTok: 'My issue was not a legal issue. My issue was a medical issue and my medical professional could not make the necessary moves due to laws on the books. 'My care was not catered to me. It was catered to this idea of what equates to a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy. I will never get pregnant again.' Scientists believe they are on the cusp of creating the 'holy grail' of weight loss medications which reduce appetite without the nauseous side effects. Early studies show a drug can effectively 'switch on' particular cells within the nervous system that play an important role in maintaining energy balance and sugar control. It could eventually rival the likes of Wegovy and Mounjaro - two jabs that have already transformed the future of weight loss and helped millions globally to lose weight. While these two are very effective, they can cause debilitating side effects such as nausea and sickness which means some people cannot continue to use them. Now, new research shows that activating certain cells within the body's nervous system, called Neurokinin 2 Receptors (NK2R), increased calorie-burning and lowered appetite without any sign of nausea. This technique was also found to lower appetite without loss of muscle mass, another potential side-effect from current treatments. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen tested the effect of activating NK2Rs which they believed, plays a role in maintaining energy balance and glucose control. Trials conducted first on mice found activating the receptor safely increase calorie-burning and also lowered appetite without any signs of nausea. It could eventually rival the likes of Wegovy and Mounjaro - two jabs that have already transformed the future of weight loss and helped millions globally to lose weight Your browser does not support iframes. This, they say, is especially important given our bodies seem to be burning fewer calories at rest than they did a few decades ago. Further studies on primates with type 2 diabetes and obesity showed that NK2R activation lowered body weight and reversed their diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Scientists said the findings, published in the journal Nature, represent 'a big step forward' in developing new drug therapies for those with both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Zach Gerhart-Hines, an associate professor of metabolic research, said: 'While GLP-1-based therapies have revolutionised patient care for obesity and type 2 diabetes, safely harnessing energy expenditure and controlling appetite without nausea remain two Holy Grails in this field. 'By addressing these needs, we believe our discovery will propel current approaches to make more tolerable, effective treatments accessible to millions more individuals.' Earlier this month the UK medicines watchdog has received reports of ten deaths linked to the use of weight loss jabs, it has revealed. There have also been 7,228 reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea associated with the likes of Wegovy and Ozempic. Of these, 68 patients were admitted to hospital, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said. NHS-backed data source OpenPrescribing shows soaring prescriptions for semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy The numbers are based on users or healthcare workers informing the regulator of adverse reactions to the drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). A reported death or adverse reaction does not necessarily mean it has been caused by the medicine, only that someone had a suspicion it may have been. Underlying or concurrent illnesses and other medicines the patients may have been taken at the time of their death may be responsible and such events can also be coincidental, it told trade magazine Chemist and Druggist. The MHRA last week urged healthcare professionals to 'report cases of misuse' and 'inform patients about the common and serious side effects associated with GLP-1RAs'. At the time, it said it knew of 46 hospitalisations as of August 16 suggesting there have been an additional 22 reports in two months, representing a 48 per cent increase. The alert warned healthcare professionals to 'be aware there have been reports of potential misuse of GLP-1RAs for unauthorised indications such as aesthetic weight loss'. The regulator said that 'healthcare professionals should be alert for signs of misuse of these medicines in their patients, warn these patients that they are at risk of side effects and report any adverse reactions'. It added that patients should also be warned of the risk of counterfeit GLP-1RA medicines for weight loss if not prescribed by a registered healthcare professional and be aware that some falsified medicines have been found to contain insulin'. Americans are expressing their outrage as Covid-era mask rules slowly take hold across California. Sonoma County, in San Francisco, is the latest region to reinstate its mask mandate in all medical settings for staff but not visitors. There are more than 20 hospitals and clinics in the area treating over 480,000 residents and visitors, with the largest being the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Dr Karen Smith, the county's interim health director, issued the order 'given the rising risk of respiratory virus-related illnesses, such as COVID and flu.' The order will be in effect throughout the remaining respiratory virus season, from November 18 through April 30. Despite Dr Smith's concerns, the latest report from the California Department of Public Health reveals that Covid and and influenza activity are 'currently low' in the state and there were no hospital admissions in the week beginning October 28. Meanwhile, the CDC states in its latest update that 4.8% of the US population have tested positive for active Covid infection. In reaction to the recent announcement regarding mask wearing in Sonoma, many people have deemed it 'stupid' and a 'joke' on social media. Americans are expressing their outrage after Covid-era mask rules are slowly taking hold across California Your browser does not support iframes. One Facebook user wrote: 'Here we go again. Sonoma County reinstates The Useless Patriotic Magical Mask Mandate for health care workers. Are forced vaccinations next? Masks dont reduce COVID.' Another Facebook user fumed: 'Foolish, when they were deemed to do nothing.' However, some people are in support of the mask-wearing mandate, with one commenter writing: 'Good. The idea to protect patients is always a good one.' At the beginning of the month, the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula also reinstated its mask wearing policy for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other counties with the mask requirements include San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Napa and San Mateo. These areas collectively are home to more than 2.8 million residents. The rules vary county by county, but in Sonoma, all personnel in patient care areas of health care facilities must wear a face mask through the duration of the order and regardless of their vaccination status. Additionally, any businesses delivering health care products or goods must enforce the mandate for any personnel entering patient care areas. While Sonoma isn't applying the rule to visitors, other counties such as Santa Clara and San Mateo are requesting that anyone who enters medical facility must wear a mask. Dr Smith also recommends that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings when the Covid or influenza risk is high. She added: 'Each year, we see that higher rates of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that can cause severe respiratory infections occur between late fall and spring. 'Influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses infect tens of millions in the United States each year and can result in serious medical outcomes, including hospitalizations and death.' Since at least 2017, Sonoma County has required that all health care facilities establish an influenza vaccination program requiring health care workers providing direct patient care receive an annual influenza vaccine or wear a mask. The order applies to staff at health care facilities including hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, infusion centers, dialysis centers, skilled nursing facilities, portions of long-term care facilities where nursing care is provided, and other facilities where patient care is provided indoors. Dr Smith also included guidance for the general public around vaccinations, strongly recommending that everyone six months and older get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and RSV vaccines if they are eligible. 'Vaccination remains the best protection against respiratory virus infections,' she highlighted. The number of people going to the emergency room from a marijuana-induced illness has doubled since 2017, according to new research. The condition, called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), sends affected individuals to the hospital with a seemingly endless cycle of vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain that can last for a week and become life threatening due to extreme dehydration, seizures and kidney failure. At home, people can often only find relief in a hot shower or bath, but in the hospital, anti-nausea drugs and IV- fluids can help treat the nausea, vomiting and dehydration. In June, a case study told the story of an anonymous 22-year-old Canadian woman, who after eight years of regular cannabis use, died from heart problems her doctors blamed on CHS. She had been to the doctor six times in the months before she passed away, with nausea and vomiting that had lasted for a week at a time. At the time of her death, she was severely dehydrated and low in nutrients that regulated her heart's rhythm. Dr Maria Isabel Angulo, from the University of Illinois, published the report, saying CHS now affects an estimated 2.75million Americans each year, and the syndrome has increased the most in men between ages 16 and 34. She said two factors are contributing to this rise: marijuana has become more potent and more widely available as legalization of the drug spreads across the US. About five percent of Americans who smoke weed are diagnosed with CHS each year Your browser does not support iframes. In recent decades, marijuana has become more potent as more THC, the active ingredient in the drug, gets added to the plant as new generations are cultivated. According to Yale School of Medicine, in 1995, the average THC content in cannabis was about four percent. By 2017, the amount had risen more than four-fold, making the average THC content in cannabis about 17 percent. Today, on average, the amount of THC in the product has increased by 18 to 35 percent, according to National Geographic. Dr Deepak Cyril D'Souza, a psychiatrist at Yale University School of Medicine told National Geographic: 'The cannabis thats available now is much more potent than what was available 30 years ago.' It doesn't appear that CHS is caused by marijuana that is laced with other substances, instead, the main factor seems to be how frequently people are consuming THC and how much THC they are consuming. Dr Angulo's review compiled earlier research from the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary that used surveys of CHS patients and hospital data from Alberta to estimate the amount of people visiting the ER with the condition in North America. It's difficult to say for certain how many people use marijuana, but the National Center for Drug Abuse puts the number at about 55million - which would make this condition affect about five percent of weed users. People most at risk for the condition are those who have been using the drug every day for a year. It's also more common in people who began using the drug before 16. Scientists have yet to figure out what causes someone to develop such an extreme reaction to marijuana. Their leading theory, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is that using the drug frequently causes changes to a part of your body called the endocannabinoid system. This is a network of chemicals and proteins in the brain and gut that control your pain response, brain development, appetite, stress response and GI movement. THC is one of many chemicals that can latch onto and cause changes in this system. Over time, constant stimulation of the network might cause it to be thrown out of balance, leading your body to extreme, cyclical vomiting. Doctors diagnose someone with CHS if they've had three or more episodes of cyclical vomiting, smoke marijuana for more than four days a week and whose symptoms disappear after six months of quitting smoking. At home, it can be difficult for patients to overcome this illness - since stopping marijuana suddenly can lead to withdrawal that makes the condition worse. In the hospital, doctors treat the illness by giving a patient anti-nausea drugs and intravenous fluids to rehydrate them and get their balance of crucial nutrients back up. In some cases, patients also require anti-psychotic drugs because their excessive marijuana use has driven them to psychosis. This can include hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions. After recuperating in the hospital, doctors may send patients home with antidepressant drugs, and advise they cease using marijuana all together, Dr Angulo said. An E.coli outbreak linked to a popular McDonald's burger has sickened more people, bringing the total cases to 104 people across 14 states. A CDC update Wednesday said at least one more case of E.coli has been detected in connection with the sliced onions on the fast food chain's Quarter Pounder. The new patient has been identified in North Carolina, but no further details were given. The update also reported that 34 people have been hospitalized, four have developed a life-threatening kidney disorder and one people has died. Illnesses began on dates ranging from Sept. 12 to Oct. 21 of this year, but there are likely more to come as symptoms of E.coli typically take between three to four weeks to appear. The agency also said the 'true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported' because many people recover from E.coli with mild symptoms or without ever receiving treatment. Last month, investigators at the CDC confirmed the chopped yellow onions used in Quarter Pounders, produced by California-based Taylor Farms, were the likely source of the E.coli outbreak. The onions from the burgers (pictured) have been at the center of an investigation into an E.coli outbreak Your browser does not support iframes. The burgers were withdrawn from a fifth of McDonald's restaurants, but have now returned although in hundreds of locations the menu item is being served without the onions. Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut all also stopped using onions as a 'proactive' measure amid the outbreak. Victims of the E.coli are now suing McDonald's over their illnesses. One such case is Clarissa DeBrock, who filed suit last month for compensation for lost wages, medical bills and physical and emotional suffering. She became ill after eating a Quarter Pounder in Nebraska in September. The burger looked and tasted normal, but five days later she started to suffer from abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Her symptoms became so severe that on September 25 she went to the emergency department. Tests showed she had been infected with E.coli strain O157:H7, the same one connected to the recent outbreak. In the US, there are about 265,000 cases of E.coli every year and more than 100 people die from the disease, according to health officials. Infections are most commonly caused by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef where a contaminated part of an animal's intestine has seeped into the supply vegetables which may have been grown using contaminated water and unpasteurized milk. Older adults, young children and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk from the bacteria because they have weakened immune systems. Patients usually start to suffer symptoms three to four days after being infected, although they can start more than a week later. These include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea, which may clear up within a few days. If people start to suffer from diarrhea that is persistent, severe or bloody, however, it is recommended that they seek urgent care in hospital. In the end, there was no divine intervention, just the crushing reality that his position was untenable: the first Archbishop of Canterbury in living memory to be forced to resign. Instead of a legacy that might have included his resolve in ending the prejudice against female bishops, Justin Welby will be remembered for his failure to act in one of the most egregious cases of sexual abuse in Church of England history. For days he had tried to cling on, insisting he would not resign. But yesterday he finally accepted that he must take the personal and institutional responsibility for the scandal, bringing to a full stop the rise of a man who had become so adept at plunging into controversy that it impacted his ministry. The Archbishop of Canterbury's catastrophic handling of serial abuser John Smyth will for ever haunt him, writes Richard Kay Here was a cleric who had a view about everything, from slavery and colonialism to payday loan companies, welfare spending and internet shopping. Some of his utterances were plain silly, such as his claim that the European Union was mankinds greatest achievement since the fall of the Roman Empire. Yet in the years since he became Anglican leader, more than 3,000 churches have closed and congregations have cratered. Some are bound to wonder if this neglect was his fault. His response? To recommend that the impecunious church should pay out 100 million in reparations to atone for its links to slavery. The Archbishop places the St Edward's Crown on to the head of King Charles III during the Coronation Ceremony at Westminster Abbey in 2023 The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at St James's Palace after Justin Welby (right) christened their son Prince George He became the woke archbishop, a one-man opposition in the years of Tory governments. But for someone who considered such interventions instinctive, his catastrophic handling of serial abuser John Smyth will for ever haunt him. In the hours before his dramatic announcement that he would be stepping down, the absence of any support for the increasingly isolated Welby spoke volumes. When Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointedly refused to back him, he had nowhere to turn. Significantly, the Archbishop of York, number two in the church hierarchy, said the resignation was the right and honourable thing to do. At 68, Welby could have expected to continue in his post until 70, the age at which all archbishops must stand down. By then he would have completed 13 years, one of the longest-serving of recent times, and have the prospect of a seat in the House of Lords where he could continue to air his liberal views. Justin Welby marrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2018 Today, as he surveys the wreckage of a turbo-charged career that saw him vault from parish priest to archbishop in 20 years, not even that peerage can be guaranteed, such is the stain on his record. For an earnest Old Etonian who began his career in the oil business, Welby was thin-skinned. Figures close to him say he was stung by criticism. He took things personally and would ask if hed done the right thing and if he should resign, said one associate yesterday. Aged 18 while a student at Eton, before he began his career in the oil business This will be little consolation to the victims of John Smyth, the Christian barrister who sexually, physically and psychologically attacked as many as 130 boys over 40 years. For had it not been for Welbys negligence, Smyth might have been brought to justice when a report was first handed to the archbishop over a decade ago. Yet, on this occasion, he would not countenance resignation. One survivor characterised Welbys handling of the allegations as a dereliction of duty. After the otherworldly and bookish Rowan Williams, Welbys elevation to Church CEO was seen as a breath of fresh air. He was, said his supporters, self-deprecating and less scholarly than Dr Williams. His background, too, was surprisingly colourful though it was to be another five years before we found out how so. He was an oilman who had given up a six-figure salary and executive lifestyle to become a priest. His Damascene conversion was positively Biblical. After Cambridge, where he met his future wife Caroline, he spent years climbing the corporate ladder in Paris at oil giant Elf. Gavin (right) and wife Jane Welby with their baby son Justin at his christening. Welby was actually the love-child of Anthony Montague Browne, a former private secretary to Sir Winston Churchill For all the material success that came his way, there was tragedy, too. In 1983, the young parents endured the death of their seven-month-old daughter Johanna in a car crash. The experience, the father-of-five would later say, brought us closer to God. As for his own vocation, his explanation for the fundamental switch in his life is simply to say: I was unable to get away from a sense of God calling. In 1989, aged 33, he entered Cranmer Hall theological college in Durham. By 1992, he was a curate. (Amusingly, the late Bishop of Kensington, John Hughes, when approached by Welby, said: There is no place for you in the Church of England. I have interviewed a thousand for ordination, and you dont come in the top thousand.) He claimed his oil company training taught him decisiveness. But could there have been another reason why he was motivated to pull away from Mammon and turn to God? In Paris, he had worked as a finance project manager for Elf Aquitaine during a period when, it later emerged, some of the senior executives at its palatial offices near the Champs-Elysee were running fraud rackets involving corrupt African dictators, compliant members of the Gallic establishment and a vast network of criminally-minded middlemen. Secret dealings went on relentlessly in which executives effectively used the firm as a private bank, with hundreds of millions spent on art, villas, women and political lobbying. One figure used company money to finance his multi-million-pound divorce. It was one of Frances greatest scandals. A lawyer involved in the scandal said: The effect on innocent young employees like Justin Welby when the truth emerged must have been enormous. No wonder he couldnt get away fast enough from big business. He served in provincial parishes before being appointed Dean of Liverpool, where he abseiled from the cathedral roof, encouraged the bell-ringers to chime John Lennons Imagine (the lyrics of which are regarded by some as sacrilegious) and gave his blessing to a Night of the Living Dead service at which a man rose from a coffin to represent the Resurrection. None of this harmed his upward trajectory as he moved seamlessly on to becoming Bishop of Durham. It was not the oil industry that shaped him but a turbulent upbringing as he transcended a chaotic childhood. For most of his adult life he believed his father was a bootlegging whisky salesman and alcoholic called Gavin Welby, who was briefly married to Welbys mother Jane. Gavins, too, was a vividly colourful life: he had an affair with a young Vanessa Redgrave which ended because of the fierce opposition of her family, who considered him a rotten piece of work, and he is said to have introduced a youthful John F Kennedy to a 21-year old Swedish mistress just weeks before the future president married Jacqueline Bouvier. The archbishop had been devoted to his father but, in 2016, it was revealed that Welby was actually the love-child of the late Anthony Montague Browne, a former private secretary to Sir Winston Churchill. The revelation prompted Welby to take a DNA test, which suggested a 99.9 per cent probability that Browne, who died in 2013, was his father. John Smyth, the Christian barrister who brutally beat as many as 130 boys over 40 years Welbys mother Jane admitted shed had a brief liaison with Browne before her marriage, although she described the news as an almost unbelievable shock. For his part, Welby described it as a story of redemption and hope. It also opened another unexpected chapter in Welbys life. He recently discovered that his biological father was descended from a slave owner called James Fergusson. He issued an apology for this ancestral connection and said he had made a trip to Jamaica, where the Fergusson family held their estates, to confront this terrible legacy. One is tempted to wonder how much this personal voyage of discovery influenced his insistence that the Church address past wrongs, which he said was needed to tackle our shameful past. As Archbishop of Canterbury, he could not resist the lure of speaking out, fuelling an apparent desire to weigh in on political issues, including Brexit, which he said had divided the country. The Archbishop intervened in the controversy over Prince Andrew, claiming that the duke was trying to make amends following his public disgrace but he was unwilling or unable to provide any evidence of princely atonement He described austerity as crushing the weak and blamed Conservative cuts to benefits for a surge in the use of food banks. These were not matters on which archbishops traditionally became vocal. Welby also attacked energy companies for raising prices and accused Amazon, the online giant, of leeching off taxpayers. He derided payday lending sites only to be accused of hypocrisy when it emerged that the Churchs pension fund was linked to one such site, Wonga. He even intervened in the controversy over Prince Andrew, suggesting that forgiveness really does matter and claiming that the duke was trying to make amends following his public disgrace. Unfortunately, he was unwilling or unable to provide any evidence of princely atonement. Inevitably, of course, Welby had strong views on immigration. In an Easter sermon he thundered from the pulpit at the last governments plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy that he declared could not stand the judgment of God. In the same breath, here was a leader who had also declared that Paula Vennells, disgraced former Post Office chief, was someone who had shaped my thinking over the years. Welby declared that Paula Vennells, disgraced former Post Office chief, was someone who had shaped my thinking over the years The most damaging of his secrets went back to the 1980s, when he was associated with the Christian camps for public school boys where John Smyth brutally assaulted young men. Welby was yet to be ordained when all this started, but he was well within the circle of trust that kept the secret of Smyths vile behaviour from leaking out. Last weeks, independent review by Keith Makin said it was unlikely Welby knew nothing of what went on. And the extent of his knowledge at that time may never be fully uncovered. But what did for Welby was what happened after he became archbishop in 2013. Greeting him on his desk were the full details of his friends disgraceful crimes. That dossier and his failure to act on it will now surely be what Justin Welby is remembered for. November 13, 2024: On August 2nd, Ukrainian forces made an unexpected raid into Russias Kursk area, Russian security forces were exposed as inept and unprepared. The agency most at fault was the FSB. This is the 1990s successor to the Soviet era KGB. The FSB is not as large or as aggressive and competent as the KGB border guard forces. This was evident when Ukrainian troops rolled into Kursk province. It took the Russians over a month to show up and oppose, but not dispose of, the invaders. As of early November Ukraine still occupies over a thousand square kilometers of Russian territory and the Russians apparently are still unprepared to try and oust the Ukrainians. Despite this apparent failure, the FSB was doing its job. In this case it was spying on other Russian intelligence and combat organizations. Russia has always had multiple intelligence agencies which gather information on foreign nations and their armed forces as well as rival Russian intelligence organizations. The FSB failure in opposing the Ukrainian incursion was caused by FSB preoccupation with investigating internal enemies and those suspected of opposing Vladimir Putin. Everyone in Russian intelligence and the military works for Putin and protecting him from real or imagined threats takes priority over everything else. The Ukrainian incursion was largely ignored by Russian intelligence and military commanders who were concentrating on internal struggles. None of the Russian intel agencies appear to have noticed the Ukrainian incursion. Russian civilians in the Ukrainian occupation zone noticed the absence of Russian forces. When the Ukrainians invaded, they captured several hundred soldiers as well as civilians working for the military. Most of these were subsequently used to get Ukrainian prisoners released. While the Russians responded to the prisoner swap offer, they are still not in a fighting mood regarding the Ukrainian troops occupying Russian territory. A Russian official did show up and blamed the local municipal authorities for the Ukrainian success. At the same time he said Russian military assistance was on the way. After three months the local civilians doubt help is on the way. The Ukrainian occupiers have been friendly and not blocked local civilians from leaving the occupied zone. Previous to the August incursion, Ukrainian forces had advanced into Russia several times, but withdrew before any Russian troops could show up. In most of those cases, there were no Russian soldiers present to oppose the incursions. The dwindling, from casualties and desertions, Russian forces are barely able to cover the thousand kilometer front line. Most of the fighting is going on in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to gain ground in Luhansk and Donetsk provinces where the war began in 2014. Heavy Russian losses in Ukraine since 2022 are one of the reasons Russia was unable to move many troops and armored vehicles towards the Kursk incursion. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not expect such a bold Ukrainian attack into Russia and had little to say publicly. Instead he went off on a planned visit to another part of Russia while a few troops were sent to block the Ukrainian advance. Russian media were ordered to report little or nothing about the incursion. The media did publish vague reports of something happening in Kursk province, and most Russians were more afraid of their own government than they were of Ukrainian troops inside Russia. Putin enacted laws that punished critics of his policies in Ukraine. A few Russians were sent to prison and that was sufficient to frighten any other Russian critics of Putins policies. Meanwhile Putin has his own problems dealing with the invading Ukrainians. Over two years of fighting in Ukraine have severely depleted the Russian armed forces. There were not enough troops available to block the Ukrainian advance. This was what the Ukrainians expected because Ukrainian military intelligence has monitored Russian soldiers using cellphones and interviewed Russia prisoners. Ukraine knew that there were not many Russian troops left in Ukraine and Russian morale was low. Russia has not resorted to extreme measures to motivate their soldiers. In World War II methods were used to motivate reluctant troops that Russian does not believe will work 80 years after World War II. During World War II Russia resorted to ancient traditions when deadly force was necessary to encourage reluctant Russian soldiers. In 2022 Russian officers were expected to use deadly force on their own troops in order to ensure obedience. This was often used during World War II. During some major offensives NKVD personnel would be brought in to operate machine-guns behind the troops who were taking part in a major offensive. The NKVD machine-gunners fired on any Russian troops leaving the front-line forces. Many nations consider desertion in the face of the enemy to be treason, but they dont usually execute the traitorous deserters on sight. After 2022, Russians in Ukraine found that they could not get away with using NKVD methods. This meant there was no motivation to get reluctant Russian troops to move forwards. After more than two years fighting in Ukraine, Russian troops are often unable to motivate themselves into attacking. Even defending Russian troops will flee. The Ukrainians in Kursk are taking advantage of that and Vladimir Putin is receiving bad news he does not want to hear or deal with. Until some overdue reforms are made, these flaws will not go away. The fighting in Ukraine reminded Russian military and political leaders that the long delay is already working on needed reforms so, they hope, that the next time Russian troops are in combat they perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there are far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians have a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster are typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change. Christmas is fast approaching, which means its time for one of my favourite festive activities: rewatching The Holiday. The 2006 romcom stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two single women who agree to swap homes for the holidays. Hollywood producer Amanda Woods (Diaz) heads to a quintessential village in the English countryside covered in snow, while journalist Iris Simpkins settles in sunny Los Angeles. Soon enough, Amanda finds herself falling for Iriss brother, Graham Simpkins (Jude Law), a book editor and single father-of-two, and Iris finds love with Miles Dumont (Jack Black), a film composer working with Amanda. While theres a lot to swoon over in The Holiday, from the carefully-curated homes (theyve got that signature Nancy Meyers aesthetic) to Grahams good looks and irresistible charm, I'm always drawn to Amandas incredibly chic outfits. With a wardrobe that consists of shearling coats, oversized cable knits, knee-high boots and little black dresses, and a colour palette of almost exclusive whites, browns and blacks, Diazs character is my cold-weather style crush. Many of costume designer Marlene Stewarts picks for Cameron Diaz stood the test of time, so here are six Amanda Woods-approved wardrobe staples I'm still wearing in 2024 The shearling coat One of Amandas best outfits comes at the start of the film, when she arrives in the English countryside wearing a brown shearling coat, cream roll neck, grey straight-leg jeans and a pair of stilettos. Its been nearly 20 years but Im still thinking about that coat. Get the look... 110, Topshop The roll neck By the time shes carted her two huge suitcases down the snowy country lanes up to Iriss cottage, the shearling coat is tied to her waist and shes showing off the most perfect, cream roll neck a capsule winter wardrobe staple. Get the look... 32.99, H&M The cable knit When lounging around the cottage, Amanda is snuggled up in a comfy-chic combo of grey joggers, a chunky cable knit cardigan and coordinating beanie and scarf. While I question how cold it really was, I dont question her choice of knitwear. Get the look... 145, & Other Stories The faux fur coat If Charlotte Simone had been around in 2006, I know Amanda would have been in the virtual queue for one of her coats. While a delicate colour for a country walk, I have to admit that the cream outerwear number she wore on her first official date with Graham is still on my mind. Get the look... 139.99, Mango The knee-high boots Underneath the faux fur look, she opted for an off-white silky blouse and blue skinny jeans, which she tucked into a pair of brown over-the-knee boots. This season, its all about knee-high boots and I think shed love these from Massimo Dutti. Get the look... 229, Massimo Dutti The little black dress In the final scene, both couples reunite in Grahams house for New Years Eve. Amandas little black dress is equal measures sexy and sophisticated, with a strapless neckline and sheer midi skirt. She paired the party look with some simple jewellery and black strappy sandals. Get the look... 99, Albaray A diversion is one of the most dread-inducing signs a driver will come across; one yellow board with a black arrow and plenty of time can be added to your journey. Yet this could be a constant nightmare of the future as new research has found that the UK is moving towards 'roadwork gridlock' due to a 'road and street work crisis'. It comes as a potential new 'record' diversion has been brought to the attention of the government after a local MP was so frustrated at the 96-mile diversion in his constituency that he invited the Department for Transport to drive the route to experience the 'hell' themselves. Just how much worse it could it get? We take a look at the most frustrating diversions over the years and the predicted rise in roadworks. The number of roadworks across the UK increased by a whopping 42 per cent between 2019 and 2023 new research from Causeway Technologies has found Diversions are only set to get worse New data from leading digital construction and maintenance technology provider Causeway Technologies has found that the UK is 'heading for roadwork gridlock in the face of rapid infrastructure upgrades, increasing road usage and poor cross-country collaboration'. The report, which was developed in partnership with The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), shows that the number of roadworks across the UK increased by a whopping 42 per cent between 2019 and 2023. Last year alone there were over 203,000 miles of roadworks taking place. The UK is 'heading for roadwork gridlock in the face of rapid infrastructure upgrades, increasing road usage and poor cross-country collaboration'. Causeway found that 72 per cent of utility and 62 per cent of local highway authority (LHA) leaders 'believe that we are headed for a road and street work crisis by 2030 without greater industry collaboration'. When asked why, 81 per cent of LHA respondents believe management and communications in roadworks and street works could be improved, while seven in 10 utilities respondents (71 per cent) believe roadworks and street works are currently planned in a disjointed way. And worryingly it's only set to get worse as the DfT predicts there will be a 54 per cent road usage increase by 2060. However, the slight good news is that the average time taken to complete individual works was down by 15.8 per cent between 2019 and 2023. There's a possible new 'record' for the worst diversion in the UK: a 2.5-hour diversion on the A75. The 96-mile diverson has been called 'hell' by the local MP Current worst diversion in Britain 96 miles on the A75 Dumfries and Galloway MP John Cooper has invited government officials to drive the diversion on the A75, which he describes as 'record' because it is so disruptive. The diversion between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas in Scotland was caused by overnight works and meant a 40-minute journey took up to 2.5 hours. Raising the issue at a Westminster Hall debate Mr Cooper said: 'A journey which normally takes 40 minutes will become a two-and-a-half hour epic.' 'Maintenance is welcome, but diversions such as this treat the public with contempt. Surely we can do better?' As well as being a pain for locals, the A75 has national importance because of its links Dumfries and Galloway with the rest of Scotland, England and crucially Northern Ireland. Mr Cooper said: 'The A75 grandly titled 'the EuroRoute', though it's often more akin to a cart track has significance for every one of our constituents. 'Sir Peter Hendy's Union Connectivity Review identified the A75 as the key link between Northern Ireland, Scotland and England as it serves the busy ferry port of Cairnryan. 'Estimates vary, but perhaps as much as 60 per cent of Northern Ireland's trade grinds along that road.' Kevin Harris of Donaghadee in Northern Ireland told the BBC: 'We use the road two or three times a month to get to and from the Belfast ferry at Cairnryan. 'The diversion is a real pain as other roads around there are often very small.' Pete Barraclough from North Yorkshire slammed the lack of signage saying: 'There was no signage on the A75 warning that it would close at 20:00 and no diversion signage when it did. 'Eventually figured out a route via New Galloway but added considerably to the journey.' Record for the worst diversion in the UK: 130-mile detour on the A890 This diversion will be hard to beat. In December 2011, the A890 at the Stromeferry Bypass in Scotland was closed for several months after a rock fall. There was major disruption for motorists with some drivers forced to follow a 130-mile diversion. Just one landslide caused the four-month closure, from 22 December 2011 to 23 April 2012 - and cost Highland Council 2.8million to deal with. The Bypass area is prone to landslides and rockfalls with the being subsequent other closures in 2014. While diversions on A890 are the most disruptive, the re-routing options will forever be the best. In 2014 a small car ferry was hired to help local motorists avoid the detour and get between the mainland and Skye, while school pupils used train services and small hired pleasure boat to get to school. Highbridge, via a 47-mile detour across Somerset: the worst of the 2010s In 2012 motorists who wanted to travel through Highbridge, near the mouth of the River Brue, were asked to take a 47-mile diversion across Somerset. Described at the time as the 'UK's longest diversion route' the alternative route directed drivers on a massive almost two-hour journey. The diversion took place over eight days despite only 750 yards needing to be resurfaced. Motorists approaching Highbridge from the south were signed to turn around and go back along the A38 to Pawlett, then drive inland along the A39 to Glastonbury and Wells, before travelling north to Axbridge along the A371 then to Rodney Stoke, before picking up the A38 at East Brent and travelling southbound to Highbridge. Phil Harvey, Burnham and Highbridge town councillor said: 'It is just laughable that Somerset County Council really expects motorists to drive almost 50 miles across the region to avoid a few hundred metres of road. 'There are plenty of shorter, more sensible, local routes to take' The diversion took place over eight days despite only 750 yards needing to be resurfaced Phil Harvey, Burnham and Highbridge town councillor, at the time hit out at the county council for authorising roadworks that will cause such lengthy delays. He said: 'This has to qualify as the UK's longest-ever diversion route caused by such a minor set of roadworks. 'It is just laughable that Somerset County Council really expects motorists to drive almost 50 miles across the region to avoid a few hundred metres of road. 'There are plenty of shorter, more sensible, local routes to take.' The 4.5km stretch was one of Hampshire's major roads meant that motorists had to take a 35-mile detour instead of being able to drive on the A3 Current longest diversion in England: A3 35-mile closure Traffic misery hit drivers at the end of October as the southbound A3 was shut for resurfacing. The work carried out on the 4.5km stretch was one of Hampshire's major roads meant that motorists had to take a 35-mile detour. Traffic was diverted onto the A27 towards Cosham - through the A272, A32 and A27 before eventually joining back up with the A3M. That section of the A3 is a vital link between Portsmouth and London. My total estate will be worth approximately 700,000 by the time I die. I would like to transfer ownership of my three-bedroom house, which is currently worth approximately 550,000, to my nephew and nieces (in equal proportions) to benefit from the seven-year rule and avoid inheritance tax. I would pay market rent to them so the transfer doesn't count as a 'gift with reservation'. I would need, however, to rent out three rooms and live in one room myself to afford the rent. Would this mean that I am still benefiting from the house in such that it would still be a 'gift with reservation'? Also, if I sublet the rooms could I still benefit from 'rent-a-room' tax relief on the income, even though I would be a tenant myself? F.A, via email SCROLL DOWN TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUESTION With reservation: Giving your property away will not be IHT free if you continue to live in it Harvey Dorset of This is Money, replies: It is good to see that you are planning your inheritance well in advance in order to ensure that you can make the most of the seven-year gifting rule. If someone gives a financial gift and then dies more than seven years later, there is in many cases no inheritance tax to pay. If they die before that limit is up, however, it is payable on a sliding scale. The rule is in place to avoid people giving away all their wealth in the last months or years of their life, in a bid to avoid taxes on their estate. Gifting them your home now could save your nephew and nieces a considerable tax bill down the line. However, if you still intend to live in the home, that could complicate things. > How inheritance tax works - and what families MUST know HMRC's 'gift with reservation of benefit' rule is in place to prevent individuals from gifting assets during their lifetime that they still benefit from before their death. For example, gifts where the giver still benefits would not become exempt from inheritance tax after the seven years from when the gift was made, as the individual is still benefitting from the property. However, with a formal rental agreement and rent paid at the current market rate, it is possible to demonstrate that the giver of the gift is no longer receiving the full benefit - and potentially reduce the tax bill. This is explained further below by two financial advisers who set out what you need to do to ensure that you can pass on as much of your estate as possible. Tax burden: Chris Springett says your family will be liable for income tax on your rent payments Christ Springett, tax partner at Evelyn Partners, replies: The first thing is to estimate how much tax you are looking at saving. The residence nil rate band, whereby an estate can benefit from a higher inheritance tax allowance if they are passing on their main home, only applies when the property is left to direct descendants. This excludes your nephew and nieces. Assuming that you have not inherited any nil rate band from a spouse, the tax at stake is therefore 150,000 (40 per cent of 700,000 less the nil rate band of 325,000). As you say, this could be reduced by making lifetime gifts. Reducing your estate at death to the remaining value of 150,000 would mean that no IHT was due. Obviously the size of your estate could change, affecting these calculations. You are correct that, provided you pay a commercial rent, then the gift with reservation of benefit rules would not apply, and the transfer would, like most other gifts, be a potentially exempt transfer for IHT. This, however, only applies if you continue to pay the market value rent until you stop using the house - not just for seven years as is sometimes the misapprehension. To reduce the risk of an HMRC challenge, you would need to take advice on how much the rent should be, and review it regularly to ensure that it keeps pace with the local rental market. This could be challenging, particularly as you will need to keep paying the rent even if you have gaps in rental income from lodgers, or other expenses arise. There are however several other pitfalls that you should consider carefully, and possibly discuss with your family, before making a final decision. The key ones are: IHT: If you die within seven years then the property will fall within your estate for IHT purposes. No reduction in the IHT bill will be given if you die within three years of making the gift, but there is a sliding scale of IHT reductions between three and seven years, reaching 100 per cent at seven years. If you die in this period the nil rate band is also set first against the property, with no sliding scale of reduction in the value deducted from the nil rate band. This means that the remainder of your estate would be subject to IHT (currently at 40 per cent) without any nil rate band left available. Income tax: Your nephew and nieces will be liable for income tax on the amount of rent received from you. They will probably have to file annual tax returns assuming that they have other income. CGT: There will be no CGT due on the gift of the property if it has always been your home, as principal residence relief applies. However, this ceases to be the case from the date of gift. Any increase in the property value between the gift and an eventual sale would be subject to CGT, for which your nephew and nieces would be liable. If it remained in your estate until you died then principal residence relief does not apply but it would benefit from the CGT free uplift on death, if this is not abolished, and so no CGT would be due, just IHT. This would be particularly galling if you died within seven years of making the gift, as then some IHT would be due, as well as CGT on any increase in property value since the date of gift. SDLT: If your nephew and nieces want to purchase their own homes while owning a share in yours, then they would be liable to pay the SDLT surcharge for purchasers of additional residential property. At 5 per cent of the value of a house this could be significant, and also affects anyone with whom they are purchasing a property, as one joint purchaser being liable for the surcharge means that it applies to the whole value of the purchase. Non-tax issues: In terms of your personal circumstances, thought should be given to if you will have enough assets left to fund the remainder of your retirement comfortably. This includes funding any care, as making a substantial gift then having to apply for state funding of care leaves you at risk of being accused of deliberate deprivation of assets. In addition, it would be sensible to discuss what could happen if the arrangement breaks down, for example if a niece or nephew divorces and needs to realise the value of their assets. An amicable arrangement made relying on current circumstances can face risks if it is potentially decades long, and problems may arise with issues such as your nephew and nieces needing to fund the maintenance of the property like any other landlord. Other options are to use allowances to make gifts of other assets to your family, though these would have to be less significant given the value of your home compared to your other assets. Can they sub-let some rooms? The rent a room scheme is not limited to owner occupiers. As a tenant who sublets rooms you would be able to offset the rent a room relief, currently 7,500, against gross rents assuming that you meet the other conditions such as rooms being furnished. You would have to choose on a year-by-year basis whether to claim the relief or to set expenses against the rent instead, as it is not possible to do both. If the rent exceeded this relief, then you would need to pay income tax on this amount, if your total income was in excess of your personal allowance. This is likely to mean you would need to file an annual tax return. If you had to leave the home for any reason, such as moving into care, then this relief would no longer be available, as it is only for joint occupation. In this scenario however, you might terminate your own rental agreement with your family and cease to be liable for rent. Paper trail: Andrew Smith says proper documentation is necessary for any rental agreement Andrew Smith, independent financial adviser at Flying Colours, replies: Inheritance tax is a complex subject and an area of advice that requires careful long-term planning. When thinking of transferring your property to your nieces and nephew to try to reduce any future liability there are a few things to consider. Firstly, is it necessary? Do you have sufficient allowances to mean that even if you died today, there would be no IHT liability? Most people will not pay IHT on any assets up to 325,000. If you have a spouse, then any assets can pass to them free from IHT on any value. IHT is then calculated upon the second death. If you are widowed, then you may have inherited your late partners IHT allowances which in this case could total 650,000 (325,000 x2). This would greatly reduce the liability to around 20,000 and it could be reduced even further by depleting your assets above this limit, perhaps by using your annual allowance of 3,000 each year to gift to others, plus other small unlimited gifts of 250 and perhaps even spending some on yourself! I know it is not the case here, but it should be noted that if you were to pass your property directly to children or grandchildren you could also benefit from the residence nil rate band of 175,000 each, potentially taking your total allowance up to 1 million. Therefore, the course of action you have in mind would be unnecessary. For you to benefit from a reduction of your IHT liability by gifting to your nieces and nephews, you must be very careful that HMRC do not deem your gift as a 'gift with reservation'. A gift with reservation is where you give something away but continue to benefit from it and it will mean that it is considered part of your estate upon death and taxed as such. To avoid this, you should take the following steps: Your niece and nephew (the landlords) must charge a commercial rent that reflects the market value (as you quite rightly acknowledge). Ensure that the arrangement is documented properly with formal rental agreements. Consider having the rental payments reflected in your financial records. You will also have to survive for seven years to be fully free of any IHT liability. The tax liability is reduced on a sliding scale from the third year onwards. On your point regarding the rent-a-room relief, this scheme allows individuals to earn up to 7,500 per year tax-free from renting out furnished accommodation in their home. However, in this case you are not the owner any longer and are instead renting a room from your nephew and nieces, so you would not be eligible for this relief. As long as the landlords allow, there are no rules against sub-letting and this shouldn't affect the tax position of the gift. Finally, you should bear in mind that any rental income would be taxable and dependent on your other income, you may be required to pay tax if you are over your personal allowance. My wife and I are both 41, with two young children, aged 6 and 4, and never considered inheritance tax an issue until the Budget raid on pensions. Our house is worth about 1.2million with a 300,000 mortgage outstanding and between us we have about 100,000 in savings and investments. My work defined contribution pension is currently worth about 300,000 and my wife has an old work pension worth about 10,000 and a Sipp worth about 40,000. In our wills we leave everything to each other if one of us dies and in the terrible scenario where we both died, we would leave everything to the children. As it stood before the Budget, they would have been able to have the house, our savings and pensions without losing any money to inheritance tax. Would our children now lose 40 per cent of our pensions to inheritance tax? My rough pension projection is that if I continue to have 1,000 per month go into my work pension and get a 6 per cent annual return, then in a decade the pot would be worth 710,000. If something awful happened to me and my wife, would my children at age 16 and 14 now lose 284,000 of that to inheritance tax? How can this be fair? Caught out: Those building up a pension pot for retirement who are unlucky and die early could now find their estate has an inheritance tax bill Ian Dyall, of estate planning specialist at Evelyn Partners, replies: The Autumn 2024 Budget announced the governments intention to charge inheritance tax on most pensions paid to beneficiaries on death. Currently, if you die with unused funds in your defined contribution pension (as opposed to so-called final salary defined benefit schemes) it can be passed free of inheritance tax to a nominated beneficiary. If you die before 75 then the beneficiaries can withdraw the money free of income tax as well, but if you die after 75 then they will pay tax at their normal income tax rate on any money they withdraw. From April 2027 this will change. Any unused defined contribution pension funds and any death in service lump sums from defined benefit pensions will become subject to inheritance tax. Again, as the beneficiary withdraws the funds there may be income tax to pay depending on whether you die before 75 or not. Not all death in service payments are caught, it is only those linked to pensions, so people should check with their employer to see if their schemes are caught by the new legislation. Ian Dyall: Pensions now fall in the IHT net The method of paying the liability is currently convoluted but is subject to consultation. The value of the unused pension or death in service lump sum will be added to the rest of your estate when calculating the inheritance tax liability. However, that liability will be split proportionally, with the pension provider paying a share directly from the pension to HMRC and the remainder payable by the executers of the estate. This will involve much greater communication between the pension provider and the personal representatives of the deceaseds estate and is likely to add to both the costs of administering the pension and lead to delays before the pension can be distributed. Applying this to your circumstances, you are correct in thinking that, under current legislation, if you and your wife both died today you would have no inheritance tax liability. You each have a nil rate band of 325,000 and an additional residence nil rate band of 175,000 that can be used to pass on your home to direct descendants, provided your total estate on death is worth less than 2million. If you dont use the allowances on first death, perhaps because you leave everything to your wife, then the allowances transfer to your wife so she could use both her allowances and your allowances on her death, totalling 1million (assuming she is not worth over 2million on her death). It is worth pointing out that the allowances are now fixed until 2030, and even before the changes bring your pensions into account you are right on the limit of having an inheritance tax liability, with net assets worth 1million and total allowances worth 1million, so any growth on your non-pension assets is likely to lead to an inheritance tax liability. If the new rules are introduced in their current form, then your pensions will become subject to inheritance tax at 40 per cent on your death assuming they exceed your nil rate band allowances when added to your other assets. For some people things may be even worse. If their pensions push their total wealth above 2million, then the pension funds may also cause their residence nil rate bands to taper away as well. This is not fully clear from the budget briefing documents, but that appears to be the case. Whether the proposed changes are fair or not is open to debate, but it is worth pointing out that being able to pass your pensions on without tax is a relatively new phenomenon introduced at the same time as the pension freedoms in April 2015. Prior to that, if you died over age 75, there was a 55 per cent tax on any unused pension funds if they were left to a non-dependent beneficiary. This was a tax on all unused pension funds irrespective of the pension holders other wealth. Currently only around 6 per cent of people are liable to inheritance tax. By taxing unused pension funds through inheritance tax many people will not need to pay a tax charge on their pensions on death, although potentially it will still add complexity to the administration of their estate. What can people do about this? Firstly, if their pension is through their company then they should ask the company to clarify which parts of any death benefits will be potentially liable to inheritance tax under the new rules. This may prompt the company to structure their death is service in a different way. Whilst you are building your pension, the potential liability to inheritance tax should be considered when looking at the rest of your planning. Pensions are still highly tax efficient vehicles for income tax and capital gains, so the new legislation should not put people off contributing to pensions. Once your pensions are in payment then you should consider whether you need all of the pension fund you have and whether you are likely to have surplus funds on death. There are a number of options to consider if you dont need all the funds you have accumulated. Options could include taking your tax-free cash and gifting it. Provided you live for seven years then the money will be outside your estate for inheritance tax. You could take more income than you need from the pension and either give it away or use it to fund a whole of life assurance policy held in trust. The extra money you take is likely to be covered by the normal expenditure from income exemption and therefore immediately exempt from inheritance tax. There are other options and taking advice at times of change such as this is worthwhile if you think you are likely to have a liability. Of course, the simplest option is simply to spend your pension. What would you spend your money on if everything was on a 40 per cent off sale? She's been thrown off CNN for calling it a 'hostile environment,' reamed out journalists for negative coverage, and at the tender age of 27 is already a veteran of a Trump administration. Oh, and she's a new mom. Now Karoline Leavitt is in the pole position to be tapped as Donald Trump's White House press secretary after his election victory. Figures in Trump world said Leavitt has impressed the president-elect with her no-nonsense attitude and work ethic. Four days after giving birth to son Niko in July, she was back on the campaign trail after seeing her boss get shot on live TV. 'She talks to everybody, not just Fox News, but goes on TV and takes incoming, which is a big part of the job, and then she hits back and is a very, very effective messenger,' said a Trump confidante, who was granted anonymity to discuss staffing issues. 'The president trusts her and trust is everything with him.' Karoline Leavitt and her baby son Niko in an Instagram picture posted two weeks after she gave birth in July - when she was already back at work as a spokeswoman for Trump Leavitt attending a Miami Heat game at the Kaseya Center in Florida last year Karoline Leavitt is frontrunner to become Donald Trump's White House press secretary For the time being, Trump is keeping his cards close to his chest as he goes about selecting more senior White House staff. And since his election triumph last week a number of other figures have put themselves in the frame. Trump's lawyer Alina Habba suddenly appeared in headlines this week as a contender, much to the surprise of the president-elect's inner circle. Reports cited her fiery defense of Trump during his multiple legal battles and ease in front of the camera as propelling her into contention. Yet her sudden emergence as a contender raised eyebrows in Trump World, which knows that the best way to get ruled out of a job is to begin jockeying for it. In contrast, Leavitt has kept a low-profile during the past couple of weeks. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of other possible names from within the campaign and outside. Former adviser Bryan Lanza (who has told friends that he has other plans), CNN analyst and flamethrower Scott Jennings, and political pundit Katie Pavlich have all been mentioned as possible for the front-and-center post. Then there is Steven Cheung, who as campaign communications director was the first port of call for reporters looking for comment. But he is a rare presence on television and is seen as more likely to take an off-camera position. And senior adviser Jason Miller won plaudits for managing messaging. But a friend of Trump told DailyMail.com that Leavitt's age meant she was far better suited to the grinding 14-hour days expected of a press secretary. 'And Trump loves the way she takes incoming on CNN and then punches back,' he said. 'She's a star.' Trump lawyer Alina Habba suddenly emerged as a contender for the job this week, despite not having worked in communications before CNN host Kasie Hunt shortly before shutting down Leavitt After working at the Trump White House, Leavitt ran for election in New Hampshire's first Congressional district but lost to the Democratic incumbent Leavitt, seen here second from the right next to lawyer Alina Habba, was a familiar sight in the New York courtroom where Trump was on trial earlier this year The Trump campaign declined to comment and Leavitt turned down an interview request. But she already has a resume filled with relevant experience. She knows her way around the White House. Like many junior members of the press shop, she initially joined the office of presidential correspondence, helping process and reply to incoming mail, after graduating from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. From there she joined the communications team under Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany towards the end of Trump's first term. When he left office she went to work for high-profile New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, before making her own run for Congress in New Hampshire, the state where she grew up scooping ice cream at her parents' store. Her effort to become the youngest woman ever elected to Congress fell 15,000 votes short in the 2022 midterms, when an expected red wave failed to materialize. She was back in the Trump fold within weeks, joining an allied group before linking up with the campaign itself earlier this year, quickly becoming a fixture on television despite being pregnant with her first child. That did nothing to tame her fiery, bomb-throwing style. Leavitt appearing on Fox News with her former White House boss Kayleigh McEnany Leavitt (far left) on stage with key members of Trump world on the night of the New Hampshire primary in Nashua, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Eric and Lara Trump, Sen. Tim Scott and former presidential runner Vivek Ramaswamy In June, she clashed with CNN presenter Kasie Hunt, who took her off air after they argued about whether the network's journalists could be neutral moderators in the upcoming debate. Leavitt said the debate would be a 'hostile environment' for Trump, and that moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash had been 'biased' against him in the past. 'Ma'am, I'm going to stop this interview if you continue to attack my colleagues,' said Hunt. After another back and forth, Hunt ended their conversation and the camera cut away abruptly. Two weeks later Leavitt and her husband Nick became parents to baby Nicholas, little realizing that the election was about to enter its most tumultuous period yet. 'I had just brought my newborn, my three-day-old baby home from the hospital,' she told The Conservateur, a website for conservative women. 'And I said, 'I'm going to turn on the television and watch the rally today.'' The date was Saturday, July 13. A day later she was back fielding questions on television. 'The president literally put his life on the line to win this election,' she said. 'The least I could do is get back to work quickly.' Republicans will maintain their slim grip on power in the House of Representatives giving President-elect Donald Trump and the GOP total control of Congress. The 'trifecta' in the U.S. government adds to the total annihilation of the Democrats in the 2024 elections and has sparked an internal civil war about how they move forward. It opens the door for Republicans to have unchecked power to push through all of their policies alongside Trump in his first two years in office. Republicans officially got over the 218-seat threshold for a majority in the 435-member chamber over a week since the election. It will be the sixth time in 90 years where the Democratic Party hasn't had control of a single arm in the federal government. The stunning clean sweep comes days after Trump's White House victory over Vice President Kamala Harris and Republicans successfully flipping the Senate with key wins in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana. It opens the door for Republicans to have unchecked power to push through all of their policies alongside Trump in his first two years in office Your browser does not support iframes. Republicans have maintained control of the House since the 2022 midterm elections. It takes 218 for a majority in the 435-seat chamber, with three vacancies in Ohio, California and New York that will not be filled until special elections in 2025. Now, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is vying to keep the gavel he won a year ago after Kevin McCarthy was spectacularly ousted. Trump backed Johnson during a meeting with House Republicans on Wednesday on Capitol Hill. 'Isn't it nice to win?,' he told his party members to great applause. 'It's nice to win.' The Republicans' dominance started in Michigan. A seat held by Democrat Rep. Elissa Stlotkin, who won the state's Senate seat, was flipped red by Tom Barrett. Republicans were also able to flip critical seats in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Democrats, on the other hand, had better success against GOP incumbents in New York. Still, key races still yet to be called across New York and California are being closely watched in the Republican bid to grow their party's grip on power in the House. But in the end, the GOP was able to ward off the many Democratic challenges coast to coast. Conservatives now control the legislative, executive, and the judicial branches of the federal government fully during Trump's first years in office, giving him sweeping control. A Republican supermajority could pass an extension to Trump's tax cuts that he passed during his first term. They also may look to pass legislation to make Trump's tariff proposals a reality. Republicans may also take more robust action against transgender issues involving schools and sports, which Trump and the GOP have spoken about often on the campaign trails. Already with control of the Senate Republicans will be able to dictate approvals of federal judges and cabinet positions like Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. If a Supreme Court vacancy arrises, the Senate handles that too. During Trump's last presidency the Senate was controlled by the GOP, and the former president was able to help appoint three of the court's nine sitting justices - which has had a major impact on the ideological slant of the body. In addition to winning the White House, Republicans took control of the Senate. Speaking to the Republican lawmakers Wednesday, Trump also hinted he'd be available for a third term, telling them jokingly: 'I suspect I wont be running again unless you say Hes so good weve got to figure something else out."' Trump backed Johnson during a meeting with House Republicans on Wednesday on Capitol Hill 'Isn't it nice to win?,' he told his party members to great applause at the hotel. 'It's nice to win' Your browser does not support iframes. The joke drew laughter from the Republican lawmakers. Congress would have to amend the Constitution if Trump wanted to serve more than two terms. Trump, who endorsed Mike Johnson for House Speaker during the event, also had warm words for his party. 'I just want to thank everybody,' the president-elect said. 'You've been incredible. We worked with a lot of you.' Donald Trump celebrated his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris early morning Wednesday Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka look on as Republican presidential nominee Trump spoke 'I want to thank Mike Johnson. I think he's doing a terrific job,' Trump added Your browser does not support iframes. Republicans will maintain control of the House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has led the House GOP for over a year after the party tumultuously ousted its longtime leader, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Johnson has since navigated multiple attempted coups himself, along with several budget crises and negotiations with a White House he has repeatedly lambasted The sweeping outcome for Republicans will force Democrats to rethink their strategy after believing they could turn the chamber blue. Previously, leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries seemed bullish that they had the message needed to sway voters away from Republicans. As Donald Trump celebrated his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris on Election Night, he lauded the gains made by Republicans in the Senate, with an eye to retaining control of the House. 'It was amazing to look at all of those victories. Nobody expected that. Nobody,' Trump said about Republican victories across the country, citing the red wave giving Republicans a majority in the Senate. 'You have some great senators and some great new senators,' he said. 'And it also looks like we'll be keeping control of the House of Representatives.' The final results of the congressional races are not conclusive, but Speaker Johnson flew to Palm Beach, Florida, to celebrate with the ex-president on Tuesday. 'I want to thank Mike Johnson. I think he's doing a terrific job,' Trump added. Your browser does not support iframes. The newly elected congressional members will be officially sworn in during ceremonies in Washington come January 2025. With the majority already solidified in the Senate, the upper chamber conducted leadership elections Wednesday. John Thune emerged as the winner who will usher in Donald Trump's ambitious GOP majority in Congress after a private vote. Thune, 63, will replace outgoing Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky after the 82-year-old announced he would be stepping down from the leadership role. He successfully fended off a left-field challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida who had the backing of Trump's trusted advisor billionaire Elon Musk and other MAGA faithful. Thune and Trump have had a complicated relationship over the years and many in the president-elect's orbit didn't want him in charge of the MAGA agenda Thune and Trump have had a complicated relationship over the years and many in the president-elect's orbit didn't want him in charge of the MAGA agenda. He called on Trump to exit the 2016 presidential race after the infamous Access Hollywood tape was leaked and was critical of his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. But in recent months, Thune has made his support for Trump known including by becoming one of the first to endorse him during the primary and the two have a better relationship and they reportedly talked after his victory Wednesday. Their communication will be critical as Thune will be tasked with leading all of Trump's Cabinet picks through the Senate confirmation process. A university doctoral student has taken his own life by jumping off a campus parking garage in front of horrified classmates. Jose Bruno Del Rio-Malewski, 33, died last Wednesday morning at the Bauerle Garage at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Del Rio-Malewski was studying a PhD in biology at the UTSA Hutchinson Lab, working on a thesis on amphibians. 'He is passionate for animals and is a caretaker for two bearded dragons and three axolotls,' his student profile read. 'His research will investigate how microplastics affects gene expression in tadpoles, which will hopefully help him get into herpetological research.' Jose Bruno Del Rio-Malewski, 33, died last Wednesday morning at the Bauerle Garage at the University of Texas , San Antonio Del Rio-Malewski was studying a PhD in biology at the UTSA Hutchinson Lab, working on a thesis on amphibians He also had three bearded dragons, 12 axolotls, two dogs, and a cat as his own pets, which are being cared for by his family. Del Rio-Malewski grew up in Mexico City before moving to San Antonio with his parents Jose Bruno Sr and Rachel, sister Gideon, 30, and brother Lucas, 26. 'This is a parent's worst nightmare and as you can imagine our family is going through an extremely difficult time,' his father said. 'Losing a child is difficult, but when suicide is involved, the pain is accompanied by guilt, myriad unanswered questions, and many other emotions that are difficult to describe. 'We know, however, that we will get through this united as a family, with the help of God and with the love that we surround each other with. 'We were blessed to have a golden soul like Bruno in our midst for 33 precious years.' Gideon said Del Rio-Malewski was a scientist, an activist, and a brother. 'He was immeasurably compassionate to all living creatures, great and small. Everyone in his community treasures how he enriched our lives,' she said. He also had three bearded dragons, 12 axolotls, two dogs, and a cat as his own pets, which are being cared for by his family UTSA students mourned him online and set up a memorial near the Bauerle Garage, and together with his family held a caldelight vigil on Monday His cousin posted photos of him at a family reunion in 1993, aged about two, writing, 'I always loved these because he was so happy playing with the watermelons' UTSA students mourned him online and set up a memorial near the Bauerle Garage, and together with his family held a caldelight vigil on Monday. 'Bruno loved axolotls and was extremely proud of his heritage and culture. He loved being from Mexico and loved to talk about how his uncle fought in battles fighting for Mexican independence,' one classmate wrote. 'We just want to honor the sweet, intelligent, and kind person Bruno was.' Others said he fed the research reptiles at the lab every day and one said they would bring their own pet bearded dragons to the memorial 'to say goodbye'. His cousin posted photos of him at a family reunion in 1993 next to three watermelons, writing, 'I always loved these because he was so happy playing with the watermelons'. Del Rio-Malewski's family asked that instead of flowers, his friends donate to MOJA - an organization preserving the Xochimilco wetlands in Mexico, a native habitat for axolotls and 'a cause that was deep in his heart'. The photo on his university profile, which explained his research would investigate how microplastics affected gene expression in tadpoles His death was just six months after another student fatally jumped from the Bauerle Road Garage University president Taylor Eighmy announced his death to staff and students about 11am, saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the 'likely suicide'. 'Our hearts are broken for this student, his family and all who knew and loved him. A loss like this is so painful and, when unexpected, can feel even more confusing,' he wrote. The university first alerted students to a police incident at the parking garage at 10.21am before following up with Eighmy's announcement. Del Rio-Malewski died about six hours after Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Donald Trump, but it was not known if his death was related to the election. His death was just six months after another student fatally jumped from the same parking garage. Callous thieves are stealing expensive buggies in a smash-and-grab crime spree targeting Britain's parents. Crooks are targeting cars loaded with sleek designer prams from firms such as Babyzen, Stokke and Silvercross - before putting them up for sale on Facebook Marketplace and eBay for a quick profit. Parents are being left hundreds of pounds out of pocket by the thefts and unable to ferry their children around - with figures suggesting the problem is only growing greater each year. Among those to fall victim to the cruel buggy snatchers is mother-of-two Jemma Lee, 26, whose Silvercross Pioneer pram was taken from her car last month the day before her son's second birthday. The buggy, which was worth around 700 new, appeared on Facebook Marketplace within hours of being stolen. Has your pram been stolen? Email: jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk Jemma Lee, 26, from Morecambe, fell victim to a buggy snatcher after inadvertently leaving her car unlocked The thief made off with a Silvercross Pioneer buggy worth more than 600 that she had used to carry around her son and eight-month-old daughter She had used the buggy to transport her son around (left), but Ms Lee had primarily bought the pram to carry her eight-month-old daughter Ms Lee, from Morecambe, Lancashire, found the theft of the pram, which she had bought second-hand, heartbreaking - as in her view the thieves had stolen from her children rather than her. 'Honestly, its probably silly, but I actually feel gutted. I was so proud of it, as dull as that may seem, to be pushing my little girl around in a pretty pram,' she told MailOnline. 'We couldnt afford a nice one for my eldest, so we decided to get a nice one for our second baby, and when that one came up for so cheap online, we felt like wed gotten so lucky.' In the mad rush to get home the night before, Ms Lee and her partner had wrangled the children, a two-year-old boy and an eight-month-old girl, into the house with the day's shopping - but forgot to lock the car. A thief has then likely tried the door handle in the middle of the night. They tore through the car, making off with the pram after trying to rip out a car seat. 'Theyd pulled the lining from the door, pulled everything out of the glovebox, had taken a few other items - the CarPlay system, my fiances glasses, a hoodie,' she recalled. 'It felt really violating, especially as it wasnt something that belonged to my partner and I exactly, but something that belonged to my daughter. 'I just cant imagine someone finding it so easy to steal from a baby too. Someone did say they thought they saw it posted for sale, but the post was removed quickly so she couldnt get a screenshot to show me.' In the end, Ms Lee and her partner had to spend 200 on another buggy - a cost they didn't want before their eldest's birthday, but something they couldn't be without. 'I would hope the thieves would just feel guilty. Im sure they do - I cant imagine anyone doing this sort of thing without feeling at least a little bit of guilt - but maybe thats just me trying to see the best in everyone,' she said. 'These thieves tried to leave us not only without a pram, but also without a car seat. That would have meant we wouldnt have been able to take our baby out at all until we had those things replaced.' Lancashire Police is investigating the theft - but as yet, have been unable to trace the buggy or the perpetrator. Ms Lee added: 'The lady (at the police station) we spoke to was lovely and understanding, I think she could see I was quite upset. 'She did say they quite often end up being able to return stolen items to their owners, so she seemed hopeful we may end up with the pram back, but so far theres been no update.' Luxury buggies costing hundreds of pounds, such as the 300 Babyzen YoYo, are being stolen in broad daylight Distressed mothers have also been left without any wheels for their youngsters as crooks are swiping their prams from their right outside their homes (file image) Ms Lee is not alone in falling victim to a buggy snatcher - as thieves seemingly abandon what little morals they have in search of easy money. Between January 2021 and July this year, 1,500 buggies and wheelchairs were reported stolen in London alone. This includes 322 were stolen in 2021, while 283 thefts were reported in the first six month of this year. Mother-of-three and journalist Lucy Tobin had her 300 Babyzen YoYo - a popular brand used by celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake - stolen from her car boot, only to find it listed on eBay hours later. Meanwhile, other distressed mothers have also been left without any wheels for their youngsters as crooks are swiping their prams from their right outside their homes. Lucy wrote in The Times that she was later refunded for the buggy after proving it was hers. She was even able to track down the seller's address and found out they lived just a ten-minute drive from her home. She added that the person's account showed they had listed more than 50 other items including other buggies, car parcel shelves and EV charging cables which 'seemed to be looted from car boots'. Alexis Cope, 41, also had her 350 buggy stolen from her car while she was sleeping. The thieves left no trace and she later realised they had used the same technique many carjackers have employed in recent months - hijacking the signal from key fobs and unlocking them. April Barnes had her 400 buggy stolen from outside her flat around Camden and Kentish town last month, which meant she was forced to take her sick toddler up to A&E for hours without her pushchair. Lauren Stevenson 'stupidly' leaving her black YoYo buggy in the boot on Halloween and woke up the next morning to find her vehicle ransacked and the buggy stolen. She told The Times: 'We've had the buggy since my daughter was tiny so many memories. It was also really inconvenient: my mum is 77 and needs the pram to look after my daughter.' Amy Wilson also had her three-week-old daughters egg pram stolen from her car after it was broken into by thieves in Yeadon, Leeds. Former police officer Paul Clubb has invented his 9 combination lock that secures buggies to railings, which he sells through his business My Buggy Buddy. Between January 2021 and July this year, 1,500 buggies and wheelchairs were reported stolen in London alone (file image) He told The Times: 'The issue of having the buggy taken is not just the cost but also the inconvenience. 'Imagine being out and someone takes your buggy you are left holding your child, no changing bag, no buggy. It is so easy to take buggies and sell them online.' Despite the apparent thefts, many mothers have been left frustrated with the police over their responses. Lucy told The Times she rang the police immediately after her buggy was stolen before realising it was being flaunted on ebay. She later provided the seller's address but the police remained unresponsive. It was only until three months later when an officer called her to say there was no proof the eBay seller was the same person who stole the buggy and therefore were unable to do anything. Lucy claimed this lack of 'probably why many victims of buggy theft dont bother reporting their losses to the police,' she wrote in The Times. A Met Police spokesperson told her: 'Due to a lack of positive lines of enquiry, this investigation was filed on September 19. 'With every investigation, opportunity for positive lines of enquiry has to be explored. Should further information come to light, the decision to file this investigation could be reviewed.' An eBay spokesperson added: 'The sale of stolen property is strictly prohibited on eBay, and we work with a range of law enforcement bodies to keep our platform safe. 'This includes regularly exchanging information with law enforcement to help them with investigations. In this case, we have not been contacted by the police, but will of course assist their investigation if they request our support.' A JetBlue flight attendant has been branded a 'diva' after forcing a male passenger to hold a fan in front of her face during a safety demonstration. The flight attendant, who has not been publicly named, was instructing passengers on a flight from Aruba to JFK on Sunday when she shoved the item into Les Kramsky's hand. She then instructed him to move it up, down and to the side, as she showed passengers where the emergency doors were. Les, 59, said he was stunned by the interaction - but obliged. He was traveling with his family, including his daughter Jayna, who filmed the incident and posted it on TikTok. They say the flight attendant told them she was hot, and that the sleeves of her uniform 'weren't very breathable'. 'She touches my hand and starts adjusting my hand so that it could go higher, lower, because she wanted it on her face. 'She's like, "no higher, higher," and she's moving my hand up and down, side by side, and I'm in shock because she never said please or thank you!,' Les told DailyMail.com. Les Kramsky was unexpectedly handed a fan from a flight attendant during a safety demonstration Les said the flight attendant was moving his hand so the air from the fan was hitting her face. A father-of-three, 'unfazed' Les obliged. 'I'm now a personal fan holder!' he joked to DailyMail.com She goes, Yes, Im fine. Im wearing long sleeves, and theyre not very breathable,' Jayna told DailyMail.com. Jayna said before the odd interaction, 'we're all just like doing her own thing on our phones, chatting whatever.' She added: 'The flight attendant just goes up to my dad and gives him the pink fan. We all look at each other like "whats going on?"' Jayna and her father said they did not see the attendant for the rest of the flight. 'Who is the DIVA,' someone wrote next to a heart emoji. Other passengers agreed - but flight attendants were quick to defend her. 'I felt this to the core of my soul! It just be so HOT while doing the safety demo!' one said. 'As a former JetBlue FA I understand. There were plenty of times that I almost passed out due to heat while on the ground,' another person added. While some found her actions 'tacky and unprofessional,' other commenters claimed the flight attendant looked unwell during the video, speculating that she was simply trying to find away to keep working. 'She looks like she's going to pass out,' one concerned commenter said. 'That poor girl looks like she's about to faint I understand her reason for that,' someone agreed. Abby, Jayna and Les (pictured) were flying to JFK airport from Aruba on Sunday evening when the odd exchange occurred A 'diva' JetBlue flight attendant allegedly did not say 'please' or 'thank you,' but simply demanded for Les to 'hold this' (stock image) 'She didnt say she was hot or not feeling well, she said she was totally fine, Jayna reiterated. 'Dad's a great sport,' one person mused. While many found it hilarious, Les was 'unfazed'. 'Hes a father of three kids, two daughters, who hell do anything for. So, hes just like "okay."' JetBlue has not responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment. The baffling situation has left the family with a 'hilarious' memory, Jayna and Les agreed. 'I thought it was the funniest thing because Ive never seen this before, especially from a flight attendant. It was a harmless gesture.' Les jokingly added: 'I have never seen a flight attendant with their own personal fan and I have never experience a flight attendant with their own personal fan holder - which I am!' The ex-wife of the mastermind behind the chilling terror plot to assassinate Donald Trump is an accomplished American lawyer who converted to Islam for him, DailyMail.com can reveal. Gabriele Burner, 49, was married to Farhad Shakeri, 51, who allegedly admitted to being the ringleader of the now-foiled scheme involving three hitmen hired by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) to target Trump. The couple had five children and were living in New York when Shakeri was convicted of robbery and kidnapping in 1994 and was handed a 21-year prison sentence. Shakeri, who grew up in Virginia, was later deported from the US to his native Afghanistan after being offered a plea deal by authorities. Burner, a white woman from New York, stood by her husband for several years, even moving to Afghanistan and then Dubai following his deportation. Gabriele Burner, 49, a lawyer from New York, converted to Islam before marrying now ex-husband Farhad Shakeri, 51, the alleged ringleader of the now-foiled scheme to assassinate Donald Trump Shakeri is alleged to have helped orchestrate a plot to assassinate Trump weeks before the presidential election Photos exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com show the couple posing together after his release from US custody. Burner spent nine years working in the Special Litigation Unit of New York City's Law Department, until her husband's deportation. The mother-of-five then became a legal advisory in the Afghan capital Kabul for three years. Shakeri and his family then moved to Dubai in 2011, where Burner worked again as a legal consultant, before they ultimately split in 2015 after the birth of their youngest son. She then moved with her children back to New York, setting up her own legal firm in Port Jefferson in Long Island. In 2022 the lawyer rebranded her firm from Law Office of Gabriele Shakeri to Gabriele Burner, after eight years of practicing under her married name. When approached by DailyMail.com Burner declined to comment. But sources claim that his family was appalled by the way he treated her after she converted to Islam to be with him. 'Gaby decided to bring her life back to America because of his behavior,' they said. 'She really gave her entire life to him. 'She left him when they were in Dubai, and moved back to New York, because of his behavior. He just seemed to get worse. The source said Shakeri's younger brother lost all respect for him after he saw how he treated her. 'He was very disappointed to see the girl, a white woman who had turned Muslim and spoke the language, and he just couldn't look up to him anymore.' The news comes after DailyMail.com revealed that Shakeri was brought up in Manassas, Virginia, from the age of nine along with his six siblings after their parents moved them from Afghanistan for a better life. Burner, who split with Shakeri in 2015, moved with her children back to New York, setting up her own legal firm in Port Jefferson in Long Island Gabriele changed the name of her Long Island, New York, law business from her married name Shakeri to her maiden name Burner Shakeri was a 'troubled' boy, with his family being left terrified of any repercussions while still living on US soil and was convicted in 1994 for robbing a gun store in New York aged just 20. Some of the stolen weapons at Shakeri's home, with investigators accusing the gang of holding the clerk of the store up at gun point before stealing the cache of weapons. They reportedly 'argued' over whether or not to kill their victim, but ultimately dumped him 60 miles away from the store threatening to harm his family if he identified them. Shakeri was handed a 21-year-prison sentence, but was deported after serving 14. He was then arrested in 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in connection with the seizure of 92 kilograms of heroin. Shakeri confessed to the FBI in five separate phone calls over a two-month period that he helped orchestrate a plot to assassinate Trump weeks before last week's Presidential election. He claimed the original plan was to carry out killings against Iranian opponents in the US, before receiving new orders on October 7 the anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel to solely target Trump. Despite his admissions, Shakeri is still on the loose in Tehran, as Iran does not have an extradition agreement with the US and tensions remain at an all-time high between the two nations. American authorities therefore have no legal means to order Shakeri to return to the United States or give himself up to face punishment. The FBI have had five high-stakes discussions with Shakeri over the phone in the span of two months. Bureau officials have not revealed why Shakeri volunteered so much explosive information to them. Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life Carlisle 'Pop' Rivera, 49, one of the alleged would-be assassins hired by Iran is a self-employed pipe fitter from Staten Island and convicted murderer. He was arrested last Thursday and charged with conspiracy to murder the president-elect and an Iranian activist He told authorities he met a senior member of the Revolutionary Guard through his work in Tehran in the 'oil and fuel businesses.' The man was referred to by others around him as Majid Soleimani, but Shakeri said he did not know whether he is connected to Iranian military officer Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated under Trump's watch in 2020. When Majid learned that Shakeri used to live in New York, he offered him a large sum of money to investigate and ultimately kill Iranian-American human rights activist and journalist Masih Alinejad. In his initial calls with the FBI, Shakeri denied that he agreed to have Alinejad killed, and said he merely offered his services to have her investigated. By his last correspondence with authorities on November 7, he accepted that he had enlisted a former prison buddy, Carlisle 'Pop' Rivera, to kill her. The two men met while he was serving time for robbery and Rivera was in for second degree murder. According to the criminal complaint seen by DailyMail.com, Rivera was waiting on a $100,000 payment from the IRGC to carry out the assassination. But Shakeri said by mid-late September, the IRGC official had told him to 'put aside his other efforts and focus on surveilling, and ultimately killing, Donald Trump. Shakeri allegedly paid Rivera and a third hitman Jonathan Loadholt $1,000 to surveil Alinejad at a speaking engagement at Fairfield University in Connecticut. This screenshot showed the details for the event, a photo of her, and a money order for $500 to be paid to Rivera Pictures released by the DOJ show the cache of weapons the suspected hitmen had at their disposal Iranian-American human rights activist and journalist Masih Alinejad was another target thaat Shakeri was hired to kill Shakeri warned Majid that such a feat would cost 'a huge amount of money', and said he was reassured that 'money is not an issue.' Around October 7, Shakeri was given a seven-day deadline to devise a thorough plan to carry out the assassination attempt. He was told if he could not come up with a plan in this timeframe, the attempt would be put on the back burner until after the election, because officials in Iran assumed Trump would lose and then have less protection. In September, the Trump campaign revealed it had been briefed on the threat from Tehran. 'Big threats on my life by Iran,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'The entire US military is watching and waiting. 'Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again.' The disturbing documents unsealed by the Department of Justice revealed the arsenal of weapons the would-be assassins had at their disposal and the texts messages they sent each other to concoct their plan. Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the brutal Iranian Quds Forces was assassinated in a US drone strike in Baghdad ordered under Trump's watch Shakeri explained in his FBI interviews that he had been tasked with surveilling and killing Trump to avenge the drone strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, in Baghdad in January 2020. Shakeri along with Rivera, 49, and another New Yorker, Jonathan Loadholt, 36 are also accused of targeting Alinejad and were offered $500,000 to kill two Jewish businessmen living in the U.S. Rivera and Loadholt are both in US custody and made a court appearance in New York last week. Trump has already survived two attempts on his life, including avoiding death by a fraction of an inch when he was shot in the ear at an election rally in Pennsylvania in July. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that there are 'few actors' in the world that 'pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.' 'The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump.' 'We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on U.S. soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. 'We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security.' November 13, 2024: the United States continues to hunt down and prosecute Russian hackers that were responsible for Cyber War attacks on Ukraine just before the Russians invaded in 2022. Five suspects are members of the Russian military and in Russia. The United States has offered a $60 million reward for those who make possible the arrest of the Russian hackers. This is the largest reward the United States has ever offered. These rewards work and the Americans keep quiet about who received an award and how the U.S. often arranged to have the award winners and their families relocated and sometimes put in a form of the U.S. witness protection program. The Russian cyber-attacks on Ukraine were known as Whisper Gate and were carried out by the Russian GRU military intelligence organization. The GRU, in one form or another, has been around for 300 years. Espionage and dirty tricks are a long Russian tradition. The GRU Cyber War offensive on the eve of the Ukraine invasion was directed against NATO supporters of Ukraine, including the United States. This triggered an aggressive and ongoing American response. This appears to have encouraged the GRU to try harder and the Cyber War goes on. Since 2022 the Ukrainian GRU has been fighting back at the Russian Cyber War efforts and had some success damaging Russian Cyber War assets and stealing Russian government and military data. In July 2024 Ukraine carried out a surprise electronic attack on Russian internet access. This was accomplished by using the largest DDOS distributed denial of service attack ever. The attack disrupted all major Russian internet systems, including financial institutions, government networks and internet-based communications. This included messaging apps and social networks. These attacks are usually carried out by first using a computer virus, often delivered as an email attachment that installs a secret Trojan horse type program that allows someone else to take over that computer remotely and turn it into a zombie for spamming, stealing, monitoring, or DDOS attacks to shut down another site. There are millions of zombie PCs out there and these can be rented, either for spamming or launching DDOS attacks. You can equip a web site to resist, or even brush off, a DDOS attack but the Ukrainian attack was so massive and well planned that Russian DDoS defenses were of no use. It took about three weeks to get the Russian internet back to normal, although some systems were so heavily damaged that it took months to get them running again. Major commercial, government and military systems were damaged or offline for weeks while repairs were made. The Ukrainian attacks were so massive, hitting internet targets throughout Russia, that there were not enough Russian internet engineers to repair all that damage immediately. That meant systems that were not critical were offline for weeks or months. Russians feared the Ukrainians would launch a similar attack before all the damage from the first one was repaired. Russia has long been a leader in such attacks, but the Ukrainians prepared for that before the Russian 2022 invasion and upgraded their internet defenses. Russia was not as well prepared and was vulnerable. Some Russian internet engineers warned their government of the vulnerability but not enough was done. Attacks like these are more common now but have been for over two decades. One example occurred in 2011 there was an odd incident in South Korea, where a widely distributed computer game appeared to be infected with malware. What caught the attention of South Korean military intelligence was the fact that the malware was hidden in every copy of this game and, at one point, many of the 100,000 infected PCs tried to shut down the air traffic control system at a major South Korean airport. Further investigation revealed that the airport attack was part of a growing Cyber War campaign by North Korea against government and military websites in South Korea. One of the most disruptive North Korean Cyber War weapons was DDOS attacks. You can equip a website to resist, or even brush off, a DDOS attack and some of those attacks are prepared. But others were not. The South Korean airport was disrupted for several hours. The Russians suffered even greater damage in 2024. North Korea has launched DDOS attacks and attempted to hack into South Korean networks for over twenty years. This is a continuing problem for South Korea and Japan, which have had to construct large scale internet defenses to provide some protection from further North Korea attacks via the internet. Most North Korean attacks are for financial gain. North Korea is perpetually broke and always in need of more cash. North Korean hackers have turned many foreign internet systems they have hacked into their own private ATMs. A 1,500-year-old stone tablet bearing the oldest known inscription of the Ten Commandments is expected to sell for up to $2million (1.57million) at auction. The marble slab was found in Israel in 1913 but then spent 30 years being used as a paving stone at the entrance of a home before its significance was spotted. The stone, which weighs 115 pounds and is around two feet tall, was hard to identify because its inscription is written in Paleo-Hebrew, which fell out of widespread use centuries ago. The twenty lines of text incised on the stone closely follow the Biblical verses familiar to both Christian and Jewish traditions - bar one key difference. Only nine of the commandments found in the Old Testament's Book of Exodus are present. The traditional third commandment - 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain' - is omitted in favour of a directive to worship on Mount Gerizim, a holy site specific to the Samaritans. A 1,500-year-old stone tablet bearing the oldest known inscription of the Ten Commandments is expected to sell for up to $2million (1.57million) at auction The Samaritans broke off from mainstream Judaism nearly 3,000 years ago, but observe similar religious practices and hold sacred a very similar version of the Hebrew Bible (what Christians know as the Old Testament). The tablet is being sold in New York via Sotheby's auction house next month. It will first be on public display from December 5. Sharon Liberman Mintz, Sotheby's' specialist in Judaica, said: 'This is the earliest known complete tablet of the ten commandments, which are of course the moral code that underpin western civilisation. 'It is an astonishing find. When you see it you can feel the resonance of the communication.' The original site of the tablet - likely a synagogue - was likely destroyed either by the Romans during invasions of the region between 400-600 AD or in the Crusades in the 11th century. The tablet is the only complete one from the Late Byzantine period that bears the Ten Commandments. The eighth commandment, 'Thou shalt not steal', is seen highlighted above The fifth commandment, 'Honour your father and your mother', is highlighted above The marble slab was found in Israel in 1913 but then spent 30 years being used as a paving stone at the entrance of a home before its significance was spotted It was discovered during railway excavations near the sites of early synagogues, mosques and churches. The first two lines on the tablet are dedications and then the commandments are listed. In 1943, the tablet was bought by a scholar who spotted its significance after translating the Paleo-Hebrew script. The stone, which weighs 115 pounds and is around two feet tall, was hard to identify because its inscription is written in Paleo-Hebrew, which fell out of widespread use centuries ago The scholar, known only as Mr Kaplan, then held onto the treasure until the 1990s, when it was sold. It was sold again in 2005 and then bought by its current owner, collector Dr. Mitchell Stuart Cappell, in 2016. It is expected to sell for at least $1million (785,000). Ms Liberman Mintz added: 'This is such a thrilling treasure to be able to offer. It is not often one can purchase a tablet of the 10 commandments.' A British Airways stewardess almost five times over the drink drive limit was found slumped in her car while stopped on a roundabout, a court heard on Tuesday. Police had been alerted by concerned drivers over Emma Newton Owen's erratic driving. They later had a second call from an ambulance crew who found her car was blocking others on a roundabout and unable to continue their journey. When police reached the scene her car had been moved to the side of the road by a taxi driver with Newton Own slumped over the steering wheel. It was initially thought she had a medical episode, but she admitted to police she had been drinking. British Airways stewardess Emma Newton Owen, 45, was found 'slumped' over her steering wheel after driving while almost five times over the limit, a court has heard The mother-of-one was arrested at the scene while wearing her British Airways uniform The court heard that Newton Owen, pictured on her wedding day, was now separated from husband Gawain following allegations of domestic abuse Newton Owen, a 45-year-old mother one, was arrested at the scene on September 19 still in her BA uniform. Prosecutor Natalie Roepke told the court Newton Owen told police before being breathalysed: 'I am going to be honest, it's going to come back positive.' A blood alcohol test at a police station later showed she was almost five times over the legal drink drive limit. Guildford Magistrate's Court was told Newton Owen was driving back to her home in Horley, Surrey, from Heathrow Airport after being part of a BA crew on a short haul flight on September 19th. Her solicitor Annie Finn told the court she had dreaded going home as she was a victim of ongoing domestic violence. She said her decision to drink and drive was a 'cry for help' and she had made the wrong decision. The court was told Newton Owen was now separated from her husband Gawain after he was arrested following allegations of domestic violence, including hitting his wife with a bottle and threatening to kill her. 'There was a lot going on with controlling behaviour,' said Finn. 'All of it became too much and she took the decision to drive. 'This was a cry for help.' Newton Owen decided to drive while almost five times over the limit as a 'cry for help', her solicitor told the court The mother-of-one, now separated from her husband, pleaded guilty to drink driving The court was also told Newton Owen was on long term sick leave from British Airways where she has worked as a flight attendant for 20 years She added: 'She is now a single mum with a six-year-old daughter. Her husband is no longer living at the home address and she is being supported by her parents.' The court was told Newton Owen had no previous convictions and was hard working and of good character. Newton Owen, who wore a black and red check jacket with hair tied in a ponytail, wiped away tears as she stood in the dock and pleaded guilty to drink driving. The court was told she was now on long term sick leave from British Airways where she has worked as a flight attendant for 20 years. Newton Owen, who is on long term sick leave from British Airways, will next appear in January for sentencing Newton Owen said it was not safe for her to continue in her role as flight crew. Chief magistrate Carol Magras adjourned the hearing for eight weeks for the probation service to make a pre-sentence report. Newton Owen, who was accompanied to court by her parents, refused to comment outside court. She will next appear in January for sentencing. This is the amazing moment a whale suspected of being a Russian spy brought back a girl's phone after she dropped it in the sea. The white beluga, which locals named Hvaldimir, was suspected of being a spy after it appeared off the coast of Norway wearing a harness in 2019. An expert has now claimed it is likely the whale, which was found dead in September, did belong to the Russian military and escaped because it was a 'hooligan'. Dr Olga Shpak, who has worked in Russia researching marine mammals told the BBC while she believed it fled a naval base in the Arctic Circle, she doesn't think it was a spy. In incredible footage from a new BBC Two documentary, the tame whale can be seen approaching a boat full of adoring fans before passing a woman a phone in his mouth. Several women can be heard shouting in disbelief: 'Is this for real? Oh my God, it's for real' as the phone broke through the water's surface. This is the incredible moment a Russian spy whale recovered a girl's phone from the sea The girls try to take the phone out of the whale's mouth as it comes to the surface The whale can be seen coming up to the surface with the girl's phone in its mouth In the clip, from Secrets of the Spy Whale, the marine mammal nicknamed Hvaldimir - combining the Norwegian word for whale, hval, and Vladimir Putin's first name - bobs his head up and down as people splash water gently around his face. The 14ft whale then releases the phone into the hand of a girl before slowly descending back into the water with an open mouth, making it appear as if he is smiling. Other clips of the beluga also appear in the film, showing him cheekily poking his head through the water in Hammerfest - a town in Finnmark, Norway - as people gathered to catch a glimpse of the famous aquatic agent. Another piece of footage shows Hvaldimir retrieving what appears to be a yellow floater from the sea as he is cheered on by fans. Hvaldimir's body was found floating at the Risavika Bay in southern Norway in September, and at the time of death animal rights groups claimed he has been shot. But a forensic examination carried out just a week later concluded that human activity did not directly lead to the death of the animal, which had died after a stick became lodged in its mouth. An autopsy showed the 35cm in length and 3cm wide stick was stuck in the animal's mouth, and police said Hvaldimir had also sustained some 'completely superficial' injuries, adding 'there was no evidence suggesting that Hvaldimir was shot'. The woman was in disbelief after the whale passed her back her mobile phone with its mouth Hvaldimir, a white beluga whale who was first spotted near Russian waters wearing a harness and ignited rumours he may be a Moscow spy Nicknamed Hvaldimir - combining the Norweigan word for whale and Vladimir Putin - the body of whale was found floating at the Risavika Bay in southern Norway in September He was first spotted by fishermen near the northern island of Ingoya in April 2019 wearing a harness and what appeared to be a mount for a small camera and a buckle marked with the text: 'Equipment St Petersburg.' This sparked allegations that Hvaldimir was a Russian spy, but the new BBC documentary recently claimed he may have been guarding Kremlin property. After 10 months of investigations into the secret underwater agent, makers of Secrets of the Spy Whale, found evidence that suggested he may have been trained as a covert 'guard whale' rather than being sent out to sea to carry out maritime espionage. 'Our latest findings about the potential role that Hvaldimir had been trained to do brings us closer to solving the mystery, but they also prompt many further questions about what Russia might be seeking to guard in the Arctic, and why,' Jennifer Shaw, director of the film told The Observer. As Shaw and her team looked into the mystery, they met with one of the last remaining veterans of an early US Navy programme and former dolphin trainer who explained the advantages of using such creatures as guards. Blair Irvine told the newspaper that bubbles are created from the movements of swimmers, which in turn create noise. As a dolphin's hearing is so sensitive, it was a foolproof method to catching intruders - and the Soviet Union quickly launched its own programme using similar techniques. When Hvaldimir was found he was wearing a harness and what appeared to be a mount for a small camera and a buckle marked with the text: 'Equipment St Petersburg.' Another piece of footage shows Hvaldimir retrieving what appears to be a yellow floater from the sea as he is cheered on by fans A phalanx of dolphins were allegedly used to guard the Black Sea fleet in Crimea, and while kept in floating cages, they were trained to give a signal if any underwater intruders were approaching. Shaw also revealed to the newspaper that it was clear Hvaldimir was trained in a similar way, as she had witnessed him placing his nose on anything that appeared to be a target. This suggested to her that the beluga had shown signs of being recruited as part of a security patrol - rather than a spy. BBC Two's Secrets of the Spy Whale is set to air tomorrow at 9pm. Speculation has begun swirling that Lara Trump could be the perfect fit for a place in Congress. Donald Trump's glamorous daughter-in-law, 42, has been co-chairing the Republican National Committee since March and has recently been praised for overseeing the dominant Republican wins in the 2024 election. The mother of two married Eric Trump in 2014 and has worked in Trump's orbit ever since, being a fixture on his three presidential campaigns. After reports Monday indicated that Sen. Marco Rubio will be joining his upcoming administration as Secretary of State, the question of who will replace the Florida lawmaker has quickly cropped up. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will now be forced to select a replacement for the veteran lawmaker who has served since 2011 - and Trump's daughter-in-law has been mentioned as a contender by several Republicans. Multiple lawmakers have floated Lara Trump as a worthy replacement for Marco Rubio's soon to be vacant Florida Senate seat 'I'm actually going to make a public call for Gov. DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to fill Marco Rubio's term in office,' Republican Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said Tuesday on a conservative talk show. 'I think she is the best fit,' Luna said, adding Lara is 'largely responsible for securing president Trump's win.' Lara Trump also would likely be able to win the Senate seat in two years when the election for Rubio's vacated seat will be held, Luna believes. 'I think Lara Trump would avoid a really nasty primary in two years when that seat then comes open. And I think that she has the qualifications, she proved herself as a national leader.' But Luna is not the only lawmaker calling for Lara Trump's Senate appointment. Freshman Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., also is backing the RNC co-chair. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, waves during his campaign rally at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 4, 2024 Trump reportedly has tapped Rubio to serve as Secretary of State in his administration President-elect Donald Trump stands on stage with former first lady Melania Trump, as Lara Trump watches, at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida Your browser does not support iframes. Britt told Axios Tuesday Lara Trump would be a 'tremendous pick' and also cited her 'historic win' while overseeing the RNC. 'She understands the America First agenda,' said Britt, who is also 42-year-old working mother. 'For me, I think she would be a tremendous pick, a voice for hard working families and another mom of school aged kids that understands what we're up against, and that's to fight to protect the American dream,' the Alabama senator said. Britt's fellow Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, also liked the idea of Lara Trump as a possible co-worker. 'I think she'd be good If she wants to get into it,' Tuberville told DailyMail.com. Lara Trump with her husband Eric Trump at Trump's election night party Lara Trump at a Trump rally in 2016 Montana Republican Senator-elect Tim Sheehy similarly said Lara Trump joining Congress sounds like 'a good idea.' 'I don't know anything about Florida politics. I'm from Montana,' Sheehy told DailyMail.com. 'But it's sounds like a good idea to me. We'll see what happens.' Other Republicans, meanwhile, stayed silent when asked their thoughts about Trump's daughter-in-law joining the Senate. Sens. Steve Daines of Montana and Chuck Grassley of Iowa both did not answer questions from DailyMail.com about Lara Trump's possible appointment to the upper chamber. Billioniare X owner Elon musk on Tuesday also threw his support behind Lara. 'Lara Trump is genuinely great,' he posted. Lara was eyed as a potential Senate candidate for North Carolina in 2021. She eventually decided against it and her father endorsed Republican Sen. Ted Budd. Several other names have also been floated to replace Rubio. Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody and DeSantis chief of staff James Uthmeier have also been reported as possible replacements. A senior Aldi executive has taken a swipe at major competitors Coles and Woolworths while revealing why the German discounter is so much cheaper. Jordan Lack, Aldi's managing director of buying in Australia, said the chain was more focused on providing cheap prices than convenience during a cost of living crisis. Speaking to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into supermarket pricing, he explained why Aldi did not have online shopping. While Woolworths and Coles offer customers home delivery and click and collect services, it would be too costly for Aldi, Mr Lack said. The cost involved for the retailer, which has 600 shops and a 10 per cent market share in Australia, would cut into its position as the cheapest supermarket. 'We did an assessment of online and understand that channel to be a costly channel to serve,' Mr Lack told the counsel assisting the inquiry. 'If you have employees picking the groceries instead of customers doing their own shopping, obviously, that is a cost that is incurred.' The senior executive said if Aldi serviced an online sales market it would have to pass the cost on to its customer, the AFR reported. A senior Aldi executive has taken a swipe at major competitors Coles and Woolworths, while also revealing why the German discounter is so much cheaper (pictured, Aldi in Sydney) Jordan Lack, Aldi's managing director of buying in Australia, said the chain was more focused on providing cheap prices than convenience during a cost of living crisis 'That was not something that we thought was reasonable for us to explore, at that point in time, in order to preserve our low-cost position in the market.' Aldi's aims to be between 15 per cent and 25 per cent cheaper than its main rivals, Coles and Woolworths, which between them control 65 per cent of Australia's supermarket business. One of the way it does so is through having a very limited choice of goods, with each store carrying about 1,800 products, compared to up to a choice of 25,000 products in Woolies and Coles. Aldi also saves costs by requiring customers to pack their own groceries, having fewer employees than its rivals, and having a large percentage of inhouse or 'home' brands. The supermarket is then able to pass on saved costs through lower prices. 'Customers right now are definitely focusing on seeking value, and they see that as an area that we excel at,' Mr Lack told the inquiry. He did admit, though, that online shopping worked out well for some people and that it would not bring down Aldi's share of Australia's grocery trade. 'There are another cohort of shoppers that are actually also seeking convenience, and online does provide a channel for convenience.' 'Current indications would suggest that we are still growing in a healthy regard and gaining market share,' he told the inquiry. An expert has warned a 4.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked a regional mining town is likely part of a 'swarm sequence' with months-long aftershocks. A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck underneath a mine in Muswellbrook, in the NSW Upper Hunter Region, at a depth of 3km at about midday on Tuesday. The quake marked the fourth seismic event over magnitude four in three months in the region after Muswellbrook was rattled by a 4.7 magnitude quake on August 23. About 2,500 homes and businesses suffered a power outage following Tuesday's earthquake, which appeared to originate at the nearby Mt Arthur coal mine. No one was injured on Tuesday but operations at the mine were temporarily paused. Experts have warned a flurry of small to moderate aftershocks will be felt over the next few months as part of a 'earthquake swarm' in the region. Hadi Ghasemi, a senior seismologist at Geoscience Australia, said the 'moderate' seismic activity would have the power to crack walls and knock items off shelves. 'What we are observing in general is earthquake swarm activity a series of moderate-sized events, happening close to each other, both in time and space and they may continue for months to come,' he told the Guardian. NSW's Upper Hunter region has been hit by four moderate earthquakes in the last three months (pictured is a map of Tuesday's 4.1 magnitude earthquake) Muswellbrook was rocked by a 4.7 magnitude quake on August 23 (damage is pictured) Mr Ghasemi explained earthquakes can strike near mines for several reasons. Mining sites are often built on fault lines as 'faults are the reason that the mineral deposits form in the first place', putting them at a higher risk of seismic activity. However, mining operations can also trigger seismic events. 'We know there are cases where the seismicity is actually linked to the mining activity because of removing, for example, large volume of the rock mass because of the mine and then that's when we call them induced earthquakes,' he said. Some 'clues' of an induced earthquake include it being located near a mine at a shallow depth, as mining operations are close to the earth's surface. It has not yet been determined whether Tuesday's earthquake was induced. Liddell power station, a decommissioned coal-fired thermal power station less than 20km from Muswellbrook, has been floated by the Coalition as a location for Opposition leader Mr Dutton's proposed nuclear power plant. A power station less than 20km from Muswellbrook (pictured) has been floated as a location for a nuclear power plant, despite the recent seismic activity The Liddell Power Station, less than 20km from the NSW town of Muswellbrook, is pictured Fortunately for locals worried about the effects of an earthquake on a nuclear power site if the Coalition were elected, Liddell power station's current owner, AGL, does not intend to sell the site. The Coalition outlined in June plans to build reactors in the Hunter Valley and Lithgow in NSW, the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Callide and Tarong in Queensland, Port Augusta in South Australia and Collie in Western Australia if it is voted in. Should the proposal go ahead, it would be 10 to 12 years before the first reactor is completed, with the remainder to be constructed from the 2040s. Mr Dutton has previously said nuclear would provide reliable baseload power as coal is phased out, with renewables to complement that rather than be relied upon to provide the bulk of the power supply. Pauline Hanson has hit back at a male critic who told her to 'toughen up' - as she surpasses $500,000 in donations for a legal appeal over her 'p*** off back to Pakistan' comment. Earlier this month the One Nation leader lost a defamation case brought by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. A judge found she had racially vilified Ms Faruqi when she told her to 'p*** off back to Pakistan' in a tweet. In a video posted to X on Wednesday, Hanson said someone had since messaged her saying 'toughen up - you can dish it out but you can't take it.' 'No, I can take it,' she fumed. 'When I feel that I'm continually being kicked and kicked and treated totally different to someone else because of my politics and what I believe in, that's where it upsets me.' Hanson occasionally appeared on the verge of tears in the video, and claimed she'd received a flood of support after losing the case. 'You the people, you got behind me. The donations that you've made, even from pensioners and people that can least afford it, you've given what you can.' She has vowed to appeal the Federal Court decision and is currently trying to raise $1million to cover her legal costs. Senator Hanson claimed she'd received a flood of support after losing the case. Her donation page showed she was already more than halfway towards that goal on Wednesday, having raised $560,000. In the November judgment, Justice Angus Stewart found Senator Hanson engaged in 'seriously offensive' and intimidating behaviour with the tweet. The day of Queen Elizabeth's death, Senator Faruqi had taken to X to offer condolences to those who knew the monarch. But she added she could not mourn the passing of the leader of a 'racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised peoples'. In a response, Senator Hanson said she was appalled and disgusted by the comments. 'When you immigrated to Australia you took every advantage of this country. It's clear you're not happy, so pack your bags and p*** off back to Pakistan,' she said. Ms Hanson spent 11 weeks in prison in 2003 after she was jailed and acquitted of electoral fraud (her mugshot is pictured) Justice Stewart found the tweet was unlawful under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. The phrase 'go back to where you came from' was a racist, anti-immigrant and nativist trope traceable to the White Australia Policy, the judge noted. He was also highly critical of the One Nation leader as a witness, calling her generally unreliable, argumentative and unwilling to accept obvious truths. Aussie owners of electric cars have been reminded of the dangers lithium batteries pose after a crash after a woman became trapped in her Tesla. Emergency services were called to Chapel Lane in Crestwood, in Sydney's north-west, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday. Shock photos shared to The Hills Police Area Command's Facebook page showed how the white Tesla had mounted the bonnet of a parked blue Holden. The force of the crash had rammed the Holden into a third car - a black Mercedes - with the Tesla's left-side wheels left resting on the parked car. Emergency services worked to free the Tesla driver, a 48-year-old woman, who wasn't injured in the crash. 'Unfortunately recovery operations for EVs take a long time due to risk of fire to the batteries,' police said. Lithium-ion batteries are found in electric vehicles, e-scooters and e-bikes. The batteries are susceptible to uncontrolled thermal runaway events, which occur when the battery temperature increases faster than the energy dispersed to its surroundings. The white Tesla mounted the bonnet of a parked blue Holden in the crash (pictured) The force of the crash had rammed the Holden into a third car - a black Mercedes (pictured) The high temperature causes the battery to decompose, creating more heat and ultimately leading to an explosion of flammable gas. While lithium-ion batteries rarely catch fire, they can be extremely dangerous when they do ignite. The EV Fire Safe website explained the batteries release toxic and flammable gasses when on fire which can cause them to explode. The toxic fumes can also cause breathing difficulties, making it difficult for emergency crews to put the fire out. It comes after firefighters recorded a spate of fires in recent months sparked by lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion battery-related fires are the fastest-growing type of fires in NSW, with one every four days this year, according to state government data. Police decided not to take any further action after investigations into the crash. One of the most tense meetings in White House history is likely happening in the Oval Office on Wednesday. President Joe Biden, who defeated Donald Trump four years ago, will host Trump the man he always believed he could beat in a rematch. For Trump, who has been busy this week naming top cabinet and West Wing picks, it will be a grand return to the place from which he was vanquished four years ago by the man now sitting at the Resolute Desk, the same desk Trump used four years ago. Both men have made clear they dislike the other. And neither man has held back when it comes to criticizing the other. Biden has called Trump a threat to democracy, suggested he be locked up, and referred to his supporters as 'garbage.' Before he dropped out of the race in July, he hoped to defeat Trump for four more years in the White House. Trump has questioned Biden's mental health, threatened to lock up his son Hunter and prosecute any Democrat he feels is an enemy. 'We want this to go well,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday. Outgoing President Joe Biden (left) will host President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday The Biden White House has laid the ground work for that to happen. Biden called Trump shortly after he won last week to offer his congratulations, pledge a peaceful transfer of power, and invite him to the Oval Office for a meeting a traditional gesture for a departing-president to offer to the incoming one. He has notably not spoken out against Trump as he had during the heated presidential campaign. For his part, Trump also has refrained from criticizing the current administration. Instead he's focused on filling staff and cabinet positions, announcing a flood of hires. Still, the dark shadow of history will loom over Wednesday's meeting. Adding to the awkwardness, after Biden ousted Trump in 2020, Trump offered no such Oval Office meeting to Biden. Trump even left Washington before the Jan. 20, 2021, inauguration, becoming the first president to do so since Andrew Johnson to skip the swearing-in of his successor. The meeting between current and future presidents is essentially a photo-op but an important one, showing the world the United States is one of the few nations where leaders peacefully hand over power. President Biden 'wants to show the American people that the system works, to trust the institutions, to trust that the norms do matter here, that he is showing by leadership what a peaceful transition looks like,' Jean-Pierre said. Jean-Pierre declined to say what the two men will talk about. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are likely on the list. Biden will urge Trump not to abandon Ukraine, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday. But it remains unclear if Biden will push his successor on abortion rights, voting rights or any other issue Democrats campaigned on. When the two men meet on Wednesday, it'll technically be the first time since 1992 that an outgoing president sits down with an incoming one he competed against in a campaign. That year, outgoing President George H.W. Bush met with President-elect Bill Clinton about two weeks after they squared off on Election Day. Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump defeated, will not join the Oval Office sitdown. The last time a sitting Vice President lost out on a promotion was the 2000 election. Al Gore joined Clinton and incoming President George W. Bush in a meeting that was described as unpleasant. President Barack Obama, right, meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in November 2016 Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden congratulate President Donald Trump after he took the oath of office on January 20, 2017 Melania Trump will also be absent and not meet with Jill Biden. Traditionally the outgoing first lady hosts her successor for tea in the residence while the Oval Office meeting takes place. The two couples have met. Biden attended Trump's 2017 inauguration in his role as outgoing vice president. Jill Biden was also there. The Bidens will attend Trump's inauguration in January 2025, according to the White House. Traditionally, the outgoing president welcomes the incoming one to the White House on the morning of the inauguration before riding together in the same vehicle to the Capitol building for the swearing in. The spouses also ride together. Trump rode with then-President Barack Obama to his own inauguration. Additionally, both men are looking to the future. While Biden is in the process of packing up, Trump is already shaping his White House team. He's named campaign manager Susie Wiles as his chief of staff and longtime aide Stephen Miller will be his deputy chief of staff. Rep. Michael Walz will be his National Security Adviser and Senator Marco Rubio will be his secretary of state. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a new department Trump is creating to cut government waste. The Trumps aren't strangers making their first visit to the White House. The couple lived there for four years during Trump's first term. They know the residence staff, they know the layout, they know where the bathrooms are. Donald and Melania Trump leave the White House on January 20th, 2021 and do not attend Joe Biden's inauguration Michelle Obama hosted Melania Trump for tea in the Yellow Oval Room in November 3016 And Trump has been through this before. Then-President Barack Obama invited him to the Oval Office shortly after the 2016 election to congratulate him on his victory. When he entered the Oval Office at that time, Trump appeared nervous and was unusually subdued, calling Obama 'a good man' and the meeting 'a great honor.' Previously, Trump had questioned if Obama was even an American and demanded to see his birth certificate. Obama's White House press secretary Josh Earnest described the two men's meeting as 'at least a little less awkward than some might have expected.' Wednesday's meeting may not meet that same definition. A Utah judge handed down several rulings on Tuesday in the case of a grief author who is accused of murdering her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail. Judge Richard Mrazik granted state prosecutor's motion to dismiss two drug distribution charges against Kouri Richins, 34, ahead of her trial in April for allegedly murdering her husband Eric Richins, 39, ABC 4 reports. He also agreed to try four charges of mortgage fraud and forgery separately from the murder charge. But Mrazik went on to deny Richins bail for the second time on Tuesday - ruling that she presented a flight risk and a potential danger to herself and others after her attorneys used certificates she earned in jail-run programs as evidence that the mother-of-four has been a model inmate since she was first detained in May 2023. She is now facing charges of felony aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, and two counts of fraudulent insurance claims. A Utah judge denied Kouri Richins, 34, bail for the second time - leaving her behind bars until her trial in April for allegedly murdering her husband Judge Richard Mrazik also granted state prosecutor's motion to dismiss two drug distribution charges on Tuesday Prosecutors have argued that Richins slipped an obscene amount of drugs fentanyl into her husband's Moscow Mule cocktail on March 3, 2023 amid financial disputes relating to their 10-acre $2million home. They claimed that Eric had found out that his wife had taken out a $250,000 home equity line of credit and spent it, withdrawn $100,000 from his bank accounts, and spent more than $30,000 on his credit cards. Kouri also stole about $134,000 from her husband's business meant for tax payments, according to previously-filed court documents. She even allegedly purchased four different life insurance policies, which totaled more than $1.9million between 2015 and 2017. Yet, the couple still signed an agreement that would grant her the sale of the home prior to Eric's death. Then, just one day after Richins called police to report that she found her husband 'cold to the touch' at the foot of their bed, affidavits for search warrants showed that Kouri signed the closing papers on the couple's home and invited friends for a party where she was drinking and celebrating. Prosecutors have argued that Richins slipped an obscene amount of drugs fentanyl into her husband's Moscow Mule cocktail on March 3, 2023 amid disputes over financial issues relating to their 10-acre $2million home Court documents further claimed that Kouri first attempted to kill her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl just a month before she allegedly served him the spiked cocktail. Prosecutors have alleged that a sandwich that she got for him on Valentine's Day was left with a note in the front seat of his truck. Following his death, Kouri also benefitted financially after she wrote a children's book about grief. She said in an interview that she was motivated to write the book after searching Amazon and Barnes and Noble and finding 'nothing' to help her sons 'cope' and dedicated the book to Eric. Kouri promoted it on television and radio, describing the book as a way to help children grieve the loss of a loved one. She later penned a children's book about grief, claiming she was trying to help her sons 'cope' with the loss of their father Attorneys for Richins have since tried to get Mrazik to separate charges of attempted criminal homicide, two counts of mortgage fraud and two counts of forgery from the charges related to Eric's murder. They argued her alleged attempt to poison her husband on February 14 and the day of his death on March 3, 2023 did not meet the definition of a 'single criminal episode,' and therefore should be tried separately. '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,' the defense team argued in a motion last week, according to ABC 4. 'The fact that allegations connected to February 14 are wholly speculative and circumstantial makes the prejudice to Mrs. Richins even more profound.' But state prosecutors argued against severing the charges, saying they are all connected as part of a 'common scheme or plan' of criminal activity - claiming Richins went from alleged fraud over her property to eventually take her husband's life. 'The evidence supporting each of the offenses establishes a really discernable, direct relationship between all nine offenses,' they argued. 'Considering the offenses together, the defendant's parasitic behavior forms an arc of increasingly aggressive, risky, opportunistic and bold actions required to perpetuate the defendant's facade of accomplishment and success.' In the end, Mrazik ruled that the alleged attempted homicide on February 14 came just 17 days before Eric's untimely death - and in both instances there were text messages allegedly indicating Kouri obtained fentanyl, gave him food or drink and fled the scene. But he said, due to possible unfair prejudice, the four counts of mortgage fraud and forgery that allegedly occurred in 2021 will be tried separately. 'There is too much temporal distance and too much dissimilarity,' the judge said, KSL-TV reports. Richins appeared in court on Tuesday as the judge handed down the rulings The defense attorneys had also sought to get Mrazik to reconsider his denial of Richins' bail, arguing that the fact that she is no longer facing the death penalty - in addition to the dismissal of the two drug counts - provides an opportunity for a renewed discussion on her release. In court, attorney Kathy Nester characterized the mother-of-four as a 'bright, engaged, curious woman' who wants to be involved in her case, the Park Record reports. 'As a mother, there is no way Kouri Richins is leaving her children, no matter what they're being told... She would never leave her children,' Nester told the judge. She went on to argue that Richins does not have the means to move somewhere else. 'She literally has no resources to leave the country, to resettle in another place. She would have no ability to support herself,' Nester said, urging the judge to let Richins go free and impose measures such as an ankle monitor or house arrest. But Mrazik said with the loss of her connections to the community over the past year, as her children are under the guardianship of her husband's family and her business is gone, there is nothing tying her down as she faces a possible sentence of life in prison. He commended her for using her time in jail 'as productively as possible,' but said that her the possibility she could die in prison 'creates a powerful incentive for [Richins] to harm herself of witnesses in this case and to flee the jurisdiction of the court' if she were to be released on bail, Fox 13 reports. As Mrazik handed down the ruling, members of Richins family embraced and gave each other reassuring hand squeezes. Still, Nester expressed hope in her client's case. 'With two charges dismissed and four others severed, the defense stands more confident,' she said as she left court on Tuesday. 'The case against our client is rapidly narrowing, exposing deeper weaknesses with each step.' Thousands of angry Aussies have joined a petition to urge the Victorian government to overturn a ban on people from visiting a popular rock climbing spot. More than 2,500 people signed the letter in the Legislative Assembly of Victoria to stop the closure of Mount Arapiles, in the state's west. The area is known as the 'beating heart of climbing in Australia' and up to half of the tracks will be closed following a four year investigation into its Aboriginal heritage. The state government informed Victorians on November 4 that visitors will no longer be able to access the popular area. The move has caused outrage after premier Jacinta Allan swore just three months earlier that she wouldn't 'padlock' the state's forests. 'As premier, and as a proud country Victorian, I will never put a padlock on our public forest,' she declared. 'The most important thing we can do for our bush is make sure it's enjoyed.' Locals have called on the government to release details of its plan to block access to the site and consult more widely with community groups, the Herald Sun reported. Thousands of angry Aussies have joined a petition to urge the Victorian government to overturn a ban on visitors from visiting a popular rock climbing spot Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy slammed the Premier for going back on her word. 'Natimuk and the global climbing community were blindsided by Labor's decision to shut down the most high profile climbs and beginner climbs at Mt Arapiles,' Ms Kealy said. 'Premier Allan said she wouldn't lock up Victoria's public land, yet that's exactly what she's done.' The closure of Mount Arapiles will have devastating consequences on locals by diminishing tourism. The shutdown of the park will also lead to a ban on people entering the iconic Pines campground. Parks Victoria said they completed an investigation to uncover cultural heritage sites in conjunction with the local Barengi Gadjin Land Council. The investigation, which was conducted between November 2020 and February 2023, found tens of thousands of Indigenous artefacts, scarred trees and rock art. The agency said they also conducted 'extensive cultural and environmental surveys' that uncovered cultural artefacts dating back to at least 3,000 years. The park is also home to several threatened species of native plants and animals. More than 2,500 people signed the letter in the Legislative Assembly of Victoria to stop the closure of Mount Arapiles, in the state's west It is likely the artefacts found around Mount Arapiles are predominantly stone chips. Scar trees are found throughout western Victoria, but rock art is much rarer. It's understood most of the rock art found in the national park isn't visible to the naked eye. Mount Arapiles is a rock formation that rises about 140 metres above the Wimmera Plains in the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park near the town of Natimuk. The site is recognised as the top rock climbing area in Australia and more than 2,000 routes and treks of varying degrees of difficulty. Around 90,000 people visit the site every year. A Victorian government spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia 'more than half of the rock-climbing areas are open'. 'We want as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors, which is why we've invested millions in campsite upgrades, four-wheel driving and biking trails and made sure duck hunting is here to stay,' she said. An Ohio father traveled across state lines to allegedly meet up with underage girls for sex - and took his infant child along with him. Ryan Loveless, 38, of Hillard, was arrested on Friday after Knox County Sheriff's Office Investigators were informed that the father made arrangements with a 15 and 16-year-old girl, police said. When investigators asked Loveless why he brought his young child with him, he revealed it was 'due to not having a babysitter.' The creep had directed the minors to travel to a hotel room he rented in Danville, Illinois, and told them to enter through the side door. After learning of his plans, the Knox County State's Attorneys Office obtained an arrest warrant and located Loveless in the hotel parking lot. His child received a medical evaluation and was turned over to family. The baby was not harmed. Ryan Loveless, 38, of Hillard, Ohio was arrested on Friday after allegedly planning to meet with a 15 and 16-year-old girl for sex The drive from Hillard, Ohio to Danville, Illinois takes more than four hours. Loveless was taken to Knox County Jail and was seen in his mugshot wearing a bright yellow safety smock, often given to prisoners on suicide watch, according to cleveland.com. The smocks, also known as 'turtle suits', are intentionally made of materials that can't be ripped, torn or bent, like a typical jumpsuit. It stays secured by Velcro and does not have any zippers or buckles, which can easily become a weapon for prisoners to inflict harm on themselves. The father is facing several charges, including 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. Loveless (pictured) brought his infant child along with him for the four hour car ride across state lines to meet the minors, 'due to not having a babysitter,' according to police It is unclear when Loveless is expected to appear in court. Loveless directed the minors to travel to a hotel room he rented in Danville, Illinois, and told them to enter through the side door DailyMail.com contacted the Knox County Sheriff's Office. Following the arrests, Knox County Sheriff Jack Harlan urged parents to be 'aware of their children's social media accounts and who they may be communicating with.' The department noted the joint effort in capturing Loveless, crediting the Knox County Sheriff's Office, Vermillion County Sheriff's Office, and Danville Police Department for their help. According to Loveless' Facebook account, he is a student at Columbia State Community College. Just days before his arrest, he made several posts to his page, including one that read: 'Hey man... You're a Good Dad. That's All.' On November 1, Loveless posted two pictures of himself, including one of him sporting a black cowboy hat and neon yellow sunglasses. A Missouri woman has been charged after giving her 14-year-old daughter a fentanyl pill when she complained of a toothache. Jacquelyn Powers, 35, was arrested on Thursday for the October 3 death of the teenage girl, reported Fox 2. Overland Police said Powers gave her daughter a pill she found in a drawer, then 10 hours later the child was found dead. She told police she believed the pill was an oxycodone from her own previous surgery, court documents state. However, an autopsy report showed the girl died of a fentanyl overdose with no oxycodone in her system. Jacquelyn Powers (pictured), 35, was arrested for the October 3 fentanyl overdose of her teenage daughter Overland Police said Powers gave her daughter a pill she found in a drawer, then 10 hours later the child was found dead (Powers pictured as she was arrested) 'This is tragic. This shouldnt happen. She's 14, she had a lot of years to look forward to, ' Overland Police Department Capt. Jim Morgan said. Powers admitted to police that she had traded some of her oxycodone with her mother in exchange for pills her mom bought on the street to 'protect her.' According to court documents, she said she also kept those pills in a drawer. The local news station captured Powers' arrest outside her home on Echo Lane almost a month after her daughters death. Powers wore tan pants and a black sweatshirt with the hood covering her head as police escorted her to their vehicles. She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and felony death of a child. Powers is being held on $150,000 bond and has her next court hearing scheduled for November 19. In California, the mother of twin toddlers is facing murder charges after her three-year-old sons died from alleged exposure of drugs laced with fentanyl. She told police she believed the pill was an oxycodone from her own previous surgery Jestice James, 22, was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse after her twins - Josiah and Jestine- were found unresponsive at their home in Canoga Park on July 11. The three-year-old twins were unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the apartment where James was with her boyfriend and her family. The boys were rushed to a nearby hospital, but family members said it was too late. Josiah, the older of the twins, died later that night, while Jestine died two days later. Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami told DailyMail.com James' case is the first in Los Angeles County where a parent has been charged with deaths related to alleged fentanyl overdose, which is becoming a 'disturbing trend'. 'Children are our most vulnerable,' Hatami said. 'They don't buy fentanyl and they don't smoke it. Adults are doing that but it is the innocent children who are paying the ultimate price. It's unacceptable. 'When it comes to fentanyl exposure, we need to do everything we can to protect the innocent children.' In our new column exclusive to Mail+ subscribers, Steve Jackson, one of Australia's most plugged-in senior reporters, and political editor Peter van Onselen reveal what's REALLY going on in the worlds of media and politics... Channel Nine star threatens to walk It's that time of the year when TV bosses start planning how to wrangle money out of the budget for the staff Christmas party. Over at Nine though, the under-fire news and current affairs executives are worried they might not last long enough to attend any end-of-year festivities. Inside Mail can reveal several senior Nine newsroom managers are secretly being investigated by the media giant following a deluge of staff complaints about their leadership. One of the network's leading television identities is even threatening to walk away from the channel completely unless their boss is given the boot, after accusing them of running a hateful campaign of bullying and intimidation. It is understood the complaint relates to a number of heated exchanges between the duo - both in private and in front of colleagues - spanning several years. The falling-out has become so embittered, the feuding personalities are now no longer on speaking terms, let alone capable of working together. Multiple sources confirmed Nine is investigating the circumstances surrounding the rift, and that the aggrieved on-air personality is demanding the offending executive is removed from their powerful position. The TV star did not want to discuss the details of the allegations when contacted by Inside Mail and is said to be mortified the dispute risks drifting into the public domain. Underscoring just how merciless Nine's internal politics have become, at the same time all this is playing out, the senior exec in question is also being actively recruited by a different TV star in their separate bid to have another newsroom leader ousted. Toxic newsroom culture? What toxic newsroom culture? Albo is so toxic, a state election gets moved Speaking of toxic sagas, the Western Australian Labor Party thinks their federal colleagues are so poisonous, Premier Roger Cook is looking into if he can move the state election so it's nowhere near a possible federal poll. He doesn't want his popular state government to be tarnished by the stink associated with the federal party, or the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in particular. Polling this week revealed Albo's personal support has plummeted and federal Labor even trails the Coalition in the betting markets now. WA's Labor Premier Roger Cook is preparing to go into election mode but he doesn't want the state's poll to be affect by the stench surrounding federal colleague Anthony Albanese. Cook's problem is WA now has fixed four-year terms, so the state election is set for March 8, whereas Albo can call the federal election for anytime that suits him. At the last federal election, Albo launched his campaign in WA, trading off the popularity of then-Premier Mark McGowan and picking up five seats in the west, giving Albo his majority. It doesn't sound like he'll be welcomed back by the new premier. Certainly not before the state election anyway. Where in the world is Liz Hayes? Not on 60 Minutes... Network execs usually know better than to ask, 'Where in the world is Liz Hayes?' After all, the answer usually elicits a dangerous and decidedly expensive response. 'She's on the hunt for a murderer in Africa' or 'climbing frozen waterfalls in Russia' - or off on some other wild adventure in some other far-flung place. For almost three decades, 60 Minutes' intrepid headline star was always scouring the globe for must-see stories. But eagle-eyed viewers have noticed she has barely been sighted on the show over the past two years, sparking speculation her appetite for long-haul flights and bad hotels may have waned. Award-winning Nine star Liz Hayes hasn't been since on 60 Minutes in months despite having her eponymous true crime series, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, canned in August To be fair, the award-winning reporter has had her hands full until recently driving her own eponymous true crime series, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, which explored some of the nation's most enduring murder mysteries and cold cases. Tragically, the popular series became a victim itself after it was axed by the network amid wide-ranging cost cuts in August, even though Hayes was still up for a coveted TV Week Logie Award for her work on the program at the time. Although Nine promised we would soon see Hayes back in action on 60 Minutes, it appears the veteran presenter has been taking a well-earned break. She returned with a vengeance last week though, fronting the network's U.S. election special alongside Today show anchor Karl Stefanovic. The trusted host helped Nine dominate the commercial TV coverage of the race to the White House, ahead of arch rivals Seven, with Ten trailing in third place. Hayes is being tipped for a larger network role after leading Nine's dominating U.S. election coverage alongside Today show host Karl Stefanovic The impressive outing may well have reminded Nine's execs about Hayes's star power, with rumours now circulating she maybe offered a plum role fronting all of the channel's major news and events coverage. It comes as 60 Minutes continues to enjoy an abundance of talented female reporters in its line-up between Hayes, Tara Brown, Amelia Adams, Dimity Clancey and, most recently, new special correspondent Tracy Grimshaw. Inside Mail asked Nine whether there was any truth to the speculation Hayes may be offered a larger role with the network or if she would indeed be returning to full-time duties at 60 Minutes as previously flagged and received a polite 'no comment'. Make of that what you will. Why did Albo say 'no' to a gala dinner? The guest speaker at last night's Sydney Institute annual gala dinner was the minister for misinformation (official title, communications) Michelle Rowland. Last year it was NSW Premier Chris Minns. We were left wondering why Anthony Albanese didn't accept an invitation to headline the event, especially with a federal election just around the corner. Plenty of prime ministers have done precisely that in the past. Was it perhaps because the official sponsor this year was Virgin Australia? Everyone knows Albo loves a free flight upgrade, but only with Qantas. Seeing double on Seven and Nine In TV land, it's all about voting with your remote, and all eyes are currently on the intensifying ratings battle between Seven and Nine's nightly news bulletins. Seven has made inroads into Nine's once-dominant Sydney offering with Peter Overton since doubling down at 6pm and pairing veteran presenter Mark Ferguson with award-winning former foreign correspondent Angela Cox. Seven's 6pm bulletin has been neck-and-neck with Nine since pairing Mark Ferguson with Angela Cox throughout the week and the network has now doubled down on the tactic by teaming Michael Usher with Angie Asimus on Fridays and Saturdays as well The network last month extended the double act across all seven days by matching rising star Angie Asimus with affable anchorman Michael Usher on Friday and Saturday nights. Although the new duo has only won one of their four outings against Nine's solo newsreader Georgie Gardner so far this month, industry insiders say the fledging combo is already starting to gel and predict they could soon be vying for top spot. Nine could counter Seven's tactics by pairing Sydney newsreader Peter Overton with a co-host, with 60 Minutes star Amelia Adams the most likely candidate to join him Meanwhile, Nine is said to be wargaming its response if the fight gets too tight, with insiders suggesting they could soon copy Seven's strategy and introduce dual presenters in their bulletins. Indeed, versatile 60 Minutes star Amelia Adams is already being tipped as a potential prime-time partner for Overton. The new 'power station'? In the golden age of talk radio, 2UE could boast it was home to some of the biggest stars in the country: John Laws, Alan Jones, Mike Carlton and Stan Zemanek. The station was so successful and profitable many believed it could never fail. Sadly, nothing lasts forever. With 'Golden Tonsils' John Laws behind the mic, talkback titans 2UE once seemed infallible Ray Hadley's switch to rivals 2GB two decades ago turned the station into a powerhouse Not long after Southern Cross Broadcasting bought the station and sister outlet 4BC for about $90million in 2001, things started going south, and fast. Before long, Jones and Hadley had defected to then low-rating disruptors 2GB where they would go on to clock up record-breaking runs in their respective timeslots. Two decades on, 2GB is now the infallible king of talkback and 2UE is an easy-listening music station that plays more golden oldies than they have tuning in. But with Hadley announcing his impending retirement from radio last Thursday, two newly minted media moguls are wondering if the time is ripe for another once-in-a-generation changing of the guard. Siblings Despina Priala and George Caralis just inherited the nation's largest privately owned radio network from their late father Bill Caralis and have grand ambitions to take its prized 2SM outlet from market minnows to the major leagues. Reclusive radio tycoon Bill Caralis left behind a succession plan for his multimillion-dollar family business before his death aged 82 on July 19. Only daughter Despina Priala (above) and youngest son George Caralis are now joint managing directors of the Super Radio Network Their tracksuit-wearing tycoon dad was famed for running his Super Radio Network on a shoestring budget and being reluctant to outlay cash on trifling radio overheads such as audio equipment, studio space or wages. But since taking over the operation, which boasts 42 stations around the country, following his death from a heart attack aged 82 in July, Caralis's kids are looking to make a significant cash and star injection. The industry is stirring with rumours former 2GB stars Chris Smith, Jason Morrison and Deborah Knight have all been spotted in meetings with 2SM's new management - and that they could soon be pitted against their old station. Former 2GB host Deborah Knight is among those being courted by would-be rival 2SM Even Melbourne-based 2GB alum Steve Price has been on the blower with the talkback upstarts about a show though he may be reluctant to relocate from the southern capital. The overhaul is being designed to hit 2GB when it's at its most vulnerable and lure away a slice of its audience, along with its accompanying ad revenue. It's a bolshie move - but Inside Mail hears Priala and Caralis are convinced their high-stakes gamble will pay off in the long run. Shock 10-to-1 contender to be the next Labor leader For those not looking to wager millions of dollars on conquering the airwaves, maybe the odds on offer for conquering the ALP could prove more tantalising. While most of the focus is on which political party is likely to form government after the next federal election, Sportsbet has opened a book on who will be next Labor leader after Albanese. Obviously if Albo wins punters might be waiting a while to get paid out, even if they get it right. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is the favourite at $2.20, with Tanya Plibersek next at $3.50. Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers is the short-priced favourite to replace Anthony Albanese The remainder are way back, but one outsider who really should be 1000 to 1 is Bill Shorten. The two-time election loser has announced he's quitting politics to head up Canberra University, where he'll draw a million-dollar-plus salary. But Sportsbet still has him at 10 to 1 to take over from Albo. It would be a Lazarus-like comeback if he did, that's for sure. High-profile Labor figure plans to call it quits Which high-profile Labor staffer is making plans to move on after the next election? Inside Mail couldn't get to the bottom of exactly why she's leaving, but apparently the boss has already been informed she'll walk away no matter who wins the election. The staffer is billing her commitment to stick around until then as a show of loyalty, but the boss thinks otherwise. After elections, all ministerial staff can take packages and leave with a healthy taxpayer-funded payout. We're sure that's going nothing to do with the decision to stick around until then. INSIDE MAIL TIPS: Steven.Jackson@mailonline.com; Peter.Vanonselen@mailonline.com Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double who was paralysed from the chest down after an accident on the Harry Potter set says he is still proud of the work he has done and the impact the films have on their audience. David Holmes, 43, was rehearsing a fight scene involving an explosion when he plummeted to the ground while working on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in January 2009 at the Leavesden film studios near Watford. The accident snapped David's neck which resulted in him being paralysed from the chest down, with limited movements in his arms and hands. A consequent cyst in his spinal cord has resulted in ongoing deterioration and he is likely to soon be fully paralysed, making independent breathing, speech and swallowing impossible. But despite admitting to being angry at the show for his injury, Holmes says that he remains proud of the impact his work still has to this day. Speaking to Andy Coulson on his Crisis What Crisis? podcast, he looked back to the Christmas of 2019, when he was seriously ill in hospital following brain surgery. He said: 'The first time was on Christmas Day when I was able to eat a full meal, which was my Mum's Christmas dinner, and we were in a hospital, it was a hard time and I had a little TV on the wall, and we watched Oliver Twist. David had worked as Daniel Radcliffe's body double on all the Harry Potter films before his accident David Holmes, 43, was rehearsing a fight scene involving an explosion when he plummeted to the ground while working on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in January 2009 at the Leavesden film studios near Watford. Pictured: On the Crisis What Crisis? podcast Despite admitting to being angry at the show for his injury, Holmes says that he remains proud of the impact his work still has to this day. Pictured: Daniel and David on The Boy Who Lived 'That film saved my family that day. And for that one moment we were taken out of the hospital and we were transported through the power of a great story. 'And I always remind myself that Harry Potter does that for millions of people every day, and I'm very very proud of my contribution people's safe space. 'Despite the fact that it put me into my situation I will never not be proud about that. It's a beautiful thing.' Holmes was paralysed from the chest down after breaking his neck in rehearsals for a fight scene in 2009 on the set of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Speaking about the moment on the podcast, he described the moment that he acted being hit by a spell, at which point he would fly back on a wire. He said: 'Something went wrong that was out of my control. I flew into a wall at a phenomenal pace, neck first, and my chest folded into my nose and my spinal cord separated. I landed instantly paralysed, still conscious'. David, who had worked as Daniel's body double on all the Harry Potter films before his accident, was initially taken to A&E at Watford General Hospital, but transferred to a specialist spinal injury hospital when the extent of his injuries became apparent. He spent several months in hospital and has undergone years of treatment and surgeries. Holmes told his story in documentary The Boy Who Lived, and spoke fondly about his ongoing friendship with Hollywood star Daniel. Pictured: Radcliffe (right) and Holmes (second from left) during the filming of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Holmes was paralysed from the chest down after breaking his neck in rehearsals for a fight scene in 2009 on the set of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (pictured) Crisis What Crisis? You can listen to listen to the full episode of David Holmes on Crisis What Crisis? using the below links: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify On their website Advertisement The stunt double further revealed that he may only have 24 years to live as his condition worsens. But he still wants to achieve as much as he can in the time he has left. He told former Editor of News of the World and Downing Street Director of Communications Mr Coulson: 'Doctors told me that predicted living age is 65 - that gives me 24 years left on this planet. 'And on that journey am I still going to be able to talk, am I still going to be able to eat, am I still going to be able to breathe independently? I don't know. 'But I know I can do that today, so I'm going to make sure I use it before I lose it, and that is something that puts a rocket up your backside, for sure.' Holmes told his story in documentary The Boy Who Lived, and spoke fondly about his ongoing friendship with Hollywood star Daniel, who served as an executive producer on the film. Speaking about his time with the Harry Potter star, the ex-gymnast joked: 'Seeing Dan's physicality, when he was 10 or 11 years old, on the early days of shooting, we soon noticed that he wasn't the most coordinated of or the most physical! 'Two to three times a week Daniel would come over to us in the stunt department, we would lock the doors, and the important thing for me was - lets just let him be a kid. The stunt double further revealed that he may only have 24 years to live as his condition worsens. Pictured: In documentary The Boy Who Lived Daniel and David remain close friends, with the Hollywood star serving as an executive producer on the film about his pal 'We did all the things that an insurance company would have a heart attack over! We let him go on trampolines, we done sword fighting, we just played- to create that environment for Dan to play and to build on his physicality.' Earlier this year Holmes told how he was left feeling 'broken' after fraudsters used a phone scam to grab money which he said was for his care and 'to escape the pain of winter'. He was called by someone claiming to be from the NatWest fraud team, who had personal details such as his address and knew that it had been his birthday the day before. The person also knew he had cryptocurrency linked to his card and suggested transferring funds to a 'secure wallet'. Holmes said afterwards: 'I was very vulnerable at the time. When it comes to birthdays, with my debilitating condition I always ask myself, 'Where am I going to be next year and the year after?'' NatWest helped him with money he lost from his savings with them, but not the rest of the money which he lost in cryptocurrency. The full episode of David Holmes on Crisis What Crisis? is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and on their website Pressure is mounting for Anthony Albanese to fire Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd - but the PM's stubbornness is likely to prevent that happening. Having appointed Rudd, ignoring the advice of key colleagues not to, Albo then doubled down and insisted Rudd won't be going anywhere ahead of the US election. At the time the PM believes Kamala Harris would win, but Trump's victory highlights Albo's stupidity in backing himself into a corner before the result was known. Now you've got key Trump aides dropping ominous suggestions about Rudd's future - turning an already awkward relationship between Albo and the new US President even more uncomfortable. Rudd has previously described Trump as a 'traitor to the west', a 'village idiot' and 'political liability'. It turns out Rudd is now the political liability - having been appointed to be Australia's chief diplomatic bureaucrat to the US, charged with maintaining good relations with our key ally. If you like Albanese, you'll be inclined to see his ongoing support for Rudd as a show of loyalty, and congratulate him for that. If you aren't that way inclined, the only way to view Albo's support for the former PM staying in Washington DC is that he is doubling down on a bad decision in the first place. Unwilling to admit to his mistake, Albo is unlikely to take a backwards step despite the pressure to sack Rudd. Ever loyal Anthony Albanese is unlikely to take a backwards step despite the growing storm over Rudd's future That will only change if the President himself demands Rudd goes. But Trump is unlikely to do that, certainly not publicly. Because it would invite obvious questions about all manner of Trump appointees who have previously been critical of the President-elect. That includes his Vice President and running mate, JD Vance, who previously suggested Trump was a Nazi. A worse slur than anything Rudd has had to say. Just because Trump won't personally call for the head of Rudd doesn't mean it is in Australia's best interests to leave him there. It clearly is not. There is little chance that Rudd will be able to build the sort of relationships with Team Trump that our nation will need in the coming years. All of this at a time when geopolitical tensions are high and Trump has flagged plans to raise tariffs, which would cripple Aussie exports. So in a sense, whether it is loyalty or stubbornness on the part of the PM, or a little bit of each, Albo is prioritising preferment for a mate and pride ahead of the national interest. Simply put, it's appalling. Albanese has been a supporter of Rudd's since the days of his prime ministership (above with wife Therese Rein at the peak of his powers) The refusal to admit to his mistake of appointing someone like Rudd, only to then compound the error by saying he won't be going anywhere - before the results of the US election were even known - serves as a reminder for the many other such errors Albo had made. Examples of poor judgment include accepting two dozen business class upgrades from Qantas for personal travel, buying a $4.3m waterfront holiday home during a housing crisis, giving his son Chairman's Lounge membership when the PMs' public persona is meant to cast him as a 'man of the people', and of course the decision to pursue an Indigenous Voice to parliament despite clear evidence it would fail and set indigenous rights back decades. Each and everyone of the above were foreseeable, but Albo ignored attempts to mitigate his actions because of stubbornness or stupidity or a little bit of both. The PM thinks it is a show of character to stand by Rudd. Yes it is, but not in the way Albo thinks that it is. It yet again reveals his sense of entitlement. He's PM, he gets to choose the US ambassador. So damn anyone who thinks that decision should be driven by the national interest rather than looking after a political mate. Five young children who died after a horror house fire broke out while their mother was out selling scrap metal for money were found 'on top of each other', neighbours have revealed. The children, aged one to five, were reportedly left inside the locked home in Turkey's western izmir province and died from smoke inhalation on November 11. Local Turkish media reports that mother Melisa Akcan, 27, had left the house to collect scrap metal that she could sell to feed her children. Her husband, Hakan Akcan, is currently in prison. While she was out, a terrifying blaze broke out at around 7.30pm, with early investigations suggesting it was caused by an overturned electric heater. The flames quickly engulfed the entire house, trapping siblings Aras Bulut Akcan, one, Masal Isk Akcan, two, Aslan Mirac Akcan, three, Funda Peri Akcan, four, and Fadime Nefes Akcan, five, inside. Neighbour Esma Sahin, who ran to help during the fire, told local media: 'It was a very painful incident. The children had locked the door and their mother had left. They all died on top of each other. Those children were not at fault.' Melisa Akcan (pictured), 27, had left the house to collect scrap metal that she could sell to feed her children. But her children all died in the fire Turkish media reported that this was the scene of the house fire tragedy which claimed the lives of five children Another neighbour, Soner Sahin, 33, had just arrived back from work when she heard the mother scream 'Auntie Esma, my children are dead.' When he went into the house, he found the mother taking her children out through the billowing smoke. He told Turkish newspaper Aydin Detay: 'At that moment, I realised that five children had already lost their lives. They had been poisoned by the smoke. One of the children had burns on his body. 'Their mother had left the children alone in the house to collect scraps and buy bread. 'If we had known, we would have looked after the children. There were no locks on the doors. However, their mother would pull the door, remove the handle and leave the children.' Three of the five children who were rescued died of smoke poisoning and two were seriously injured and taken to hospital but could not be saved. The children's father, Hakan Akcan (pictured), is currently in prison, and the kids were alone when they died Turkish media reports that the mother was visibly distressed when she arrived at the hospital and later collapsed. After being treated, she was taken into custody for questioning as police probe the tragedy. Police confirmed to Bianet that the children's father is currently in prison and that the kids were along when the blaze broke out. According to neighbours, the family was battling with financial difficulties and social services had visited their house 18 times this year. The family did not accept the offer to place the children under state protection, according to officials. A packet of honey-coated macadamias has exposed the true extent of Australia's reliance on Chinese labour during a cost-of-manufacturing crisis. An eagle-eyed shopper spotted a contradictory label on a packet of macadamias while browsing the shelves in their local Woolworths on Tuesday. 'Product of Australia (Sorted in China),' the label read. 'Grown here in Australia and then sent to China to be packaged... that's a special kind of dumb,' the shopper captioned the photo on X. Many Aussies questioned whether the Woolworths-brand nuts could be classified as 'Australian-made' if they had been sorted overseas. 'I get that labour costs in Australia can be high, but high enough to ship products back and forth to China? Well you learn something new every day,' one said. 'Another kick in the guts for our wonderful farmers who produce some of the best crops in the world. Shame on our government once again,' a second wrote. 'And they talk about climate change. Unnecessary travel for products is not good for the consumer,' a third commented. A packet of honey-coated macadamias (pictured) has exposed the reality of Australia's reliance on Chinese labour during a cost-of-manufacturing crisis 'Product of Australia (Sorted in China)' the label reads on the Woolworths-brand nuts Others claimed it wasn't reasonable to expect farmers to pay more to have their products sorted in Australia when they can save money by outsourcing overseas. 'Costs too much to process much of anything here,' one person wrote. But others pointed out this didn't come without consequences. 'Labour costs in Australia are effectively killing jobs in this country. Much cheaper now to package overseas,' a second said. 'That would be a result of labour and energy costs in Australia... and that my friend is why 13,000 businesses have closed so far this year,' another agreed. Others said the practice was more common than Aussies thought. 'We grow them and it's cheaper to send and package in China and send back to Australia than do all of it] here. Seafood too. You'll be amazed at how [much] food you eat that's grown here and packaged in China,' one person wrote on Reddit. 'Australian labour costs are very high. Many products requiring intensive labour use these models e.g. Australian peeled prawns are often peeled in places like Thailand and Vietnam and shipped back,' another said. A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'These macadamia nuts are 100% Australian grown. We provide country of origin labelling such as this to help customers make an informed decision.' DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email tips@dailymail.com READ MORE: Shocking scenes as wild road rage brawl is caught on dashcam The shocking moment a motorcyclist spat at a female driver through her car window has been caught on camera - but the rider claims he was only reacting to her bad driving. The footage was taken in Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast on November 4 at about 9.30am and shared to Instagram shortly after the incident. It showed a middle-aged man riding past the woman's car before he turned and spat at her through the window. The woman reacted with disgust, rolling up her window and yelling, 'You disgusting piece of s**t.' Another man, wearing a blue shirt, then confronted the motorbike rider. 'It's a lady, mate. You don't go spitting at people,' he said. The woman thanked him for standing up for her and asked her passenger to note down the motorbike rider's number plate. Shocking footage has captured the vile moment a male motorbike rider spat at a female driver through the window of her car in an apparent road rage incident The video then cut to a scene where the motorbike rider punched the man in the blue shirt as the woman drove by. However, the motorbike rider has since spoken out on social media to share his side of the story, claiming the video omitted crucial details. He claimed the female driver had been using her phone, swerved into his lane on a bridge, and nearly forced him into the guardrail. 'Just so we are clear, the driver was on her phone she came into my lane at Bundilla on the new bridge [and] nearly pushed me into the guard rail,' he said. 'Then, when I got up next to her to say "wtf", she gave me the finger and a mouth full of abuse. Another man (left) yelled at the motorbike rider for spitting at the woman 'When I took a picture of her number plate, she got even more abusive, telling me... I hope you die. 'Then old mate in the blue shirt gripped me around the throat, took two swings, and I popped him once, then I went straight to cop shop.' He also claimed the female driver had spat on him first and had also 'thrown stuff' at him while he was on his bike. Queensland Police are investigating the incident. The driver, a 42-year-old woman from Mooloolaba, and her passenger were not injured during the road rage incident. In Queensland, spitting on a person is illegal and considered common assault under section 245 of the Criminal Code Act 1899. Common assault is when the person who was assaulted has only minor injuries or no injuries at all. The Criminal Code Act outlines the maximum penalty for common assault is up to three years in jail if the offender is found guilty of 'unlawfully assaulting another'. A prison guard who admitted to having an affair with murderous South Carolina mother Susan Smith has spoken out about his experience just days before she is set to have her first parole hearing. Alfred Rowe was the captain of security at the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution, where Smith was serving her life sentence for drowning her two sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in a South Carolina lake in October 1994. She had claimed told deputies the boys had been taken by an unidentified black man during a carjacking, sparking a manhunt for the kidnapper. But her story was quickly picked apart and Smith eventually confessed to strapping the two boys into their car seat and watching the car roll into the lake. She was sentenced to life in prison, and was just five years into her sentence when Rowe said she started flirting with him. Murderous South Carolina mother Susan Smith is up for parole at the end of the month Alfred Rowe, a former prison guard, spoke out about the affair he had with her while she was behind bars 'She explained she thought I was handsome, and wanted to know if I'd be willing to have sex with her,' he told Fox Nation's Jeanine Pirro in a special about Smith's case that is interspersed with phone conversations she has had with various men. At first, Rowe said he rejected her advances, as he was married at the time. 'I said, "Susan, you should go to lockup right now. I suggest you go back to your bed and go back to sleep and forget this conversation ever happened." 'But then a few shifts later, another inmate came up and gave me an envelope, and it was a letter from Susan asking the same thing. 'When I spoke to her about the note, she just said that she was lonely, she missed that part of being free,' Rowe said, telling how the convicted murderer told him how much she missed her sons. 'I never thought that the mind games would ever work on me with them at the institution,' he confessed. Soon, though, Rowe said he 'would make it a point to be in her unit so I could talk to her one-on-one while everyone else was asleep'. 'I guess I dropped my guard, and the relationship kind of grew and escalated from there,' he said, noting that it has 'haunted me for the past 24 years.' Smith is serving a life sentence for drowning her two sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in a South Carolina lake in October 1994 Eventually, Rowe found out that Smith had also been sleeping with another guard, Lt. Houston Cagle, who ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of having sex with an inmate and was fired. 'She told staff and had him arrested, cause that's the only way they'd find out,' Rowe said. 'I asked her why she told on Cagle, and what was her next step, and she told me not to worry about it, that I'm safe. 'I believed her when she said no one will ever know,' he admitted. But when he returned home from a family vacation, two South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officers knocked on his door and said they wanted to talk to him about Smith. They claimed she had given a sworn statement that Rowe sexually assaulted her, and passed a polygraph test. He ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years probation. He also lost his corrections job as a result. 'I ruined my life and the life of my family and friends and my career,' Rowe lamented. He says he now believes that she felt the more trouble she could cause there at the women's center, the more likely it would be that she would get moved to the other women's prison in the upstate. 'That was much closer to her home town, that way her family and her friends that wanted to visit her wouldn't have to travel so far,' he said. If Rowe is correct, Smith's plan seemed to work, as she was soon transferred to Leath Correctional in South Carolina. She has had a history of infractions during her incarceration , including drug use, and self-mutilations The murderous mother is now up for parole at the age of 53, as Rowe and other prosecutors speak out against letting her go free. He had told NewsNation over the summer that Smith's 'prison record just shows that she's not really learned anything while being in prison, except how to do illegal things, other than the killing of her sons.' She has had a history of infractions during her incarceration, including drug use, and self-mutilations. Smith was also recently found to be communicating with a filmmaker from the prison, discussing her crimes with him and providing him contact information for friends, family and victims, including her former husband, David Smith. The filmmaker even deposited money into Smith's account, police said. 'I think Susan knows how to manipulate people, even over the phone to get to whatever her ultimate goal may be,' Rowe told Fox Nation. Smith reported the boys missing in 1994 and claimed an unidentified black man took them during a carjacking It was claimed she killed the boys after the man she was having an affair with, Thoman Findley, broke up with her because he didn't want children Smith had reported her two sons missing in October 1994 and wept on national television while her husband begged for their safe return. It was claimed she killed the boys after the man she was having an affair with, Thoman Findley, broke up with her because he didn't want children. Her ex-husband, David, has since pleaded with the public to encourage the parole board to keep her behind bars. 'She took the greatest gift that we have of life,' he told Fox Carolina over the summer. 'She took that away from them and I want people to remember that. Maybe those who are old enough when that happened to remember how they felt when they learned that Michael and Alex were dead and that she had done it, and for them to maybe themselves write a letter to the parole board or something encouraging them to keep her behind bars.' The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services has now received more than 130 letters, with family members telling the New York Post that most of them oppose Smith's release. 'They're awful,' one resident said. 'They say things like, "She belongs in that lake with her boys." 'People do not want her out of prison and they're telling the parole board.' MBABANE - The legal profession in Eswatini is faced with a disconcerting surge of acts of misconduct by lawyers. This was disclosed by the Eswatini Law Society Disciplinary Tribunal, which further highlighted that it is inundated with a growing number of lawyers facing disciplinary action for misconduct. It has been gathered that a total of 24 serious cases of professional misconduct, some bordering on the misappropriation of trust funds and theft of clients monies, are pending before the tribunal. The tribunal highlighted that theft of funds by lawyers is a very serious offence and has far-reaching consequences, not only for the lawyers concerned, but for the profession as a whole. A legal practioner who dishonestly misappropriates trust funds is not a fit and proper person to continue practising as an attorney and deserves the ultimate sanction of being struck off the roll of attorneys in the Kingdom of Eswatini, said the tribunal. It further stated that there is a need for it to protect members of the public. The tribunal stated that an attorney is required to be of complete honesty, reliability and integrity. It pointed out that the need to exhibit honesty applies both in relation to the duty to their clients, as well as to the tribunal. Stolen The cases involve senior and junior attorneys, who are said to have stolen millions of Emalangeni belonging to clients. Notably, most of the monies that were purportedly siphoned by the learned friends involved estate monies, causing some of the beneficiaries to be beggars. The tribunal noted that the nature of the misconduct has become more and more brazen and this is exacerbated by the absence of any contrition on the part of the wrongdoers. This publication has noted the growing trend of accused persons who lodge complaints with judicial officers when they appear in court. They complain about attorneys unprofessionalism in that some of them do not attend their clients matters in court, despite being paid to do so. This publication has so far collected eight cases in which accused persons have gone as far as reporting their legal representatives to magistrates. A recent case is that of Sanele Dlamini, who appeared at Manzini Magistrates Court for an assault charge. He elected to hire an attorney, who, however, did not show up in court. Dlamini informed the court that his lawyer had promised to be in court that day. He said he was surprised that his lawyer was absent and the matter was postponed. A small business operator of Manzini said he engaged an attorney to draft a contract for a new supplier in 2010. He said he paid the attorney upfront, but he failed to deliver. disbarred The businessman stated that he eventually learnt from a colleague that the attorney had been disbarred due to previous misconduct. In yet another incident, *Thandiwe of Manzini, said she hired an attorney to assist her in a custody battle for her children after a painful divorce. Desperate to ensure a stable environment for her children, she paid the attorney a E3 000 retainer. As the case dragged on, Thandiwe noticed her attorney rarely attended court hearings. Also, a retired civil servant sought legal advice regarding his pension and retirement benefits. After hearing good things about a local attorney, he shared that he paid for consultation and subsequent legal services. Months passed with little progress, and when he finally requested an update, he discovered that his attorney had not even submitted the necessary paperwork to the relevant authorities. Frustrated, he mentioned that he attempted to resolve the issue himself, only to find that he was facing additional legal hurdles, due to the attorneys negligence. The tribunal recently concluded the matter of lawyer Innocent Motsa, who is currently an acting magistrate, who was found guilty of professional misconduct. He was found to have misappropriated monies belonging to his clients and the tribunal recommended that he should be struck off the roll as, due to his behaviour, he is not fit and proper to practise as an attorney. plagued According to the tribunal, this matter is a classic example of this type of incessant conduct that has plagued our noble profession. The tribunal is led by senior lawyers Zweli Jele and members are Musa Sibandze, Lucky Howe, Nhlanhla Ginindza, Lucky Manyatsi and Sinethemba Khumalo. In its ruling in Motsas matter, the tribunal stated that an attorney is required to be of complete honesty, reliability and integrity. It found that the need to exhibit honesty applies both in relation to the duty of their clients as well as the tribunal. It concluded that Motsa failed dismally in this regard and it had no hesitation in recommending that he be censured. Motsa is among, other things, said to have sold a property without the consent of beneficiaries of an estate belonging to a Mpapane family. In its ruling, the tribunal said its attention was also drawn to two other matters that pertain to Motsa and are currently serving before it. In these matters, the respondent (Motsa), according to the tribunal, admitted having misappropriated monies belonging to clients. In those matters, the tribunal accorded him the opportunity of settling his liability, before dealing with the issue of misconduct. He reportedly failed to settle both matters. The tribunal said, given the fact that he already admitted the wrongdoing, it considered it appropriate to take those matters into consideration when recommending a sanction for the present matter. *Not real name. A journalist is facing a 'Kafkaesque' probe after she allegedly stirred up racial hatred in a post on social media in 2023. Allison Pearson, 64, claimed two police officers turned up at her door at 9.40am on Remembrance Sunday to inform her she was being investigated over a post on X from last year. The award-winning writer told The Telegraph that one officer said 'I was accused of a non-crime hate incident. It was to do with something I had posted on X a year ago. A YEAR ago? Yes. Stirring up racial hatred apparently'. The officer allegedly then said he was not allowed to disclose what Ms Pearson had said in the post. But at the time of the alleged tweet last year, the journalist was regularly posting about Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, as well as pro-Palestine demonstrations happening in London. Allison Pearson (pictured) is facing a 'Kafkaesque' investigation after she allegedly stirred up racial hatred in a post on social media in 2023 Ms Pearson (pictured in 2011) said she was 'shocked' to have officers turn up on her doorstep on Remembrance Sunday Last night, Essex Police said officers had opened an investigation under section 17 of the Public Order Act 1986 relating to material allegedly 'likely or intended to cause racial hatred'. A police spokesman said: 'We're investigating a report passed to us by another force. The report relates to a social media post which was subsequently removed. An investigation is now being carried out under section 17 of the Public Order Act. 'As part of that investigation, officers attended an address on Sunday November 10 to invite a woman to attend a voluntary interview on the matter.' The case was being treated as a criminal matter rather than an non-crime hate incident, police sources suggested. Ms Pearson told The Telegraph she was 'shocked' to have officers turn up on her doorstep on Remembrance Sunday while she was still in her dressing gown. 'I was definitely shocked. Astonished. That too. Upset,' she said. In the end, Justin Welby had to go. Indeed, he should have stepped down as Archbishop of Canterbury the day an independent review said he had had a level of knowledge of an appalling child abuse scandal within the Church of England but failed to put a stop to it. He spoke yesterday of his profound sense of shame that the sickening activities of John Smyth, who ran Christian summer camps in the UK and Africa, were not ended sooner. Smyth is believed to have violently assaulted up to 130 boys and young men over five decades. There must now be further investigation into who else was involved in this clear conspiracy of silence, and anyone implicated also removed. Justin Welby spoke yesterday of his profound sense of shame that the sickening activities of John Smyth, who ran Christian summer camps in the UK and Africa, were not ended sooner Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned over his handling of the Church of England's worst child abuse scandal Then comes the choice of successor. The Anglican Church is at a desperately low ebb and needs a leader who can infuse it with renewed vigour. For too long its leaders have been obsessed with colonialism, slavery and other woke political causes. The new Archbishop must focus on the spiritual and pastoral needs of their flock in the present day, not bleat constantly about the sins of the fathers. Congregations are dwindling and churches closing because too many believe the Church has lost its relevance. Unless Mr Welbys successor can restore faith, the decline of Anglicanism may become terminal. Insult to our farmers Labours contempt for farmers was summed up yesterday by Tony Blairs former political secretary, John McTernan. With thousands preparing to descend on London in protest at the imposition of inheritance tax on agricultural properties, Mr McTernan said: If the farmers want to go on the streets, we can do to them what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners Its an industry we can do without. Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to distance himself from an ex-Labour adviser's claim that Britain 'doesn't need small farmers' and could 'do without' the industry The PM quickly denounced these idiotic comments but how many within his party have similar feelings? And what does it say about Sir Keir himself that he chose as Defra Secretary Steve Reed, whose entire political career had been spent in the urban sprawl of south London? Labour neither understands nor cares about farmers. Yet not only do they feed the nation, but they are also stewards of the countryside. Politicians talk about wilding and biodiversity; farmers make it happen. To treat them with such disdain is a disgrace. Unlike the miners of the 1980s, this country cannot do without them. A weighty decision The debate on assisted dying shifted yesterday from its ethical dimension to the cold mechanics of how and in what circumstances lives might be extinguished. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill specifies that mentally competent adults with less than six months to live and expressing a clear, settled and informed wish to die may ask for help to do so. If two doctors and a High Court judge agree, one of the doctors would give the patient an approved substance with which to end their life. There are safeguards, of course, and many will support the Bill, especially those who have watched loved ones die in pain. Others fear the right to die could become a duty, as the elderly and frail feel they have become a burden on their families. There are also worries about coercion and the criteria being widened in future. This is a hugely complex matter, and MPs must think hard before casting their vote. Their decision could effectively give the state power over life and death. It must not be taken lightly. Shocking footage has captured the moment a motorcyclist landed on top of a car after crashing into the back of it on a busy motorway. The collision happened on a stretch of the M5 Motorway, in Sydney's south, at 6.40pm on October 8. Confronting dashcam footage from another car showed the motorcyclist travelling in the far-right lane of the four-lane highway. The motorbike rider narrowly avoided colliding into a grey vehicle that had been attempting to merge into their lane. The motorcyclist then crashed into the back of a black Holden Commodore before he flipped over and landed on top of the vehicle. The crash brought traffic to a standstill as motorists swerved out of the way to avoid hitting the motorcycle as parts came flying off. The driver of the Holden pulled over with the motorcyclist still on top of the car before the rider managed to hop off. The rider slumped to the ground and appeared to be injured as the driver of the Holden got out to see if he was OK. Dashcam footage captured the moment when the motorcyclist crashed into the back of a black Holden Commodore (pictured right) on the M5 Motorway last month Another motorcyclist and several drivers also pulled over to assist the rider. The video was later uploaded to Facebook and has been viewed thousands of times by social media users. The latest incident comes several months after a SUV rolled down the motorway after another motorist collided with the vehicle while trying to overtake it. Dashcam from another car showed a silver Holden Commodore zipping down the far left lane after it squeezed between two cars. The back of the Holden clipped the front of the SUV as the driver attempted to merge. The impact forced the SUV to flip and roll several times along the motorway. The motorcyclist then flipped over and landed on top of the Holden (pictured right) as traffic came to a standstill following the high speed crash The driver of the Holden lost control of the vehicle before the car careened into the barrier as traffic was brought to a standstill. Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment. President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is nominating Fox News host and decorated Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary. The 44-year-old deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and won two Bronze Stars, then unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News. 'Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First,' Trump said in a statement, as he spent much of Tuesday adding to his cabinet. The surprising top cabinet-post appointment comes just hours after former Democratic congresswoman and Trump ally Tulsi Gabbard said she'd wanted the job. 'With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,' Trump added. President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is nominating Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary 'Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First,' Trump said in a statement 'Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our `Peace through Strength policy.' 'Pete Hegseth has been an exceptional host on FOX & Friends and FOX Nation and a best-selling author for FOX News Books for nearly a decade,' a spokesperson for Fox News Media told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'His insights and analysis especially about the military resonated deeply with our viewers and made the program the major success that it is today. We are extremely proud of his work at FOX News Media and wish him the best of luck in Washington.' Trump is rolling out a steady stream of appointees and nominees for his upcoming administration, working thus far at a faster pace and without as much drama as his first transition following his 2016 victory. Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channels 'Fox & Friends Weekend' and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. He is also the author of 'The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.' The book, according to its promo, combines 'his own war experiences, tales of outrage, and an incisive look at how the chain of command got so kinked,' and bills itself as 'the key to saving our warriors - and winning future wars.' While the Pentagon is considered a key coveted post in any administration, the defense secretary was a tumultuous post during Trumps first term. The 44-year-old deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and won two Bronze Stars, then unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News The appointment comes after former Democrat Congresswoman and Trump ally Tulsi Gabbard said she'd wanted the job Hegseth has been one of the primary hosts of Fox & Friends Weekend Five men held the job during his four years only to resign, be fired or serve briefly as a stopgap. Just two of them were actually confirmed by the Senate. Trumps 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 werent prepared to explain or defend. Many of the generals who worked in his first administration - both on active duty and retired - have slammed him as unfit to serve in the Oval Office and he has condemned them in return. Hegseth was an infantry captain in the Army National Guard and served overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises - ranging from Russias war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. On a recent appearance on Fox News, he made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring Hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isnt messing around,' he said. On a recent appearance on Fox News , he made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials' Trumps 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 werent prepared to explain or defend Hegseth has 'an excellent background as a junior officer but does not have the senior national security experience that secretaries need,' said Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 'I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him.' Cancian said the lack of experience might make it more difficult for Hegseth to get through Senate confirmation. Gabbard, a Democrat Congresswoman from Hawaii who became a Republican after endorsing Trump, had her eyes set on the gig, according the New York Post. In a story published earlier today, it was believe Gabbard's biggest opponent for the job was former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, suggesting Trump may have played a Wild Card. The Hegseth announcement was part of Trump's moves to build out his national security team Tuesday In a flurry of announcements, Trump said he had chosen former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and his longtime friend Steven Witkoff to be a special envoy to the Middle East. Trump also said he would nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to run the Department of Homeland Security and named Bill McGinley, his Cabinet secretary in his first administration, as his White House counsel. Military clerks at a counter-terrorism base 'stole almost 1million' and spent the money on luxury items, hair transplants and teeth whitening procedures, a court has heard. Southwark Crown Court was told how a catastrophic failure of financial checks and balances allowed eight serving soldiers and a civilian accomplice to make hundreds of bogus claims from the Ministry of Defence. The Sun reported that Ringleader Cpl Aaron Stelmach-Purdie, 33, used the money - which was meant to be spent on flights, subsistence and operational allowances for troops on missions abroad - to splash on plastic surgery procedures during frequent trips to Turkey. Detective John Slater told jurors that when officers searched Stelmach-Purdie's home: 'It was almost like something from Pimp My Ride', after they found nine pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, a Louis Vuitton luggage set and a Range Rover Overfinch parked outside. Stelmach-Purdie and his fellow troops ran the year-long fraud from Regent's Park Barracks in London, it is alleged. Cpl Aaron Stelmach-Purdie (pictured) used the money - which was meant to be spent on flights, subsistence and operational allowances for troops on missions abroad - to splash on plastic surgery procedures during frequent trips to Turkey Southwark Crown Court was told how a catastrophic failure of financial checks and balances allowed eight serving soldiers and a civilian accomplice to make hundreds of bogus claims from the Ministry of Defence The unit they worked for has not been named but jurors heard it was 'very classified' and those working there were said to be 'revered and respected' by the rest of the Armed Forces. Mr Slater, from the MoD Police, said 221 fraudulent claims worth 911,608 were made between December 2014 and January 2016. Stelmach-Purdie, of Oldham, and five others have admitted their roles in the fraud. This includes his immediate boss Alan O'Neil, 47, of Droitwich, Worcestershire, and Movements clerk Anthony Sharwood, 38, Sgt Peter Wilson, 55, and another soldier who cannot be named. All five of these men have now left the forces. A serving soldier who cannot be named pleaded guilty to money- laundering on the first day of the trial last week. When searching Stelmach-Purdie's home, officers found a Louis Vuitton luggage set and a Range Rover Overfinch parked outside Two ex-soldiers Lance sergeant Lee Richards, 41, and Lance corporal Amy Sheldon, 37 deny conspiracy to commit fraud and transferring criminal property. They are on trial with civilian Simon Lees, 31, of Oldham, who denies laundering 270,000 through his bank accounts within six months. The plumber admitted moving the money for former school friend Stelmach-Purdie but claimed he thought he earned it working for MI5 and was 'really high up'. The trial continues. A teenage boy has called out former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after she rejected nuclear power plants as an option for Australia's future energy mix. On ABC's Q+A, Ms Palaszczuk argued against nuclear energy during a debate about Peter Dutton's proposal to construct seven nuclear reactors if he wins the next election. 'Nuclear is not the option,' Ms Palaszczuk argued on Monday night. 'It is not the answer because it is simply too expensive, and we do not have 20 years to wait to build a nuclear power station. 'And where are you going to put it? You can't put a nuclear reactor on the coast of Queensland, we get cyclones.' Instead, she advocated for speeding up Australia's 'decarbonisation process' by expanding the use of solar panels and batteries. 'I've just come back from a trade mission to China and to Japan. These factories in China are mass-producing batteries like you've never seen before. 'We need to be partnering and putting them in place here.' But Will Shackel, a young pro-nuclear campaigner, quickly responded on social media, arguing that nuclear plants are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including cyclones. Annastacia Palaszczuk argued against nuclear energy during a debate about Peter Dutton 's proposal to construct seven nuclear reactors if he wins the next election 'Nuclear plants are built for much worse,' he wrote on social media. 'What would a cyclone actually do? Nuclear plants are literally built to withstand aircraft impacts. We need less fear and more facts.' He cited data which claimed that in nearly 20,000 years of combined nuclear plant operations, only three major accidents have occurred. He claimed they were Three Mile Island, Fukushima, and Chornobyl, 'with only Chernobyl resulting in deaths from radiation due to management issues and outdated technology'. The Albanese government's energy minister, Chris Bowen, has dismissed the idea of nuclear power as a 'fantasy wrapped in a delusion, accompanied by a pipe dream'. Instead, the government will focus on renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, battery and hydro in a bid to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Entrepreneur Dick Smith warned that Labor politicians will eventually be forced to support nuclear energy, as he believes their green energy plan is destined to fail. 'They will be convinced because there is simply no alternative,' Mr Smith said. 'We will have blackouts - you can't run a country on intermittent solar and wind; it is impossible. 'I understand every state has a ban on nuclear power, as well we have a federal ban on nuclear power, so those bans will have to be lifted. Will Shackel, a young pro-nuclear campaigner, quickly responded on social media, arguing that nuclear plants are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including cyclones 'We're one of the largest sellers of uranium in the world, but we have legislation stating you can't even consider it, and that is completely ridiculous.' He also claimed the costs were not prohibitive. 'I'm a believer in climate change, and I'm concerned for my grandkids. 'I believe the only answer for the world to tackle climate is by going nuclear, by embracing it. 'The government claims that it's too expensive, but I said countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have embraced nuclear, and they're poor countries, so it's not logical that Bangladesh can afford nuclear and Australia can't. When it came to storing nuclear waste, Mr Smith suggested the Olympic Dam in South Australia, which is also a known deposit for uranium. 'I've been down in the mine at Olympic Dam - there's huge, great cavities where we took uranium out, that's where we should store the waste,' he said. The Barakah nuclear reactor in the United Arab Emirates was connected to the electricity grid in 2020 - just eight years after construction started. The UAE established nuclear technology with South Korean technology, and didn't previously have a nuclear industry - refuting Ms Palaszczuk's claim about nuclear power taking at least two decades to establish. A reformed ex-prisoner who was recalled to jail for missing an appointment with her probation officer 20 years ago can today be revealed as a mother-of-three who had left the UK for Africa. Rebecca Lansari was forced to serve an additional three months in jail earlier this year over a missed probation meeting in 2005 following her release from an 18-month sentence for cheque fraud. The 44-year-old met her Tunisian husband Hassib Lansari in 2013 and moved to the north African country to start a new life together. Her three children, Luca, 18, Naima, 11, and Aissa, nine, live in Tunisia, while Ms Lansari would fly back and forth to work in the UK where wages are higher. However, her life unravelled in March when she flagged up as a 'most wanted' person at Gatwick Airport and was thrown in HMP Downview. Rebecca Lansari is raising money to mount a legal challenge. She is pictured here with her husband Hassib and their children Ms Lansari (pictured with her husband) says she has lost her job and is not permitted to return to her children Tunisia until January Ms Lansari says she has lost her job and is not permitted to return to her children Tunisia until January. The mother-of-three is raising money to launch a legal battle, writing on GoFundMe: 'My life was almost perfect, I was working and paying tax, contributing towards society and now I have absolutely nothing.' She added: 'My children are with my husband, their father, in Tunisia but they all financially rely on me too, causing me more worry and stress being unable to not only provide for them but also be with them.' Ms Lansari conceded she was wrong to miss probation but claimed she 'tried handing myself in' and contacting the Ministry of Justice, her local MP and the Prison and Probation Service. She continued: 'I'm now 20 years later paying for the incompetence of public authorities that should have done their job properly then. 'I've not offended in the 20 years and I've completely changed my life around, all of this has set me back 20 years and made me lose everything in my life all over again. Ms Lansari (pictured with husband) conceded she was wrong to miss probation but claimed she 'tried handing myself in' Ms Lansari's life unravelled in March when she flagged up as a 'most wanted' person at Gatwick Airport and was thrown in HMP Downview 'I am going to push things as far as I possibly can in the hope that no one ever has to endure the pain and suffering I have been through as well as my children and husband.' The incident happened within the last 12 months but has only now come to light as the Independent Monitoring Board suggested it was a poor use of stretched resources when many prisons are full to breaking point. Inspectors found the jail in Banstead, Surrey, was transferring women to an open prisons as a 'knee-jerk, short-term' solution to population pressure. However, their report noted: 'We monitored the case of a woman who was transferred to Downview on recall for just 12 weeks. The recall was for a breach of a licence condition (failure to attend her probation appointment), which had taken place 20 years prior to her recall to Downview. 'The woman had not committed any further offences in that time and was now a mother, with school-age children and secure employment. 'She lost her job in the community while in Downview and was not allocated any work or other activities during her time in the prison. 'We query whether this is a sensible use of a prison place in the middle of acute population pressure, and also of His Majesty's Prison Service resources generally.' The report also stated there is a 'large churn' of prisoners at the jail, meaning more women coming and going through its doors - meaning many couldn't be given the attention they needed by prison workers. A HM Prison and Probation Service spokesperson said: 'In an extremely rare situation, this woman was unlawfully at large since 2005 and we are reviewing the circumstances behind it.' The family of a 10-year-old girl who made more than $2,000 selling chickens said the bank held her hard earned money hostage. Kinley Maner from Thatcher, Arizona - about three hours outside of Phoenix - started selling chickens that she helped raise a year ago at the Graham County Fair. Her parents, J.R. and Kalli said their daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the hobby, so much so that she decided to showcase and later auction the animals at the fair. The little girl ended up receiving $2,103 for six of her chickens, and was issued an electronically deposited check from the treasurer of the Small Stock Association. The whopping amount of money was placed in her mother's Chase Bank account, but the following day, the account was closed and Kinley's check was frozen. The girl's mother frantically called the bank for hours to see why this was, as the company told her they flagged the check as suspicious because a phone number for the association was out of service. Kinley Maner from Thatcher, Arizona, won $2,103 at the Graham County Fair last year after auction off six chickens that she raised The following day, the her mother's Chase bank account closed and the check was frozen, as the company told the girl's parents (pictured) they suspected it was suspicious 'Their ultimate response is that, sorry, Kinley is not going to get her money back,' J.R. told KPHO. 'And theres nothing we can do unless we can verify that check,' he added. Along with Kinley's mother phoning the bank about the mishap, the man who wrote the check also went there three times to explain that the money was legitimate. 'And they said the only way to verify it is through that number on the phone,' the mother told the outlet. Kinley said that she decided to start raising and selling chickens because she thought it would be enjoyable. 'I just thought that it would be fun, because when theyre little, theyre so cute,' she said. The joy of the hobby quickly dwindled as the bank continued to deny her the money. Kinley said that she decided to start raising and selling chickens because she thought it would be enjoyable, but she was disappointed to find out she couldn't get her prize 'I was a little bit upset because I deserved that money, and it was supposed to be mine,' the young entrepreneur said. Her father said that he and his wife believe their daughter 'deserves to get the money that she rightfully earned.' He added that because of her work with chickens, his daughter has learned a lot about 'strict obedience' and how to take care of an animal. After a grueling year-long battle, the bank finally decided to grant the money to Kinley after KPHO's On Your Side team contacted the Chase. A few hours later, the bank swiftly apologized and issued the $2,103 to Kinley overnight. 'I was surprised when I got it, but I also was excited,' she recalled. Her father said that this wouldn't have been possible if the outlet hadn't gotten involved. Her father said that he Kinley (middle) has learned a lot about taking care of animals and 'strict obedience' through her hobby After a year-long battle, the bank finally decided to overnight a check to Kinley 'If we wouldn't have contacted you guys, it was pretty much a dead end,' J.R. said. 'I don't think we would've got the money back, and I know Kinley is very happy about it.' Since winning the grand prize, Kinley has gone on to finish another large sale at another county fair. This time around, the young girl made a little more than $1,500 for her chickens. Kinley said she plans to save most of the money for college, and the rest might go toward something fun. Hundreds of people a year will take their own lives with the help of the state if assisted suicide is legalised, it was claimed yesterday as fresh fears were raised over dangerous gaps in the proposed law. Campaigners for the landmark reform claimed that fewer than 1,000 terminally ill patients with less than six months to live would ask for help dying. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the long-awaited bill, told reporters on Tuesday: 'I think initially we're probably talking in the hundreds, we're not talking in the thousands' They also said doctors would not be paid for their roles in approving applications, and that High Court judges would quiz one of the medics rather than simply rubber-stamping the procedure and providing lethal medication. 'The judge must hear from at least one of the certifying doctors so evidence is actually going to be called,' said former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Max Hill, who said the existing law provides 'no safeguards, no rails, no guidance and leaves the vulnerable in a pitiful situation'. A campaigner from 'Dignity in Dying' hold a placard during a demonstration outside The Palace of Westminster Kim Leadbeater, pictured, said: 'I think initially we're probably talking in the hundreds, we're not talking in the thousands' Tory MP Kit Malthouse said: 'A doctor cannot act if they're going to benefit financially or in any material way from the death of the person. So it would have to be offered as part of their general NHS practice. There cannot be any material fees.' But despite the safeguards, even those supportive of scrapping the law against assisted suicide admitted that it may not be voted through by Parliament. Labour MP and consultant surgeon Peter Prinsley said: 'Older MPs are more inclined to support this, and younger MPs are less inclined. We have a lot of new young MPs so I'm not as confident of this thing passing as I was before I started having these conversations.' He added that because the crucial second reading is on a Friday when MPs often return to their constituencies across the UK, many may miss the vote. 'I don't think that abstaining, which people may be tempted to do, is a neutral act. I think that people need to make a decision about this.' New concerns were also raised after the 38-page Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was finally published late on Monday night, less than three weeks before the Commons debate. It emerged that doctors will be allowed to broach the topic of assisted suicide with patients even if they have not mentioned it themselves. And anyone who wants help dying will be allowed to 'shop around' until they find a medic who will sign off their application if their first choice is unable or unwilling to do the job. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater joins terminally ill advocates, bereaved families, and campaigners for a photocall outside the House of Parliament Pro-assisted dying activists protesting in support of the assisted dying bill outside parliament in April They will also be able to get a 'proxy' to sign their declaration that they have a wish to die if they have a 'physical impairment' or are 'unable to read'. And a doctor will be allowed to 'prepare' the fatal dose or 'assist that person to ingest' it, although the dying person must take the 'final act'. Veteran Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh said: 'This is one of the longest Private Members' Bills ever but was only published last night. MPs will have only five hours to debate it. 'The promised safeguards do nothing to prevent the abuses we've seen in Canada. Vulnerable people need our protection. This bill is not the answer.' Tory MP Danny Kruger added: 'The Bill imposes an obligation on the NHS to ensure everyone has access to this great new service. There's already an obligation on the NHS to provide palliative care for all - an obligation it fails to meet. 'Do you think, when assisted suicide is so much cheaper than palliative care - so much cheaper than hospital care itself - this is an obligation the system will duck? Or do you think the system will do its duty, and help as many people as possible enjoy the 'last right'?' A new survey published today finds that 70 per cent of people in England support a change in the law, with just 14 per cent opposed. Polling led by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics found that 70 per cent believed assisted dying should be available to the terminally ill who have less than six months to live. All you need to know about the new assisted dying bill What is current law on assisted suicide? It is a crime to help or encourage someone to end their lives, under the 1961 Suicide Act. The offence is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment but there have only been four successful prosecutions out of 187 cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service since 2009. How would legalisation work? Under this Bill, those who want to end their lives would have to make two separate declarations, signed and witnessed, about their wish and need two doctors to be satisfied they are eligible. A High Court judge would then have to hear from one of the doctors and could question the applicant before they are granted permission to be given the lethal dose, which they would have to take themselves. Who would be eligible? Only people who are over 18, who have been resident in England and Wales for 12 months and who are terminally ill with less than six months to live. They would have to have the mental capacity to make the decision and those who are disabled but not terminally ill would not be eligible either. And the safeguards? It would become illegal to force anyone to make an assisted suicide declaration, and it would also be a crime to make someone take the fatal substance. There will be periods of reflection of at least 21 days in most cases. What concerns do opponents have? There are questions about the ability of people to shop around for a medical professional who will approve their request, and the fact that doctors will be allowed to raise the topic of assisted suicide with patients. Some also fear the system will put added strain on the NHS and courts. Will it become law? It is being introduced as a Private Members Bill rather than by the Government so Labour MPs are not obliged to vote in favour. MPs have been given a free vote on the legislation as it is an issue of conscience, making it even less clear how much support there will be. President-elect Donald Trump has officially tapped Elon Musk to 'dismantle' the $6.5 trillion bloated US bureaucracy by spearheading the newly created 'Department of Government Efficiency.' Trump made the bombshell announcement Tuesday night saying Musk will co-lead the 'Manhattan Project of our time' with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. 'This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!' Musk said in a statement. The Manhattan Project was the famed research project directed by J. Robert Oppenheimer that resulted in the development of the first nuclear weapons, led by the atom bombs President Harry Truman dropped on Japan's Hiroshima and Nagasaki to bring WWII to an end. Republicans have long complained about government over-spending and Trump touted that DOGE will accomplish its goals by July 4, 2026. Trump pledged that the pair would help him 'dismantle' government bureaucracy and 'slash excess regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure Federal Agencies.' Elon Musk (left) has officially entered the Trump 2.0 administration, as he'll be leading the 'Department of Government Efficiency' alongside former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy (right) Your browser does not support iframes. Trump said the immense project will 'drive out the massive waste and fraud' and would be completed by July 4, 2026. 'A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence,' Trump said in the statement. 'I am confident they will succeed!' Trump emphasized that the pair 'will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government' and 'drive large scale reform' by creating an 'entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.' Musk and Ramaswamy have become some of Trump's top allies in the tech bro community. DOGE itself is a play on the cryptocurrency Musk sent into the stratosphere by posting about it on Twitter (before he purchased and renamed it). Musk officially endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13 assassination attempt on the Republican at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally. The SpaceX, X and Tesla head joined Trump on the campaign trail on October 5 when the now president-elect returned to the Butler venue - memorably jumping around onstage. He put his money where his mouth was - offering a $1 million award each day to registered voters in battleground states. Former President Donald Trump (left) speaks at his second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania alongside Elon Musk (right), who endorsed the Republican after he survived the Butler shooting in July Musk was with Trump and his family members at their election night shindig at Mar-a-Lago and has since been seen in meetings with the president-elect as he figures out who's in his Cabinet. Ramaswamy is a Yale Law-educated entrepreneur who started Roivant Sciences Ltd. a decade ago, which uses technology to aid drug development and other healthcare needs. He wrote a popular book on the right: Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam. Ramaswamy started out the 2024 election cycle by running for president himself - though stayed complimentary of the ex-president. Unlike candidates like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Rep. Will Hurd, who were decidedly anti-Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, Ramaswamy touted the 78-year-old's accomplishments in office. When Trump appeared to be the runaway favorite ahead of the early primaries, Ramaswamy never turned on the former president, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, allowing him to have a comfortable place to land in the Trump 2.0 White House. Ramaswamy came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, suspending his campaign immediately afterward and endorsing Trump. Both Musk and Ramaswamy are billionaires - but Musk's net worth is estimated to be 304 billion and Ramaswamy is worth only one billion dollars. 'Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of "DOGE" for a very long time,' Trump said. 'To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency 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 responded to the news by posting to X: 'The merch will be' and then typed out three fire emojis. Elon Musk (second from right) appears in the Trump family photo on election night as family, friends and political allies gathered at Mar-a-Lago Department of Government Efficiency The merch will be Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024 Musk's selection came amid a flurry of other picks from the President elect as he began to set out his inner circle of loyal allies. Trump picked his campaign manager Susie Wiles as the first female chief of staff in White House history. Behind-the-scenes Wiles, nicknamed the 'Ice Baby,' orchestrated one of the greatest political comebacks in modern politics and will bring her no-nonsense attitude as a political operative to the West Wing. Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also been brought in by Trump as Border Czar, while Mike Waltz has been asked to be White House National Security Advisor. Florida senator Marco Rubio has gone from being denigrated by Trump as 'Little Marco,' a heated campaign rival, to perhaps the most coveted of all Cabinet posts as Secretary of State. Rubio, who was elected to the Senate in 2010, is considered a foreign policy hawk who has taken hard lines on China, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, and will lead Trump's prowess on the world stage as his Secretary of State. He currently serves as the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and was considered to be on Trump's shortlist for vice president earlier this year. Finally, Kristi Noem has been selected to serve as Donald Trump's head of Homeland Security. In the top Cabinet role, the staunch Trump loyalist - whose vice presidential hopes were dashed when she admitted to shooting her puppy - will implement Trump's promises to clean up the mess at the southern border and deport millions of illegal migrants. MBABANE The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confiscated dagga worth over E10 million in five days last month. This was during border patrols in Mpumalanga, conducted by the five South African Infantry Battalions deployed along the borders of the Republic of South Africa/Mozambique and Eswatini, under Operation Corona.This comes after the South African security forces intercepted over E14 million worth of dagga smuggled across the Eswatini-South Africa borders between August and early October, this year. The illegal consignments were discovered during routine patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking along the borders. Authorities believe the heightened efforts are crucial in disrupting the flow of narcotics into the country, as smugglers continue to exploit the borderlines for illicit trade. The confiscated dagga in five days adds to the over E14 million worth of dagga intercepted along the Eswatini-South Africa borders between August and early October. According to Acting Staff Officer, Operational Communication, Lieutenant Fundiswa Xaba, on October 11, in the Oshoek area, the Charlie Company found abandoned dagga weighing 215kg, with an estimated street value of E903 000. Xaba said the dagga was handed over to Haartebeeskop South African Police Service (SAPS). Adding, she reported that on October 12, around Mahamba area, the Charlie Company found seven abandoned bags and inside, they found dagga. They activated the Military Police to come to the scene. The weight of the dagga was 100kg to the estimated street value of R422 940. The dagga was handed over to the Mkhondo SAPS, Xaba said. Xaba also stated that on October 13, in the Monzana area, the Charlie Company, while conducting an observation, came across a white Toyota Bakkie. According to Xaba, they stopped and searched the vehicle and found that it was loaded with dagga. The Military Police were activated to the scene and they took the dagga, the vehicle and the driver, a Republic of South Africa citizen aged 37 years to Mahamba SAPS. The weight of the dagga was 865.4kg and estimated street value of R 3 634 680, she said. In another separate incident, she reported that on October 15, while conducting vehicle patrol in Waverly area, they came across a white VW Jetta. Xaba explained that they stopped the vehicle and discovered that the driver was from Eswatini, aged 38 years. According to Xaba, SANDF searched the vehicle and found three bags of dagga weighing 37.28kg with an estimated street value of E156 576. On October 27 around Emahlathini, Charlie Company was busy conducting observation posts and they spotted a bakkie approaching and upon searching the vehicle, they found dagga inside the vehicle. The dagga weighed 289.5kg to the estimated street value of E1 215 900, she said. Furthermore, Xaba mentioned that two suspects who were in the vehicle were apprehended and handed over to Piet Retief SAPS. According to Xaba, this demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the SANDF to protect the sovereignty of the state. A teenage boy who started a fire that caused 2million worth of damage at a top London Catholic school has been handed a 10-month referral order. A major incident was declared after smoke and orange flames broke out in the 5million atrium of the London Oratory School in Fulham, west London, on December 27 last year. Wimbledon Magistrates Court was on Tuesday told the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, went to the school 'seeking to commit suicide'. But when the defendant was interviewed by police, he gave a prepared statement in which he said he got on to the roof and started smoking and some ash went on to a piece of paper which went on to other pieces of paper said prosecutor, Angela Mahadeo. The fire was on the fourth floor of the school library and the building and surrounding area had to be evacuated. Fire engines and police officers on Seagrave Road in Fulham, west London, as firefighters tackled the blaze at London Oratory School on December 27, 2023 A major incident was declared after smoke and orange flames broke out in the 5million atrium of the London Oratory School The fire was on the fourth floor of the school library and the building and surrounding area had to be evacuated A statement from the school's headmaster Daniel Wright was read out by Ms Mahadeo, which was written in May, in which he said the cost of the damage at that point was in the region of 2 million. He said 1,105 pupils missed five days of on-site education following the incident, and 360 pupils missed 13 days. Mr Wright said: 'Flames broke through the translucent roof exposing the library below to the elements. 'Smoke, water, glass, burned matter from the fire and damage from exposure to the elements have rendered the library and its 25,000 books an insurance write-off.' He added the library has been put out of action until September 2025, 11 classrooms were periodically unusable, and 'significant amounts' of science equipment were damaged irreparably. Mr Wright said: 'This incident has caused serious disruption to the school.' He added: 'The staff have been saddened by the fire and morale was low. It's too early to say whether the fire will affect staff turnover. 'The fire was a very public event reported in the national news. It can't reflect well on the reputation of this prestigious school.' The youth was arrested by police on the same day and initially denied a charge of arson before later pleading guilty to the offence on September 2. He was also charged with arson with recklessness for endangering life and assaulting an emergency worker and denied both offences. The youth was arrested by police on the same day and initially denied a charge of arson before later pleading guilty to the offence on September 2 District judge Andrew Sweet gave the defendant a referral order for 10 months and ordered him to pay 100 compensation to the police officer and a 26 victim surcharge Yesterday, the boy apologised and told the court: 'I'm not the same person that I was a year ago'. During a judgment hearing last month, district judge Andrew Sweet ruled the endangering life charge should be dismissed as he believed the defendant 'did consider his actions' and 'was intending to try and harm himself rather than anyone else'. The teenager wrote a note of apology and made a 999 call immediately after the fire, but also kicked a responding police constable, the court heard previously. The judge ruled the defendant's behaviour towards the officer was 'reckless' and found him guilty of assaulting an emergency worker last month. Mr Fenner said the defendant is of good character and had a depressive episode at the time of the offences. The youth's mother told the court he is a 'fantastic young man' and 'life and soul of our house', and his mental health is in a 'much better place now'. The defendant told the judge: 'I am sorry and I'm not the same person that I was a year ago.' District judge Andrew Sweet gave the defendant a referral order for 10 months and ordered him to pay 100 compensation to the police officer and a 26 victim surcharge. Mr Sweet said: 'A lot of damage was caused and a lot of disruption. 'You knew that the school was not occupied, that was one of the factors I took into account when I heard the trial about endangering life.' He added that an assessment has been made that the youth is of low risk of re-offending and he agrees with that. Two people have been left fighting for life after a stolen SUV crashed into a pole and a fence outside a pub following a police pursuit in Sydney's south-west. The white Renault SUV crashed into a black Raptor before stopping at Lockies Hotel on Camden Valley Way in Leppington just after 11.15am on Wednesday. The driver of the SUV was left in a serious condition while the driver of the Raptor was also injured. One was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital and the second to Liverpool Hospital. The SUV had been involved in a high-speed chase moments earlier. NSW Police allege the SUV had been stolen and began their pursuit at Oran Park - 10km away from the crash site. Cops terminated the pursuit by car shortly afterwards while a police helicopter continued to monitor the vehicle. The SUV then crashed into the Raptor at the intersection of Camden Valley Way and Denham Court Road. Two people have been left fighting for life after a car crashed into a fence outside a pub following a police pursuit in Sydney 's south-west The vehicle crashed at Lockies Hotel on Camden Valley Way in Leppington just after 11.15am on Wednesday Two people were left in a critical condition and were treated by paramedics at the scene 'He's gone through the fence there's coppers everywhere, like 30 or 40 cop cars on scene,' one witness told 2GB. Another witness described seeing the white Renault driving at 150km/h before it crashed into the black Raptor as it was turning at a set of green lights. 'I hit my brakes and three seconds later, I looked on my left, the car goes bang. The car rolled and hit the pole and started smoking,' he said. Emergency services are redirecting traffic along Camden Valley Way. A NSW police officer recorded in an incident report that he deployed his Taser at a great-grandmother due to an 'imminent threat', a court has been told. Clare Nowland sustained fatal injuries when Senior Constable Kristian White discharged his Taser at her chest in Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma on the morning of May 17. Constable White is facing a weeks-long trial in the NSW Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to manslaughter over the great-grandmother's death. The Crown alleges he breached his duty of care to Mrs Nowland and caused her unlawful death by either criminal negligence or a dangerous act, namely an excessive use of force. There is no dispute that he deployed his weapon and it caused Mrs Nowland's death, but his lawyers maintain it was a proportionate reaction to the risk she posed by holding a knife. Constable White's barrister Troy Edwards SC argued his client had acted to 'stop the threat' and 'prevent a breach of the peace' when he fired his police-issued weapon at the 95-year-old. On Wednesday, the court heard Constable White had written an incident report that he had deployed his Taser at Mrs Nowland because he felt there was an 'imminent threat'. The police officer in charge of the investigation into Constable White's actions, Detective Sergeant Mitchell Bosworth, told the jury that the explanation was an option in a dropdown menu.The entire recorded selection was revealed by Mr Edwards during his opening statement on Monday. Senior Constable Kristian White (pictured on Tuesday) is facing a weeks-long trial in the NSW Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to manslaughter over Ms Nowland's death Clare Nowland (pictured) died in May 2023 after being tasered in a rural nursing home 'As a violent confrontation was imminent and to prevent injury to police, the Taser was discharged,' Sergeant Bosworth said Constable White had recorded in his incident report on the day. Mr Edwards said the explanation had not changed since the day of the incident. The court was told the 34-year-old had been made aware of a previous violent incident involving Mrs Nowland when he arrived at the nursing home. Geriatrician Dr Susan Kurrle told the court people with symptoms of dementia, such as Mrs Nowland, could experience abrupt changes in behaviour. 'Their behaviour can change and that can be quite difficult to manage,' she said. 'Someone pleasant becomes upset or aggressive.' Dr Kurrle did not treat Mrs Nowland first-hand but applied her decades of experience to analysing the 95-year-old's medical and nursing home records. 'You can see an increased ... change in behaviours in Mrs Nowland. And the behaviours are not typical of how she was prior to the dementia occurring,' she said. An image of the treatment room in the administration building at the Yallambee Lodge Two steak knives were seized at Yallambee nursing home on May 17 The court was told Mrs Nowland was prescribed an antipsychotic medication to help treat her behaviour. Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC noted her nursing home records referenced 'intrusive type behaviours'. It comes after the jury on Tuesday watched surveillance footage of Mrs Nowland slowly moving around the nursing home with a walking frame and holding two knives in the hours before she was tased. Mr Hatfield read statements from two of her fellow residents, whose rooms she had entered after 3am. A 90-year-old man said Mrs Nowland had been holding two knives when she entered his room but she 'didn't threaten or raise them at me' before being ushered out of the room. He said it wasn't the first time the 95-year-old had entered his room, but she had never been threatening or posed any issues. The court was told Mrs Nowland then entered the room of an 84-year-old man, where she had a long standoff with aged care staff during which she waved the knives in the air. Mrs Nowland's family filled the public gallery on Wednesday (pictured) The 95-year-old threw one of the knives at a nursing home staff member, but it landed on the floor. The court was told Mrs Nowland threw one of the knives at a nursing home staff member, but it landed on the floor. The jury heard the incident prompted a nurse to call triple-0 for assistance with a 'very aggressive resident'. An ambulance was dispatched and police were notified because she was armed with a knife. The jury has been told Mrs Nowland weighed just 47.5kgs when she was autopsied days after her death. Millions of Aussies have been warned to brace for severe thunderstorms, bringing gale force winds, large hailstones and heavy downpours in the coming days. The wild weather is forecast much of Australia's east coast on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Storms are likely to become severe in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland from the afternoon into the evening. In NSW, the storms are expected to bring strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding over several hours. The areas likely to bear the brunt of the deluge include parts of the south coast, the southern tablelands and Snowy Mountains. South-east Queensland can also expect heavy rain, wind and hail. Regions in the firing line include Roma, St George, Stanthorpe, Bollon, Mitchell, Dirranbandi, Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Mungindi. Seven News Queensland weather presenter Tony Auden warned that the wind in the upper atmosphere would add to the storm risk. Sydney and Brisbane residents will need their umbrella and rain ponchos over the coming days Storms are likely to become severe in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland late on Wednesday. The areas in green and yellow are in the firing line He added the storms could potentially bring winds of more than 125km/h and massive hailstones greater than 5cm in diameter. The cities with a chance of seeing storms on Wednesday are Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra, said Ben Domensino from Weatherwatch. Brisbane and the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast areas are most likely to be hit with the severe weather. There is a high chance of supercells across eastern Australia, Mr Domensino warned. These anomalies can cause giant hail, destructive winds, intense rain, and even tornados and waterspouts. The wild weather is part of a prolonged thunderstorm outbreak thats expected to cause thousands of lightning strikes across Australia this week. Here's what the weather will look like in your capital city over the coming days. Sydney Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm, during this afternoon and evening, most likely in the west. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 25. Thursday: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and early afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the outer west. Winds up to 30 km/h. Max 23. Friday: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 23. Brisbane and the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast areas are most likely to be hit with the severe weather. Melbourne Wednesday: Cloudy. High chance of showers about the northern suburbs, medium chance elsewhere. Winds up to 30 km/h. Max 20. Thursday: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the early morning. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 18. Friday: Partly cloudy. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 21. Brisbane Wednesday: Very high chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. A thunderstorm likely from the late morning, possibly severe. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 30. Thursday: High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 32. Friday: Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 28. Canberra Wednesday: High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 25. Northeast NSW is the part of the state most at risk. Thursday: High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Max 23. Friday: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 24. Hobart Wednesday: Medium chance of showers, becoming less likely late this afternoon and evening. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 21. Thursday: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 19. Friday: Cloudy. Winds up to 25 km/h. Max 17. Perth Wednesday: Sunny. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening. Max 31. Thursday: Sunny. Light winds becoming southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day then tending southerly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Max 29. Friday: Mostly sunny. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h increasing to 25 to 40 km/h during the day then turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the evening. Max 26. Adelaide Wednesday: Slight chance of a shower during the morning. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning southerly 15 to 25 km/h in the evening. Max 23. Thursday: Mostly sunny. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then turning southeasterly in the evening. Max 23. Friday: Mostly sunny. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northwest to southwesterly during the day then tending east to southeasterly during the evening. Max 29. severe thunderstorms, bringing gale force winds, large hailstones and heavy downpours in the coming days. Darwin Wednesday: Slight chance of a shower, most likely at night. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the evening. Max 35. Thursday: Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Max 35. Friday: Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Max 35. Police sent undercover officers to elicit a confession from the former boyfriend of backpacker Simone Strobel, but the lead detective on the case believes the then-murder suspect 'twigged' to their efforts. Ms Strobel's naked body was found hidden under palm fronds at a sportsground in Lismore, in the NSW northern rivers region, in February 2005, six days after she was reported missing. Her then-boyfriend Tobias Moran, who now lives in Western Australia, was charged with murder in 2022. But prosecutors opted not to proceed and the case was dropped with $190,000 in compensation ordered to be paid. Detective Sergeant David Mackie on Wednesday told an inquest into Ms Strobel's death he believed Mr Moran knew police were likely secretly recording him. After a $1million reward was offered for information in 2020, an undercover officer going by the name of 'Sophie' made contact with Mr Moran with an offer for an alibi, the NSW Coroners Court was told. She told Mr Moran her brother had cancer and was given only two months to live, and he wanted to confess to the murder in order for his family to get the reward money. But Mr Moran told her the plan would not give peace to Ms Strobel's family and would leave those responsible still at large, the inquest was told. 'That wouldn't be any help to me,' he said in the recorded conversation. The body of Simone Strobel (pictured with Mr Moran) was found hidden under palm fronds at a sportsground in Lismore, in the NSW northern rivers region, in February 2005 Ms Strobel's body was found six days after she was reported missing (the pair are pictured) On the night of her disappearance, Ms Strobel's group drank heavily in a hotel and continued to consume alcohol and smoke cannabis after returning to their campground (pictured) 'It wouldn't solve the case.' Det Sgt Mackie said he believed Mr Moran 'twigged very quickly' to the ruse. 'There's been a number of covert operations conducted,' he said. 'It was fairly obvious from some of those recordings that Mr Moran was very aware that conversations were likely to be recorded.' The inquest heard earlier secret recordings of conversations between Mr Moran and his wife Samantha did not elicit any admissions. Efforts involving two undercover officers posing as convicts who spoke to Mr Moran following his arrest were also unsuccessful, the court was told. At the time of her death, Ms Strobel had been touring the east coast of Australia with Mr Moran, his sister Katrin Suckfuell and another German, Jens Martin. At the time of her death, Ms Strobel (pictured) had been touring the east coast of Australia with Mr Moran, his sister Katrin Suckfuell and another German, Jens Martin Mr Moran is seen during a police interview in February 2005 Det Sgt Mackie previously told the inquest in his opinion it was 'probable' Mr Moran killed Ms Strobel and he also believed Ms Suckfuell and Mr Martin helped dispose of her body. On the night of the disappearance, Ms Strobel's group drank heavily in a hotel and continued to consume alcohol and smoke cannabis after returning to their campground, the court was told previously. The group told police Ms Strobel left their campsite after becoming annoyed with Mr Moran. 'All three of them said Simone left the caravan park and they never saw her again,' counsel assisting Philip Strickland SC said. The group later lied to police about their drug use and how much they had to drink on the night, as well as the depth of the dispute between Ms Strobel and Mr Moran, Mr Strickland said. The inquest continues. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said he is willing to work with the incoming Trump administration to solve the migrant crisis that has gripped the Big Apple, stating that the American people have spoken. Adams said at a news conference on Tuesday he thought he could be of assistance to the Trump administration as he lamented what he called the 'broken' immigration system under President Joe Biden. But Adams went on to declare that New York City is a sanctuary city - meaning that its laws limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration officials. 'This is a sanctuary city,' the Democrat mayor said, The City reports. 'Those laws are in place. 'I want people to continue to go to school. I want people to use our hospital systems. I want people to know that if theyre a victim of a crime, they should report those criminal actions against them. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said he is willing to work with the incoming Trump administration to solve the migrant crisis that has gripped the Big Apple He said he was not surprised by the support Trump received in the five boroughs, noting that many Trump supporters listed immigration as one of their top concerns 'I don't wanna go to the days where people are going to hide in the shadows.' His response, though, only came after repeated questioning, as Adams hit out at the current administration for its immigration policies that allowed migrants to continue crossing the southern border - and suggested Trump may be able to fix it. 'I am willing to sit down with this administration like I tried to sit down with the previous administration in my 10 trips to Washington to say: we have a problem that is overrunning our cities,' he told reporters, according to Politico. 'I'm hoping this administration will hear what I'm saying and listen to some of the ideas that I have been pushing for... close to two years now.' Adams went on to say he was not surprised by the support Trump received in the five boroughs, noting that many Trump supporters listed immigration as one of their top concerns. 'The voters are stating, "We need to secure our border, we need to make sure cities are not experiencing what New York City experienced,' the mayor said, according to the New York Post. 'The voters communicated loudly and clearly: We have a broken immigration system, it needs to be fixed. That's the only conversation I want,' he continued. 'Let's fix our immigration system,' Adams declared. 'If we don't have a conversation about fixing the system, everything else is just being philosophical and theoretical and I'm not going to engage in that.' More than 220,000 migrants flooding the streets of the five boroughs in recent years Immigration advocates said the mayor should be clearer about his plans for the city's estimated 412,000 undocumented migrants Adams also said that 'New York City was devastated by that broken [immigration] system,' with more than 220,000 migrants flooding the streets of the five boroughs in recent years. 'No one has gone through what this administration has gone through, and I believe we can be very helpful in how we address this issue in a very real way.' When pressed on how the administration is dealing with the crisis Adams emphasized the need to expedite 'right to work' programs which allow migrants to earn a paycheck. He also said the city will be reaching out to Trump's border czar Tom Horman, and city agencies will work toward getting 'clarity on what we can and can't do.' But immigration advocates said the mayor should be clearer about his plans for the city's estimated 412,000 undocumented migrants. 'What we need to hear out of the mayor is that he is going to enforce the local laws that are on the books that are under his power and assure that all city agencies are complying with local law,' New York Immigration Coalition President and CEO Murad Awawdeh said. 'Meaning that we are a sanctuary city and that we will not be participating in any mass deportation efforts that are happening because that is not who we are. [These are] not the values of our city.' Many asylum seeker families have been staying at the shelter at The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan for over a year 'I am scared man. Im already planning on traveling to Costa Rica,' Venezuelan asylum seeker Luis told DailyMail.com on Thursday following Trump's win Some migrants at The Roosevelt Hotel shelter have previously said they are 'terrified' of being deported under Trump, with one man telling DailyMail.com he is already planning to flee the US and go to Costa Rica. 'I am a scared man,' he said. 'I dont want them to grab me and hold me in some immigration jail for who knows how long.' Others, though, were confident they will be allowed to stay because they haven't committed crimes. They said they support Trump's plan to get rid of violent criminals, and are not worried about being swept up in his plans to carry out sweeping deportations. '[Trump] says hes going to deport the illegal migrants which is not a bad thing. We came here to work and were not all the same.... Were not undocumented,' Venezuelan Fernando Peralta said as he sold drinks from a cooler outside the shelter. He is registered as an asylum seeker, which gives him hope he will be allowed to remain in the US. 'Were gonna be fine cause the government should go after the bad guys,' he added. A key witness admitted to 'lying' to cops after Daniel Penny placed a homeless man in a chokehold on the subway. Penny, a Marine veteran, is facing 15 years in prison for the choking death of troubled former Michael Jackson impersonator, Jordan Neely, 30, on an F train in Manhattan in May 2023. On Tuesday, Eric Gonzalez, 39, who helped Penny restrain Neely that day, admitted he didn't tell the truth when he was initially interviewed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office following the man's death. During his testimony, Gonzalez, who was on his way to a construction job at the time, told the court he falsely claimed that he got to the scene earlier than he actually did, and that the former Marine decided to act after Neely hit him. In reality, Gonzalez said Penny already had Neely in a chokehold when he got on the train. The Bronx man said he fibbed about what happened that day because he feared he would get 'pinned' for the murder and wanted to 'justify my actions.' Now, the key witness has recanted what he originally told police and entered a non-prosecution agreement with the DA's office. On Tuesday, Eric Gonzalez, 39, who helped Penny restrain Neely that day, admitted he didn't tell the truth when he was initially interviewed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office Gonzalez told the court he falsely claimed that he got to the scene earlier than he actually did, and that the former Marine decided to act after Neely hit him Early Tuesday, Gonzalez said it looked like Neely was attempting to 'escape' from Penny's hold. 'Everyone was frantic, saying, "Call the cops! Call the cops!"... I figured one was trying to restrain the other until the cops came,' Gonzalez said, referring to Penny and Neely. 'I jumped in to try to help,' he said, adding that he told Penny, ' "I am going to grab his hands so you can let go".' 'There was another time when I said, "You can let go, I'm holding onto him",' he said to the jury. The 39-year-old said Neely tapped a person nearby because 'he wanted to be released.' Following the fatal incident, Gonzalez said he has lived in fear not just for himself, but for his family as well. 'There's all these protests going on. I'm scared for myself and for my family,' he said, adding he was 'scared' when he found out he was a suspect in Neely's death. On Tuesday, another witness, Derrick Clay, of Queens, said he called 911 after about five to six minutes of watching the veteran hold Neely by his neck. Daniel Penny a Marine veteran, is facing 15 years in prison for the choking death of troubled former Michael Jackson impersonator, Jordan Neely, 30, on an F train in Manhattan in May 2023 Neely was a Michael Jackson impersonator whose mental health deteriorated in recent years, according to his family Clay recalled Neely looking 'like he was asleep', adding that he thought so 'because he wasn't moving.' Penny, then 24, is accused of killing Neely by putting him in what prosecutors say was a fatal chokehold. Other passengers expressed earlier in the trial that they were terrified of Neely before Penny stepped in as he told people he was prepared to go 'back to Rikers' and 'someone will die today.' A 19-year-old high school senior, Ivette Rosario, revealed she buried her head in her friend's chest and 'prayed' the doors would open when Neely began ranting on the train. When the train finally reached Broadway Lafayette she was one of a handful of passengers to call 911. Audio of the call was played for the jury. The young girl, who was on her way home from school at the time, told the dispatch operator that 'there was a guy saying he was going to harm people on the train.' Speaking of Penny, she said: 'This guy stepped in and is holding him down.' In court, as that audio was played, she described Penny's actions as 'stepping up' for those around him. In the 911 call, she described the offender's appearance as 'black.' 'The one making the harm is black,' she said. 'They're pinning him down.' Rosario told the court that Neely's outburst on the train made her so nervous she thought she would 'pass out.' Defense lawyer Thomas Kenniff noted that her head was buried most of the altercation, meaning she may have missed key physical moments. A second witness who was riding on the train, 59-year-old Mexican journalist Juan Vasquez, told the court that Neely did begin fighting back after he initially stopped moving. 'Almost for a moment, they didn't move much, and then the struggle began,' he said via a Spanish interpreter. 'Neely tried really hard to break free, desperately moving his legs to try to get loose.' Penny's defense said he never intended to kill the man and that it's not definitive that he is to blame for his death. Neely was still alive on the train when police arrived but was pronounced dead in the hospital afterwards. The incident sparked uproar in America with Black Lives Matter describing it as 'the racist killing of a mentally ill black man by an overzealous white military faithful.' Others say Penny is a hero, a modern-day batman who stepped in when Neely made aggressive threats on the subway, including to a toddler boy whose mother shielded him with a stroller. NYPD officers arrived on the train at Fulton Station at 2.33pm. Two police officers confirmed that Neely still had a pulse when they arrived. 'I got a pulse,' one said. A second police officer confirmed that he too felt a pulse. While on the stand, Gonzalez said Neely (pictured) tapped a person nearby because 'he wanted to be released' during the incident The incident sparked uproar in America with Black Lives Matter describing it as 'the racist killing of a mentally ill black man by an overzealous white military faithful' Neely was unconscious, lying on the subway car floor. When asked how Neely ended up there, Penny replied: 'I put him out.' Despite initially detecting a pulse, they issued Narcan - the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses - to Neely - and started CPR at 2.38pm. Paramedics from Northwell Health arrived on the train at 2.48pm - 15 minutes after the police. At 3.13pm - almost 45 minutes after police first arrived - Neely was still on the train, by then surrounded by paramedics. From the time police received the dispatch call, it took seven minutes for first responders to arrive. It was then another 10 minutes before emergency services arrived with a defibrillator and more resources. Penny's lawyer said his client was a college student and on his way to the gym that afternoon, and that he was 'desperately waiting for police to show up and help him the way he had helped other passengers on this train' that fateful day. (Pictured: Penny escorted in handcuffs on May 12, 2023) He was not pronounced dead until he arrived at Lenox Health Hospital in Greenwich Village later that afternoon. Kenniff said his client was a college student and on his way to the gym that afternoon. 'This struggle did last five to six minutes. But Danny was not, and could not, have been squeezing his neck. We know that because if he was, Neely would have passed out in the first minute,' Kenniff said. 'Danny was desperately waiting for the police to show up and help him the way he had helped other passengers on this train.' The trial, which started on November 1, is expected to last up to six weeks, and will call upon medical experts, first responders, and other passengers who were on the train that day. EXCLUSIVE Nine has axed its second high-profile news director in as many weeks as the brutal killing season continues at the embattled broadcaster. The network's long-serving Sydney news director, Simon Hobbs, was the latest senior executive to be given the chop after staff were informed he had been dismissed on Wednesday afternoon. His shock exit comes less than a week after Nine's Queensland news director, Amanda Patterson, was unexpectedly ousted during a video hook up with the channel's newly minted news boss Fiona Dear. No reasons have been offered publicly for either Patterson or Hobbs' departures. Staffers at Nine's Sydney headquarters were summoned to a 'town hall' meeting at 2pm when Dear walked them through the changes to the newsroom's leadership structure. As news of his axing spread throughout the network, Dear fired off an email about his departure to all staff about half an hour later - while also advising the company was now on the hunt for three new news directors in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. 'I wanted to let you know about some further changes to the news and current affairs leadership team,' Dear said in the email. 'Simon Hobbs will be finishing up...with Nine at the end of this week. 'Current deputy news director Margie McLew will assume the responsibilities of news director until a permanent replacement is finalised. 'Simon will be supporting Margie from home to ensure a seamless transition and handover in leadership, before finishing with the business on Friday, 15 November. 'We are recruiting for three news director roles...the job ads are now live...and I'd encourage anyone who is interested to apply, or reach out for a confidential chat.' Simon Hobbs led Nine's Sydney newsroom for 13 years before being axed on Wednesday Nine's head of news and current affairs Fiona Dear has told staff Hobbs will spend the rest of the week working from home before finishing up with the company on Friday Hobbs had been leading Nine's Sydney operation for almost 13 years having rejoined the network in 2012 after working as a producer in the US for six years. The veteran newsman was not answering his phone when contacted by Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday afternoon. Nine staffers had been bracing themselves for more heads to roll after Patterson was summoned into a meeting with the network's Brisbane-based People and Culture representative last Thursday only to be told her three-decade career at the network was over. After being informed of the company's decision, she was escorted immediately out of the channel's Mount Coot-tha studios without being allowed to return to her office or address her former staff. The Nine veteran, who had been in the top job since 2016, has not commented publicly on her dismissal but has since retained the services of celebrity workplace lawyer John Laxon in an indication she is going to fight her sacking. Hobbs' departure comes less than a week after his Queensland counterpart Amanda Patterson was also given the chop Former Perth news director Gareth Parker has also left his post to take up a new position as the network's national news content director in Sydney In an email confirming her departure, Dear said: 'I wanted to let you know that QTQ News Director Amanda Paterson has finished up with Nine today. 'While we formalise and internal and external recruitment process to replace the role, Kate Donnison has agreed to step in on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returns from the US and his annual leave. 'Brendan will then act in the role until we finalise the recruitment process to ensure stability in leadership during this time.' Staffers were quick to point out that neither email thanked the departing news bosses for their time at the network or contribution to the company. The Perth news director role was left vacant after the former news boss, Gareth Parker, was tapped to run the channel's national news desk three weeks ago. Although Hobbs and Patterson's exits come just weeks after the findings of an external investigation into the network's toxic newsroom culture were made public, there is no suggestion either of their departures were linked to the review. Former Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby commissioned the independent inquiry in to in June before quitting the company for unrelated reasons just five weeks before its damning finding were made public last month. Mike Sneesby commissioned the independent report into Nine's workplace culture in June but ended up exiting the company five weeks before the findings were finalised The review, conducted by workplace culture firm Intersection, found Nine had 'a systemic issue with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment'. The investigation revealed 57 per cent of staff in the media company's broadcast division had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment over the past five years, with a third saying they had been sexually harassed in that time frame. The report said the company's toxic culture had been enabled by 'a lack of leadership accountability; power imbalances; gender inequality and a lack of diversity; and significant distrust in leaders at all levels of the business'. Sneesby's departure came three months after Peter Costello was forced to resign as Nine's chairman in June after he appeared to deliberately knock over a reporter peppering him with questions at Canberra Airport. Ironically, the reporter had been asking Costello whether he continued to support Sneesby's ongoing reign as chief executive. Former chief financial officer Matt Stanton was appointed caretaker chief executive while a formal recruitment process for Sneesby's replacement is underway, though insiders speculate he is likely to end up taking on the role full-time. Former Nine chairman Peter Costello resigned in June after a controversial encounter with a reporter at Canberra Airport while being peppered with questions about Sneesby Costello is captured on video during the run-in as the reporter falls to the ground Stanton has vowed to reset the media empire's culture in the wake of the scandal and told staff in an email there would be no tolerance for toxic behaviour within the company. 'Since the release of the report, we can appreciate the strong desire to understand accountability for inappropriate behaviour that has occurred in our workplace,' he told staffers. 'There is no place at Nine for the abuse of power, bullying, sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct outlined in the Intersection report or for people who behave that way. 'There will be change at Nine and individuals will be held to account for behaviour of this nature. 'The Board and management are united in the need to accelerate change to support the workplace reform program. Nine's acting chief executive Matt Stanton says he has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying 'We currently have a number of active investigations underway into issues raised by employees, some of which are being led by an external investigator whom we have partnered with. 'No two cases are the same, and Im sure you can appreciate these investigations need to be conducted in a manner that follows a just and proper process, which can take time. 'This will not be influenced by outside interest or public scrutiny. 'There are a range of outcomes that might come from a formal investigation process, depending on whether the claims can be substantiated. 'If a complaint is upheld, the consequences will be appropriate and proportionate, ranging from counselling, formal disciplinary action, to termination of employment.' An Aussie teen has undergone seven surgeries and could now lose his eyesight forever after he slammed into a tree while riding his motorbike. Linden McQuire, 16, had been riding with his dad and friends on an off-road track at Mundaring State Forest, 70km east of Perth, when he crashed on August 31. One of his friends performed first aid while another ran from the crash site to raise the alarm after being unable to get phone signal inside the park. The teen was unconscious for 20 minutes before he woke up in agony. Linden's mother, Toni, said her son was 'in a bad way' while being airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital for fractures to his spine, skull, face and arm. He also suffered bleeding to this brain, despite being kitted out in protective gear. 'He felt every bit of pain. It was the most awful thing for myself and my husband to watch - no matter what relief they gave him, the pain didn't go away,' Mrs McQuire told 7News on Tuesday. There are now fears Linden could lose his eyesight permanently after he lost vision in his left eye and all peripheral vision in his right eye. Linden McGuire (pictured) suffered fractures to his spine, skull, face and arm, and bleeding on the brain after a horror motorbike crash Linden (pictured) was motorbiking with his father and friends when he slammed into a tree The teenager spent six weeks at the Royal Perth Hospital before being moved to Sir Charles Gairdner. He has already undergone seven surgeries, including four on his brain. His parents are doing 12-hour shifts by his bedside to ensure he's never alone. The couple were warned Linden's recovery would be a 'rollercoaster' but were still unprepared for the shaky nature of his progress. 'Every time something positive happened, you'd go 10 steps back. You feel like you're winning and then you worry that you might lose him in the night,' Mrs McQuire said. Prior to the crash, Linden was doing a roofing apprenticeship but now risks losing his job, and ability to drive, if his vision isn't restored. There's a clinic in Germany where specialists are confident they can help the 16-year-old regain some of his vision and improve his quality of life. The McQuires are now raising $50,000 for two trips to Berlin for the treatment. Linden (pictured) is now at risk of permanently losing most of his vision The McGuire family is trying to raise $50,000 for Linden to receive specialist treatment More than $16,000 has already been donated to their campaign. Ms McQuire is continually amazed by her 'warrior' son's positive attitude following the crash, saying he's 'really happy he's here and alive'. 'I don't know if I could be as brave in his position,' she said. A convicted rapist who kidnapped, drugged and raped a German backpacker will be released from jail after winning an appeal to overturn a decision to keep him behind bars. Peter Van de Wetering was jailed for nine years and declared a serious violent offender in 2016 after he pleaded guilty to several violent offences dating back to 2013, including kidnapping, rape, and administering a stupefying drug. Van de Wetering had pleaded guilty to the depraved attack on the backpacker, then 19, who had travelled to become his nanny on a farm outside Stanthorpe in August 2013. The 2013 attack had drawn comparisons with the Australian horror film Wolf Creek. Van de Wetering's nine-year sentence was set to expire on October 6 this year. But his release was put on hold after the Queensland Attorney-General tried to stop Van de Wetering from being released from jail arguing he was a continued risk to the community. In September, the court determined Van de Wetering was not suitable for release, and granted the Queensland Attorney-General's application. The convicted rapist challenged the decision in the Queensland Court of Appeal, arguing the primary judge had erred in failing to consider the strict supervision order proposed, the likelihood Van de Wetering would comply with the order and the 'consequences of noncompliance'. Peter Van de Wetering (pictured) was jailed for nine years and declared a serious violent offender in 2016 Court of Appeal president, Justice Debra Mullins, granted Van de Wetering's appeal on Wednesday. Justice Mullins ordered Van de Wetering should be released from prison on an interim supervision order, which he must comply with. Part of the interim supervision order requires Van de Wetering to follow strict rules, including not being able to leave Queensland unless approved, only have one mobile phone, not use drugs or alcohol, and must attend rehabilitation if required by his corrective services officer. Van de Wetering must also obey any requests made by his corrective services officer, including providing them with any information about where he lives, what type of employment he might undertake and whether he drives a vehicle. The interim order states he must also wear a monitoring device if it's required by his assigned corrective services officer and follow any curfew they may set. He must also make no contact with the victim or someone known to them. An extra condition of his release would also require Van de Wetering to obtain written approval from his corrective services officer if he wants to own anything that can take a photograph or video, including his mobile phone. The strict ruling comes after Van de Wetering published an ad using a false name to hire a nanny on a farm outside of Stanthorpe, Queensland. The then 19-year-old German backpacker, who had only been in Australia for two weeks, answered the ad in August 2013. Van de Wetering organised a bus ticket for the woman after the pair agreed he would collect her at Cottonvale bus stop. Upon her arrival at the bus stop, Van de Wetering was wearing a wig, fake beard and fake moustache. Van de Wetering's (pictured) nine-year sentence was set to expire on October 6 this year The German backpacker was taken to the remote property (pictured) near Stanthorpe in 2013 While the pair were driving back to the rural property, Van de Wetering offered the woman some chocolate, which she accepted but didn't eat it without his knowledge. Van de Wetering had drugged the chocolate in an attempt to stupefy the woman. When the pair arrived at the abandoned property, Van de Wetering tied the woman's hands together before tying her to a bed, where she struggled against him in a bid to free herself. He then forced her to eat more of the drugged chocolate. The woman became unconscious shortly after she was forced to eat the chocolate. Hours later, the woman woke up on the side of the road, with Van de Wetering nowhere in sight. The woman realised she still had her phone and called her sister in Germany. A police investigation was launched, which led to the arrest of Van de Wetering in October 2014 in Sydney. Van de Wetering was spotted on CCTV (pictured) by police during their investigation The investigation found Van de Wetering had planned the attack for months before he met the German backpacker, including buying a wig, fake beard and fake moustache. Van de Wetering was ultimately sentenced to nine years in jail in 2016 for kidnapping, rape, attempted rape, deprivation of liberty, sexual assault, common assault, stealing, administering a stupefying drug and attempting to stupefy. The bid to keep him behind bars after his October 6 release date was based on evidence given by two forensic psychiatrists, who separately assessed Van de Wetering for parole, and the Crown earlier this year. Both psychiatrists recommended against Van de Wetering's release because of his high risk of reoffending. However, Justice Mullins ordered in overturning the decision to keep Van de Wetering in jail after his October 6 release date that an interim supervision order was appropriate to mitigate any concerns raised by the Queensland Attorney-General's office. 'An interim supervision order would be suitable for identifying any escalation in the type of risk posed by the appellant to enable meaningful intervention before the risk eventuated,' Justice Mullins said in her decision published on Wednesday. The Queensland Attorney-General has the right to apply to the courts under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 to keep certain people locked up if they're found to be a risk to society. Bound across the Pacific: China-Brazil dialogue People's Daily Online) 16:06, November 13, 2024 Ancient encounters: The first contact between China and Brazil The beginning of friendship between China and Brazil dates back to the Age of Discovery in the 16th century. 16th Century - Chinese ships carrying porcelain, silk, and tea departed from Macao to Portugal, stopping occasionally in Brazilian ports. Chinese goods became luxury items beloved by Brazilian high society. Early 19th Century - The first Chinese tea farmers arrived in Rio de Janeiro, establishing one of the earliest Chinese communities in the Americas. This file photo shows the "Vital de Oliveira" (Photo provided by Zhang Fangfang). 1879 - Brazil decided to send a delegation to China to establish direct trade and diplomatic relations. The delegation set sail aboard the "Vital de Oliveira" in France, arriving in China in July the following year. 1881 China and Brazil established diplomatic relations. 1888 - Henrique Lisboa, a member of the delegation, published "A China E Os Chins", the first comprehensive Brazilian work on Chinese culture and society. This file photo shows the book "China Tropical"(Photo provided by Zhang Fangfang). 1959 - Brazilian sociologist Gilberto Freyre published "China Tropical", exploring China's cultural impact on Brazil. Intellectual resonance: 20th-Century China-Brazil literary dialogue In the 20th century, driven by waves of national liberation and democratic movements, Brazilian literature entered the Chinese literary scene, riding the momentum of China's New Culture Movement. At that time, both China and Brazil were undergoing significant social transformations, and discussions on development paths, social justice, and peasant struggles became common points of interest for scholars and literary and art circles in both countries. 1920s - The New Culture Movement in China introduced Brazilian writers like Graca Aranha, Aluisio Azevedo, and Machado de Assis through literary publications, sparking interest in Brazilian literature. 1950s - Brazilian writer Jorge Amado's novels "The Violent Land", "The Golden Harvest", and "The Road of Hunger" were translated into Chinese. His realist style and progressive ideas resonated deeply with Chinese readers. 1980s - The works of Brazilian authors like Cristovao Tezza and Clarice Lispector sparked lasting cultural interest in China and influenced the style of many Chinese writers. Mutual appreciation: The flourishing of China-Brazil cultural exchanges With the deepening of globalization, cultural exchanges between China and Brazil have grown increasingly close. Vibrant people-to-people exchanges have brought renewed energy to the mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations. Literature - Brazilian literature gained popularity in China, with translations of Paulo Coelho, Milton Hatoum, and Rubem Fonseca. Similarly, Chinese classics like "The Analects", "Tao Te Ching", "Rickshaw Boy", and "Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk" were published in Brazil. Photo shows the poster for the film "Nise: The Heart of Madness" (Photo provided by Zhang Fangfang). Film - "Nise: The Heart of Madness" introduced Brazilian cinema to Chinese audiences, while "Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue" by Jia Zhangke gained attention at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival. The 14th Beijing International Film Festival included a Brazil Film Week, bridging cinematic culture. Art - Brazilian music genres such as Bossa Nova and Samba have gained popularity in China. Meanwhile, interest in Chinese language and culture has grown in Brazil, with exhibitions on contemporary Chinese art, Chinese film and television, and Chinese ceramics held in several Brazilian cities, showcasing the vibrancy of Chinese culture. Intern Han Yifan contributed to this story. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming) PIGGS PEAK A 21-year-old man was convicted on four counts of stealing items valued at E16 700 between January and September this year. The accused, Sonnyboy Boyzen Sihlongonyane, faced charges of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. In the first count, it was said that on January 18, 2024, in the Macembeni area, he broke into Siyabonga Mazibukos house, through a window, and stole a welding machine and lighting kits worth E4 300. In the second count, on June 30, 2024, at Mhlatane quarters, the accused person broke and entered into a house belonging to Ncamiso Mkhatshwa and further stole property valued at E3 400. The items included a black Toshiba laptop and a blue volcano school bag all valued at E3 400. Meanwhile, in the third count, he was charged with the same offence of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. He committed the offence on September 4, 2024, at Mhlatane Quarters. He is said to have broken into the house of Siphiwe Sibiya, through a window and stole items valued at E6 210. The items include a black Asus laptop, radio, gold watch, 100ml perfume and 100 grammes of Vaseline. At Mhlatane quarters in the Hhohho Region, the accused person broke and entered into the house of Sindisiwe Nokuthula Qulu, where he allegedly stole a grey HP laptop valued at E3 500. Sihlongonyane accepted the plea of guilty on all counts. Some of the items were not recovered. Sihlongonyane apologised for his actions, mentioning that he has two children. He further stated that he is employed at a car wash. Hearing the matter was Piggs Peak Magistrate Sibonelo Dlamini. She sentenced the accused to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of E2 000; in count two she sentenced the accused to 15 months imprisonment with an option of a fine of E1 500. In the third count, Dlamini sentenced the accused to two years imprisonments with an option of a fine of E2 000 and in the last count, he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment with an option of a fine of E1500. Dlamini ordered count one and three to run consecutively and count two and four to run concurrently as it happened in the same month. Internet star Peanut the squirrel tested negative for rabies after the popular pet was seized from its owner and euthanized. The furry social media sensation - along with his raccoon friend Fred - were removed from their owners' home on October 30 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and put down two days later. The agency said it had received complaints that wildlife was being kept illegally and potentially unsafely at the upstate farm, but officials have faced a barrage of criticism for the seizure. DEC and Chemung County officials said the squirrel and raccoon were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit a DEC worker involved in the investigation. Chemung County Executive Chris Moss revealed on Tuesday that the tests on both animals came back negative. Internet star Peanut the squirrel (pictured) who was seized from its owner and euthanized tested negative for rabies Peanut - also spelled P'Nut or PNUT - gained tens of followers in the more than seven years since Mark Longo (pictured) rescued him 'Wild animals shouldn't be in the home, I mean when you do this is the type of situation that stems from in,' Moss said. 'Raccoons, squirrels, they don't belong there. They are not domesticated animals. Our hands were tied when it came to whether or not these animals needed to be euthanized. Once the bite took place there was really no choice.' Owner Mark Longo said he was not surprised by the test results and that it proved what he was saying all along. 'It's no real big shocker to me, considering I lived with Peanut for seven-and-a-half years and Fred for five months. I'm not foaming at the mouth. I knew the test results were going to be negative,' Longo said. Peanut - also spelled P'Nut or PNUT - gained tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms in the more than seven years since Longo took him in after seeing his mother get hit by a car in New York City. Longo has said he was in the process of filing paperwork to get Peanut certified as an educational animal when he was seized. Multiple anonymous complaints about Peanutbrought at least six officers from the DEC to Longo's home near the Pennsylvania border. Even though Longo is the founder of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, he did not have the proper licensing to legally keep the critters. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said it had received complaints that wildlife was being kept illegally and potentially unsafely at the upstate farm Longo has said he was in the process of filing paperwork to get Peanut certified as an educational animal when he was seized The death of Peanut has sparked national outrage, with critics viewing the raid as government overreach. The incident has led to at least 14 bomb threats targeting DEC offices, which state police have found to be non-credible. The DEC officers' union, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, appealed for calm amid rising threats, clarifying that the DEC's investigation into Longo began in January after reports he was illegally housing a squirrel. Longo claimed he had released Peanut but was found to have kept the animal and taken in a raccoon, leading to last week's raid. 'We ask that the public keep in mind that [DEC officers] are their friends, family, and neighbors and do not deserve to live in fear for upholding the law,' the union said. Peanut's death became a bizarre election talking point after a fake Trump post that appeared to condemn the seizure and subsequent death of the squirrel went viral. When the real Trump campaign got wind of the wind-up, the official Donald Trump campaign TikTok account condemned Peanut's death as an act of 'needless killing' by 'Democrat bureaucrats in New York.' Longo, hopeful the attention could lead to support, has invited President-elect Trump to visit his sanctuary. A couple were shocked to find a surprise intruder waiting for them when they returned from work late one night. Brazilian couple Fran Dias Rufino and her partner Bruno discovered a koala in their bedroom after midnight in Rosslyn Park in Adelaide's east. In a video posted online, the koala can be seen making itself right at home as it explored the couple's bedroom, and climbed up on a bedside drawer. 'A normal day in Australia', the TikTok video was captioned. Ms Rufino added 'Can I get get my PR (permanent residence now)?' The couple were startled by the intruder, with Bruno telling the ABC, 'Fran screamed a lot, and I was afraid that it was a spider.' 'She said, 'there's a koala in my house!' I didn't believe it at the moment, and then I went to see it.' In the video, Ms Rufino could be heard exclaiming, 'I'm scared, I have a koala in my bed!' A video uploaded to TikTok captured a nocturnal visit by a koala to a couple's home in Rosslyn Park, in Adelaide's east She told the ABC the koala was 'so comfortable' in the bed. 'I think he wants my bed for him,' she said. In the video, Bruno could be heard asking, 'Oh my god! What do I do?' Ms Rufino said she believed the koala entered their house through the dog door, but their dog wasn't in the slightest bit interested. 'He was sleeping he was very lazy,' Ms Rufino said. Her partner managed to remove the nocturnal visitor from their home but it took some coaxing. He locked the dog in the kitchen, then closed all the doors except the front door. 'But he (the koala) didn't want to come out the house,' Bruno said. 'And then I had to scare him a little bit, and then I managed to get my dog's blanket and block him to come inside the bedroom again.' The couple finally managed to escort the koala out of their house. The only damage caused was to Ms Rufino's skin care products (stock image) Bruno finally guided the koala out of the house with the blanket. The only damage the koala caused was to Ms Rufino's cosmetics. 'I was saying to Bruno after the video, 'oh my god, Bruno, he broke all my skin care,' she said. The couple were inundated with comments from TikTok viewers about their surprise intruder. One asked for an update. 'He comes out safe, but he can come back anytime he wants,' Ms Rufino wrote. Another viewer asked Ms Rufino why she didn't call a wildlife rescue service to remove the koala. 'I called them and the man was like: 'lady, is too late,' Ms Rufino wrote. A man was found dead inside a Planet Fitness tanning bed three days after he went missing. Derek Sink, 39, was discovered inside the machine at the Planet Fitness on Hardegan Street in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday around 9am. His family told police that they last heard from him on Friday before reporting him missing on Sunday. They told WTHR that a needle was found inside the tanning room with Sink, who has struggled with drugs in the past. Sink's aunt said that investigators were able to track him to the gym through his ankle monitor. It is unclear why he had the device on him. A sign was placed on the front door as of Monday that says 'tanning is currently unavailable.' Derek Sink, 39, was found inside a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday around 9am. His family last saw him Friday and reported him missing on Sunday His family said a needle was found inside the room with him, and that Sink has struggled with drug use A gym member, Elizabeth Len, recalled being greeted by a foul smell when she entered the building for her morning workout Monday. 'And I was kind of like sniffing, trying not to look crazy, but I was like, "Something smells really awful here",' Len told WTHR, adding that the smell grew stronger as she neared the tanning rooms. Len expressed concern as Sink's body was found on Monday, despite the gym being open from 7am to 7pm over the weekend. 'The first thing that kind of went off in my head was you know, lack of attention from staff members at Planet Fitness, which is pretty disappointing because maybe it could've been prevented,' she said. 'The tanning bed has a door, I believe, but still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?' Sink's loved ones have remembered him as a loving person. Following his tragic passing, a friend took to Facebook and said: 'God bless you my friend.' A gym member, Elizabeth Len, recalled being greeted by a foul smell when she entered the building for her morning workout Monday. She also questioned why it took so long for staffers to find Sink The family also told the outlet that they hope the company will instill stricter cleaning policies at the end of shifts so staffers can prevent this from ever happening again. A spokesperson with Planet Fitness told DailyMail.com: 'We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members, and the franchise owner is working with the local authorities in their investigation. 'At Planet Fitness, we have robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. 'We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols.' His cause of death has not yet been determined. Police are currently investigating his death as a homicide. DailyMail.com contacted the Indianapolis Metropolitan police Department. The sudden closure of a lithium mine has put the jobs of 300 workers at risk, with world trade prices blamed for the move. Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) announced on Wednesday that it will cease operations at its Bald Hill lithium mine in Western Australia's Goldfields region 50km south-west of Kambalda. The mine will reduce its staff to just 10 to help transition the facility into a 'care and maintenance' shutdown from this week. In a statement to the ASX, the publicly-traded company said that it needed to stop mining for the lithium-rich mineral spodumene due to the low prices it currently attracts. MinRes said the move 'will preserve cash and the value of Bald Hill's spodumene orebody for when conditions in the global lithium market improve'. The mining company hasn't ruled out resuming operations onsite if lithium prices increase. Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) announced it will stop operations at its Lithium Mine in Bald, Western Australia (pictured), due to the low global price for lithium 'When the global lithium price improves to a level that incentivises a restart of Bald Hill, a ramp-up back to full operation is anticipated to take 4-6 weeks,' it said. 'During care and maintenance, MinRes will continue to optimise mine plans, scale and operating structure ahead of any future restart.' Around 300 employees impacted by the closure will be 'prioritised' for other roles across the company's other sites in Western Australia. The mine will starting winding down this week and keep a skeleton staff of just ten 'Where redeployment opportunities cannot be found, a redundancy process will be followed,' the company statement said. MinRes expects the last shipment of minerals from Bald Hill will be sold in December. Kevin Rudd dismissed Donald Trump's first presidency as a period of 'episodic craziness' and asked a crowd in disbelief 'how did that happen?' in newly-unearthed video filmed less than a year before he took up his post as Australia's man in Washington. The former Prime Minister turned Australian Ambassador to the US has in the past labelled the President-elect a 'village idiot', a 'traitor to the West' and 'the most destructive president in history'. But a newly-discovered lecture recorded in June 2022 for the Asia Society, a think tank he headed up, has now exposed how Mr Rudd never imagined that Trump would ever return to power - and how he dismissed his Presidency as a period of 'craziness'. 'Never take a backwards step in saying we're allies with the United States,' he told the stunned crowd in Switzerland. 'For all the American pre-disposition to episodic craziness... Look at Trump: how did that happen? That was a walk on the wild side for all of us.' Less than nine months later, Mr Rudd was controversially appointed as Australia's ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Mr Rudd now faces the seemingly uphill task of trying to curry favour and influence with an incoming Trump administration that is actively hostile towards him due to his previous comments. It comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed on Tuesday that one of Trump's most senior campaign advisers, Dan Scavino Jr, gave an indication that Mr Rudd would not last long under the new administration . A newly-unearthed lecture recorded in June 2022 for the Asia Society, where he served as President, has now exposed how Mr Rudd never imagined that Donald Trump would ever return to power Trump has previously signalled his disapproval with Kevin Rudd, branding him 'nasty' and claiming he 'will not be there long' Sharing Mr Rudd's congratulatory message to the new President-elect on X, Mr Scavino Jr posted an hour glass GIF to his two million followers - suggesting his days were numbered. Although the US President ultimately has no power over the representatives different countries nominate as their ambassadors, they need to be able to work with the new administration to advance their nation's interests. Daily Mail Australia has since unearthed further mocking comments Mr Rudd has made about Trump that will surely come back to haunt him. In another Asia Society lecture, recorded in 2018, the former PM was discussing the heightening tensions between the US and China under their respective leaders Xi Jingping and Trump. 'Then enter Donald Trump. Donald as we know is not a... leading intellectual force,' Mr Rudd said to uproarious laughter from the audience. There are growing voices calling for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sack Mr Rudd and install someone else who can build a better relationship with Trump's new administration. Indeed, a political insider said they thought Mr Rudd could manage with Scott Morrison's help, as his former prime ministerial colleague has kept up good relations with Trump. 'It's going to be difficult for Rudd - he has worked hard, with Morrison's help, to embed himself more with Republicans in the last 18 months,' the insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'So people in the party respect him - but Trump is Trump. 'I think most up on Capitol Hill yesterday would've said "he'll be fine" (Rudd). But that hourglass tweet changes things a bit.' Donald Trump (pictured with wife Melania and son Barron at a his lection victory speech) was previously labelled by former Australian PM Kevin Rudd as a 'village idiot' and a 'traitor to the West' Trump has also previously signalled his disapproval of Mr Rudd, branding him 'nasty'. 'I don't know much about him. I heard he was a little bit nasty,' Trump told GB News earlier this year. 'I hear he's not the brightest bulb, but I don't know much about him. If he's at all hostile, he will not be there long.' Several posts on Mr Rudd's official X account criticising Trump were deleted last week after it became clear he would win a second term as President. In one particularly brutal post from 2020, Mr Rudd described Trump as 'the most destructive president in history'. 'He drags America and democracy through the mud. He thrives on fomenting, not healing, division. He abuses Christianity, church and bible to justify violence,' Mr Rudd wrote. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade described Mr Rudd as a 'highly effective Ambassador'. 'He is recognised across the Australian Parliament as doing an excellent job advancing Australias interests in the United States,' the spokesperson added. The 18-year-old accused of killing three children in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class is due to appear in court. Axel Rudakubana, of Banks in Lancashire, is charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. They died following the stabbings at The Hart Space in Southport, Merseyside, shortly before midday on July 29. He is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing this afternoon. The teenager is charged with the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes. He is also charged with possession of a knife. Axel Rudakubana (pictured), of Banks in Lancashire, is charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven A courtroom sketch shows Axel Rudakubana appearing via video link at the Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 30, 2024 Left to right: Southport victims Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguia Rudakubana appeared last month at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face additional charges of production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism. The matters are expected to be linked up at today's hearing, where Rudakubana is due to appear by video link. The killings on July 29 sparked large scale riots, fuelled by misinformation on social media, in towns and cities across the UK. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and moved to the Southport area in 2013. He was living in Banks, Lancashire, at the time of the attack. The three girls who died had been attending the summer holiday club at the Hart Space Community Centre, in Southport, when they were stabbed on July 29. Eight other children and two adults were also seriously injured. A sea of teddies, balloons and flowers was left outside Southport Town Hall in tribute to the children in the immediate aftermath. Serena Kennedy, the Chief Constable of Merseyside police, announced on October 29 that the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised them to charge Rudakubana with manufacturing the biological toxin ricin and having a study of a terrorist manual namely Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual. Members of the community blow bubbles as people gathered to mourn victims of the Southport knife attack by holding a vigil on August 5 Rudakubana (pictured) was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and moved to the Southport area in 2013. He was living in Banks, Lancashire, at the time of the attacks Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy provided an update into the investigation into the Southport stabbings at a news conference on October 29 Ms Kennedy stressed that the risk to the public and emergency services who responded to the attack on July 29 was 'low or very low' and that no one had been contaminated or harmed as a consequence. She also said that, although Rudakubana has been charged with offences under both the Biological Weapons and Terrorism Act, the incident had not been declared terror-related. At this time counter terror policing have not declared the events of July 29 a terrorist incident,' she said. 'I recognise these new charges may lead to speculation. 'The method by which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terror Act does not require motive to be established.' She urged people against speculating about any motives online and on social media, adding that the suspect had a 'right to a fair trial'. She said: 'Following the events of Monday 29 July, searches of Axel Rudakubana's home address resulted in an unknown substance being found testing confirmed the substance was ricin. 'We have worked extensively with partners to establish that there was a low to very low risk to the public and I want to make that reassurance clear today. I can also tell you that there was no ricin present at Hart Street.' She added: 'My plea is to be patient, don't engage in rumour and speculation and don't believe everything you read on social media. A court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Axel Rudakubana (centre) covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on August 1 this year Tributes were left at the scene of the stabbing attack on Hart Street in Southport in July Members of the public gathered to hold a vigil at the scene on July 29 'We must not lose sight of the families of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice, who are still grieving, and the families of those children and adults who were injured and affected by what happened on that day. 'We all need to do the right thing by them to ensure the justice process is not prejudiced.' Rudakubana appeared in court on October 30 charged with a terror offence and making poison. No pleas were entered and he held a sweater over the bottom half of his face during the hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Furious residents are up in arms after their community lake was named after an Indian religious figure without their input, Berwick Springs Lake in Melbourne south-east has been renamed Guru Nanak Lake after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. A renaming ceremony was held on last Saturday with members of the Sikh community joined by state government representatives. Ministers Ingrid Stitt and Sonya Kilkenny, along with local Labor MPs Gary Maas and Lee Tarlamis were among the guests in attendance. Ms Kilkenny hailed the lake renaming as another way we're ensuring Victoria's place names better reflect and celebrate our state's rich diversity and history'. The planning minister also shared the government's plans to rename 6000 other places across the state over the next three years and encouraged Victorians to submit 'exceptional individuals to be commemorated'. 'Remember a Local, Name a Place!' Ms Kilkenny posted on Facebook. The post was quickly inundated with backlash. Berwick Springs Lake, which is southeast of Melbourne , has been renamed Guru Nanak Lake after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith 'I'm sorry but what an absolute joke,' one said. Another said: 'This is so wrong. I'll be fighting for it to be reverted back. 'This has no relevance whatsoever and is creating further division. Watch this space the residents are furious. Appalling.' Others questioned how Guru Nanak met the criteria that places be renamed after those who had 'a long association with the nominated area'. 'What was Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 'long association with' any part of Victoria?' one asked. 'As a nonbinary BIPOC individual, I'm interested to see why this decision was made when it doesn't even meet the Victorian Government's own rules.' Another added: 'Guru Nanak wasn't exactly a local - he was born in 1469?' Ms Kenny replied: 'True - but for many members of the local community Guru Nanak is a very significant part of their lives. 'And very progressive too - equality, truth, compassion, and service to community.' Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny (pictured left) said the name change would better reflect Victoria's diverse nature Even some in Sikh community opposed to the move. 'I'm a Punjabi Sikh. I'm sorry, but this name is a bad idea,' they said. 'In the rush to ingratiate yourself with Indian Australians (something politicians of all stripes are guilty of), you've ignored that Guru Nanak is a *religious* figure. 'I don't think we should be naming landmarks after religious figures (unless a landmark's notability is specifically due to religion).' The Facebook user even questioned if such moves increased racial and cultural understanding. 'Additionally, such gestures are cynical - everyone can see it, except for the community being flattered,' they said. 'And they're counterproductive. Rather than increase harmony, all they ever achieve is increased suspicion and racism against visible minorities.' A petition to reverse the change, headed by local Michael Ball, has already gathered over 2000 signatures. 'As a member of the community, I wish to express my deep concern and disbelief about this change and the process by which it was conducted,' the petition reads. 'The name Berwick Springs Lake is intrinsically linked to the identity of our Berwick Springs community. 'It has been a defining feature of our neighbourhood and holds significant meaning for local residents. 'The sudden change of this name, without proper community consultation, has caused enormous distress among residents and beyond. ' While the petition noted there will be consultation over what type of signage the lake would have 'we find it deeply troubling that such consultation was not extended to the far more fundamental matter of the name change itself'. 'Residents find the lack of community consultation a betrayal of democratic principles and extremely poor public sector governance, totally outside what they expect of the elected representatives and public servants,' the petition said. The petition said the objection to the change was 'a matter of principle that would remain the same 'regardless of which religious figure's name had been chosen. 'This is not about any particular faith or community, but rather about maintaining the community identity of our area.' The petition demanded along with reverting to the previous name the process for making the change be made public. Along with Ms Kilkenny event was attended by a number a number of Labor figures including (left to right)Southeast Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas Jasbir Singh Suropada, chair of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria told SBS Punjabi the group had been in talks with the Victorian government since 2018 'regarding [naming] a place after the founder of our faith'. 'Now that this lake will be called Guru Nanak Lake, the name of our Guru will be part of legal documents such as Government Gazettes and be part of the history,' he said. 'People visiting this place will look at the board, read about our Guru, [and] some might Google it and learn about Sikhism and its founder. We are trying to add a link describing about Sikh history here so whoever wishes to know more can do so.' The Victorian government also announced $600,000 in funding for Sikh organisations to hold 'Langer' events in the lead-up to the 555th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth. Victoria is home to more than 91,000 Sikhs making it the state with the largest representation of the community, according to the 2021 Census. However, in the City of Casey, where the lake is located, Sikhs make up just 4.1 per cent of the population, while the neighbouring councils of Cardinia and Greater Dandenong they constitute 2.6 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively. Aussie holidaymakers travelling to and from Bali face more delays and cancellations as volcanic ash and eruptions wreak havoc on flight schedules. Many travellers heading to the Indonesian holiday island have had their travel plans thrown into disarray while many others returning home are stranded in Bali due to mass flight cancellations. The chaos has been caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on the remote island of Flores, 1000km east of Bali. At least 174 domestic and international flights have been cancelled in the last nine days. Many major airlines won't consider resuming flights in and out of Bali until Thursday at the earliest. All Jetstar flights to and from Denpasar Airport have been cancelled until midday Thursday at the earliest. We will provide an update on flights scheduled to operate after 12noon AEDT on Thursday,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. We understand that this is a difficult situation for impacted customers. Safety is always our number one priority and we thank customers for their patience and understanding. A passenger stranded at Denpasar International Airport Charlie Austin (pictured) said his flight on Wednesday was cancelled and he would now fly out on Friday. Mr Austin said, 'Its not ideal, its just one of those things, cant do anything about it stuck in Bali.' Thousands of passengers are stranded at Denpasar International Airport (pictured) as major airlines are not considering resuming flights in and out of Bali until Thursday In their latest travel update Qantas advised, For customers scheduled to travel Thursday 14 November, our meteorology team is closely monitoring the situation. Qantas added passengers will be advised by email or phone call of any impact to their scheduled flight by 10am on Thursday 14 November (AEDT). Virgin Australia said it was proactively reaching out to impacted passengers with alternative flight options. We are also communicating to guests booked to travel to and from Bali between Thursday (14 November) and Saturday (16 November) encouraging them to stay updated on the latest flight information available via our website,' the statement added. British tourist Charlie Austin is among thousands of stranded passengers at Denpasar International Airport. Its not ideal, its just one of those things, cant do anything about it stuck in Bali,' told Daily Mail Australia, Mr Austin was meant to leave on Wednesday afternoon after a three-day holiday, which has since been extended to Friday. He said the flight cancellation meant he would be able to 'catch a few more beers by the pool... and get a few more waves... a few more Bintangs.' Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on the remote island of Flores, 1000km east of Bali. erupted on Sunday, killing nine as it spewed ash 9km into the air Stranded travellers are unable to fly out of the holiday island of Bali and others cant return to Australia due to mass flight cancellations caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki In disturbing news for travellers, volcano expert Emeritus Professor of Curtin Universitys School of Earth and Planetary Sciences Chris Elders told Perth Now the flight disruptions could be ongoing. 'Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been erupting since December 2023, but a cycle of particularly violent eruptions started in early November,' Professor Elders said. 'The fact this volcano is about 800km east of Bali on a completely different island (Flores) gives an idea of the force of the eruption.' Professor Elders said it is hard to predict the duration of the eruptive cycles and whether they will continue at the same level of intensity. However, we know volcanoes throughout Indonesia are prone to similar explosive styles of eruption and impacts on air travel will always be a risk in addition to the potentially more catastrophic effects on those who live nearby, he said. Aussie influencer Lauren Bullen who lives in Bali with her partner and newborn baby asked her two million Instagram followers for information after her flight was cancelled. 'No no no no no anyone have info on flight cancellations in Bali?? I have a very important weekend in Australia,' Ms Bullen said. Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, more commonly known as Denpasar International Airport is 'in principle, still open.' 'We emphasise that according to the results of observations from the paper test, no volcanic ash was found in the Gusti Ngurah Rai airport area,' general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab said. 'On Wednesday until 1pm Bali Time, there are 26 domestic flights, namely 13 departures and 13 arrivals that were affected.' 'Meanwhile, there are 64 international flights, namely 34 departures and 30 arrivals that are affected.' 'For international flights, there were flights that were canceled by the airlines based on their respective policies, taking into account aspects of flight security and safety.' 'For services for affected flight passengers, we have prepared a help desk located on the 2nd floor of the international terminal and the customer service area of the domestic terminal.' The volcano erupted on Sunday, killing nine as it spewed ash 9km into the air. Indonesian authorities have been trying to evacuate 16,000 locals from nearby villages as the eruptions continue. International routes (arrivals and departures) affected by flight cancellations Singapore: 4 departures and 2 arrivals Hong Kong: 2 departures and 1 arrival Doha: 1 departure and 1 arrival Delhi: 1 departure Bangalore: 1 departure and 1 arrival Darwin: 1 departure and 1 arrival Sydney: 4 departures and 4 arrivals Melbourne: 6 departures and 5 arrivals Kuala Lumpur: 5 departures and 4 arrivals Brisbane: 2 departures and 2 arrivals Pudong - Shanghai: 1 departure and 1 arrival Gold Coast: 1 departures and 1 arrival Perth: 2 departures and 3 arrivals Cairns: 1 departure and 1 arrival Adelaide: 1 departure and 1 arrival Incheon - Seoul: 1 departure and 1 arrival Advertisement It is dangerous to fly with volcanic ash in the air because it is abrasive and hard, which can damage parts of the plane, mainly the propellers. Volcanic ash can also reduce visibility, making it even more hazardous to fly. Politicians in Hungary have dismissed the notion Britain could agree a deal with the European Union to facilitate the return of migrants who crossed the Channel. Budapest politicians in the Fidesz party, led by the hardline Viktor Orban, say the country would 'never' join up to any potential deal because it is 'unfeasible'. Sir Keir Starmer has been seeking to restore a pre-Brexit security deal with the EU in order to smash people-smuggling gangs - but is powerless at present to turn those who make small boat crossings around and send them back to France. This is because, as part of the Brexit deal agreed by previous Tory governments, the UK left the Dublin Regulation that allows Ireland to send migrants back to the first EU state they arrived in as they made their journey from their point of origin. Hungary could even be that first nation if migrants cross from Serbia from across the Balkans - but Budapest politicos say even an offer by the UK to pay for the upkeep of the border fence with Serbia would not be enough to sway them. Sir Keir Starmer shakes hands with Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban at the European Political Community Summit last week The Labour PM is keen for a post-Brexit migrant return deal that would allow the UK to send migrants back to their EU point of origin for processing (pictured: people boarding a boat in France on October 30) At present, the UK is powerless to send migrants back to Europe because of Brexit (pictured: Migrants arriving in Dover on October 31) Your browser does not support iframes. A police officer stands ready with a knife to puncture a dinghy trying to leave France on November 5 The landlocked nation is currently president of the European Council, and world leaders from across the bloc met last week to discuss issues such as migration, economic security and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. But speaking to reporters at the summit, Mr Orban's spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said Britain's hopes of a post-Brexit migrant deal were a pipe dream. 'It's not going to happen because it is unfeasible. We never will be engaged, I think, in this kind of scheme,' Mr Kovacs told the Telegraph. 'My first reaction would be that you don't even take it as a negotiation into the negotiation booth ... we can talk about everything, but it's not going to work.' In an attempt to boost his rapport with Hungary, Sir Keir announced deals to boost intelligence-sharing, expertise and co-operation with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo at the summit - all immediately south of the country. But Hungarian politicians are more immediately concerned with the situation within the bloc itself. Fidesz MEP Andras Laszlo said: 'The EU's migration system is currently falling apart. EU countries should first fix the mess in the Schengen area.' Mr Orban's populist government has ruled Hungary with an iron fist - disassembling its media and undermining the judiciary all while opposing many EU motions and activities as he rakes in its cash. However, the country was fined 200million earlier this year after it refused to accept asylum seekers - with Brussels forced to deduct the cash from Hungary's share of the EU budget after Orban's government refused to pay up. He channeled Donald Trump - whom he backed to win the US election - as he wrapped up the European summit in Budapest, telling visitors: 'If the Americans have decided that they are going to make America great, there is only one possible European answer: we shall make Europe great.' The European Political Community Summit brought together world leaders from across the EU and beyond in Budapest Orban's allies have dismissed any notion of a deal between Britain and the EU - even if the Uk offers to contribute to the upkeep of its border fence with Serbia Mr Orban is a great admirer of new US President-elect Donald Trump, and channeled him as he told the Budapest conference: 'We will make Europe great' (photo shows a 2019 meeting) Your browser does not support iframes. And in September, Germany and France's interior ministers wrote to the European Union's home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson urging her to get around the table with Britain and hash out a migration deal. They suggested the lack of legal routes into the UK from Europe was in fact fuelling the smuggling trade Sir Keir has vowed to stamp out. 'The arrival in office of a new British government, demonstrating its intention to cooperate constructively with the EU, seems to us to be conducive to concrete progress on this issue,' they wrote. In Britain, Sir Keir Starmer has previously expressed interest in restoring a security deal with the EU so the UK can lead international people-smuggling investigations. The PM told the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow last week: 'I'm very keen to get the UK into a leadership position when it comes to the actual operations, particularly in relation to smuggling and putting people into small boats across the Channel.' However, he has said he will not cross the 'red lines' of restoring freedom of movement, saying: 'My firm view is that we've got red lines when it comes to the EU. 'We're not going back and we're not going to join the single market, the customs union. We're not going to have freedom of movement. 'But I'm absolutely clear that when it comes to cross-border crime, particularly people-smuggling, the more we can share, the better.' Almost 32,000 people have arrived in Britain on small boats as of November 7 - more than the 29,437 who arrived in 2023. The UN International Organisation for Migration said last month at least 52 people had died trying to make the crossing. A government spokesperson said: 'International cooperation is vital to smash the criminal smuggling gangs. 'We are rebuilding strong relationships across Europe to address our common challenge of irregular migration. It is the first duty of any government to secure its borders.' An emotional father-of-five has fought back tears as he recalled the terrifying moment his and his infant son's lives were threatened by an alleged gunman during a two-hour siege at a suburban house, where shots were exchanged with heavily armed police. A man, 26, is expected to be charged after he allegedly barricaded himself with a high-powered rifle inside a Weir Views home in Melbourne's west on Tuesday. Ali and his one-year-old son had just woke up from an afternoon nap when he found his daughter's bedroom door locked after the allegedly armed intruder broke into his Leon Drive home undetected. 'My wife went to pick up my kids from the school and I was sleeping with my youngest son,' he told Nine News. 'One of my daughters' bedrooms was locked and I tried to open [it]... I heard a noise that someone was inside and saying 'I have a gun and I will kill you if you come inside'. 'The guy was with a gun, he can shoot my son, he can shoot me. I couldn't sleep last night.' Ali recalled how the alleged gunman remained on the other side of the bedroom door during the exchange. After backing away from the door, Ali called triple-0 and rang his wife, who told him that police had cordoned the street off. A police officer carries Ali's son to safety after a two-and-a-half-hour siege in Melbourne's west Police negotiated with the man for two hours before Ali and his son were able to be freed through a smashed window at the front of house with the boy carried to safety by police. Ali is grateful for the efforts of police. 'Thank God we are safe and police definitely did a good job,' Ali said. The surrounding area was placed into lockdown, with residents told to remain indoors as specialist officers surrounded the home. Shocked neighbours told Nine News the scene was like a 'Hollywood movie'. 'It was wild, it was not right,' one said. 'My son was just screaming, it was horrific as a mother sorry, as a mother it was horrific,' another told the channel. Superintendent Michael Cruse said police negotiators worked for two hours to encourage the man to leave peacefully. Shortly after 6pm, police believed they had made a breakthrough when the alleged gunman agreed for his hostages to leave unharmed. Police allege the man then opened fire at officers. 'At that point a tactical entry of the house has taken place by police. We'll allege at that point that a further shot was fired towards the police entry team and they were able to deploy a police dog and the male offender was taken down,' Superintendent Cruse said. The alleged gunman, 26, remains in hospital after he was bitten by a police dog during the arrest Supt Cruse revealed one of the elite officers fired back, but did not hit the man. 'The offending is very serious and it's completely unacceptable that police member were exposed to this kind of danger,' Supt Cruse said. Supt Cruse said the man allegedly fired multiple shots at police after he carjacked a 70-year old woman around 2.30pm on Tuesday in Snake Valley. The man then allegedly made his way to Melton, where police deployed a police helicopter to track him for more than 100km to the Weir Views home where a dramatic siege took place. Neighbours on Leon Drive told media the armed man was spotted playing on a trampoline in a nearby backyard before he allegedly forced his way into the home. 'When they raided the house it was just chaotic,' a resident recalled. 'You heard the glass smashing, canines barking, people yelling obviously then we heard this blast and more glass smashing. Supt Cruse confirmed reports that the man had been allegedly observed behaving in a bizarre fashion before taking the hostages, but wouldn't go into specific details. 'There was a period of time where he was behaving erratically in the backyard of the premises, yes,' he said. The alleged offender, 26, from Snake Valley was taken to hospital after he was bitten by a police dog during his dramatic arrest. He's expected to be released from hospital in the coming days, where he will be interviewed by police and most likely charged. MBABANE With the upcoming transition to faster networks, some citizens have voiced dissatisfaction with the decision-making process behind the move to phase out bhompompo. Also called a brick or basic phone, dumb phones are mobile phones that do not connect to the internet. Dumb phones offer minimal features compared to smartphones. For example, smartphones let users customise the device with various apps, layouts and colours. This publication, on its Facebook page, posted that Eswatini is transitioning to 4G and 5G networks, meaning bhompompo days are numbered, as 2G and 3G networks are set to be switched off in the coming years. This was after Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya clarified that the ministry had not yet done away with bhompompo but they were slowly phasing it out until 2026. This was during the ministrys portfolio committee debate on the second quarter performance report in Parliament on Monday. She said the move was informed by the transition to 4G, 5G and 6G networks, where bhompompo would be irrelevant. This is to raise awareness to the users of the phone to be aware that it will be phased out of the market by 2026. We have to explore ways of how people can get to own smart-phones at affordable prices, she said. The minister also highlighted that bhompompo is preferred by people engaging in criminal activities, because it is hard to trace. Affordable For many, these affordable old-school phones have been a lifeline in communication. The move has prompted apprehension among users who rely on these simpler devices for daily communication. The bhompompo phones are often praised for their long battery life and affordability, making them particularly popular among low-income earners and the elderly. One user noted the practicality of bhompompo for business, highlighting its battery longevity compared to modern devices. However, with the upcoming transition to faster networks, some citizens have voiced dissatisfaction, questioning the decision-making process behind this move. Many feel that this technological upgrade does not consider the socioeconomic realities faced by a significant portion of the population. Critics argue that the decision disregards those who lack the financial means to purchase expensive smartphones, with some expressing concern for the elderly, who may struggle to adapt to new technology. A frequent comment pointed out that, in more developed nations, older network models still coexist alongside new technologies. This raises the question of whether a similar strategy could be implemented in Eswatini, given its unique context. Others highlighted the need for government to provide affordable smartphone options or even subsidise them, in light of the current economic challenges. Some users expressed concern for individuals with visual impairments, who may find existing smartphones less user-friendly compared to the tactile keys of bhompompo devices. There were calls from various quarters for government to reconsider its approach, with suggestions that consultations should have included voices from communities most affected by the changes. As discussions continue, citizens are increasingly worried that the path towards digitalisation may leave behind vulnerable populations. The consensus among many commentators is clear; without a supportive transition plan and affordable alternatives, the shift away from bhompompo presents serious risks for those who have long depended on these devices for their daily communications and livelihoods. A child centre manager was sacked after she refused to apologise to a two-year-old who had burnt themselves on a lamp, an employment tribunal heard. Tracy Maddison said she would 'rather resign' then say sorry to the 'distressed' toddler, whose hand blistered after the incident. 'There is no way I am apologising to a two-year-old for the accident,' she told bosses. It was heard the manager did not remove the 'offending lamp', or call the child's parents, and displayed a 'dismissive' attitude towards the accident, citing it was 'nothing serious'. The senior employee, who had worked at the childcare centre for 15 years, was sacked and later tried to sue for unfair dismissal. But her claim was not upheld by an employment judge who said she was guilty of 'plenty' of misconduct and 'failed to adequately manage the accident'. The tribunal, held in Leeds, heard Ms Maddison started working for Thorpe Willoughby Childcare Centre in Selby, North Yorkshire, in 2008. She told the panel that she initially started working for the centre as a volunteer and was later in charge of the 'day to day running' of the organisation. Tracy Maddison refused to say sorry to a child who burnt their hand while she was working at the Thorpe Willoughby Childcare Centre in Selby, North Yorkshire, a tribunal heard (the nursery is positioned off this road and next to the local primary school) In June of last year, a two year old child burned their hand on a light bulb in a lamp, which was on the floor of the nursery. It was heard the burn progressed from 'redness to blistering' and the toddler's mother took them into hospital for treatment. Ms Maddison said while the child was 'very distressed and upset' after the injury, by the time she got to them the 'screaming had stopped' and 'the child was calm'. She said after seeing the red mark on the toddler's hand, she asked a colleague to advise the parents to take the youngster to A&E to 'get checked out'. The manager did not wait for the mother of the injured child when she came to pick them up, it was heard. Another employee told the tribunal that there was a 'small bruise' in the middle of the youngster's hand and another said the 'child was too upset to say what was wrong'. Ms Maddison did not report the accident to the centre's chairman, Laura Howey, who was tasked with ensuring that health and safety was maintained at the nursery. When the chairman arrived at the centre, she asked Ms Maddison about the accident and the manager told her it was 'nothing serious'. Maddison said she would 'rather resign' then say sorry to the 'distressed' toddler, whose hand blistered after the incident (pictured is a stock image of children playing at a nursery) It was heard Ms Maddison apologised to the mother but didn't ask how the child was. The centre's deputy manager met with Ms Howey and the mother, and heard how the parent was 'unhappy' with how Ms Maddison had dealt with the incident. She asked for a verbal apology, to which Ms Maddison later said 'There is no way I am apologising to a two year old for the accident', She said she would 'rather resign than apologise to the child', the tribunal heard. The deputy manager said Ms Maddison's attitude was 'dismissive' and she thought the injury was 'minor'. The tribunal noted that the centre's policy stated that it was 'mandatory' for staff to call parents in the case of any accidents, which the manager did not do. They said the manager 'did not remove the offending lamp' and asked that the light is not taken away from the building. She said she had 'no idea' why the lamp was on the floor, and she did not ask why. The centre held an 'emergency meeting' into the matter and instructed it's HR consultants to carry out an investigation to the accident. Several complaints about Ms Maddison's conduct arose in investigation meetings, it was heard. One employee complained about the 'unprofessional and concerning attitude' of Ms Maddison and said during a meeting she became 'agitated and annoyed' before 'storming out'. Among other complaints, it was heard the manager would often shout at staff in an 'aggressive manner' and would also claim back hours 'without approval', whilst working from home. She was dismissed in September 2023. Dismissing her unfair dismissal claim, Employment Judge Jeremy Shulman said a 'catalogue of behaviour from the most senior employee in the centre' arose after the accident, which she had 'failed to adequately manage'. 'Clearly, and not belittling the rest of the conduct, the accident evidence was the most serious, not necessarily because of the accident itself, but because of the claimant's uncaring attitude to the child, the mother, concerned staff and concerned committee members,' EJ Shulman said. 'We find that the [centre] believed that [Ms Maddison] was guilty of misconduct and there was plenty of it.' They said her sacking 'fell within that band of reasonable responses' and dismissed her claims of unfair dismissal. Donald Trump has raised eyebrows by nominating a 44-year-old Fox News host with no government experience to become his Secretary of Defense - putting him in charge of the world's largest military and a $800 billion budget. The appointment of 'anti-woke' firebrand Pete Hegseth drew swift condemnation from Trump's opponents in Washington, with one veterans' advocate branding him 'undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for Defense Secretary in history'. While some Republican lawmakers had a muted response to the announcement, others pointed to his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a captain in the Army National Guard and won two Bronze Stars. Hegseth co-hosts Fox & Friends Weekend after joining the network as a contributor in 2014 following an unsuccessful Senate run in Minnesota. He is said to have become friends with Trump during the president-elect's regular appearances on the show. Trump said yesterday: 'With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down. Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ''Peace through Strength'' policy.' The appointment of 'anti-woke' firebrand Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense drew swift condemnation from many in Washington Hegseth is married to television producer Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, with the pair tying the knot back in 2019 Hegseth and Ms Rauchet promoting his book alongside Trump at the president-elect's Bedminster golf course Your browser does not support iframes. Hegseth's appointment is a snub to former Democrat Congresswoman and Trump ally Tulsi Gabbard, who had said just hours before that she wanted the job. It follows a string of heavily-scrutinized Trump appointments, including former South Dakota governor Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security, John Ratcliffe as CIA director, Mike Waltz as national security adviser and senior Trump campaign adviser Susie Wiles as chief of staff. But by far the most attention has gone to the tapping of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency, which has been tasked with 'dismantling' the $6.5 trillion federal government. Alongside his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth served overseas in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch. He has tattoos on his body including crosses as well as the Latin phrases 'Deus vult', meaning 'God wills it', and 'Ne desut virtus', which translates as 'Let valour not fail'. The slogan 'Deus vult' is said to have originated in the 11th century as a rallying call for Catholics during the First Crusade. Hegseth has previously said: 'I've got Deus Vult - God Wills It - which was the cry of the Crusaders, on my bicep. 'My entire pec is a Jerusalem cross. Israel, Christianity, and my faith are things I care deeply about.' His appointment could bring sweeping changes to the military, with the TV host passionately opposed to 'woke' diversity programmes and the role of women in combat. He has also backed pardoning service members charged with war crimes. It will also add to Democrat fears Trump will use his powers as commander-in-chief to carry out a purge of generals, given Hegseth has previously demanded the sacking of top military leaders - including Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown. 'First of all, you've got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,' Hegseth told a podcast. 'Any general that was involved, any general, admiral, whatever, that was involved in any of the DEI/woke s**t has got to go.' On a recent appearance on Fox News, Hegseth made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring Hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isn't messing around,' he said. If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will inherit the top job during a series of global crises - ranging from Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East to escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Critics of his appointment have pointed to his lack of experience in high office. 'Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history. And the most overtly political. Brace yourself, America,' Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, wrote on X last night. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters that he 'did not know who Pete Hegseth was until about 20 minutes ago'. 'The job of Secretary of Defense should not be an entry-level position,' he added on X. The tattoed veteran co-hosts Fox & Friends Weekend Supporters pointed to his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan , where he served as a captain in the Army National Guard and won two Bronze Stars A photo Hegseth shared on his action-packed Instagram Among Hegseth's tattoos is the Latin phrase 'Ne desit virtus', meaning 'Let valour not fail' He also has crosses tattooed on his torso and on his right arm the words 'Deus vult', which translates as 'God wills it' Others were less polite, with one defense industry lobbyist asking Politico: 'Who the f**k is this guy?' Hegseth is the author of 'The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free', which bills itself as 'the key to saving our warriors - and winning future wars.' In June, at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump encouraged his supporters to buy the book after vowing that if he won: 'The woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours. I can tell you.' A staunch conservative who embraces Trump's 'America First' policies, Hegseth has pushed for making the military more lethal, claiming that allowing women to serve in combat hurts that effort. 'Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, that means casualties are worse,' he told podcast host Shawn Ryan. And while he said diversity in the military is a strength, he said it was because minority and white men 'can perform similarly' but the same isn't true for women. Hegseth has also served in the National Guard Unit in Washington DC, where he claimed he was prevented from guarding Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021 as he was deemed to be an 'extremist' for his tattoo. He told the Shawn Ryan Show podcast: 'The Jerusalem cross tattoo, which is just a Christian symbol, is what got me disinvited. My commander called me a day before tepidly and was like 'major you can stand down, we don't need you'.' Hegseth claimed someone 'trolled' his social media, found the tattoo and 'used it as an excuse' to label him a 'white nationalist and extremist'. This meant he was revoked from guarding the inauguration because he was 'considered a potential threat'. Hegseth is a staunch conservative who embraces Trump's 'America First' policies Alongside his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth served overseas in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Another of Hegseth's tattoos is the phrase 'Deus vult' on his right bicep. The phrase which translates to 'God wills it' in Latin, is associated with the Crusades in the 11th century and was supposedly used as a rallying cry by Catholics. 'I've got Deus Vult - God Wills It - which was the cry of the Crusaders, on my bicep... My entire pec is a Jerusalem cross. Israel, Christianity, and my faith are things I care deeply about,' he told The Big Lead in 2020. Hegseth added he has been fond of tattoos since an early age and got his first one during a family holiday. Another of his inks also include a cross with a sword through it on his forearm. It represents the Bible verse Matthew 10:34, which says: 'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.' Hegseth is married to television producer Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, with the pair tying the knot back in 2019. Hegseth has two previous marriages, having been married to Meredith Schwarz between 2004 and 2009 before going on to marry Samantha Deering. However, after seven years of marriage, the pair divorced one another in 2017, but do have three children from their time together, named Gunner, Bonne, and Rex. Following an extramarital relationship with Rauchet while he was married to Deering, Hegseth welcomed a daughter with the former, who was born in August 2017. Along with having a child of their own together, Hegseth is a father to Rauchet's three children from her first marriage: Kenzie, Jackson and Luke. Hegseth appearing on Fox & Friends alongside Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade in 2019 Hegseth's nomination is further evidence of Trump's determination to carry out a full-scale 'war on woke' in the military after being left frustrated at official resistance to his policies in his first term. Expected policy changes including reintroducing a ban on transgender troops, ending abortion travel policies and a stout defence of the practice of naming bases after Confederate figures. Trump is said to be planning to set up a 'warrior board' to review senior officers in the US military, which would be the first step in tackling the 'woke generals' he complained about on the campaign trail. A copy of the order, seen by the Wall Street Journal, indicates the process will be outsourced to former officers who have gained Trump's trust. Eric Edelman, who served as the Pentagon's top policy official during the Bush administration, suggested Hegseth's appointment was evidence that Trump 'puts the highest value on loyalty'. 'It appears that one of the main criteria that's being used is, how well do people defend Donald Trump on television?' he told an interview. A number of other names floated as possible defense choices had included Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, the GOP chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon official who was head of Veterans Affairs in Trump's first term. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that Hegseth's lack of senior national security experience would make it more difficult to get Senate confirmation. 'I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him,' Cancian said. Even some Republicans in the Senate - who would vote on his nomination - had a subdued response. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called the choice 'interesting,' and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who served in the Marine Corps, said, 'I dont know much about his background or his vision, so I look forward to learning more.' Hegseth is said to have become friends with Trump during the president-elect's regular appearances on the show He was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said he's not surprised that Trump chose Hegseth because Trump is 'close to him and likes him and trusts him.' 'The guy's obviously tremendously capable, a great communicator,' Hoeven said. 'I look forward to getting to know him better.' The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide. If confirmed, Hegseth would face a daunting array of global crises, from the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the expanding alliance between Russia and North Korea to the growing competition with China. There is also the need to upgrade the complex US missile and nuclear defense apparatus and ensure the defense industry can keep up with America's need for weapons systems. While the Pentagon is considered a key coveted post in any administration, the defense secretary was a tumultuous post during Trumps first term. Five men held the job during his four years only to resign, be fired or serve briefly as a stopgap. Just two of them were actually confirmed by the Senate. 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 werent prepared to explain or defend. Many of the generals who worked in his first administration - both on active duty and retired - have slammed him as unfit to serve in the Oval Office and he has condemned them in return. A spokesperson for Fox News Media told DailyMail.com: 'Pete Hegseth has been an exceptional host on FOX & Friends and FOX Nation and a best-selling author for FOX News Books for nearly a decade.' 'His insights and analysis especially about the military resonated deeply with our viewers and made the program the major success that it is today. We are extremely proud of his work at FOX News Media and wish him the best of luck in Washington.' Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles Border Czar: Tom Homan United Nations Ambassador: Elise Stefanik U. S. EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth Government efficiency chiefs: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy National Security Advisor: Rep. Mike Waltz Secretary of State: Sen. Marco Rubio Homeland Security Secretary: Gov. Kristi Noem Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee CIA Director: John Ratcliffe Health and Human Services (according to reports): Ben Carson Senior Health Advisor (mooted): Robert F. Kennedy Jr. White House Press Secretary: William McGinley Special Envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff U. S. trade representative: Robert Lighthizer The mother, who suffered from depression, is a key suspect and left a note The father found the young children stabbed to death in their Alpine home A horrified French father returned home to find his family's three children brutally stabbed to death yesterday. The father, who has not yet been named, found the children, two boys aged two and 11, and a 13-year-old girl, dead in their home in Taninges, a ski town near France's border with Switzerland, with several stab wounds. The blended family's mother, a 45-year-old woman who local media reported suffered from depression, is currently missing and is considered a key suspect in the children's tragic deaths, which is now being investigated as an 'intentional homicide'. She is understood to be the blood relative of the girl, 13, and the 11-year-old boy, while the father was directly related to the family's youngest child. According to French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere, she left a letter and then headed towards the mountains surrounding the town. It is not currently known what the letter said. Le Parisien reported that 60 French cops are currently searching for her, supported by helicopters and diving squads. This photograph shows a view of the house where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 13, 2024 French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of a street, near the location where three children were found dead, in Taninges, eastern France, on November 12, 2024 French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of street near the location where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 12, 2024 Cops are currently interviewing the family's relatives. The investigation has been handed over to the Bonneville public prosecutor's office. The shocking Alps killing comes after two small children were last week found decapitated in a bathtub on the French island of Guadeloupe. The bodies of the mutilated four-year-old and 13-month-old siblings were discovered by their distressed father in their family home. The children's mother, the prime murder suspect, was found naked and wandering the streets by two police officers after the alarm was raised. According to French outlet Le Parisien, the woman, who is believed to be in her forties, was speaking incoherently and was unable to explain the reasons for her actions when approached by police. According to public prosecutor Caroline Talbo, the woman was initially taken into custody and then released due to her mental state, and has since been hospitalised. The father of murdered beautician Elle Edwards has slammed the decision to release the thug who helped her killer as it 'makes a mockery of the sentencing'. Gangster Connor Chapman, 24, was jailed for a minimum of 48 years for killing the 26-year-old after she was gunned down outside a pub in Wallasey, Merseyside, on Christmas Eve 2022. Thomas Waring, 21, was also jailed for nine years for his role in the murder after he hid the submachine gun and burned the getaway car used by Chapman. Waring has only served less than a third of his sentence, but is set to be freed under the Government's early release scheme as early as April 2026 meaning he will have served just two years and nine months. Elle's devastated father Tim Edwards said he was 'shocked and angry' about the decision, which he believes 'makes a mockery of the sentencing' and 'rewards' Waring and others like him 'for being a criminal'. Tim Edwards (pictured), the father of murdered beautician Elle Edwards, has slammed the decision to release the thug who helped her killer Elle Edwards (pictured) was gunned down outside a pub in Wallasey, Merseyside, on Christmas Eve 2022 Connor Chapman, 24, (pictured) was jailed for a minimum of 48 years for Elle's murder last year Thomas Waring, 21, (pictured) could walk free from prison after serving less than a third of his sentence Mr Edwards received the devastating news about Waring's early release in a letter from a victim liaison officer at the Ministry of Justice, which cited 'significant issues with the prison population' as the reason for Waring's early release. Appearing on Good Morning Britain earlier today, Mr Edwards said: 'It makes a mockery of the sentencing. When I received the letter I was obviously shocked and very angry. 'He is basically being put on the same category as a shoplifter. So what kind of message are we sending. 'There is no deterrent and if you are going to be released early to me it looks like a reward for being a criminal.' Sir Keir Starmer's Government announced in July that thousands of prisoners would be released early to combat prison overcrowding. Mr Edwards said he never considered Waring could be released as part of the scheme when he first heard about it. He said: 'Obviously he has assisted in a horrendous crime which is the murder of Elle and for someone to be released early for assisting in a crime like that it doesn't make sense. 'It goes against everything we are trying to do. So it's very frustrating.' Mr Edwards, who appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier today (pictured), received the devastating news about Waring's early release in a letter from a victim liaison officer at the Ministry of Justice Mr Edwards (pictured with Elle) said he was 'shocked and angry' about the decision, which he believes 'makes a mockery of the sentencing' Elle (pictured) was killed after Chapman opened fire outside the Lighthouse pub shortly before midnight in the culmination of a gang feud Undated handout file photo of a generic photo of a Skorpion sub-machine gun, similar to that used in the shooting which killed Elle Edwards Chapman, 24, was jailed for a minimum of 48 years for Elle's murder last year. He opened fire outside the Lighthouse pub shortly before midnight, killing her and injuring five others, in the culmination of a gang feud. Afterwards, Chapman drove a stolen Mercedes to the home of Waring, who destroyed the car and concealed the weapon. He was convicted of possessing a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender. Mr Edwards continued: 'What's to stop him from coming out and he knows where that gun is, the gun has never been found. 'What is to stop him coming out and picking that gun up and using it himself.' Mr Edwards has since written to the PM demanding answers surrounding Waring's early release. Several MPs have reported their phones being snatched by terrifying bike gangs roaming the streets of London after the Labour MP Chris Webb was attacked. A letter from the Government Whips office told politicians to be 'wary' around Westminster after 'a number' of MPs had their phones stolen nearby. At the start of the month, Mr Webb, the MP for Blackpool South, had his phone grabbed on a quiet street by five or six people 'cheering and laughing' as they fled. The 'deadly silent' group of balaclava-clad thugs mugged and attacked the 6ft politician, snatching his 1,400 iPhone out of his hands while he was walking back from Parliament at 10pm on November 4. The capital is in the grip of a phone-snatching frenzy that has seen the internet dominated by clips of masked thugs swooping on unsuspecting victims before racing off on e-bikes. Workers in Westminster told MailOnline that phone theft happens daily - and not even those in government are exempt from being targets of the terrifying bike gangs. It comes after the Government announced a crackdown on the rise in phone thefts. Labour MP Chris Webb was the victim of phone snatching as he walked home from work Mr Webb with his wife Portia and son Cillian Douglas when he won the Blackpool South by-election in May In a letter sent on Tuesday, the Whips office said: 'Colleagues should be aware that a number of MPs have had their phones snatched within the vicinity of the estate. Colleagues are reminded to be wary when not on the estate.' The Met Police said two 16-year-old boys and three 15-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of robbery after Mr Webb's incident. They have since been released on bail. A spokesman added that there is nothing to suggest that MPs are being targeted. There were 66,528 phone thefts recorded in London between October last year and September this year - up 40 per cent compared to 2023. Figures show that Westminster is the worst area in the capital for phone snatching - with a shocking 22,253 incidents reported in the year leading up to September 2024. That equates to 85.4 thefts per every 1,000 people. Earlier this month, Mr Webb, 38, was on the phone with his wife Portia, who he told that he was going to hang up as he was in an area he didn't know well and was apprehensive. Moments later, criminals sped up behind him on electric bikes before swooping in and nabbing his phone in a matter of seconds. As the gang escaped, he locked his iPhone using his Apple smartwatch and when the police came, he helped them to track the phone to a location where a person was caught with a bag of phones and arrested. His own phone was not recovered. Recalling the harrowing incident, Mr Webb told the Mail: 'I was walking back from Parliament on Monday evening about 10pm and had been on the phone to my wife and checking in on my son. Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner meet MP Chris Webb after his victory in Blackpool South A letter from the Government Whips office reminded MPs to be 'wary' around Westminster after several incidents were reported. Pictured is the Houses of Parliament Sir Keir Starmer and MP for Chester, Samantha Dixon welcome Chris Webb on his first day at work in the Houses of Parliament in May 'I said to my wife: 'I'm going to put my phone away because I don't know this area,' before putting it in my pocket. 'I then popped into a local shop to pick up a delivery. I had walked four or five steps after I left the shop and went to get my phone out to call her back. 'They came up behind they were deadly silent. They were wearing balaclavas and were on bikes. 'The first I knew of it was when they grabbed my arms. Then they snatched the phone from my pocket and cycled off. 'I shouted and swore at them and considered giving chase. They were cheering and laughing. I realised I was outnumbered so I left it.' He said he was 'shocked and frustrated' by the ordeal, adding: 'I'm a big lad a 6ft 2in rugby player so I don't normally worry about this stuff.' The 38-year-old, who won a landslide victory in the Blackpool South by-election in May, praised the 'swift response' by Metropolitan Police officers following the terrifying attack. Gangs of balaclava-clad cyclists roam London looking for phones to snatch CCTV captured the moment a unsuspecting man had his mobile snatched in broad daylight by a crook in all black near Hyde Park He added: 'I want to thank the Met Police for their swift response and support. The officers who assisted me went above and beyond. They are a remarkable credit to the force.' Fellow MPs sent Mr Webb messages of support, including Chris Bryant who said: 'I hope you're OK. Sending you best wishes.' Other Labour MPs including Kate Osborne, Josh Fenton-Glynn and Jacob Collier echoed Mr Bryant's well wishes. Mr Webb became the MP for Blackpool South after Labour's massive by-election victory in May. He received 10,825 votes at the time, with the Tories embarrassingly trailing behind with just 3,218. The MP was also the deputy police and crime commissioner for Lancashire between 2018 and 2021 and a councillor for Manchester City Council from 2015 to 2018. Following the attack, he tweeted: 'Luckily I have no injuries and I am ok. 'The officers who assisted me went above and beyond,' he said. 'They are a remarkable credit to the force.' Announcing a crackdown on phone mugging, the Government said 78,000 people had phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets, suggesting this is being driven by increased demand for second hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas. A balaclava-clad thief was seen brazenly snatching a mobile phone from a woman's hand before racing away in central London in April Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has vowed to work with phone makers to make devices less lucrative targets of theft - but there are concerns phones will still be sold for parts Data for the last year shows the equivalent of more than 200 snatch thefts every day in England and Wales, the highest rate in more than a decade. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 'These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever's necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery. 'Phone companies must ensure that any stolen phones can be quickly, easily and permanently disabled, rather than re-registered for sale on the second-hand market, and we will be meeting them soon to discuss what further action is required to make that happen. 'If we work together, government, tech companies and law enforcement can break the business model of the phone thieves and moped gangs who rely on this trade.' Businesses in Westminster told MailOnline they warn their customers, employees and tourists about the phone thefts. Met Police commander, Owain Richards, previously told MailOnline: 'We understand the impact that mobile phone theft can have on victims it's an invasive and sometimes violent crime - and we're committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer. 'Met officers are targeting resources to hotspot areas, such as Westminster, Lambeth and Newham, with increased patrols and plain clothes officers which deter criminals and make officers more visibly available to members of the community. 'We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working with phone firms to 'design out' the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft. 'We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly.' The Church of England is facing demands for more resignations over the 'shameful' failure to help child abuse victims today after the Archbishop of Canterbury's dramatic departure. Justin Welby fell on his sword yesterday after a damning report laid out how the church's worst abuser was able to escape justice. But the clamour for more individuals to take responsibility is growing, with survivors warning Mr Welby must not be 'a sacrificial lamb' and that other senior clergy implicated in the scandal should also quit. Cabinet minister Wes Streeting - himself an Anglican - said this morning that Mr Welby had made 'absolutely the right decision'. But he warned the Church against thinking that 'one head rolling solves the problem'. Stressing he was speaking in a personal capacity rather than as a minister, Mr Streeting told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he felt a 'deep sense of shame about the failures of the Church of England'. 'This is happening time and time and time again,' he said. Justin Welby fell on his sword yesterday after a damning report laid out how the church's worst abuser was able to escape justice Cabinet minister Wes Streeting - himself an Anglican - said this morning that Mr Welby had made 'absolutely the right decision' John Smyth (pictured) is believed to be the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England 'So it is right that the Archbishop of Canterbury has taken responsibility for his failures and the failures of the church overall. 'What I would say and I'm speaking as an Anglican, not as a Government minister to other leaders of my church is that don't think that one head rolling solves the problem. 'There are deep and fundamental issues of not just practice, but culture on safeguarding that needs to be taken seriously.' Mr Streeting praised Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, who called for Mr Welby to quit, saying she had 'the courage to speak up, because the conspiracy of silence has been part of the problem'. 'The culture of cover-up has been part of the problem on serious abuse allegations for far too long and I'm glad that the Archbishop of Canterbury has taken responsibility,' he said. Meanwhile, a bishop and church safeguarding lead said other people may need to resign. Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead and deputy lead bishop for safeguarding said: 'What I am really clear on is that just the Archbishop of Canterbury resigning is not going to solve the problem. I think he has done the right thing. 'This is about institutional changes, our culture and a systemic failure so there must be more that we need to do. 'Very possibly some other people should go. I'm not here to name names.' However, the second most senior figure in the Church said he does not think any more bishops need resign. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: 'Those who actively covered this up (should resign), which was not bishops. 'When people speak about the Church of England we need to remember we are speaking about literally thousands of branches, parishes, chaplaincies.' Asked if more bishops should resign, he said: 'The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned.' Mr Cottrell added: 'Yes (that is enough) because he has resigned for the institutional failings.' In an unprecedented step, Mr Welby said yesterday he had sought permission from the King to step down 'in the best interests of the Church'. His resignation was tendered after days of pressure from senior clergy and came after Keir Starmer twice failed to give him full backing, saying the victims had been failed 'very, very badly'. Downing Street has declined to say whether Mr Welby would receive the life peerage customarily given to former Archbishops of Canterbury, with a source adding that it is 'not automatic'. His resignation comes after a long-awaited review last week concluded that barrister John Smyth's 'abhorrent' serial abuse of more than 100 boys and young men was covered up within the Church. The Makin review also criticised the Archbishop for showing a 'distinct lack of curiosity' after learning of Smyth's abuse in 2013, which meant the abuser was never brought to justice before his death in 2018. In a statement from Lambeth Palace, Mr Welby admitted it was clear he must 'take personal and institutional responsibility'. 'Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty the King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury,' he said. '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 likely to be some time before a successor is announced. The statement added that Archbishop Welby will continue to carry out 'constitutional and Church responsibilities' until exact dates for a handover are confirmed. Mr Welby added: 'The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly 12 years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.' He added: 'I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. 'I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us.' Survivors of Smyth's abuse welcomed Mr Welby's resignation and said he has 'done the right thing'. But they said they want to see other resignations as the 'list of clergy in the 'circles of awareness' is staggering'. There were calls for the resignation of Rt Rev Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Lincoln, who was implicated in the scandal when he was the Bishop of Ely. Mark Stibbe, an ex-vicar and author, said: 'We asked for the Archbishop of Canterbury, who we knew knew about the abuses in 2013, and the Bishop of Ely and other senior figures in the CofE to do the right thing, and Justin Welby has done the right thing.' He told Channel 4 News: 'So I applaud Welby for resigning but what I think the survivor group would like is more resignations because that means more accountability, people taking responsibility for having been silent when they should have spoken.' Another survivor, who reported Smyth's abuse to the Bishop of Lincoln in 2013, also called for him to step aside last night. At the COP29 summit yesterday, Keir Starmer said that findings in the review by Keith Makin that Smyth abused more than 100 boys and young men are 'clearly horrific' and that his victims 'have obviously been failed very, very badly' 'He was the person in a position to stop John Smyth, bring him to justice and he fundamentally failed,' the man told the BBC, adding: 'I don't care about his prayers, I want his resignation.' Bishop Conway apologised following the review, saying: 'I understand that there were further actions I could have taken following my reporting of the disclosures made to us in the Diocese of Ely about John Smyth.' The law requires that an Archbishop of Canterbury retires by the age of 70, meaning 68-year-old Mr Welby would have had almost two more years until a successor was appointed. It is more common for Archbishops to die in office than to resign, with Thomas Becket being assassinated and Thomas Cranmer executed. Randall Davidson was the first to retire in 1928. And while Rowan Williams, Lord Williams of Oystermouth, resigned in 2012 at the age of 62, he did so to take up a position as master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Queenslanders living in regional and remote parts of the state are paying sky high airfares to travel to and from Brisbane, a situation which has led to veteran MP Bob Katter lashing out. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex currently service areas such as Mount Isa, Longreach and Roma, with customers being charged in excess of $1,200 to fly return to Brisbane on some flights. Mr Katter - who has been the member for outback seat of Kennedy for decades - said regional Queenslanders paid twice as much for flights than they had to and were being used to subsidise flights where the major airlines had competition. The maverick veteran MP said Qantas used their 'huge profit margin' to subsidise international flights, but there was no competition within Australia. The MP said people in Mount Isa, Townsville and Roma were being charged double what should be being charged. 'I'll tell you one thing about Qantas, it ain't the spirit of Australia,' he said. '(Former chief executive Alan) Joyce might be gone, but his spirit lives on and that spirit is not the spirit of Australia.' Mr Katter said the 'tyranny of distance' had seen his father and uncle die because there were no planes available to get them to urgent medical care, which was a huge issue for people living in regional and remote areas. Queenslanders living in regional and remote parts of the state are paying sky high airfares to travel to and from Brisbane , a situation which has led to veteran MP Bob Katter lashing out (stock image) 'In America, you are never any more than 150km from a city with half a million or a million people,' he said. 'Well 90 per cent of the service here in Quyeeensland is beyond 150km from a big city, so we're fundamentally different from other countries. 'I'm going to attempt to get the three arms of government and the mining companies together and see if we can issue an ultimatum, either do it or take all their business away.' The ABC reported Qantas had redeployed its Boeing 737 aircraft and were using smaller planes to service remote Queensland towns until April next year making it harder for passengers to find flights. In other parts of the state, passengers travelling from Longreach to Brisbane arrived to find their luggage had been left behind because of weight restrictions. Longreach resident Amelia Jones told the ABC she recently travelled to Queensland's capital with her family for surgery, when they reached their destination found out their bags had been left behind. 'It was a bit of a panic. All of my hospital paperwork was in those bags, everything that we needed ... plus all the baby stuff as well,' Ms Jones told the ABC. The Western Australia government introduced a scheme in 2022 to reduce flight costs for residents in regional and remote areas across the state after residents were paying up to $1000 to fly return to Perth. Qantas , Virgin Australia and Rex currently service areas such as Mount Isa, Longreach and Roma, with customers being charged in excess of $1,200 to fly return to Brisbane on some flights The scheme has cost taxpayers $105m and ensures airfares are capped at a maximum ticket price of $199 or $299 one-way. It is funded until June next year. The major airlines came under fire this week after the ACCC released a report which found domestic airfares between capital cities had increased on average 13.3 per cent after Rex pulled out of the major cities in July. The report revealed flights between Adelaide and Melbourne almost doubled increasing by 95 per cent. The report was released the same day the federal government announced an $80m lifeline to embattled airline Rex to continue servicing regional and remote parts of Australia extending their voluntary administration period until July 2025. Qantas and Virgin have been contacted for comment. Donald Trump stunned political observers Tuesday with his surprise choice of Fox News host and U.S. Army veteran Pete Hegseth to be his new Secretary of Defense. The out-of-left-field selection was part of a wider move by Trump to bolster his national security team ahead of his impending second term as president. Trump's decision to nominate Hegseth, 44, to the top cabinet post came as a shock to many as the military man has no previous national security experience and, if confirmed by the Senate, would inherit the one of the world's most powerful post's amid a series of global crises. Those include Russia and Ukraine's ongoing war, the Iran-fueled conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. So, just who is Pete Hegseth, and why would Trump trust the relative unknown to lead oversight of the combined U.S. Armed Forces? Read on below for everything you need to know about the man Trump has tapped to lead the world's largest military and manage its $800 billion budget. Fox anchors Pete Hegseth, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade interview entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Thiel during Fox & Friends at Fox News Channel Studios on Aug. 9, 2019 in New York City What is Pete Hegseth's current job? Currently, Hegseth is the co-host of Fox News Channel's 'Fox & Friends Weekend' show, having worked as a contributor to the network for a decade. In a statement, a Fox News spokesperson complimented Hegseth's military knowledge, saying that his 'insights and analysis especially about the military resonated deeply with our viewers.' Hegseth joined the conservative-leaning news network as a contributor in 2014 following an unsuccessful Senate run in Minnesota. He reportedly became friends with Trump during the president-elect's regular appearances on the show. On a recent appearance on Fox News, he made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring Hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isnt messing around,' he said. What are Pete Hegseth's military credentials? A photo from his social media platforms shows seen in military gear. Hegseth served overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay Hegseth was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch He is seen engaging in shooting practise on a hillside, looking towards the camera while holding a rifle by his feet After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, Hegseth signed up and was commissioned as an infantry captain in the Army National Guard, serving overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay. He was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch, and also unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in Minnesota in 2012. His combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a captain in the Army National Guard, earned Hegseth two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. 'Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down, Trump said in a statement. 'Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our "Peace through Strength" policy,' Trump added. What does Pete Hegseth think about women in combat? This image from Hegseth's Instagram account shows him posing in a t-shirt adorned with the American flag. Hegseth has previously been critical of the notion that women should be allowed in combat Hegseth has been critical of the notion that women should be allowed in combat, saying that, in his opinion, the military has lowered standards to allow women to serve in such roles. Speaking about his book The War on Warriors, which was published in June, Hegseth expressed his surprise that 'there hasn't been more blowback' from it, 'because I'm straight up just saying, we should not have women in combat roles.' Appearing on The Shawn Ryan Show last week, he said: 'It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated. We've all served with women, and they're great.' 'But our institutions don't have to incentivize that in places where, traditionally not traditionally, over human history men in those positions are more capable.' He also said that he does not see why, in his view, women should not be permitted to work in 'physical, labor-intensive type jobs,' such as those with the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces or Marine Special Operations. 'I'm talking about something where strength is the differentiator,' he continued. What are Pete Hegseth's views on 'woke' military? Hegseth has also criticized the military's diversity programs, saying on the same podcast: 'Woke s*** has got to go.' 'Either you're in for warfighting and that's it, that's the only litmus test we care about,' he said. 'You've got to get DEI and CRT out of military academies so you're not training young officers to be baptized in this type of thinking.' Hegseth has demanded the ouster of top military leaders - including Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, left, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attend wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. 'First of all, you've got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,' Hegseth said on the podcast. 'Any general that was involved, any general, admiral, whatever, that was involved in any of the DEI/woke s**t has got to go.' On a recent appearance on Fox News, Hegseth also made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring Hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isn't messing around,' he said. How do Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth know each other? President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox & Friends co-host Pete Hegseth at the White House in Washington on April 6, 2017 Hegseth and Rauchet are seen promoting his book alongside Trump at the president-elect's Bedminster, N.J., golf course Hegseth sporting a tuxedo lined with an American flag and with a muted flag belt buckle Prior to being appointed as defense secretary, Hegseth developed a friendship with Trump through the president-elect's regular appearances on his Fox show. As Trump formulated his first Cabinet following his 2016 win, Hegseth was among those he considered to run the Department of Veterans Affairs. He again considered Hegseth for the post when Secretary David Shulkin faced criticism before his ouster in 2018. In 2019, Hegseth urged Trump to pardon U.S. service members who had been accused of war crimes by interviewing their relatives on Fox News. He also posted on social media that pardons from Trump 'would be amazing' and subsequently added hashtags to various posts online. The effort was successful, with Trump that year pardoning a former U.S. Army commando set to stand trial in the killing of a suspected Afghan bomb-maker. It also saw a former Army lieutenant previously convicted of murder for ordering his men to fire upon three Afghans, killing two, pardoned for his crimes. What books has Pete Hegseth written? Aside from The War on Warriors, Hegseth has written five other books, which centre on the U.S. Armed Forces and his thoughts on American politics His further works include American Crusade: Our Fight To Stay Free, The Case Against The Establishment and, lastly, In The Arena: Good Citizens, A Great Republic, and How One Speech Can Reinvigorate America Pete Hegseth's book 'The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men who Keep us Free' sold 60,000 copies in the week-plus after its June 4 release. Aside from The War on Warriors, Hegseth has written five other books, which center on the U.S. Armed Forces and his thoughts on American politics. Published at various points between 2016 and 2022, these include: Battle For The American Mind: Uprooting A Century Of Miseducation, Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes, which sees Hegseth speak to U.S. veterans. His further works include American Crusade: Our Fight To Stay Free, The Case Against The Establishment and, lastly, In The Arena: Good Citizens, A Great Republic, and How One Speech Can Reinvigorate America. Is Pete Hegseth married? Hegseth is married to television producer Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, with the pair tying the knot back in 2019 The couple are seen attending the annual Patriot Awards. which 'celebrates American patriotism by honoring everyday heroes across the country who have shown dedication to [the] nation' Along with having a child of their own together, Hegseth is a father to Rauchet's three children from her first marriage Following an extramarital relationship with Rauchet while he was married to Samantha Deering, Hegseth welcomed a daughter with the former, who was born in August 2017 Hegseth is pictured with his four children, which came across two different marriages, as well as Rauchet's three children from her first marriage Hegseth is married to television producer Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, with the pair tying the knot back in 2019. Hegseth has two previous marriages, having been married to Meredith Schwarz between 2004 and 2009 before going on to marry Samantha Deering from 2010 to 2017. However, after seven years of marriage, he and Deering divorced one another in 2017, but do have three children from their time together, named Gunner, Bonne, and Rex. Following an extramarital relationship with Rauchet while he was married to Deering, Hegseth welcomed a daughter with the former, who was born in August 2017. Along with having a child of their own together, Hegseth is a father to Rauchet's three children from her first marriage: Kenzie, Jackson and Luke. A British factory worker who embarked on a 'suicide pact' with a 14-year-old Dutch girl before she killed herself has gone on trial for encouraging her death. Christopher Ballard, 42, sent a flurry of emails and WhatsApp messages to Gina Van Houten after she posted her intention to take her own life on the ForumJar site, a court heard. Gina, who lived in Amsterdam, posted her first message on February 15, 2018. Under the title 'Suicide pact Netherlands' it read: 'Hi, my name is Gina. I am a 14-year-old female and I am planning to commit suicide. 'I would rather do it with someone else than alone. I am asking if you are willing to do it with me.' British factory worker Christopher Ballard, 42, is standing trial for encouraging the death of a 14-year-old girl from the Netherlands who killed herself Ballard, of Bradford, West Yorkshire, was a shift worker at a plastics factory but claimed he worked in a hospital and had access to drugs, when he was in contact with the teenager between February 17 and March 3. A jury at Bradford Crown Court heard that Gina was found dead in the bathroom of her home by her mother on March 28. A 'farewell letter' was discovered on her mobile phone. It read: 'I am not here anymore when you read this. I want everyone to know that it was my own will. 'I know there is always pain for those left behind. I just do not want to live any more. 'It's not that I have had a terrible life. I want to know what it's like to be dead. 'Sorry once again. Thanks for everything. Love Gina.' Prosecutor James Bourne-Arton KC said the case against Ballard focused on the messages that he sent, which were capable of encouraging Gina to die by suicide and that was what the sender had intended. He said she accepted what Ballard told her as genuine that he too wanted to die by suicide as opposed to fantasy role-play. The court heard that Ballard told Gina he worked in a hospital and could access 'strong medicines' that cause sleepiness. He also suggested methods of dying by suicide, discussed flying to Holland, and whether Gina could meet him at the airport. Their messages also involved her friends with whom she had a 'suicide pact' WhatsApp group. In one message Gina wrote that she had had enough of life 'and want to sleep forever'. Bradford Crown Court heard that Gina was found dead in the bathroom of her home by her mother on March 28, 2018, just over a month after posting her first message on Forum Jar In another chat she mentioned considering suicide and made reference to 'Chris from the UK who also wants to die'. She described him as a doctor who worked in Leeds. Many of the messages, as well as Gina's original suicide pact post, flight schedules between Leeds Bradford Airport and Amsterdam International Airport, and a photograph of Ballard, were found in a folder on her phone after her death. His first message to Gina, sent at 2.49am on February 17, told her he was 'very much after same'. In another he asked 'Have you methods in mind? I have got ideas' and 'I think it's best to think of a possible place and methods before I come there.' In response to his suggested methods Gina wrote: 'I like those methods too.' He suggested places to carry out the suicide pact and suggested Gina could use a bus or train to reach them. He said where the items needed to carry out the pact could be bought. But Gina wanted to know more about Ballard, observing; 'We are going to die together' but that they knew hardly anything about each other. At that point, she said she was just 14 years old. He told her he was 34. He was in fact 37. And he lied by saying he worked in a hospital in the UK. He asked Gina for a photograph of herself and asked: 'How long have you felt like sleeping forever?' Gina replied: 'About a year.' Ballard said: 'I have wanted [to kill myself] for some time. The more real people the better. It's harder on your own.' Following a joint investigation by Dutch authorities and West Yorkshire Police, which traced the number of the phone posting the messages to Ballard, he was arrested at his home on September 28, 2020. In an interview, he denied knowing Gina and said he had not sent the messages. He said he did not have access to medicines and had no interest in suicide. Ballard denies a charge of encouraging or assisting her suicide. The trial continues. For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org This is the shocking moment a drunk woman hit a flight attendant in front of her four-year-old daughter before turning on a police officer. The mother can be seen attacking the cabin crew member on a flight from Moscow to Surgut in Russia on November 8. She was then filmed assaulting the police officer who arrested her, causing her child to cry. The woman, who has not been named, was returning from a holiday with her young daughter when the shocking outburst occurred. According to the Russian authorities the woman was 'intoxicated' and 'directed obscene language at the flight attendants'. This is the shocking moment a drunk woman hit a flight attendant in front of her four-year-old daughter before turning on a police officer Image shows the woman and her four-year-old daughter during the outburst (faces muzzed) Picture shows the woman being led off the plane by a police officer after being detained She has charged with petty hooliganism, violation of air transport conduct rules, and failure to fulfil parental duties. Spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) Irina Volk said: 'In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (Yugra), police officers have detained an airline troublemaker in a state of alcohol intoxication 'Officers from the police line department at Surgut Airport of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Ural Federal District detained a disruptive passenger. 'Police received information that a passenger on a flight from Moscow to Surgut was behaving inappropriately. 'The woman, displaying signs of alcohol intoxication, directed obscene language at the flight attendants in the presence of her four-year-old daughter. 'The aircraft's captain documented the violation of conduct regulations.' The woman, who has not been named, was returning from a holiday with her young daughter when the shocking outburst occurred A screenshot from the shocking footage released by Russian authorities The mother can be seen attacking the cabin crew member on a flight from Moscow to Surgut in Russia on November 8 According to the Russian authorities the woman was 'intoxicated' and 'directed obscene language at the flight attendants' The statement continued: 'When the plane landed, the troublemaker was met by transport police officers at the exit. 'In their presence, she continued to act provocatively, insulted police officers, and resisted them. 'A medical examination confirmed that the woman was intoxicated. 'It was discovered that in 2015, the detainee had faced criminal charges under Articles 318 and 319 of the Russian Criminal Code. In 2023, she was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm by negligence. 'Additionally, she has been held administratively accountable three times, including for improper fulfilment of responsibilities regarding the upbringing and care of her minor daughter.' MBABANE A businessman stunned the court and those present when he admitted to committing adultery with a teacher, who happened to be his business partners wife. Dumisani Dlamini told the court that he knew Futhi Shongwe as a divorcee when he proposed love to her. However, he said Shongwe confided to him that she was in a divorce process after separating with her husband Muzi Zwane, who is Eclipse Investment Director. There was a time when Shongwe frequented court during the course of our relationship. She then informed me about the divorce proceedings between her and her husband. However, we continued with our relationship even after she had informed me about the ongoing divorce, he said. He said their relationship was a bit shaky after Shongwe informed him that she was pregnant.We just greeted each other without affection, he said. Abusive However, Ncamiso Nxumalo, who is representing Shongwe in the matter, put it to Dlamini that the relationship ended after his client learnt about his abusive nature. Nxumalo said Shongwe could attest to that. Dlamini said he had no comment on what was being said against him. Nxumalo further put it to Dlamini that it is not true to that he started knowing Shongwe last year. He said evidence would be presented that he has been receiving services from Zwanes business for three years, which means that he knew Shongwe about three years ago. Shongwes friend, Sibongile Masilela, testified that she knows Dlamini since 2010. Masilela submitted that she used to accompany Shongwe to Dlaminis homestead situated in Piggs Peak in northern Hhohho. This, she said, was because Dlamini was in a love relationship with Shongwe. She told the court that she had been to too many places with Shongwe. Masilela said, they used to go to Johannesburg together since they were hawkers. She said they used to visit a certain Isaac Hadebe in Pretoria between 2016 and 2017. Isaac was also in a love relationship with Shongwe, she said as those in court murmured. Masilela told the court that she was aware that Shongwe was married. Evidence In his evidence, Zwane, who is divorcing Shongwe told the court that Dlamini openly told him during a business meeting that he used to be in a love relationship with his wife (Shongwe). Zwane submitted that Dlamini was quick to tell him that he ended the affair with his (Zwane) wife, because she was in love with many men, who he claimed included a Pretoria-based judge, dagga farmers and a Nigerian, who was based in Mbabane. He said Dlamini first asked him if he is Zwane, before confiding in him that he used to be in a love relationship with his wife. He said it was his first meeting with Dlamini, who used to deal with his children in their partnership. At the time, Zwane told the court that his wife had long deserted him. My wife was argumentative, resulting in a hostile environment at home. She denied me conjugal rights. At times, she would wake me up at night to talk (vuka sikhulume) while carrying a knife, Zwane alleged. The businessman told the court that Shongwes refusal with conjugal rights deprived him of the opportunity to have children with her. As a result, Zwane submitted that he found new love after he was deserted by Shongwe. He told the court that he has two children with his new lover. I had children out of wedlock and I beg the court to condone me for that. I was compelled by the situation, he said. Zwane applied for a final decree of divorce, so they could go separate ways. He applied that each party keeps what it is in possession of. The businessman told the court that there is only one property that was accumulated before the desertion. He said he has a plot at Mathendele in Nhlangano and Ngwane College. However, he said he has bedsitters where he collects rent to service loans and pay school fees for his children. He said the other property was undeveloped due to a lack of funds. Apart from the plots, Zwane told the court that he has a motor vehicle. Donald Trump is reportedly planning to create a 'warrior board' of retired ex-military personnel to weed out 'woke generals' deemed unfit for leadership. The president-elect's transition team is said to be considering a draft executive order with the power to review three and four-star officers they find 'lacking in requisite leadership qualities', according to the draft seen by the Wall Street Journal. During his campaign for re-election, Donald Trump vowed to purge the military of so-called 'woke' generals, going so far as to suggest his critic and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, could be executed for treason. Current and former U.S. officials say Trump will prioritize loyalty in his second term and root out military officers and career civil servants he perceives to be disloyal. As commander in chief, Trump will have the power to fire any officer at will from January. But an outside board would allow him to sidestep the Pentagon's usual system of promotion, suggesting a looming purge, the WSJ notes. Donald Trump speaks at his last campaign rally before the election in Michigan, November 5 Fox host Pete Hegseth joined the network after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump announced yesterday he would appoint Hegseth to the role of Defense Secretary The draft order reportedly says it will aim to set up a review focusing on 'leadership capability, strategic readiness, and commitment to military excellence'. The conditions for meeting these standards are not laid out in clear terms. The order was built with help from an unnamed external policy group working with the transition team to prepare Trump for office, the WSJ reports. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the transition team, did not address the order directly, but told the outlet: '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.' Such an order would give the so-called 'warrior board' power to sack top officials for failing standards, although it is expected Trump will be keen to target those responsible for the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, as well as those he deems 'woke'. Running for office, he was asked by Fox News in June whether he would fire generals described as 'woke'. 'I would fire them. You can't have (a) woke military,' Trump said. Some officials expect the team could target the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, a widely respected former fighter pilot and military commander who steers clear of politics. The four-star general, who is Black, issued a video message about discrimination in the ranks in the days after the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, and has been a voice in favor of diversity in the U.S. military. Asked for comment, Brown's spokesperson, Navy Captain Jereal Dorsey, told Reuters: 'The chairman along with all of the service members in our armed forces remain focused on the security and defense of our nation and will continue to do so, ensuring a smooth transition to the new administration of President-elect Trump.' Retired army general Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has also severed ties with the president-elect, having called him 'fascist to the core' in the run-up to the election. Milley stepped down in September 2023 after more than 40 years in the military, and raised concerns about Trump in his retirement speech. In 2023 he sensationally told the Washington Post that Trump was 'the most dangerous person to this country', deeming him 'a total fascist'. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testifies before a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the withdrawal from Afghanistan, on March 19, 2024 Trump's vice president-elect, J.D. Vance, voted as a senator last year against confirming Brown to become the top U.S. military officer, and has been a critic of perceived resistance to Trump's orders within the Pentagon. 'If the people in your own government aren't obeying you, you have got to get rid of them and replace them with people who are responsive to what the president's trying to do,' Vance said in an interview with Tucker Carlson before the election. During the campaign, Trump pledged to restore the name of a Confederate general to a major U.S. military base, reversing a change made after Floyd's killing. Trump's strongest anti-woke messaging during the campaign took aim at transgender troops. Trump has previously banned transgender service members and posted a campaign ad, opens new tab on X portraying them as weak, with the vow that 'WE WILL NOT HAVE A WOKE MILITARY!' Only yesterday Trump announced that he was nominating Fox News and army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary from next year. The 44-year-old deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and won two Bronze Stars, then unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News. He is also the author of 'The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.' The book, according to its promo, combines 'his own war experiences, tales of outrage, and an incisive look at how the chain of command got so kinked,' and bills itself as 'the key to saving our warriors - and winning future wars.' U.S. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks at a conference of African chiefs of defense in Gaborone, Botswana on June 25 Hegseth deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and won two Bronze Stars before entering politics Kori Schake of the conservative American Enterprise Institute warned that a second Trump term could see high-level firings as he pushes ahead with controversial policies. 'I think there will be an enormous chaos premium in a second Trump term, both because of the policies he will attempt to enact and the people he will put in place to enact them in terms of appointments,' she said. One U.S. military official downplayed such concerns, saying on condition of anonymity that creating chaos within the U.S. military's chain of command would create political backlash and be unnecessary for Trump to accomplish his goals. 'What these guys will find out is that military officers are generally focused on warfighting and not politics,' the military official said. I feel they'll be satisfied of that - or at least they should be.' Trump has suggested the U.S. military could play an important role in many of his policy priorities, from tapping National Guard and possibly active-duty troops to help carry out a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants to even deploying them to address domestic unrest. Peter Mandelson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next ambassador to the US, has hinted the UK can use Brexit to dodge Donald Trump's trade tariffs. The Labour peer, a leading Remain campaigner, suggested Britain could find a path between the US and EU if the president-elect imposes severe import taxes. Mr Trump, who will return to the White House in January after winning last week's US election, has called tariffs 'the most beautiful word' in the dictionary. He has threatened to slap a 10 per cent tariff on all foreign-made goods, a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese goods and a 100 per cent tariff on all cars imported to the US. Economists have estimated a global trade war sparked by Mr Trump would halve Britain's economic growth and the UK would be one of the most affected countries. But Lord Mandelson suggested Britain could 'find a way to have our cake and eat it' if Mr Trump followed through with his threats. He said it was 'wrong' to think the UK would have to choose between either close collaboration with EU trade policy, or an exceptional trade arrangement with the US. As well as the threat of US trade tariffs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also facing a fresh headache after Mr Trump appointed billionaire Elon Musk to a top role. Peter Mandelson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next ambassador to the US, has hinted the UK can use Brexit to dodge Donald Trump's trade tariffs Mr Trump, who will return to the White House in January after winning last week's US election, has called tariffs 'the most beautiful word' in the dictionary As well as the threat of US trade tariffs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also facing a fresh headache after Mr Trump appointed billionaire Elon Musk to a top role The Tesla boss and owner of X, a vocal supporter of Mr Trump, will jointly lead a new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But Mr Musk's appointment could be bad news for Sir Keir, after the pair engaged in a angry spat over Britain's riots this summer. Mr Musk, estimated to be the world's richest person with a fortune of around $300billion, claimed 'civil war is inevitable' following the violence in the UK. He also branded Britain's premier 'Two Tier Keir' as he fuelled claims that UK police treat some groups more harshly than others. Lord Mandelson, speaking to The Times podcast 'How To Win An Election', dismissed a suggestion that Britain would have line up behind either the EU or the US in a global trade war. 'No, wrong,' he said. 'We have got to navigate our way through this and have, I'm afraid, the best of both worlds. We have got to find a way to have our cake and eat it.' Brussels officials have been war-gaming options for the 27 EU member states to strike back against any tariffs imposed by Mr Trump. But there have been claims the president-elect could spare Britain from any trade war with Europe as he wants to see a 'successful Brexit'. As well as being touted as Britain's next top diplomat in Washington DC, Lord Mandelson is also among the final five candidates to be Oxford University's new chancellor Lord Mandelson, a key architect of New Labour, is seen as the frontrunner to become the UK's top diplomat in Washington DC after the election of Mr Trump . He is also among the final five candidates to be the new head of Oxford University, as he competes against other prominent ex-MPs for the prestigious role. But the Labour peer insisted - if he were to be appointed to the two roles - they were 'not incompatible' with each other. He also suggested Oxford had already given him permission to take on the ambassador position, should he be picked by Sir Keir. He told the podcast: 'If by some chance these two things were to happen, they are not incompatible with each other.' 'And the university has made that clear to me. They're not incompatible. 'If I was in the US, I would be promoting Oxford as a great, iconic premier university that is revered in the US. 'And if I was in Oxford as its ceremonial figurehead, I would be helping to bring in the best of American philanthropy. 'So they're not incompatible. And I think anyone who thinks for one moment will realise that.' Among Lord Mandelson's competitors for the Oxford University role are former Tory leader William Hague and ex-Conservative minister Dominic Grieve. Karen Pierce, UK's current ambassador to the US, is due to complete her posting in January, which has led to fevered speculation about who might replace her. Lord Mandelson has been among those touted for the job as he is seen as having the strength of character to deal with Mr Trump's return to the White House. At the weekend, the Labour grandee said 'nobody has spoken to me' about the ambassadorship. Speaking to the BBC, Lord Mandelson said he was 'more in favour of a new relationship rather than a special one' with the US. He added: 'Can I just make the point if you don't 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 let's put it to one side.' Pressed on whether he would be interested in the Washington role, he said: 'I would be very interested indeed in giving advice about trade to whoever is appointed.' Coles has tightened the reins on work-from-home rules for staff based in the company's mammoth Melbourne head office. A memo from chief executive Leah Weckert, posted on social media on Wednesday, says all head office staff need to work in the office one day per week, starting next week. Then over the course of the next six months, staff will need to be in the office three days a week. One of those days in the office 'should be' Monday or Friday, Ms Weckert says. Coles has about 5,000 office-based staff. 'In recognising the diversity of our workforce, each team will transition to our new ways of working at a pace that suits them, allowing time to plan and adjust,' Ms Weckert said. 'I encourage you to consider any arrangement you may need to make to facilitate our new ways of working.' Coles' head office is in Hawthorn East, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The entire complex comprises 12 interconnected office buildings, two underground carparks and a multi-story carpark. Coles has five more years to run on its 15-year lease for the 62,000 sqm, information from the real estate developer which worked on the recent expansion shows. Coles has tightened the reins on work-from-home rules for staff based in the company's mammoth Melbourne head office (stock image) One commenter on the chief executive's memo says the 'massive building and carpark' can fit thousands of people, with an onsite coffee shop, convenience store and chef for breakfast and lunch every day of the work week. But the changes also apply to Coles' other offices across the country. The Coles liquor division has been transitioning to the new scheme in the past months, and for those staff the three-days-per-week rule comes into effect January 6. 'Our business and ways of working have evolved significantly in the past couple of years, and I hope this note provides you with clarity around our commitment to both providing flexibility and creating opportunities for teams to physically connect, collaborate and Win Together,' Ms Weckert says in the memo. A Coles spokesperson said the changes 'balances' flexibility with in-person collaboration. 'We know that a lot of our team have already returned to the support centres for a few days each week, and this change is about how we continue to foster a collaborative work environment and support the development of our people to deliver for our customers,' the spokesperson said. The NSW government, Amazon, Dell, Tabcorp and Flight Centre have been some of the recent major employers to order staff back into the office. Survey results released last month show more than half of 500 Australian tech companies are losing staff to companies with more flexible working arrangements. Three former detainees at Abu Ghraib prison have awarded $42million for the torture they faced two decades ago. The decision from eight person jury came after they found Virginia-based military contractor CACI responsible for the mistreatment of the men at the notorious Iraqi prison. A different jury earlier this year couldn't agree on whether Reston, Virginia-based CACI should be held liable for the work of its civilian interrogators who worked alongside the U.S. Army at Abu Ghraib in 2003 and 2004. Yesterday's ruling in Alexandria, Va, will see Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili and Asaad Al-Zubae each receive $3million in compensatory damages and $11 million each in punitive damages. The three testified that they were subjected to beatings, sexual abuse, forced nudity and other cruel treatment at the prison. A courtroom sketch from U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va. Yesterday's ruling will see Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili and Asaad Al-Zubae each receive $3million in compensatory damages and $11 million each in punitive damages Whilst they did not allege that CACI's interrogators explicitly inflicted the abuse themselves, but argued CACI was complicit because its interrogators conspired with military police to 'soften up' detainees for questioning with harsh treatment. CACI issued a statement expressing its disappointment in the verdict and its intention to appeal. 'For nearly two decades, CACI has been wrongly subjected to long-term, negative affiliation with the unfortunate and reckless actions of a group of military police at Abu Ghraib prison from 2003 through 2004,' the company said. 'To be clear: no CACI employee has ever been charged - criminally, civilly, or administratively - in this matter. CACI employees did not take part in nor were any of our employees responsible for these disturbing events.' Baher Azmy, a lawyer for the Center for Constitutional Rights, which filed the lawsuit on the plaintiffs' behalf, called the verdict 'an important measure of Justice and accountability' and praised the three plaintiffs for their resilience. The $42 million fully matches the amount sought by the plaintiffs, Azmy said. It's also more than the $31 million that the plaintiffs said CACI was paid to supply interrogators to Abu Ghraib. 'Today is a big day for me and for justice,' said Al-Ejaili, a journalist, in a written statement. 'Ive waited a long time for this day. This victory isnt only for the three plaintiffs in this case against a corporation. This victory is a shining light for everyone who has been oppressed and a strong warning to any company or contractor practicing different forms of torture and abuse.' Abu Ghraib prison in October 2005. The decision from eight person jury came after they found Virginia-based military contractor CACI responsible for the mistreatment of the men at the notorious Iraqi prison Al-Ejaili traveled to the U.S. for both trials to testify in person. The other two plaintiffs testified by video from Iraq. The trial and subsequent retrial were the first time a U.S. jury heard claims brought by Abu Ghraib survivors in the 20 years since photos of detainee mistreatment - accompanied by smiling U.S. soldiers inflicting the abuse - shocked the world during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. None of the three plaintiffs were in any of the notorious photos shown in news reports around the world, but they described treatment very similar to what was depicted. Al Shimari described sexual assaults and beatings during his two months at the prison. He also said he was electrically shocked and dragged around the prison by a rope tied around his neck. Al-Ejaili said he was subjected to stress positions that caused him to vomit black liquid. He was also deprived of sleep, forced to wear womens underwear and threatened with dogs. CACI had argued it wasnt complicit in the detainees abuse. It said its employees had minimal interaction with the three plaintiffs in the case, and CACI questioned parts of the plaintiffs' stories, saying that military records contradict some of their claims and suggesting they shaded their stories to support a case against the contractor. Fundamentally, though, CACI argued that any liability for their mistreatment belonged to the government. As in the first trial, the jury struggled to decide whether CACI or the Army should be held responsible for any misconduct by CACI interrogators. The jury asked questions in its deliberations in both cases about whether the contractor or the Army bore liability. US soldiers outside Abu Ghraib prison in May 2004. The trial and subsequent retrial were the first time a U.S. jury heard claims brought by Abu Ghraib survivors in the 20 years since photos of detainee mistreatment shocked the world during the U.S. occupation of Iraq In the first trial, which ended with a mistrial and hung jury, multiple jurors told The Associated Press that a majority wanted to hold CACI liable. CACI, as one of its defenses, argued it shouldnt be liable for any misdeeds by its employees if they were under the control and direction of the Army. under a legal principle known as the 'borrowed servants' doctrine. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that CACI was responsible for its own employees' misdeeds. They said provisions in CACIs contract with the Army, as well as the Army Field Manual, make clear that CACI is responsible for overseeing its own workers. The lawsuit was first filed in 2008 but was delayed by 15 years of legal wrangling and multiple attempts by CACI to have the case dismissed. Lawyers for the three plaintiffs argued that CACI was liable for their mistreatment even if they couldn't prove that CACIs interrogators were the ones who directly inflicted the abuse. Evidence included reports from two retired Army generals, who documented the abuse and concluded that multiple CACI interrogators were complicit in the abuse. Those reports concluded that one of the interrogators, Steven Stefanowicz, lied to investigators about his conduct and that he likely instructed soldiers to mistreat detainees and used dogs to intimidate detainees during interrogations. Stefanowicz testified for CACI at trial through a recorded video deposition and denied mistreating detainees. CACI introduced a different report that concluded contractors like CACI did a 'satisfactory' job of complying with military procedures. An Iranian man has been hanged for a second time by hardline authorities months after his first execution was halted half a minute in, according to a human rights group. Ahmad Alizadeh was arrested in October 2018 on a murder charge, which he denied, and was sentenced to death, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), which tracks executions in Iran, said. The 26-year-old's death sentence was originally set to be carried out on April 27 in Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj outside Tehran. But just 28 seconds into the hanging he was brought down from the gallows when the victim's family suddenly shouted 'forgiveness'. CPR was carried out on his 'lifeless' body and he was successfully resuscitated, with the first execution called off, IHR said. Ahmad Alizadeh was arrested in October 2018 on a murder charge, which he denied, and was sentenced to death A blindfolded man convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping and slaying of two policemen waits to be hanged in public in Tehran, Iran, on April 16, 2011 Under Iran's sharia law, a victim's family can ask for blood money to spare the life of the perpetrator or also decide to forgive. However, in many cases the family of the condemned person cannot afford the sum set and the execution goes ahead, according to activists. Alizadeh remained under the threat of the death penalty in the absence of any deal with the victim's family for blood money. He was executed again in the Ghezel Hesar prison on Wednesday morning, IHR said. Executions are usually carried out in groups on the same day every week at the notorious jail. 'Ahmad Alizadeh, a talented student, was hanged for the second time on charges of murder, which he denied and claimed he confessed to under torture,' said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, denouncing the 'execution machine of the Iranian regime'. The NGO boss earlier said: 'In addition to the inhumanity of the death penalty, and the lack of a fair trial in this case, Ahmad Alizadeh experienced this cruel and humiliating punishment once, and his re-execution is a crime according to all international standards.' According to IHR, 2024 is seeing a new surge in executions, with at least 166 executions recorded in October alone, the highest number recorded in a single month since the group began documenting executions in 2007. Hanging is the most common method of execution in Iran and has been the preferred approach since the late 1980s. Under Iran's sharia law, a victim's family can ask for blood money to spare the life of the perpetrator or also decide to forgive. Pictured: Local people watch as a hanging is carried out Harrowing images and videos have shown how some of those sentenced to death are hanged from cranes, meaning their death will be slow and painful as they are hoisted up by a noose and strangled. What crimes warrant the death penalty in Iran? A wide range of offences are punishable by death in Iran. These include: Murder Sexual offences such as 'fornication', 'adultery', 'sodomy', 'lesbianism', incest and rape. Drinking alcohol (repeat offenders) Theft (repeat offenders) Drug trafficking Cursing the prophet 'Waging war' on people or God and 'corruption on earth' Armed robbery Political opposition or espionage Source: International Federation for Human Rights Advertisement Crowds are encouraged to watch as the killings are carried out - with multiple executions often put on at once and the horrific scenes even televised. When hangings are carried out with a step, victims' families are given the right to kick the chair away from beneath the strung-up criminal. And according to the Iranian Penal Code, hanging can also be combined with other forms of punishment, such as flogging, amputation, or crucifixion. Activists accuse Iran of using the death penalty as a means to instill fear throughout society, particularly in the wake of 2022-2023 nationwide protests which shook the Islamic authorities. Activists including Amnesty International say Iran carries out more annual executions than any country other than China, for which no reliable figures are available. Iran has for years been among the worst offenders for state-sanctioned killings, alongside the likes of China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. But the Iranian regime has gained a reputation for its indiscriminate executions and is now killing more of its citizens per capita than any other country. Iran executed a 'staggering' total of at least 834 people last year, the highest number since 2015 as capital punishment surged in the Islamic Republic, two rights groups revealed this week. The number of executions was up some 43 per cent on 2022, and marked only the second time in two decades that more than 800 executions were recorded in a year, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty said in a joint report. A prolific fraudster who scammed women out of thousands of pounds through false promises of love and a luxurious lifestyle is currently serving the latest of prison sentences - and police believe there may be hundreds of victims still living with the consequences of his lies. For the last 20 years, Raymond McDonald, 51, from Country Durham has been in and out of jail a number of times and is believed to be one of Britain's most prolific romance fraudsters. This was first when he was sentenced for fraud in 2003 before beginning to do romance scams. Having left prison in December last year, he soon started seeing several women at the same time who he met through dating sites. Raymond McDonald, 51, from Country Durham has been in and out of jail a number of times Having left prison in December last year, he soon started seeing several women at the same time who he met through dating sites He cheated them out of money and even tried to marry one of the victims. However, it didn't take long before he was back in jail in August following more scamming leaving his victims with to pick up the pieces. Those women have now decided to speak out, and have described to the BBC the level of trauma they have felt similar to that of sexual assault and domestic abuse. One of the victims who spoke to the broadcaster said they first met McDonald last December through a dating site. He told her he was working over Christmas in a secretive military role, training foreign soldiers, but wanted to stay in touch with her during the festive season. The woman recounted: '(He) just made you feel, I don't know, wanted. Special. I hadn't been in a relationship for such a long time. I suppose in hindsight, it was what I wanted to hear.' However it later turned out that McDonald wasn't just talking to Paula, he formed relationships with several women, arranging to meet and telling them he was newly divorced and starting a new job. One claimed McDonald had told her he needed to be on shift at the probation service in the evenings - when actually he was reporting himself to probation. All the women who came forward described him as warm, genuine and even vulnerable at first. However, in the midst of all this, he was taking money from them to pay for things that would never materialise - like luxury items or house deposits - while his victims believed he had property abroad as well as fancy cars. While he maintained the relationship, McDonald travelled to the Middle East to marry his partner, who he had only been in a relationship with for weeks. Police believe McDonald paid for the trip using money scammed from other victims while making arrangements and showing his partner fake evidence their marriage was legal under local law. While he maintained the relationship, McDonald, pictured, travelled to the Middle East to marry his partner, who he had only been in a relationship with for weeks She never had a reason to think it was all a sham but as they returned from their 'honeymoon' in March - just four months after he left prison. However, McDonald wasn't fooling everyone, as some of them had started to grow suspicious of who he was, with Paula concerned enough to use Clare's Law, which can be used by people to request information about a partner's previous offending. Another victim also began to question his victims after he pressured her to pay him more money to bargain luxury gods that never appeared and accepted a friend's proposition to post about him in a Facebook group called 'Are We Dating The Same Guy?' - and the responses she got were shocking. One of the users showed the victim a newspaper article in which McDonald is described as 'gutless' which was seen by his victim. Whilst her new husband was sitting in another room, she read the comments and said 'My world just fell.' Whilst her new husband was sitting in another room, she read the comments and said 'My world just fell.' She made an excuse to leave and instantly called the police, and he was arrested hours later. His own mother describes him as a 'b***** big liar' and a 'full sham' revealing that he told women he duped that she had died and even pretended to go to her funeral on Valentine's Day. She also claimed that McDonald had even gathered his relatives once, who he also had a habit of lying to - claiming that he was dying. 'I've had two nervous breakdowns because of him' she added. So who is the real Raymond McDonald? He was dishonourably charged from the army in 2000 and briefly worked in a supermarket and at a factory packing chickens but soon began committing fraud. He got his first prison term in 2003, followed by a suspended sentence four years later, on top of four more jail stints. Released during the term he was given in 2019, he immediately began scamming another woman and was recalled to prison. In the latest case, within the two weeks of his release last December, he was back on dating sites picking targets, devastating women once they found the truth. One said: 'My whole world fell apart.' Another said that once detectives turned up to her front door and explained what had happened, saying she 'couldn't get out of bed'. Detective Constable Saad Sheban, the latest to put the fraudster behind bars described him as a 'serial scammer' who 'preys on women' looking to find a 'life companion'. 'People normally think 'dangerous' is somebody who can physically hurt you, make you bleed, but Raymond hurts people emotionally.' Det Con Sheban added there could be 'hundreds' of more victims living with the consequences of McDonad's lies. Dr Elisabeth Carter, who advises police on offenders' grooming methods said victims often feel shame. She said: 'They've not only lost their money. This person was right in front of them lying to their face.' She added the impact on victims of romance fraud is 'akin to the psychological impact of rape and other types of sexual abuse'. Following the latest arrest in March, McDonald initially denied all wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and was jailed for four and half years at New Castle Crown Court in August. The judge noted the emotional impact on the women was much greater than the financial loss suffered. At a 2018 peace conference in Nigeria, Justin Welby took aim at corruption, warning the countrys leaders that when it comes to reconciliation, actions speak louder than words. Six years on, Welbys inability to live up to that principle by reconciling the Church of Englands past with its present has culminated with his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury. It was Welbys self-confessed failure to conduct a proper investigation into allegations that John Smyth, a British lawyer, physically abused more than 100 boys and young men at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 80s, that led to his downfall. The 68-year-old acknowledged in his resignation letter - penned after a damning report found his inaction allowed Smyth, who died in 2018, to escape justice - that it had been his personal and institutional responsibility to take action over the heinous abuses. The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England, Welby said. For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done. Given the verdict of the Makin review, which criticised the Archbishop for showing a 'distinct lack of curiosity' after learning of Smyth's abuse following his appointment in 2013, there is widespread agreement that far too little has been done. Justin Welby has resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury after a damning report laid out 'heinous' historic abuse allegations against a former British lawyer Welby is seen placing St Edward's Crown on King Charles III during the monarch's coronation at Westminster Abbey last year The late British lawyer John Smyth is believed to be the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England, Welby said Welby might have championed the primacy of actions over words, but the avalanche of criticism directed at him from within his own parish in the days before his departure spoke of a man cast in the Do as I say, not as I do mould. As Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, put it: I think that its 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 with regard to something as critically important [as abuse]. In many ways, though, the disparity between words and actions that underpinned Welbys departure was typical of his time in office. A former oil man who was educated at Eton and went on to study at Durham University and Trinity College, Cambridge, Welby was not afraid to his speak his mind. In the summer of 2013, he lambasted payday loan firms, urging the government to ban legal usury on our high streets and vowing to drive online lender Wonga out of business by creating fairer competition. A month later, Welby expressed embarrassment after it emerged that the Church of Englands investment portfolio included a stake in Accel Partners, a US-based co-funder of Wonga. About eight, replied Welby when asked to rate his mortification on a scale of one to 10. Similar disparities were evident in other areas. Welby, right, is seen alongside Pope Francis at the Vespers prayer service to celebrate the conversion of Saint Paul, at St Paul's Basilica in Rome in January of this year Welby greets people during a ceremony in Acajutla, El Salvador this summer to bless the Forest of Communion, held as part of the World Environment Day Welby gestures during his enthronement ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2013 Welby is seen leaving St Paul's Cathedral after a ceremony to confirm his election as Archbishop in February 2013 Shortly before taking up residence at Lambeth Palace, Welby endorsed the Church of Englands opposition to same-sex marriage while stating his opposition to homophobia. The Church of England holds very firmly, and continues to hold to the view, that marriage is a lifelong union of one man to one woman, said Welby. At the same time, at the heart of our understanding of what it is to be human, is the essential dignity of the human being. And so we have to be very clear about homophobia. Welby was nonetheless accused of dragging his feet in 2021 when Henry Ndukuba, the archbishop of Nigeria, described homosexuality as a deadly virus that should be radically expunged. Rather than issuing an instant condemnation of Ndukubas comments, Welby waited more than a week before branding them unacceptable. More recently, Welby supported calls for gay couples to be allowed prayers of thanksgiving while abstaining from a vote on standalone services of blessing. A similar attempt to straddle diametrically opposed views could be discerned in his attitude towards Brexit. Having stated that he would vote to remain in Europe, Welby subsequently spoke of his respect for politicians on both sides. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he later said Brexit had divided the country, only to demand Remainers stop whingeing about the outcome of the referendum, a comment for which he subsequently apologised. Clearly, I expressed myself carelessly and insensitively in the moment, said Welby. I apologise for that and the hurt that people have felt. The same tendency towards revisionism was evident after Welby appeared to endorse the credentials of Paula Vennells, the former Post Office chief and Anglican priest, for the role of bishop of London. Having previously said Vennells had shaped [his] thinking over the years, Welby admitted earlier this year that more questions should have been asked about her involvement in the Church of England bodies in light of the British Post Office scandal. We recognise this and will need to reflect on it, said Welby. Eight months on, he may reflect that it was just one of many occasions on which he could have acted sooner to protect the reputation of the institution he represented. A dead dingo was discovered by tourists on an island popular with 4WD vehicles. A photo of the Australian native's body lying in its own blood at the Waddy Point beachfront camping area on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island off the Queensland coast was posted to social media on Wednesday. The woman uploaded the picture believed a 4WD had hit the dingo and left it to die. 'Some f**king idiot killed a dingo last night at Waddy,' she wrote. 'Probably drunk like s**t and speeding. 'If I find you, I'll drive over you too. Rest in peace little one.' Despite some Aussies telling the woman not to assume how the dingo died, other were 'surprised' it wasn't a common occurrence, given 4WDs are the main source of transportation on the island. It's believed that more than 200 dingoes call K'Gari home. A dingo was found dead on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island The island is popular with 4WD enthusiasts and authorities have reminded tourists there are 'strict protocols' for collisions involving native wildlife Pictured are 4WDs on K'Gari A Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson told Yahoo the dingo was hit by a vehicle. They urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the department. The spokesperson also warned that there's a $26,000 fine if they find the dingo could have been saved. 'The Department has been advised that a dingo on Kgari was struck by a car, and wants to remind motorists driving on the beaches there are strict protocols for any accidents involving native wildlife,' they said. 'Please help us to help these animals by reporting the incident to a ranger. 'Dingoes on Kgari are in their native habitat and driving responsibly is essential to give you time to react if you encounter any wildlife, and to prevent accidents.' DETSI urged anyone aware of on illegal dingo activity on the island to contact them on (07) 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au. A $26,614 fine can apply if rangers find that a dingo fatality could have been avoided. The popular island has over 200 dingoes and if rangers determine an animal could have been avoided by a car, a fine of up to $26,614 can be issued (pictured a dingo on K'Gari) The horrific photo emerged comes after some of the island's camping grounds were shut down due to a rise n 'threatening' behaviour by dingoes. Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour told media that dingo attacks were reaching a 'frightening' stage and he was worried it was just a matter of time before a child is seriously or fatally injured. He urged families with children under the age of 12 to stay in fenced-in areas only, and has submitted his proposal to the Queensland Government. Britain is preparing to import more electricity from the European Union's power grids amid concerns over 'anticyclonic gloom' hitting wind farms in recent weeks. Plans for the National Grid's LionLink and Nautilus interconnector cables to connect the UK to wind farms in the Netherlands and Belgium have now been approved. The regular Ofgem gave its backing despite concerns over huge substations and cabling systems where the interconnectors come ashore, reported the Telegraph. The new underwater connections will sit alongside other interconnectors giving the UK access to nuclear power from France and hydroelectric stations in Norway. It comes amid a long recent spell of gloomy weather for the UK with little wind, rain or sunshine, which has seen renewable power generation fall significantly. Wind turbines in front of the lignite-fired power station operated by RWE in Neurath, Germany Plans for the National Grid's LionLink and Nautilus interconnector cables to connect the UK to wind farms in the Netherlands and Belgium have now been approved by the regulator Ofgem A National Grid energy interconnector, which runs under the English Channel (file picture) The amount of wind and solar energy generated has plunged in the past two weeks due to high pressure weather systems in a phenomenon called 'anticyclonic gloom' or 'Dunkelflaute' in German, which roughly translates as 'darkness' and 'weak wind'. The five major new undersea energy links approved by Ofgem INTERCONNECTORS (x3) Tarchon Energy Interconnector : This 610km subsea cable between East Anglia and Niederlangen, Germany would deliver upto 1.4GW of electricity capacity. : This 610km subsea cable between East Anglia and Niederlangen, Germany would deliver upto 1.4GW of electricity capacity. Mares Connect : This 190km subsea cable between Bodelwyddan, North Wales, to the Republic of Ireland, which will deliver 0.75GW of additional electricity capacity : This 190km subsea cable between Bodelwyddan, North Wales, to the Republic of Ireland, which will deliver 0.75GW of additional electricity capacity LirIC: This approximately 142km subsea electricity interconnector between Kilroot in Northern Ireland to Hunterston in Scotland will deliver 0.7GW of additional electricity capacity OFFSHORE HYBRID ASSETS (x2) LionLink : This OHA will connect Dutch offshore windfarms to the GB grid with an onshore landing point in Suffolk and providing up to 1.8GW of clean electricity to each country : This OHA will connect Dutch offshore windfarms to the GB grid with an onshore landing point in Suffolk and providing up to 1.8GW of clean electricity to each country Nautilus : This OHA will connect Belgium offshore windfarms to the GB grid, coming ashore at the Isle of Grain in Kent, and providing up to 1.4GW of offshore wind to each country through subsea electricity cables. Advertisement Data from Elexon, which runs Britain's wholesale electricity market, showed that three weeks ago, on October 20, wind was producing 60.8 per cent of Britain's power 19.2 gigawatts (GW) during the 8am to 9am rush. That tumbled to just three per cent (1.1GW) during the same time slot on Tuesday last week. And wind generated just 2.8 per cent of Britain's power (1GW) that day between 10am and 11am its poorest performance of the year. Solar power production was also down over last week, barely managing to supply 3 per cent of the nation's energy. On average, wind has supplied nearly a third of the UK's power over the past year, while solar produces around 5 per cent. The National Energy System Operator (NESO), formerly known as the National Grid, said the lull was nothing to panic about, because it has the largest pre-winter surplus of power for five years. This is due to a growth in battery storage capacity and a better network of zero carbon sources, plus easy access to foreign imports. It will more than offset seasonal reductions and the recent closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, the UK's last coal-fired power station, NESO claims. Ofgem announced the new interconnectors yesterday, saying they were 'empowering Great Britain for a clean and flexible energy future'. The regulator has confirmed plans for up to 18 of the cables by 2032 amid hopes Britain will be a net exporter of energy by 2030. The LionLink is also known as an Offshore Hybrid Asset (OHA) which will connect Dutch offshore windfarms to the British grid with an onshore landing point in Suffolk. The second new OHA, Nautilus, will connect Belgium offshore windfarms to the British grid, coming ashore at the Isle of Grain in Kent. The London skyline from the viewing platform of Horizon 22, taken on November 8 as the UK was gripped by a period of 'anticyclonic gloom' bringing little to no wind, sunshine and rain A worker in the National Grid control room in Sindlesham, Berkshire (file photograph) It is hoped that LionLink will provide up to 1.8GW of clean electricity to each country , while Nautilus will provide up to 1.4GW of offshore wind to each country. Akshay Kaul, director general for infrastructure at Ofgem, said: 'We've carefully assessed all the proposed projects and only approved those ones which deliver for consumers in terms of value, viability and energy security. 'As we shift to a clean power system more reliant on intermittent wind and solar energy, these new connections will help harness the vast potential of the North Sea and play a key role in making our energy supply cheaper and less reliant on volatile foreign gas markets and associated price spikes.' And Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 'Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower requires us to make a once-in-a-generation upgrade of Britain's energy infrastructure which will include rolling out more interconnector projects in the future, bringing skilled jobs and investment to communities across the country.' NHS medics missed the early warning signs of an infection contracted by a kidney transplant patient because of junior doctor strikes, an inquest heard. John Doyle, 60, suffered grave complications 18 months after his procedure and his life could have been saved - but senior doctors, under an increased workload during the strikes - failed to notice crucial test results had not come back. Consultants from two NHS hospitals said the December 2023 strikes 'affected their ability to maintain a consistent overview of patients' conditions and treatments'. An earlier diagnosis of the infection that led to Mr Doyle experiencing multiple organ failure could have saved his life, it was heard. The concerns were raised by coroner Linda Lee in a Prevention of Future Deaths report, as she also warned of other 'human error and systemic issues' in Mr Doyle's case. NHS medics missed the early warning signs of an infection contracted by a kidney transplant patient because of junior doctor strikes, an inquest heard. Pictured: Striking doctors at UCLH in London on December 20, 2023 Consultants from two NHS hospitals said the December 2023 strikes 'affected their ability to maintain a consistent overview of patients' conditions and treatments'. Pictured: Striking doctors at UCLH in London on December 20, 2023 Mr Doyle had a kidney transplant in March 2022 but on December 2, 2023, he was admitted to George Eliot Hospital (GEH) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, with health issues. GEH does not have an in-house renal team so doctors sought advice from University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Tests were ordered to rule out cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis - an inflammation caused by an infection. Without the test results, Mr Doyle was discharged four days later on December 6 despite 'evidence suggesting he was still very unwell'. Two days later he was readmitted by emergency ambulance and medics unsuccessfully tested for CMV. He deteriorated and was transferred to UHCW on December 2023, which coroner Ms Lee said was too late. Her report said: 'A diagnosis was not made until December 28, when tests showed he had 27 million copies of CMV per milliliter of blood, an extremely high count. 'Treatment with ganciclovir and anti-CMV immunoglobulin was commenced. By this stage, it is likely that John had developed CMV encephalitis.' Two days later, on December 30, he died. Ms Lee said his treatment was hampered by the junior doctor strikes. Mr Doyle was first admitted to George Eliot Hospital (GEH) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, with health issues at the beginning of December 2023 Despite being discharged, Mr Doyle's condition deteriorated and was taken to UHCW, as the coroner recorded he 'should have been transferred earlier' to the specialist unit at the hospital She said: 'Evidence was received that whilst CMV rarely causes more than cold or flu-like symptoms in the general population, it is one of the most common infectious complications of solid organ transplantation and is reported to increase graft loss and patient mortality. 'It was acknowledged that an earlier diagnosis and treatment of CMV could have potentially changed the outcome for John and would have increased the likelihood of successful treatment. 'Consultants from both hospitals testified that, due to the junior doctors' strike, they had to assume additional responsibilities and manage a higher patient load, which affected their ability to maintain a consistent overview of patients' conditions and treatments. 'In John's case, the impact was the failure to notice that the test results had not been received at both GEH and UHCW.' Ms Lee also warned of a series of other failings. She said he 'should have been transferred earlier to UHCW', that there were 'errors in sample collection for CMV testing' as clinicians used the wrong tubes, and medical notes were not thorough enough. There is also a lack of training and protocol in the care of renal transplant patients, Ms Lee said. She issued her warnings to NHS England, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, UK Kidney Association, British Transplant Society, and the Renal Association. They have until 7 January 2025 to respond to her concerns. LUGONGOLWENI A 73-year-old retired soldier was brutally hacked to death with bush knives by unknown men at his home, at Lugongolweni under KaLanga Umphakatsi on Monday night. Peter Hlatshwako, was found dead at his home at Lugongolweni around midnight. He had sustained multiple injuries to his body. The discovery was confirmed by Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati. Lugongolweni Chief Runner (Umgijimi) Shodi Mngometulu, said he received a call from a member of Mhlumeni community police informing him that an elderly man had been hacked to death by unknown men. Mngometulu said what baffled the community was that nothing was stolen from the house. The umgijimi indicated that as community members, they are banking their hopes on the investigation police officers to unearth the truth about the demise of the pensioner. The retired soldier, according to the chiefs runner, was hacked with bush knives and succumbed to the injuries. Police took his lifeless body to the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital mortuary yesterday morning. He added that they are still shocked as the motive of killing Hlatshwako remains unknown. He was told that the unknown men had information that the elderly man was alone before he was attacked. The chiefs runner further shared that this incident was unprecedented but could not rule out the possibility of foul play, suggesting that the killers may have been sent by someone to kill Hlatshwako. He said the killers were people whose motive was not to rob the deceased, as he usually got paid his pension on the 18th of each month. We are still confused as senior community members on what could have prompted the killers to commit this heinous crime. We hope the police will make a breakthrough in bringing the culprits to face the wrath of the law. It is unfortunate that Hlatshwako, who was a quiet person and could not hurt a fly, had to die in this manner, he said. Mngometulu said he was yet to meet the family, so that the matter could be reported at the KaLanga Umphakatsi as per the dictates of culture and traditions applicable in such cases. Themba Masango, a friend of the deceased, expressed shock and trauma upon receiving the news yesterday morning.Masango mentioned that he was still awaiting more details about Hlatshwakos demise, as he was not a problematic person and always handled issues calmly. I am still shocked even now after being informed about the sad news. As the matter is being handled by the police, we hope they will make a breakthrough, so that those responsible for this heinous crime can be apprehended and arrested so that they face the wrath of the law, he said. Khumbuzile Hlatshwako, the wife of the deceased, said the incident happened while she was away attending church services. The elderly woman stated that she is still shocked and traumatised by the incident, having only received a call informing her that her husband had been hacked to death by unknown people, while inside their rondavel house. She mentioned that she was informed that her husband had been hacked all over the body with bush knives by unknown assailants, while inside the rondavel. Yesterday morning, Khumbuzile was taken by police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the Siteki Police Station, to record a statement. When this publication engaged the deceaseds wife on the matter, she mentioned that she was yet to receive more details on what transpired, leading to her husbands death. At least four CID police officers, together with the elderly woman, boarded a foreign-registered Toyota double cab GD6. I think they are continuing with their investigation, hence they wanted the elderly woman to assist them, said a source. A terminally ill elderly man who turned to Voluntary Assisted Dying after being denied in-home care has died. Cyril Tooze, 86, was approved for the highest level of home care assistance under the federal government's MyAgedCare program earlier this year due to his chronic lung and heart illnesses. The Adelaide Hills man was initially given a nine-month wait time to receive at-home care, despite no one to care for him and his family living interstate. But when the backlog of demand and a staff shortage stretched that period out beyond October, he opted to end his life following a lengthy hospital stint after a fall at home. Mr Tooze was just 46kg when he died last Friday, the Adelaide Advertiser reported. Independent federal Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie, who advocated for Mr Tooze, said it had been an honour to have known him. 'The man that I knew, he had such courage and such dignity to the very end,' she said. 'To the very end he wanted his situation to shed light and provide a human story for the 76,000 other older Australians who, just like him, are deteriorating, having accidents and injuring themselves while waiting for a Home Care package that they've been assessed as needing. When his wait for in-home care stretched out past nine months Cyril Tooze said he wanted to end his life 'Despite a new Act being passed in the House of Representatives with urgency, there is no plan from the government to address the blown-out waiting list and the reality is that people are dying while they're waiting for Home Care.' Federal aged care minister Anika Wells said her thoughts were with Mr Tooze's family and friends 'as we mourn their loss but appreciate Cyril's life and his commitment to helping older Australians'. After speaking with Mr Tooze, she said that the the Anthony Albanese government was making a $4.3bn investment in a new Support at Home program that will benefit around 1.4 million Australians by 2035. 'That program is designed specifically to help older Australians remain independent, in their home and their community for longer,' Ms Wells said. Independent federal Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie (pictured left) said it had been an honour to know Mr Tooze (right) With his only family living in Queensland and no other options for surgery to drain the fluid from his lungs, Mr Tooze recently told Nine News that he was desperate to live out his days at home. While he was offered respite care assistance, he still couldn't afford it on top of rent. Mr Tooze was eventually granted temporary home care assistance after taking his story public in the hope that the federal government would finally act. 'They have to do something and something quickly,' Mr Tooze said. 'People are dying.' South Australia's voluntary assisted dying scheme was introduced in January last year. Tributes are flowing for Cyril Tooze (pictured with independent federal Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie), who died last Friday aged 86 Permission can be granted if the applicant has been diagnosed with an incurable, advanced disease that will kill them in the next six months and is 'causing suffering ... that cannot be relieved'. Almost 200 South Australians were granted permission to access VAD in the first year of the scheme. VAD is legal in most Australian states. The Northern Territory will be the only place where VAD will be illegal when the ACT's scheme begins in November 2025. An outspoken anti-war Russian TV chef exiled to London has been found dead in a hotel room in Serbia, according to reports. Alexei Zimin, 52, who owned Zima restaurant in Soho, is understood to have died on a trip to Belgrade. He had not returned to Russia since he was exiled following his criticism of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea. His television gastronomic show on NTV channel was then abruptly cancelled in 2022 after he posted anti-war songs. Zimin, who had a wife and 17-year-old daughter, also worked as the editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ as well as Afisha Mir and Gourmet. Alexei Zimin, 52, who owned Zima restaurant in Soho, reportedly died on a trip to Belgrade, Serbia Pictured: Zima restaurant in Soho, London that Zimin owned Details of his death in Serbia are scarce and his cause of death remains unclear. However Moskvich magazine in Russia said he had been found dead in a hotel in Belgrade where he had been on an advertised tour promoting his new book called Anglomania. A statement today from his Zima magazine said: 'Alexei Zimin, the project's editor-in-chief and the chef of the Zima restaurant, has passed away.' It added: 'For us, Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot - both good, kind and sad. 'Thank you to everyone for the words we receive today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you. 'The entire Zima team expresses condolences to Alexei's family and mourns together with them.' Zimin previously had several cooking shows in Russia, which had run for 11 years before being halted amid his criticism of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. His London restaurant in Frith Street was advertised as offering 'Russian cuisine with a modern twist in the heart of Soho'. His Zima Club ran 'various 'workshops, parties and other events' and is popular with Russian expats in the UK. It was seen as providing a platform for Russians labelled 'foreign agents' by the Kremlin, and forced into exile. Zimin is survived by his wife Tatiana 'Tanya' Dolmatovskaya, a costume designer who previously worked at Vogue Russia and graduated from the University of the Arts London, and their daughter Varvara, 17. In a post three months after Putin's invasion he said: 'Russia will be free, one way or another, or the third, more mysterious, way.' Zimin had also been editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ as well as Afisha Mir and Gourmet Vladimir Putin pictured at the Kremlin on November 12 during a meeting On his cancellation by pro-Kremlin NTV, he said: '11 years. For 22 television seasons I had a programme on Saturday morning prime time on NTV. 'Since May it has been gone. 'There will be no new episodes because of the host's anti-war position. 'Do I regret it? No, I regret that we ended up participating in the war. 'I do not participate in the war, the war participates in me.' He had also posted: 'Stop the war. Withdraw troops. Return our soldiers home.' He is seen on a video singing lyrics by famous Soviet and Russian poet and songwriter Bulat Okudzhava - Grab Your Coat, and Let's Go Home. This song reflects on the experiences of war-ravaged soldiers longing for home and peace. The lines include 'the war that mowed us down in thousands, years of mothers without children and 'go grab your coat, and let's go home.' Zimin joins a list of Russians who have died early after fleeing Putin's rule to the UK. They include oligarch and political fixer Boris Berezovsky, who was found hanged in his Berkshire home in 2013, and his associate Nikolai Glushkov, found dead from compression to the neck five years later. Putin's secret services poisoned former FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko with deadly radioactive polonium-210 in London in 2008. He died but an attempt to kill Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer who spied for the UK, failed despite the use of nerve agent novichok. Donald Trumps out-of-left-field Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth is covered in tattoos - and many of them have already proved controversial for the Fox News host. The veteran who served tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq and is double Bronze Star holder and is a TV top presenter having fronted Fox and Friends since 2017. Hegseth, who is 44, started adorning his body with tattoos only recently after his father dissuaded him from getting tattoos at a young age. He now has over a dozen tattoos across his right arm and chest. His appointment is one of the most unlikely in Trump's new cabinet but this isn't the first time he has courted controversy. In 2021 Hegseth was part of the Minnesota National Guard called to D.C. to guard Joe Biden during his inauguration but he was then ordered to stand down allegedly due to his chest tattoo of a Jerusalem Cross. Donald Trumps left-field Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth has an impressive display of tattoos some of which have already proved controversial for the Fox News host The veteran who served tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq and is double Bronze Star holder and is a TV top presenter having fronted Fox and Friends since 2017 'I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington D.C. and my orders were revoked to guard the Biden inauguration,' Hegseth said according to Newsweek. He joined Fox News in 2014 following an unsuccessful Senate run in Minnesota. Hegseth is said to have cultivated a friendship with Trump during the president-elect's regular appearances on the show. Hegseth's love of body art started while he was in High School but it would be decades before he got his first tat. Speaking to the Big Lead he said: 'I always wanted tattoos. Thankfully, my father dissuaded me early in life because what I wanted out of high school was a basketball hoop with a flaming basketball going through the hoop. 'All I cared about was basketball, I played basketball in college, my dad was a basketball coach. ' He only got his first one a few years back when the TV host decided to get his first ink whilst on vacation with his family. Hegseth described the decision to get the tattoo as a 'spur-of-the-moment' after his wife Jen decided to get a small tattoo on her left bicep and after that he has continued to get more and more. Most of his body art represents his Christian faith, his American patriotism and his history in the US military. Jerusalem Cross on his chest Hegseth's most distinctive tattoo is a large Jerusalem Cross on the right of his chest. The cross consists of a large Christian cross surrounded by four smaller crosses in each quadrant In 2021 Hegseth was part of the Minnesota National Guard called to D.C. to guard Joe Biden during his inauguration but he was then ordered to stand down allegedly due to his tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross The aforementioned Jerusalem Cross is one of his most distinctive tattoo. It consists of a large Christian cross surrounded by four smaller crosses in each quadrant. It is an centuries old symbol stretching back to the 13th century where it was used as the symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. The cross has become more controversial in the 21st century due to its perceived links to Christian nationalism. 'Deus Vult' on his bicep 'Deus Vult' on his bicep. The phrase means 'God will it.' This was a phrase that originated from the First Crusade as a battle cry for Christians Tattooed on his bicep, Hegseth has the phrase 'Deus Vult' which means 'God will it.' This was a phrase that originated from the First Crusade as a battle cry for Christians. In recent years the phrase have also been adopted by far-right groups. Hegseth's book American Crusade, which he describes as a examination of what America would be like without American ideal, also ends with 'Deus Vult.' Cross and sword on forearm Other Christian iconography on his arm include a cross with a sword through it (pictured). This represents the Matthew 10:34 verse of the bible Other Christian iconography on his arm include a cross with a sword through it which represents the Matthew 10:34 verse of the bible. This reads: 'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.' This was the first tattoo he got while on vacation with his family. Hegseth also has a Chi-Ro symbol on his upper arm. This letters from the Greek alphabet: chi (which looks like an X) and rho (which looks like a P). They are also the first two letters of Christ in Greek. The monogram was a an early symbol used to represent Christians. 'We the people' and 1775 also on forearm A lot Hegseth tattoos center around American patriotism. On his forearm he has 'We the People' which is the first line of the constitution. Above this tattoo he has the date 1775 in roman numerals - the same year that the American War of Independence started His other tattoos mostly center around American patriotism and include many symbols and iconography associated with the USA's independence movement. On his forearm he has 'We the People' which is the first line of the constitution. Above this tattoo he has the date 1775 in roman numerals - the same year that the American War of Independence started. Hegseth's elbow is surrounded by 13 stars which perhaps is a reference to the stars on the Betsy Ross flag - one of the first flags produced to represent the USA and the precursor to the moden star spangled banner. 'Join or Die' snake on inside of his forearm He also has a tattoo of the iconic 'join or die' snake on his forearm. which is earliest known pictorial representation of colonial union produced by an colonists in Colonial America He also has the iconic 'join or die' snake, which is earliest known pictorial representation of colonial union produced by colonists in Colonial America, on his arm. The cartoon, allegedly drawn by Benjamin Franklin himself in 1754, was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette shows a snake chopped into eight segments - rather than the 13 colonies - with New England included as one, Delaware a part of Pennsylvania and Georgia missing entirely. It later became a symbol of colonial freedom two decades later during the American revolution. American flag and sniper rifle on the upper arm Hegseth getting one of his manny tattoos this one depicts the current flag of the USA with a gun below it He also has a modern depiction of the current flag with a sniper at the bottom of the stars and stripes. This tattoo could be a reference to the second amendment which Hegseth is a strong supporter of. Hegseth posted a picture of him receiving the body art on his Instagram at NYHC Tattoos in New York which is one of the oldest tattoo parlours in Manhattan. Infantry Regiment patch also on the upper arm One of his largest tatoos is situated just below his shoulder is a patch used by the 187th Infantry Regiment of the US army which Hegseth was a member of One of his largest tatoos is situated just below his shoulder is a patch used by the 187th Infantry Regiment of the US army which Hegseth was a member of. This was a glider infantry unit during the Second World War which later fought in the Korean War as part of the airborne regimental combat team. The regiment also fought in later wars such as Vietnam, the Gulf war and the Iraq war. During his interview with the Big Lead, Hegseth revealed he plans to fill his entire arm with tattoos and then 'resist the temptation' to get anymore. Trump's appointment of Hegseth drew swift condemnation from many in Washington, with one veterans' advocate branding him 'undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for Defense Secretary in history'. Trump said yesterday: 'With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down. Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ''Peace through Strength'' policy.' Hegseth's appointment is a snub to former Democrat Congresswoman and Trump ally Tulsi Gabbard, who had said just hours before that she wanted the job. It follows a string of heavily-scrutinized Trump appointments, including former South Dakota governor Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security, John Ratcliffe as CIA director, Mike Waltz as national security adviser and senior Trump campaign adviser Susie Wiles as chief of staff. But by far the most attention has gone to the tapping of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency, which has been tasked with 'dismantling' the $6.5 trillion federal government. Alongside his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth served overseas in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch. Hegseth's book American Crusade, which he describes as a examination of what America would be like without American ideal, also ends with 'Deus Vult' Trump's appointment of Hegseth as Defense Secretary has drawn swift condemnation from many in Washington If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will inherit the top job during a series of global crises - ranging from Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East to escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea His appointment could bring sweeping changes to the military, with the TV host passionately opposed to 'woke' diversity programmes and the role of women in combat. He has also backed pardoning service members charged with war crimes. It will also add to Democrat fears Trump will use his powers as commander-in-chief to carry out a purge of generals, given Hegseth has previously demanded the sacking of top military leaders - including Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown. 'First of all, you've got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,' Hegseth told a podcast. 'Any general that was involved, any general, admiral, whatever, that was involved in any of the DEI/woke s**t has got to go.' On a recent appearance on Fox News, Hegseth made it clear that he felt Joe Biden's White House - run by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring Hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isn't messing around,' he said. If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will inherit the top job during a series of global crises - ranging from Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East to escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Critics of his appointment have pointed to his lack of experience in high office. A public meeting descended into chaos after locals were told hundreds of illegal migrants staying at a hotel could soon be getting access to 'free private healthcare'. The bombshell accusation was made during a fiery debate led by members of Trafford Council, in Greater Manchester, sparking an outcry of anger from local residents. Nathan Evans, Conservative group leader at the council, claimed asylum seekers housed at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham had been contracted to a private 'doctors' system'. However, health cover for the migrants staying at the Cresta Court will be provided by not-for-profit provider GTD Healthcare. It comes after the hotel was abruptly converted into migrant accommodation for some 300 men, with the news only coming to light after thousands of bookings - including some wedding receptions - were cancelled without warning. Speaking at a church meeting about the fiasco, worried locals voiced their fears about the migrants at the hotel and the impact they would have on the area's 'stretched' health services. 'They're contracted with... a private doctors' system,' Councillor Evans told residents. '[That's what] my understanding is. It's not a statement of fact. That should mean they won't be putting weight on our local [health services].' Here is the exact moment Altrincham residents are informed that migrants staying at the Cresta Court will be receiving private health coverage. This meeting was called by conservative councillors to discuss residents' concerns and took place a few days before the MP "drop in" https://t.co/Uul6Mbij4R pic.twitter.com/XO3baE4sdM Byappointmentto (@byapptto) November 11, 2024 Migrants are pictured outside the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, near Manchester Residents are up in arms over claims asylum seekers would get access to private health care (pictured are locals discussing the situation at a church meeting last week) Nathan Evans (pictured), Conservative group leader at Trafford Council, claimed a contract had been taken out to provide private health care for migrants The government has a legal requirement to provide migrants with healthcare treatment. Health cover for the migrants staying at the Cresta Court will be provided by not-for-profit provider GTD Healthcare, which stressed it did not provide private care and was being commissioned by the NHS. A spokeswoman said: 'With regards to the provision of NHS services at Cresta Court Hotel, I can confirm that GTD healthcare is in discussions with commissioners at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board and local primary care providers regarding healthcare support over the winter period.' She said that while GTD Healthcare known until 2008 as GoToDoc is not part of the NHS, it only provides NHS-commissioned services and not private services. It is employee-owned and runs 13 GP practices as well as urgent care centres. Asylum seekers are entitled to free NHS care while their claims are assessed. Rob Bellingham, chief officer for commissioning at NHS Greater Manchester, said: 'We have a duty to secure the provision of safe and appropriate NHS care for people while their asylum claims are being managed. 'NHS Greater Manchester has made arrangements with a local primary care provider to ensure asylum seekers who have arrived very recently receive the immediate care they need.' Footage of last week's meeting has since been shared online. Cllr Evans claimed he found out last week that the healthcare plan for migrants had been contracted out - as the Tory chief accused the Labour government of a 'wall of silence' over the situation. It comes as Labour said it would stop hotels being used to house asylum seekers - although Cresta Court Hotel's use is 'newly created', according to Sky News. In the meeting, Cllr Evans went on to say he did not support housing single male migrants at the hotel, but that it 'keeps them out of our doctors' surgeries. 'We just had our Minor Injuries Unit at Altrincham Hospital closed. We've now 300 people on our doorstep,' he told Express.co.uk. 'My understanding is that they are taking out a contract to support these people. Meanwhile, people here can't get a doctor's appointment.' Some 300 migrants are reportedly staying at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham Worried Trafford residents voiced their fears about the take over of the hotel. Pictured is Councillor Nathan Evans speaking next to community leaders and local police He added residents had been stonewalled by Whitehall, and claimed the move to house hundreds of migrants in the hotel had been a 'ministerial decision'. 'It's not like this has happened by accident. Someone took this decision. People are worried about it,' he said. 'Residents don't want them at the hotel, right in the centre of the town.' Young men thought to be asylum seekers were pictured earlier this week gathering in the hotel car park, smoking and drinking coffee. The decision to move migrants into Cresta Court has sparked a fierce debate locally. During the church meeting, residents raised their fears about safety and blasted an 'information vacuum' and lack of prior consultation about the hotel's conversion. One woman, her voice shaking, questioned whether the hotel was 'effectively an open prison' near several local girls' schools and a nursery, reported GB News. She added she had already cancelled a night out with friends over safety worries. Another person expressed concerns about her daughter's safety at night, suggesting the men came from a country that 'doesn't value women'. Residents attending the meeting expressed their safety fears about the migrants at the hotel Cllr Evans (pictured left) said there had been a 'wall of silence' from the Government over the situation Gwyneth Roper, who hosted the church meeting, reportedly said: 'I can't say I agree or disagree with what's going on because we've just been kept in the dark and treated like mushrooms.' While one resident asked if there would be a curfew or whether the migrants would be free to wander around after 7pm. Community police officer Colin Dytor, in comments quoted by Sky News, said: 'We can't just lock people up who haven't committed a crime. We live in a very tolerant and open society, and we have to continue that.' Connor Rand, Labour MP for Altrincham and Sale West, added that background checks had been conducted on the men by the Home Office. A spokesman for Serco - which runs the hotel - claimed 'no decision' had been taken on 'how healthcare will be provided to those' at the site. MailOnline has approached Trafford Council for further comment. The husband of a missing Texas realtor drove a 'bulky' item wrapped in a blue tarp weighted down by a grill a day after his wife vanished from their $1.5m mansion. Brad Simpson, 53, has been charged with the murder of his wife Suzanne Clark Simpson, 51, who has not been seen since October 9, when the couple was spotted arguing at an event in San Antonio, according to police. Meanwhile, Simpson told her personal banker to 'look for me in a lake,' if she ever vanished, shortly before her disappearance, per the new documents. Simpson was arrested on October 9, hours after Suzanne finished screaming from their home - and on October 29 reportedly told a court where she'd gone. KSAT reported that Simpson told a family court hearing his missing wife was probably in Austin, which he described as her 'happy place.' Suzanne was last seen outside of their ritzy $1.5 million home, before the couple walked towards a nearby bushland, where a neighbor heard screams Simpson was seen driving his top-of-the-line black GMC Sierra with three large trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can and a 'large bulky item' wrapped in a blue tarp the day after Suzanne vanished But cops fear Suzanne met a far worse fate at the hands of her husband, according to a chillingly-detailed new arrest affidavit. Simpson was seen driving his top-of-the-line black GMC Sierra with three large trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can and a 'large bulky item' wrapped in a blue tarp the day after Suzanne vanished. The couple had attended a party at The Argyle, a private dinner club, and were seen fighting at the event, per court documents. A neighbor told police they saw the couple arguing outside their home later that night. They claimed Suzanne was trying to get away from Simpson, who was trying to pull her down and 'clearly attempting to keep Ms. Simpson from running away,' per an affidavit. Police say that hours later, Simpson dropped off his young son at school and the bed of his truck had at least two white trash bags and a large ice chest in it. Simpson was then seen at a Whataburger. During that visit, the bed of his truck had three white trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can, the ice chest, and a large bulky item that was wrapped and secured in a blue tarp, per detectives. A metal firewood rack was also placed on top of the blue tarp 'in a manner to conceal and weigh the tarp down.' Simpson then went to a Home Depot, where he bought two bags of cement, a construction bucket with a lid, a box of 32-ounce heavy-duty trash bags, one bottle of Clorox disinfectant spray and insect repellent. On Thursday afternoon, Simpson, 53, was formally charged after he was taken from Bexar County Jail by officers and questioned A haunting photograph of Suzanne earlier that day shows her walking through The Argyle after attending a party At the Home Depot's parking lot, he reportedly asked a man for directions to the nearest dump. He then put his phone in 'lock down' mode. Over the next hour, Simpson's truck was seen leaving a waste site in Boerne. By the time Simpson arrived to pick up his son at about 3.30pm, the bed of his truck only had the trash can and ice chest. Simpson then went to a car wash and cleaned the inside of his truck, which had 'dried cement splashes' He reported his wife missing that night, after one of her friends called expressing concern. Cops believe she has been murdered, although no body has been found despite extensive searches of a landfill site and wooded area. Simpson told police Suzanne had lost her phone at a H-E-B store that night but records show her cell phone was suspended 'at the request of the subscriber' at around 9:16pm on October 6. Suzanne had called her mother to say Simpson assaulted her after she was seen on surveillance footage at the H-E-B. Several hours after this photograph was taken, neighbors claim they heard an aggressive fight between Suzanne and her husband outside their home, seen here Detectives also spoke with Suzanne's personal banker, who said she had made an outcry of domestic violence in August and claimed Simpson would often take her phone away. Police found a burn site with a burnt laptop and several cellphones that belonged to Simpson. Notes on one of his devices included apologies for assaulting his wife in August 2023 and October 6. Simpson was seen driving away from his family's $1.5 million mansion in his luxurious black GMC Sierra truck after Suzanne vanished. He arrived home in it two hours later, with police appealing for anyone who saw the truck in that time frame to come forward. A haunting photograph of Suzanne earlier on the day she vanished has been released, showing her walking through The Argyle in Alamo Heights. Suzanne was pictured alone at the exclusive, members-only club, wearing a knee-length dark dress and her hair down over her shoulders. Several hours after this photograph was taken, neighbors claim they heard an aggressive fight between Suzanne and her husband. Suzanne Clark Simpson , 51, was last seen on October 6 in Olmos Park, a suburb of the Texas city That neighbor claims he saw Simpson hitting and restraining his wife, before they both wandered off to a nearby wooded area. Shortly after that interaction, the neighbor alleges he heard screams from the woods. It was then that Simpson drove away in his truck. Simpson's business partner James Cotter was arrested on October 22 for tampering with evidence. Police allege Cotter helped Simpson hide a weapon that could be tied to his wife's disappearance. According to an arrest affidavit, Simpson text Cotter the day after formally reporting Suzanne missing, writing: 'If you're in Bandera, can you haul ass to meet me at your house?' 'I don't have much time,' the initial text read, according to KENS5. A secondary text allegedly read: 'Sorry for the urgency but you're all I got especially now... social media is destroying me.' The couple have two children together, with Suzanne also a mother to two other children from a previous relationship. Their daughter, 20-year-old Chandler Simpson, had spoken out on social media, claiming that her mother was abused by her father, and that he 'took my mother's life in a state of rage and control'. A deer has been shot dead by police after roaming in a school's grounds and considered a 'danger to the public.' The stag was filmed running along a grassy roadside verge and roaming around a residential area of Sheffield early on Monday morning. Passers-by reported it came close to being hit by a car. But the decision to kill the animal, following discussions with a deer expert and vet, provoked outrage on social media. South Yorkshire Police said they were contacted at 8.28am by reports of the deer at Greenhill Primary School in Sheffield. Despite the animal moving away from the school, armed police shot the deer dead as tranquilisers wouldn't work quickly enough. A police spokesman said: 'It is reported that a stag entered the school grounds, posing a danger to pupils, staff, and other members of the public. A deer has been shot dead by police after roaming in a school's grounds. The stag was filmed running along a grassy roadside verge and roaming around a residential area of Sheffield early on Monday morning 'Officers attended and consulted with a deer manager and specialist vet, and were advised that a tranquiliser could not be used on the animal as it would not take effect immediately. 'The stag moved off the school grounds, but due to the ongoing danger to members of the public, the decision was taken to humanely dispatch the animal out of view of the public. 'We appreciate these incidents cause concern for the local community, and these decisions are never taken lightly.' The decision provoked anger on social media. Writing on a local Facebook page Laura Leanne Scott commented: 'This is disgusting, it should have been tranquillised that poor defenceless animal would have been so frightened. SYP should be ashamed of themselves for this.' Adele Pinnock said: 'Absolutely shocked at this! Feel sick to my stomach that they killed the poor deer. They should have at least tried tranquillising it first. Disgusting.' Andrea Schofield wrote: 'They didn't need to kill it, they could have tranquilized it and move it to somewhere safe, but no, as always the police have to kill it, no doubt they'll come up with some excuse about it being a danger to the public.' Passers-by reported it came close to being hit by a car. But the decision to kill the animal, following discussions with a deer expert and vet, provoked outrage on social media 'The stag moved off the school grounds, but due to the ongoing danger to members of the public, the decision was taken to humanely dispatch the animal out of view of the public' Outraged social media user Adele Pinnock said: 'Absolutely shocked at this! Feel sick to my stomach that they killed the poor deer. They should have at least tried tranquillising it first. Disgusting' However, the British Deer Society, a welfare charity, backed police. The charity's technical advisor Charles Smith-Jones told the Sheffield Star wild deer 'can be unpredictable and, in a panicked state, are capable of posing a serious hazard to onlookers and road users.' He said: 'The police will have had to take many factors including public safety, the law, and animal welfare into account. 'I am sure that they would have considered all of the options available and completed a thorough risk assessment before deciding not to attempt to capture a large and seriously stressed wild animal. 'A tranquilised animal cannot be relied on to be immobilised immediately even when darted in a relaxed state. 'In this case the situation would doubtless have been complicated by high levels of adrenaline present in an already stressed deer. 'Those in charge had to make difficult decisions under trying circumstances and this was certainly not the outcome anyone would have wanted.' A minister has been forced to issue a grovelling apology to the parents mourning the loss of their three-year-old daughter after she was accused of giving a 'childish and inappropriate' response when grilled about the mysterious death in parliament. Perth toddler Aliyah Yugovich died unexpectedly in July after she contracted the flu following a tonsillectomy A preliminary report by the coroner recently revealed that the toddler had been mistakenly been administered an anti-seizure drug by one of the three hospitals which treated her. Opposition leader Libby Mettam asked WA health minister Amber Jade Sanderson in parliament on Tuesday if a lack of resources at Perth Children's Hospital was a factor in Aliyah's death. In reply, minister accused Ms Mettam of politicising the tragic case, saying the Liberal leader had 'plumbed some serious depths.' 'This is a new low. This terrible circumstance is not fodder for Question Time,' Ms Sanderson fumed. 'This is purely seeking to politicise what is a terrible event, madam speaker and a grubby attempt by the Leader of the Opposition.' Aliyah's mother Jess Yugovich has since slammed the minister for trying to avoid the question. Aliyah Yugovich (pictured centre) died unexpectedly in July 'The way she behaved is childish and inappropriate,' Ms Yugovich told the West Australian. 'Our lives have been completely destroyed by this, and to see the person who is meant to be helping people like us behave like that is infuriating.' Ms Yugovich said minister combative response was the first time she had heard Ms Sanderson mention her daughter. 'Libby Mettam asked a valid question, and I want answers to those questions,' Ms Yugovich said. Ms Sanderson apologised to the family on Wednesday but maintained that Question Time was an 'inherently political forum'. 'I want to start by extending my sympathies to the Yugovich family,' she said. It has been revealed that Aliyah has been mistakenly administered an anti-seizure drug before her death WA health minister Amber Jade Sanderson has been criticised by the grieving family for not answering a question about Aliyah in parliament 'It saddens me if any of the comments in Question Time yesterday upset them, and I genuinely wish them well.' 'I continue to say that parents should always be heard, and this is a complex investigation that needs time to be undertaken.' Ms Yugovich hopes to meet and sit down with the minister, along with a commitment to towards ensuring similar tragedies are avoided in the future. A coroner's findings into the case are expected to be handed before Christmas. Advertisement Donald Trump's announcement he would nominate Matt Gaetz as his Attorney General caused an earthquake in the Republican Party on Wednesday. Senators who will be part of the nominating process questioned whether the MAGA firebrand congressman would get the 50 votes needed to be confirmed, given the salacious allegations against him at the center of an ethics investigation. The bombshell news came just hours after Trump met President Joe Biden at the White House for almost two hours. The president-elect also confirmed that he would put forward former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. Follow all the developments at DailyMail.com's live blog. A couple have denied murder after their three-month-old baby daughter died from skull-related shaking or impact injuries. Kaylani Kalanzi was taken to Homerton Hospital in Hackney, east London, following a 999 call by her parents at around 10.30pm on July 8. She was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital with skull-related injuries and died on July 23 A post-mortem examination found she died of head injuries said to be consistent with 'shaking or impact injuries'. Ugandan national Herbert Kalanzi, 34, and Nazil Merthoca, 23, had been charged with allowing a child to suffer significant harm and their daughter's murder on July 8. The parents both appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday via video link from the respective prisons where they are currently in custody. Baby Kaylani Kalanzi was taken to Homerton Hospital in Hackney (pictured) following a 999 call by her parents (Stock photo) Her parents Herbert Kalanzi, 34, and Nazil Merthoca, 23 have denied murder after the three-month old died from skull-related shaking or impact injuries (Pictured: Old Bailey) Kalanzi appeared from HMP Belmarsh, while Merthoca attended via video-link from HMP Bronzefield, wearing a turtle neck jumper, glasses, and a nose ring The couple, of East Ham, both denied murder and an alternative charge of causing or allowing the death of a child between June 16 and July 14, 2024. A four week trial date had been set for June 16, 2025 but was moved to September 1, 2025 due to delays in the availability of medical experts. Two employees have died following a powerful explosion at a food color factory which damaged nearby homes and businesses. The blast occurred yesterday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, and caused the partial collapse of the factory. Firefighters rushed to the scene where they were able to evacuate employees from Givaudan Sense Color. At least 11 were taken to hospital, some with life-threatening injuries, and tragically two people have died. In a statement, Givaudan Sense Colour, which produces colorings for food and drinks, said: 'We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time.' Louisville Mayor Craig Greensberg said in a statement that officials have accounted for everyone who was working at the plant at the time. The blast occurred yesterday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, and caused the partial collapse of the factory In a statement, Givaudan Sense Colour, which produces colorings for food and drinks, said: 'We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time' The cause was under investigation. Greenberg said officials spoke to employees inside the plant and they 'initially conveyed that everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred.' The company said that it was in the early stages of investigating the cause and it is cooperating with authorities. 'We appreciate their heroic response and send our thanks to those in the community who have shown their support throughout the day,' the company said. Patrick Livers lives in a neighborhood immediately across the railroad tracks from the plant. He was at work when his mother, who had picked up his children from school and was bringing them home, called to say his home had been damaged by the explosion. 'I was like, `What are you talking about? Then she showed me the video. I was like, `Oh youve got to be kidding me,' he said. Mr Livers said no one was home at the time. He said the explosion blew out windows up and down his street. 'The house is still standing. Its just structural damage. If it was on a wall, its on the floor,' he said. 'All the neighbors windows busted out, doors blown in. It looked like a small tornado went off inside the house.' Firefighters rushed to the scene where they were able to evacuate employees from Givaudan Sense Color. At least 11 were taken to hospital, some with life-threatening injuries, and tragically two people have died The cause was under investigation. Mayor Greenberg said officials spoke to employees inside the plant and they 'initially conveyed that everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred Steve Parobek was at work when the blast blew out the kitchen window in his apartment a block from the plant. He arrived home and found his cat safe and used two pizza boxes and some duct tape to cover his window as temperatures dropped steadily Tuesday night. The Louisville Fire Department was leading the investigation as of Tuesday night with help from state and federal partners. A reconstruction team from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was headed to Louisville to help determine the cause of the explosion. In April 2003, an explosion at the same location killed a worker at a caramel-coloring plant owned by D.D. Williamson & Co. Givaudan acquired the plant from D.D. Williamson in 2021. Federal investigators determined a pressure relief valve on a tank had been removed when the company moved the tank to its Louisville plant in 1989. The tank exploded because there was no relief valve, according to a report from the Chemical Safety Board. MBABANE - The legal profession in Eswatini is faced with a disconcerting surge of acts of misconduct by lawyers. This was disclosed by the Eswatini Law Society Disciplinary Tribunal, which further highlighted that it is inundated with a growing number of lawyers facing disciplinary action for misconduct. It has been gathered that a total of 24 serious cases of professional misconduct, some bordering on the misappropriation of trust funds and theft of clients monies, are pending before the tribunal. The tribunal highlighted that theft of funds by lawyers is a very serious offence and has far-reaching consequences, not only for the lawyers concerned, but for the profession as a whole. A legal practioner who dishonestly misappropriates trust funds is not a fit and proper person to continue practising as an attorney and deserves the ultimate sanction of being struck off the roll of attorneys in the Kingdom of Eswatini, said the tribunal. It further stated that there is a need for it to protect members of the public. The tribunal stated that an attorney is required to be of complete honesty, reliability and integrity. It pointed out that the need to exhibit honesty applies both in relation to the duty to their clients, as well as to the tribunal. Stolen The cases involve senior and junior attorneys, who are said to have stolen millions of Emalangeni belonging to clients. Notably, most of the monies that were purportedly siphoned by the learned friends involved estate monies, causing some of the beneficiaries to be beggars. The tribunal noted that the nature of the misconduct has become more and more brazen and this is exacerbated by the absence of any contrition on the part of the wrongdoers. This publication has noted the growing trend of accused persons who lodge complaints with judicial officers when they appear in court. They complain about attorneys unprofessionalism in that some of them do not attend their clients matters in court, despite being paid to do so.This publication has so far collected eight cases in which accused persons have gone as far as reporting their legal representatives to magistrates. A recent case is that of Sanele Dlamini, who appeared at Manzini Magistrates Court for an assault charge. He elected to hire an attorney, who, however, did not show up in court.Dlamini informed the court that his lawyer had promised to be in court that day. He said he was surprised that his lawyer was absent and the matter was postponed. A small business operator of Manzini said he engaged an attorney to draft a contract for a new supplier in 2010. He said he paid the attorney upfront, but he failed to deliver. Disbarred The businessman stated that he eventually learnt from a colleague that the attorney had been disbarred due to previous misconduct. In yet another incident, *Thandiwe of Manzini, said she hired an attorney to assist her in a custody battle for her children after a painful divorce. Desperate to ensure a stable environment for her children, she paid the attorney a E3 000 retainer. As the case dragged on, Thandiwe noticed her attorney rarely attended court hearings. Also, a retired civil servant sought legal advice regarding his pension and retirement benefits. After hearing good things about a local attorney, he shared that he paid for consultation and subsequent legal services. Months passed with little progress, and when he finally requested an update, he discovered that his attorney had not even submitted the necessary paperwork to the relevant authorities. Frustrated, he mentioned that he attempted to resolve the issue himself, only to find that he was facing additional legal hurdles, due to the attorneys negligence. The tribunal recently concluded the matter of lawyer Innocent Motsa, who is currently an acting magistrate, who was found guilty of professional misconduct. He was found to have misappropriated monies belonging to his clients and the tribunal recommended that he should be struck off the roll as, due to his behaviour, he is not fit and proper to practise as an attorney. Plagued According to the tribunal, this matter is a classic example of this type of incessant conduct that has plagued our noble profession. The tribunal is led by senior lawyers Zweli Jele and members are Musa Sibandze, Lucky Howe, Nhlanhla Ginindza, Lucky Manyatsi and Sinethemba Khumalo. In its ruling in Motsas matter, the tribunal stated that an attorney is required to be of complete honesty, reliability and integrity. It found that the need to exhibit honesty applies both in relation to the duty of their clients as well as the tribunal. It concluded that Motsa failed dismally in this regard and it had no hesitation in recommending that he be censured. Motsa is among, other things, said to have sold a property without the consent of beneficiaries of an estate belonging to a Mpapane family. In its ruling, the tribunal said its attention was also drawn to two other matters that pertain to Motsa and are currently serving before it. In these matters, the respondent (Motsa), according to the tribunal, admitted having misappropriated monies belonging to clients. In those matters, the tribunal accorded him the opportunity of settling his liability, before dealing with the issue of misconduct. He reportedly failed to settle both matters. The tribunal said, given the fact that he already admitted the wrongdoing, it considered it appropriate to take those matters into consideration when recommending a sanction for the present matter. *Not real name. A mother has been left raging after her six-year-old son was told he wasn't allowed on the trampolines at an amusement park because he has Down Syndrome. Single mother Francesca Friend, 36, took James and his sister Georgie, seven, to Flip Out, in Chelston Heath, Somerset on October 29. She booked the tickets - totalling 75 - online and they travelled over an hour from their home in Yeovil for the outing. But they were distraught to be told by a staff member James would not be allowed on the trampoline unless they provided paperwork with permission from a doctor. Devastated James had been 'talking about it for days', his mother said, adding: 'He just wants to join in.' 'How do you explain that to a child?' Single mother Francesca Friend, 36, took James, who has Down Syndrome, to Flip Out, in Chelston Heath, Somerset on October 29 They were joined by James' sister Georgie, seven The mother-of-two said: 'It was horrible. It should be the parents' choice and I would have been holding his hand the whole way round.' According to their website, Flip Out's policy follows The British Gymnastics Association guidelines and says customers with Down Syndrome and neck instability have to obtain evidence from a GP or pediatrician saying they are fit to partake in the activity. This is because people with Down Syndrome are more likely to have atlanto-axial instability - a condition where there is excessive movement or instability between the first two vertebrae of the spine. But Ms Friend believes some discretion should be used if a parent accompanies the child. She said: 'My son is not going to be doing flips and stuff. He just wants to join in - he's quite capable of bouncing. 'James had been talking about it for days, and his sister, Georgie, was just as thrilled.' Upon arrival, the family was given wristbands, and everything seemed to be going smoothly until an employee approached and asked the mother if her son had Down Syndrome. Flip Out offers indoor activities like trampolines and laser tag Devastated James had been 'talking about it for days', his mother said She confirmed, not anticipating any issue, however the employee then informed her that James could not enter the trampoline area due to safety concerns. 'They said that if he fell awkwardly, he could hurt himself,' Ms Friend said. 'I tried to explain that I would be there holding his hand the entire time.' She said James' father had taken him previously without any problems. 'It's discrimination, plain and simple. Their policies shouldn't prevent children like James from enjoying the same activities other kids get to experience. 'James was devastated; he was really looking forward to it, and Georgie was just as heartbroken. It's hard to watch your kids go through that.' Although the park provided a refund, she was told it would take up to five days to process. 'It should be the parents' choice to determine if it's safe or not. An employee informed the mother that James could not enter the trampoline area The family were distraught to be told by a staff member James would not be allowed on the trampoline unless they provided paperwork with permission from a doctor 'We know our children best and what they're capable of.' Flip Out Somerset general manager Jeremy Appiah said: 'The health and safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us at Flip Out. We do everything in our power to ensure that our customers have a fun and safe time at our indoor adventure park. 'As regards customers that visit Flip Out with children and young people who have Down Syndrome, we make them aware that we follow the guidelines issued by the British Gymnastics Association and The Down Syndrome Association. 'This guidance recommends that prior to taking part in activities at Flip Out, customers with Down Syndrome are asked to obtain evidence that a GP or Paediatrician has screened them using the screening test developed by the BGA for Atlanto-Axial Instability. 'Approval for participation that is signed by the GP or paediatrician must be provided before taking part in any trampolining activities. 'The parent of the child at Flip Out Somerset had signed a safety waiver which details the request for evidence of screening and then my staff explained the situation to the parent when they entered the arena with their son. 'These are extremely challenging conversations for staff to have with parents and their children about the guidance, but I know that this was done in a sensitive manner. 'While this situation is regretful, it is the only way that we can guarantee the safety of all of our customers. The family were given a full refund and were told that we look forward to welcoming them back when they have the relevant paperwork from their GP or paediatrician.' The incoming Donald Trump administration has 'outright hostility' towards Labour's deal to hand over control of the Chagos Islands, Nigel Farage warned today. The Reform UK leader, a top cheerleader for the hard right Republican, branded a deal to give the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius 'an enormous mistake'. And he suggested in the Commons that the deal - which is due to be signed off next year, may never go ahead due to the opposition of the White House. Reports today suggest Mr Trump is seeking legal advice on vetoing the agreement announced by David Lammy last month. It will see the archipelago handed over to Mauritius, with a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia airbase. But it has been widely branded a 'surrender' of UK territory to a nation 1,300 miles away. The Mauritian government is friendly to China and fears have been raised that Beijing operatives will able to get close to the facility. Mr Farage, who has made repeated visits to the US either side of the November 5 election, told the Commons: 'There is outright hostility to this deal.' The Reform UK leader, a top cheerleader for the hard right Republican, branded a deal to give the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius 'an enormous mistake'. David Lammy last month announced the archipelago will be handed over to Mauritius, with a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia airbase. Mr Farage, who has made repeated visits to the US either side of the November 5 election, told the Commons: 'There is outright hostility to this deal.' But he was earlier mocked for his support for Trump, after trying to get the chamber to congratulate him on his election win at Prime minister's Questions. Replying to his request, Sir Keir said: The Prime Minister replied: 'I'm glad to see (Mr Farage) making a rare appearance back here in Britain, he spends so much time in America recently, I was half expecting to see him on the immigration statistics.' He added: 'I did congratulate the incoming President last week, we will work with him.' Asking for an update on the British-Mauritian deal over the Chagos Islands, including an agreement to secure the UK-US Diego Garcia military base, the Reform UK leader told the Commons today : 'Mauritius has no legal or historical claim to the sovereignty of a group of islands that are 1,300 miles away from where it is, nor does from the international court it was purely an advisory opinion. There is no legal reason why we have to do any of this.' Mr Farage said: 'Whatever is said about a lease agreement, as we saw with Hong Kong, these agreements can very very easily be broken. Diego Garcia was described to me by a senior Trump adviser as the most important island on the planet as far as America was concerned.' He continued: 'There is no basis for this agreement to continue as it is and if you do, you'll be at conflict with a country without which we would be defenceless.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty had earlier said: 'The base on Diego Garcia plays a critical role in countering an array of threats to regional and international security. Without legal certainty, the base simply cannot operate effectively; continued uncertainty would be a gift to our adversaries. This is why the agreement has been welcomed by all parts of the US system and by other critical regional security partners including India.' In his reply, Mr Doughty said: 'In the absence of a negotiated solution, a legally binding decision against the UK seemed inevitable.' Allies of the new president slammed the decision last month to hand the British Indian Ocean Territory over to Mauritius, which is 1,300 miles from the archipelago. Florida senator Marco Rubio, who campaigned alongside Trump at rallies, said it was 'concerning as it would provide an opportunity for communist China to gain valuable intelligence on our naval support facility in Mauritius.' And Idaho senator James Risch, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee accused the Biden administration of giving in to 'Chinese lawfare' and 'yielding to pressure from unaccountable international institutions like the International Court of Justice at the expense of US and UK strategic and military interests.' He told Politico: 'The US and our allies must take a long term approach when it comes to making decisions that affect our strategic competition with China, or we will all lose.' Former Republican Congressman Michael Grimm is asking for $2.5million to help him walk again after being seriously injured from a polo accident. Grimm, 54, was left paralyzed from the chest down in September during a polo match, and is now being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. His Newsmax colleague, Greg Kelly, revealed on his radio show that the accident took place at a September 22 polo match and the former politician 'seriously damaged his neck' after he was 'thrown from the horse.' 'He's a great horseman,' Kelly said. 'Please say a prayer.' Former NYC Council Member, Vincent Ignizio, started a GoFundMe for the former FBI agent, asking for $2.5million in donations to pay for treatment to help him 'walk again.' Michael Grimm, 54, was left paralyzed from the chest down in September during a polo match, and is now being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey His Newsmax colleague, Greg Kelly, revealed on his radio show that the accident took place at a September 22 polo match and the former politician 'seriously damaged his neck' after he was 'thrown from the horse' 'He has been in the most devastating of situations and through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams who have helped him, Mr. Grimm has miraculously thread the needle to survive,' he wrote on the fundraiser that has so far garnered more than $430,000. 'Yet, his ongoing care and the treatment to walk again will cost millions of dollars.' The former Marine had been an avid polo player for years and has regularly participated in tournaments throughout the Hudson Valley, according to The New York Times. 'If there is anybody that can show the strength and fortitude and will to ensure his full recovery, its Michael Grimm,' Ignizio told The New York Times. 'Hes a tough Marine and a tough patriot, and we are all just praying.' The former Marine had been an avid polo player for years and has regularly participated in tournaments throughout the Hudson Valley Former NYC Council Member, Vincent Ignizio (pictured), started a GoFundMe for the former FBI agent, asking for $2.5million in donations to pay for treatment to help him 'walk again' Grimm, who notoriously threatened to throw a reporter off a balcony during the 2014 State of the Union, represented Staten Island and a part of Brooklyn in Congress from 2011 to 2015. A federal investigation into Grimms 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. Grimm (pictured with Donald Trump) represented Staten Island and a part of Brooklyn in Congress from 2011 to 2015 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 Representative Dan Donovan, who then lost the general election to Democrat Max Rose. Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis defeated Rose in 2020 and has represented the district since then. Grimm has recently worked as a host on Newsmax. A Norwegian coin found at a prehistoric archaeological site in Maine could soon rewrite America's history books. The small piece of silver, known as the Maine Penny, may prove that Europeans arrived in the US centuries earlier than what was initially thought. It's already known that maritime explorations by Norse peoples from Scandinavia - also known as Vikings - in the late 10th century led to the Norse colonization of Greenland and Newfoundland in Canada. The coin comes from the same era. Much of the circumstances of how it was found were not well preserved, but it could be evidence that the Norsemen from Greenland traveled farther south than Newfoundland, on the eastern coast of what is now Canada. The Maine State Museum - where the artifact is being kept - favors the view that the coin is evidence the Norse were the first outsiders to set foot on the actual North American continent, a half-millennia before Christopher Columbus was even born. Scroll down for video: Pictured, a 19th century depiction of Leif Erikson discovering North America. The Norseman, however, never actually set foot in what is now the US - or so it's been believed A small piece of silver known as the Maine Penny (seen here) could provide proof either he or other Vikings made it as far south as the northmost state in the US 'There's a group of people out there who are very keen on believing that the Norse explored a lot of North America,' said Bruce Bourque, former chief archaeologist of the museum, in an interview with FOX ABC Maine a few years ago. Hal Borns, a senior research scientist at The University of Maine, added how 'there's been a long, long history of Vikings or Norse people occupying easternmost Maine' as he pondered the coin's greater connotations. 'Everybody's heard about Viking explorations and people with horned helmets and running around,' he added. 'You know, it's a thing that a part of history that catches people's imagination.' Borns, a geologist by trade, has studied Norse influence in North America for decades. He told the station how countless people in easternmost Maine, near where the coin was found in 1957, believe it constitutes evidence there were Vikings in the state. Borns added how the artifact is 'integral' to this theory - as the only known Viking site on this side of the world is a Medieval-era base camp known as L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. The site is famed for being the base of operations of Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer commonly credited with being the first European to set foot in North America. Bruce Bourque, former chief archaeologist of the museum, spoke about the coin - discovered off the coast of Maine in 1957 - in an interview with FOX ABC Maine Hal Borns, a senior research scientist at The University of Maine, added how 'there's been a long, long history of Vikings or Norse people occupying easternmost Maine' as he pondered the piece of silver's greater connotations Much of the circumstances of how it was found were not well preserved, but it could be evidence that the Norsemen from Greenland traveled farther south than initially thought His stay, however, did not last long, and has since been the subject of heavy scrutiny as theories continue to emerge about the extent of the exploration. It's commonly believed Erikson and Vikings who made the voyage only made it as far as Canada - but the coin's coastal origin, a small seaside village known as Brooklin, could be evidence the Norsemen made it further south. More information can be gleaned from the site where the penny was found, both scientists said - mentioning a place found on the southernmost peninsula of the little-known village. It's called the Goddard Site, and it was also home to a litany of other items that originate from a multitude of regions. Unusual finds there over the years include worked copper and a large number of stone artifacts - as well as stone chips, knives, fire pits, and an abundance of arrowheads. Much of the items come from hundreds of miles away, with no other artifacts of Norse origin aside from the coin ever found. Bourque and others accept the finds as evidence of an explosion of trade contact between Native Americans over the centuries - with the coin being the most mysterious of them all. How it came to be there could be a result of trade between the groups - evidence of which already exists. Pictured, the coast of Maine's Mount Desert Island, not far from the Goddard Site For now, scientists remain stumped - leaving people like Bourque and Borns to continue their research in hopes of one day obtaining proof Vikings set foot in what is now the US. That day may never come, but researchers remain hopeful However, repeated instances of trade would likely result in more Norse coinage being discovered at the site - and the Maine Penny is the only one. The same would in theory be true for a Viking settlement, casting some doubt on that theory as well. For now, scientists remain stumped - leaving people like Bourque and Borns to continue their research in hopes of one day obtaining proof Vikings set foot in what is now the US. That day may never come, the former conceded - shortly after stepping down as the museum's lead archeologist. 'Real science nothing is ever solved.' A more optimistic Borns added: 'It's one of the long standing mysteries - and to a scientist a mystery is a challenge. That's what we're doing.' As of writing, their work remains ongoing. A glamorous Bay Area sheriff is facing calls to resign over allegations of creating a toxic work environment - including claims that she hired her lover for a $246,000-a-year role. San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus is under fire from the county's Board of Supervisors, who say she must step down in the wake of a damning independent review. The scathing 408-page report, completed by Judge LaDoris Cordell, found evidence that Corpus has an 'intimate relationship' with her chief of staff, Victor Aenlle. San Mateo County Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Ray Mueller presented Cordell's report during a news briefing Tuesday, calling the findings 'extremely concerning' and 'unprecedented.' San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus (pictured) is under fire from the county's Board of Supervisors, who say she must step down in the wake of a damning independent review The report details incidents of Aenlle allegedly spending thousands on clothing and jewelry for Corpus, as well as instances of them being seen kissing. 'It's clear we have a sheriff that we cannot trust,' Corzo said. The report said 'lies, secrecy, intimidation, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and abuses of authority are the hallmarks of the Corpus administration.' However, Corpus has denied the allegations, saying they are 'false' and that she has no plans on resigning from her position. 'I am shocked by the outright slander by two members of the board. These are people who have a vendetta against me. I am disgusted at how low these people will go,' Corpus said in a news briefing she held late Tuesday. 'These allegations are absolutely not true.' The scathing 408-page report, completed by Judge LaDoris Cordell, found evidence that Corpus has an 'intimate relationship' with her chief of staff, Victor Aenlle (pictured) 'No one will call me a racist or a homophobe. Anyone who knows me knows I would not use racist words. I am not capable of that,' she added on Tuesday. 'This is a hatchet job of an inquiry which was commissioned with a predetermined outcome in mind and it was filled with lies.' The report says Corpus and Aenlle's relationship created a toxic environment, with dozens of officers and former employees interviewed by Cordell. Supervisors say Cordell spent more than 60 hours investigating the allegations against Corpus, concluding that the sheriff and her chief of staff are involved in an intimate partnership. The report contains five pages of incidents that allegedly show evidence of their personal relationship, including claims that Aenlle spent thousands on gifts for Corpus and were seen kissing. However, Corpus has denied the allegations, saying they are 'false' and that she has no plans on resigning from her position 'I have a personal relationship with Mr. Aenlle and with other members of my staff,' she said to reporters. 'I've been dealing with this kind of rhetoric my entire career. I am a woman of color that has gone up the ranks in a male-dominated field. This is nothing new to me.' This comes after Corpus recently arrested Deputy Carlos Tapia, who is the president of the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff's Association, which some say is in retaliation for whistleblowing. 'I stand before you today to address a serious matter that affects not only the integrity of my sheriff's office but also the trust we have worked so hard to build with our communities. It's never easy when one of your own is involved in alleged criminal activity. Today I must share with you the difficult but necessary decision to arrest a deputy within our office,' Corpus said. 'No one is above the law, and we are committed to accountability at every level. These actions, while difficult, are necessary to uphold the integrity of our office and the trust of our community.' Disturbing new details have emerged about a Los Angeles teacher who was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a young teen. Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, an educator at John Burroughs Middle School, was taken into custody last week on suspicion of child molestation. At the time, investigators believed she had 'groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle.' But prosecutors now say that Matarico had abused the boy for a over a year and left her husband due to her 'love' for the teen - describing him as 'her crystal meth.' At her court appearance on Tuesday, Matarico pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of lewd act upon a child under age 14, two felony counts of lewd act upon a child age 14 or 15, and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, a teacher at John Burroughs Middle School, allegedly abused a 13-year-old boy for a over a year and left her husband due to her 'love' for the boy - describing him as 'her crystal meth,' prosecutors said Her attorney argued that Matarico should be freed without bail, according to the LA Times. But Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson told the court she had text messages indicating Matarico had no plans of stopping the relationship if she were released. Anson alleged that the inappropriate relationship began when the child turned 13 and most of the abuse happened between August and November of 2023. 'She first met him at 12 years old. And the inappropriate relationship started at 13 years old while she was still his teacher. After the investigation, (which) she believed was over, the relationship did not end," Anson said, according to CBS News. 'In the messages between her and that minor, she indicates that she is in love with him, that he is the only one that she would go to jail for and that he is her crystal meth.' The prosecutor further alleged that the abuse worsened once Matarico discovered she was going to be arrested, noting that two of the charges are based on more recent conduct. The deputy district attorney told the court that she had text messages indicating Matarico had no plans of stopping the relationship if she were released According to CBS News, Matarico's ex-husband and other family members had pleaded for her to stop on multiple occasions, to no avail. Anson also accused the educator of contacting one of the victim's friends on Instagram to continue communicating with the boy. At one point, the teen boy reportedly told one of Matarico's family members that the teacher 'can be very jealous and that he is concerned and scared,' Anson told court. According to the DA's Office, the victim 'was particularly vulnerable and Matarico took advantage of a position of trust and confidence as a teacher to commit the offenses.' Officials also claimed that Matarico had a lack of remorse while committing the alleged crime. Judge Susan J. De Witt on Tuesday declined to release the teacher. When asked by the judge if Matarico would like to respond, she shook her head and declined. Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School exclusively told DailyMail.com last week they are cooperating with Los Angeles Police Department's investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus. 'The safety of our students and our school community remains our top priority. On November 7 we were notified that a Burroughs employee had been arrested off campus for alleged misconduct with a minor,' Martinez said. 'In late October of 2023, the school received concerns about this employee. Upon receiving these concerns, we immediately contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and removed the employee from campus. Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School exclusively told DailyMail.com they are cooperating with LAPD's investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus Matarico allegedly told the boy that she was in love with him and he was 'the only person she would go to jail for' 'Once cleared by the Los Angeles Police Department to notify the school community, a notification was sent to families about these allegations. District protocols are being followed and we remain in cooperation with local authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, we are unable to disclose additional details about this matter. 'Please be assured that the safety of our students continues to be our utmost priority. Students and the greater school community are always encouraged to share any and all concerns with their school or with local authorities. 'We remain committed to supporting Burroughs MS and the greater school community with counseling and support services. We understand that some students may be impacted by this incident. 'Students can always reach out to teachers, counselors or school staff for support.' The judge had set Matarico's bail at $590,000. If she makes bail, she must wear a GPS monitoring device. Her next court date is set for November 26. Officials have asked anyone with information about other potential victims to contact the LAPD Juvenile Division detectives or CrimeStoppers. A CIA official has been charged with leaking Israel's plans to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack last year. Asif W. Rahman was indicted last week in Virginia and was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday in Cambodia, as reported by The New York Times. He was taken to Guam to face federal charges under the Espionage Act - two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information - and is expected to appear in court there Thursday. Rahman is accused of leaking documents that included highly classified information and detailed interpretations of satellite imagery that gave insight into a possible Israeli strike in Iran. The documents reportedly began circulating last month on Telegram. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets fired by the Islamic Republic, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on October 1 A general view of Tehran after several explosions were heard in Tehran on October 26, 2024. Israel announced the launch of 'precise strikes' on military targets in Iran US officials had previously said they did not know the source of the leak and were looking into it. Rahman held a top secret security clearance and had access to sensitive compartmentalized information. The documents are attributed to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency and were sharable within the 'Five Eyes,' which are the US, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. One of the two documents resembled the style of other material from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency leaked by Jack Teixeira, an Air National Guardsman who pleaded guilty in March to leaking highly classified military documents about Russias war on Ukraine and other national security secrets. The Telegram channel involved in the leak identifies itself as being based in Tehran, Irans capital. It previously published memes featuring Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and material in support of Tehrans self-described 'Axis of Resistance,' which includes Middle East militant groups armed by the Islamic Republic. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, October 23 Netanyahu promised to exact retribution on Iran following a ballistic missile strike on Israel by the Islamic Republic on October 1 Last month Israel attacked several military targets in Iran in retaliation for the barrage of ballistic missiles the Islamic Republic fired on Israel weeks earlier. It was the first time Israels military has openly attacked Iran. Iran had earlier fired a wave of missiles and drones at Israel, causing minimal damage, after two Iranian generals were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic post in Syria. The US has urged Israel to take advantage of its elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and press for a cease-fire in Gaza, and has likewise urgently cautioned Israel not to further expand military operations in the north in Lebanon and risk a wider regional war. John Thune has been elected Senate Republican leader to usher in Donald Trump's ambitious GOP majority in Congress after a private vote Wednesday morning. Thune, 63, will replace outgoing Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky after the 82-year-old announced he would be stepping down from the leadership role. He successfully fended off a left-field challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida who had the backing of Trump's trusted advisor billionaire Elon Musk and other MAGA faithful. Thune and Trump have had a complicated relationship over the years and many in the president-elect's orbit didn't want him in charge of the MAGA agenda. He called on Trump to exit the 2016 presidential race after the infamous Access Hollywood tape was leaked and was critical of his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. But in recent months, Thune has made his support for Trump known including by becoming one of the first to endorse him during the primary and the two have a better relationship. They reportedly talked on the phone after his victory Wednesday. Their communication will be critical as Thune will be tasked with leading all of Trump's Cabinet picks through the Senate confirmation process. McConnell was the longest-serving GOP leader in Senate history with a roughly 18-year tenure. But his yearslong feud with Trump put him at odds with many in the GOP who wanted a MAGA leader going into the president-elect's second term. He also suffered several health scares following a fall last year leading to bizarre 'freezing episodes' that sparked concerns. Senate Minority Whip John Thune will become Senate Republican leader in January The South Dakota senator, who currently serves as the number two Republican in Senate leadership, said he is 'honored to have earn the support' of his colleagues. He's been in the Senate since 2005 and is seen as an institutionalist, garnering support from key supporters in the chamber. Thune won the leadership election over former Whip Sen. John Cornyn, Texas, in a second-round ballot resulting in a 29-24 vote. It's a clear sign that the upper chamber is aligning with its traditional seniority structure. Thune said that he along with the rest of the GOP leadership team will 'enact President Trump's agenda' and 'deliver' on his priorities. Those include enforcing strict border security laws, streamlining the 'bureaucratic machine' and restoring American energy dominance. 'We'll make sure that the President and his team have tools and support that they need to enforce border security laws and to remove the violent criminals who are wreaking havoc in every one of our states.' 'I want to thank my colleagues who placed their faith in me to serve as leader, and those who were supporting another candidate promised to be a leader who serves the entire Republican Congress.' Thune went on to say he will do everything to process Trumps appointments quickly, but still wants confirmation hearings. Well, what we're going to do is make sure that we are processing his nominees in a way that gets them into those positions so we can implement this agenda. How that happens remains to be seen. Obviously, we want to make sure our committees have confirmation hearings.' Joining Thune in leadership are Assistant Majority Leader: John Barrasso, Wyoming, Conference Chair Tom Cotton, Arkansas, Policy Committee Chair Shelly Moore Capito, West Virginia, and Conference Vice Chair: James Lankford, Oklahoma. The incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman is Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who will be tasked with leading Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. 'I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House. This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today,' Thune said in a statement after his victory. Trump never made a public endorsement in the race, but he did issue a directive over the weekend that the leader must agree to push his Cabinet picks through at a rapid pace. 'Any Republican Senator seeking a leadership position must agree to Recess Appointments in the Senate,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'We can't wait years for confirmationspositions need to be filled immediately.' 'This is what they stalled four years ago, and it won't happen again. Additionally, no judges should be approved during this period, as Democrats try to push through their judges while Republicans fight over leadership.' Thune posted that the Senate 'must act quickly and decisively to get the president's nominees in place as soon as possible.' Thune fended off a left-field challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida who had the backing of Trump's trusted advisor billionaire Elon Musk and other MAGA faithful. He said that '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,' Thune posted on X. Musk threw his support behind Scott, along with other MAGA faithful including Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Even Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, backed Scott despite Cornyn being the other senator from their shared state. Thune won the leadership election over former Whip Sen. John Cornyn, Texas , in a second-round ballot resulting in a 29-24 vote Scott was seen as the most pro-Trump candidate, garnering support from key supporters in the president-elect's circle like Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy Jr. before the vote. Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson notably threw his weight behind the Florida senator while throwing two other candidates under the bus. 'Two of the three candidates hate Trump and what he ran on. One of them, John Cornyn, is an angry liberal whose politics are indistinguishable from Liz Cheney's,' Carlson said this week. 'The election is Wednesday, it's by secret ballot, and it will determine whether or not the new administration succeeds,' he continued. 'Rick Scott of Florida is the only candidate who agrees with Donald Trump.' Scott thanked his 'colleagues and the millions of Americans' who supported his run and 'made their voices heard to demand change.' 'We will never stop fighting to turn our country around, advance President Trumps agenda & Make America Great Again,' he posted on X. Some lawmakers complained about the outside pressure and candidate advocacy. Your browser does not support iframes. McConnell was the longest-serving GOP leader in Senate history with a roughly 18-year tenure Trump visited House Republicans on Wednesday before the Senate votes started The senators were sequestered in the Old Senate Chamber - a small ceremonial portion of the Capitol typically reserved for tours - for the private election that required 27 votes for victory. Thune will soon take control of a commanding 53-47 GOP majority to enact Trump's top legislative priorities. Likeminded Speaker Mike Johnson in the Republican-controlled House come January, giving conservatives unbridled control. A young mom living in a polygamist cult with her husband and two other wives who is accused of stabbing her baby to death laughed in court as her friend testified about their alternate lifestyle. Chloe Driver, 24, is on trial in Georgia accused of murdering 13-month-old Hannah in December 2020. She does not contest that she killed the toddler and wrote disturbing letters confessing to the crime, but has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. As her friend Jason Spillars, who is in custody on unrelated charges, detailed to the court the group's strange beliefs, Driver buried her head in her hand in an effort to hide her laugh. The corners of her lips twitched as he made reference to a 'nasty' and 'dirty' home. She quickly covered her mouth and looked away to regain her composure. Driver was 'one of three wives' who had 'radical views' and 'alternative religious names they assigned to each other.' In a distressing letter revealed in court, Driver wrote: 'He didn't do it, I did it. 'I was going insane and no longer wanted to be with his friends but kept coming back for him. I only wanted my baby and husband but he refused' She was just 20 years old when she killed her daughter. She met her husband, Brian Joyce, when she was 17 and he was 38, the court heard. He was known as 'Z' or 'Benyamin', and created contracts for each of his young wives and 'indoctrinated' Driver into his 'whacky beliefs.' The polygamist group did not believe in modern medicine, and little Hannah did not have a birth certificate, nor had she ever been to a doctor. The three wives and their husband 'participated in alternative healing practises like drinking their own urine and sensory deprivation,' the court heard. Spillars was asked about the bizarre practices on the stand on Wednesday. He was inside the home alongside Driver's husband and two other wives when she killed Hannah. He did not find the group strange, and was interested in learning about the dynamic of plural marriage. He, too, had been drinking his urine for the 'health benefits.' 'I've been drinking my urine daily for four years,' he said. 'It was [traditional] in the past when people knew their own bodies. Now we've become so deranged and deluded and essentially live in a psychotic society of mental illness and addiction to alcohol, toxic food that we've become so separate from what it means to be healthy.' Spillars was asked about the bizarre practices on the stand on Wednesday. He was inside the home alongside Driver's husband and two other wives when she killed Hannah. He did not find the group strange, and was interested in learning about the dynamic of plural marriage. He, too, had been drinking his urine for the 'health benefits' As her friend Jason Spillars, who is in custody on unrelated charges, detailed to the court the strange beliefs of the group, Driver buried her head in her hand in an effort to hide her laugh He described the practise as 'urine therapy' and urged those in the courtroom to look further into the benefits. While Spillars often discussed their alternative way of life with Joyce, who he refers to as Z, he said these matters were never discussed with the wives. 'These are women,' he said. 'They want to run and laugh and be silly on the beach. 'Me and Z are sitting here discussing doctor level quantum physics, but these women don't have these conversations. They play with the baby and they do what women do and they be silly and smile and laugh. 'I'm not having these conversations with these women. I don't even know if they're capable of that. It's not an insult, it's a matter of fact. That's not their role anyway.' Prior to his arrest, Spillars was the subject of a 'nationwide extradition warrant' in which police warned the public he was likely 'dangerous and armed.' He is incarcerated on charges not relating to baby Hannah's death. Spillars said Driver had began suffering from mental health problems during the time he knew her and would attack her husband and the other wives, but he insisted she never hurt her baby Spillars said Driver had began suffering from mental health problems during the time he knew her and would attack her husband and the other wives, but he insisted she never hurt her baby. 'She would lose it. She would start shaking, attacking Z, the other girls, me. Never the baby, though. Never. I wouldn't have tolerated that and I don't think Z would have either. 'She would get this look in her eye like she was absent, she would start screaming. You would ask her about it later and she would say she doesn't even remember these things.' Spillars described the relationship between the group as 'very beautiful' and 'healthy.' 'He treated them the way a wife should be treated with patience, kindness and love.' Driver's defense is that she was driven to insanity during her time in the cult, and therefore can't be held criminally responsible for her actions. One of the frantic 911 calls played in court was made by Jessica, the second wife of the group. The polygamist group did not believe in modern medicine, and little Hannah did not have a birth certificate, nor had she ever been to a doctor Driver was just 20 years old when she killed her daughter. She met her husband, Brian Joyce (pictured on the day of his daughter's death, with blood spatter on his shirt), when she was 17 and he was 38 She provided Driver's name, and told the dispatch officer 'I think a baby just died, and I think a woman is responsible for it.' After several minutes on the line, dispatch officer Caylee McNealy said: 'I don't know what's going on, I need to know what's going on. You're not telling me any information, can you tell me how the baby is doing?' Jessica answered: 'I don't believe she is breathing... I believe she was slit across the throat.' She told authorities that Driver was still with her baby, as was Joyce. In a separate 911 call, distressing screams and sobs were audible in the background as an officer was told 'she just killed a baby.' 'She's 13 months old. She looks dead.' The crime occurred inside the home of a friend of Driver's husband Driver kept her head low and looked on the verge of tears as certain details were heard in court Police allege Hannah suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck. Driver then stabbed herself in the neck. She'd gotten the knife from the kitchen while her sister wives were napping and her husband was distracted. Driver proceeded to lock herself and Hannah inside an upstairs bedroom, where she committed the crime. In a distressing letter revealed in court, Driver wrote: 'He didn't do it, I did it. 'I was going insane and no longer wanted to be with his friends but kept coming back for him. I only wanted my baby and husband but he refused.' She'd gotten the knife from the kitchen while her sister wives were napping and her husband was distracted Driver proceeded to lock herself and Hannah inside an upstairs bedroom, where she committed the crime Police allege Hannah suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck. Driver then stabbed herself in the neck Katie Gropper, for the state, said: 'She wanted him, she wanted to be with him. She was the first of this group of three wives and the two others came after her. The evidence will be clear that she wanted to be with him and he was never going to give up this polygamist cult lifestyle that he wanted.' In the weeks leading up to Hannah's death, Driver had searched the internet to lean 'how to snap a neck', and researched the phrase 'killing somebody to save them.' Prosecutors maintain that she was not mentally ill when she chose to kill her baby, and was instead motivated by her desire to be alone with her husband and Hannah. 'That wasn't an option, so she picked a different one,' Gropper said. Driver kept her head low and looked on the verge of tears as certain details were heard in court. But at other moments, she stared coldly ahead, unresponsive as chilling details of Hannah's death were shared. A man has been found dead on the bathroom floor of a luxury five-star hotel in Ireland after allegedly being assaulted, police say. The US national, in his 60s, was found unconscious at the popular Ballyfin Demesne hotel on Tuesday evening, before being pronounced dead. Local authorities have arrested a man in his 30s who was travelling with the American, understood to have been on holiday at the time of the incident. The police say the death was caused by a 'fatal assault' and have launched an investigation. No charges have been reported at this time. The Ballyfin Demesne, set in a 614-acre estate near the Slieve Bloom mountains, is a popular destination for many celebrities. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West honeymooned at the site after reportedly being turned away from Glin Castle. The tourist was found at Ballyfin Demesne hotel, which he was visiting. Pictured: File photo Kim Kardashian and Kanye West married in Italy before honeymooning in Ireland Gardai (Irish police) said that they were called to the hotel shortly before 8pm local time yesterday evening. Neither the victim nor the suspect have been named. The services of the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested, authorities said. Gardai are still looking into the circumstances around the death, and have set up an 'incident room' in Portlaoise. Hollywood-actor Dominic West revealed that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian stayed in Portlaoise when they were turned away from his mother-in-law's castle in May 2014, per LaoisLive. The couple stayed at the Ballyfin Demesne, based on Glin and owned by an American at the time. 'I'm not sure they had a great time. They went and watched a film in Portlaoise town, which isn't really glamorous,' Dominic said. Kim and Kanye married in Italy in May 2014 before journeying on to Ireland to honeymoon at a then-secret location, later identified as Ballyfin Demesne. The couple filed for divorce in 2021 and completed their split in November 2022. MailOnline contacted the Ballyfin Demesne for comment. Arizona police released heart-stopping bodycam footage of an officer's heroic rescue of a man trapped inside a car submerged in a pool. At just after 2 a.m. on Halloween, bystanders contacted the Phoenix Police Department after seeing a man drive into the deep end of a residential pool. Upon arrival, officers immediately jumped into the pool, climbed onto the car's roof, and used a metal bar to forcefully break the sunroof window, as seen in bodycam footage released Tuesday. After persistent efforts, officers were finally able to breach the glass. A man wearing a yellow work vest emerged from the car, soaked and gasping for air, giving a thumbs-up to his rescuers. The man claimed he mistakenly floored the gas pedal, leading to the terrifying plunge, according to police. Phoenix police released bodycam footage Tuesday showcasing a dramatic rescue of a man trapped in a car submerged in a pool On Halloween, officers responded to a call about a vehicle plunging into a residential pool around 2 AM Once he was safely extracted from the pool, officers carefully assessed the situation, confirming that he was the only person inside the car. He was transported to a hospital as precaution, although he appeared stable. It remains unclear whether impairment played a role in the incident. The video circulating on the Phoenix Police Department's Facebook has garnered more than 17,000 views. Not all Halloween incidents had such a fortunate outcome. Last month, Samuel 'Sam' Jessen, 12, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, was run over by a tractor along the Haunted Hilltop Halloween hayride route in Chattanooga at around 11pm on October 11 after hiding in the bushes with his friends, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said. While attempting to scare other hay riders, Jessen tried to jump onto the trailer and slipped and fell underneath the wheels. He was found unresponsive, according to police. Police swiftly jumped into the pool and used a metal bar to shatter the sunroof The same weekend, Alexander 'Xander' Mick, 12, of Rice, Minnesota, was also killed at the Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride in St. Augusta when he was run over by a wagon, the Stearns County Sheriff's Office said. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman who was with Nikita Hand in the hotel where she claims she was raped by Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, has told a High Court she was 'surprised' to learn of the alleged sexual assault. Ms Hand, who is claiming civil damages against McGregor and another man, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the alleged incident in December 2018. Mr McGregor is facing an accusation in the civil action that he 'brutally raped and battered' Ms Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin. She is also suing another man, James Lawrence, for sexual assault on December 9 2018. Ms Hand, who has no automatic right to anonymity, has accused Mr McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel bedroom in south Dublin. Giving evidence on Wednesday, Danielle Kealey told the court she was with Ms Hand in south Dublin as part of a Christmas work party. Nikita Hand leaving the High Court in the second week of a civil action against Mr McGregor Mixed Martial Arts fighter Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin, where he is due to appear for a personal injury case against him Ms Kealey, who was called to give evidence by Remy Farrell SC, for Mr McGregor, said she did not know Ms Hand well. She told the court that they were collected by Mr McGregor from the salon at around 10am on the Sunday morning and after collecting Mr Lawrence, they were taken to the Beacon Hotel. Asked to describe the mood in the penthouse, she said everything was fine and everyone was in good form. She told the court that she knew Ms Hand and Mr McGregor went into the bedroom, but doesn't 'know much about it'. She said she did not know what was happening in the room, and that when she returned to the main room of the penthouse, 'everything was fine'. 'Everything was fine and no one was in bad form. I didn't notice anything that happened,' Ms Kealey said. Ms Hand is also claiming civil damages against James Lawrence (pictured), who she alleges sexually assaulted her in December 2018 Ms Hand claims she was 'brutally raped and battered' by MMA fighter Conor McGregor Asked if anyone appeared upset, she said 'no'. Ms Kealey said she was contacted by Ms Hand in the days after the alleged incident, claiming she had been raped. Asked for her reaction, Ms Kealey said: 'I was surprised because I didn't see anything. 'I told her I hadn't seen or heard anything.' She also told the court that Ms Hand had asked her to delete messages between the two. The court also heard from Dr Charlotte Murphy, a forensic scientist with Forensic Science Ireland, who examined samples taken from Ms Hand and her clothing 10 hours after the alleged incident. The court heard that straps of a jumpsuit worn by Ms Hand were damaged beyond normal wear and tear. She said that one strap was ripped off, which was consistent with pulling. Dr Murphy said that traces of semen were found on Ms Hand's jumpsuit and pants, and that DNA taken from swabs of her vagina, were one thousand million times more likely to match the DNA of Mr McGregor than anyone else. Mr McGregor has not attended court on Wednesday as he had food poisoning overnight, according to Mr Farrell. Judge Owens said the case can proceed as it is a civil case. A desperate mother looking to find her missing her son is trying to find two men who handed in the 20-year-old's rucksack after he vanished during a trip to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Lester McLennan, 20, from London went missing from the World Heritage Site on November 1 and his family is becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. His mum Lalitha McLennan, from south London, says two walkers found his rucksack with food, his hat and a book inside and handed it in. But the pair never said exactly where they discovered it and police are now keen to trace them so they can further target searches in the area. Ms McLennan, of Upper Norwood, said her and her son had been on a family holiday visiting her recently bereaved aunt in Belfast, leaving London on October 31. Lester McLennan, 20, from London has been missing from the World Heritage Site since November 1 and his family is becoming increasingly concerned. Picture: The 20-year-old took a bus from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway on Friday November 1 Two walkers found his rucksack with food, his hat and a book inside and handed it in Lalitha McLennan with her son, Lester McLennan, 20 She said her son was looking forward to the long hike at the Giant's Causeway on Friday, November 1: 'Lester was really excited to do a long hike at the Giant's Causeway on Friday 1st. The mother said: 'He went alone and was seen and spoken to around 2pm on Friday by a tour guide on the cliff path. He has not been seen since. 'Police and coastguards have been searching, but are reluctant to go further east where we think Lester was most likely heading. 'Lester was a keen and fast hiker and we think he would have walked a lot further along. 'Until they get any sightings reported, the police can't move their search area. 'They have been really good, thorough and helpful and kind and we feel they have a good understanding of Lester's temperament. 'A couple handed in his backpack containing his passport, food, hat and jumper, but we don't know where they found it. 'If we knew that, we may be able to widen the search area. Their image was captured on CCTV and we are trying to trace them to ask them where they found his bag.' Lester dropped out of A levels in 2022 and developed depression and anxiety following lockdown. He was officially diagnosed by the Community Mental Health Team in January 2024. But he had greatly improved, had a job and had gone on a hiking holiday for a week to Scotland in June. He had also enrolled on an access course for university at Morley College, starting in September, something his mum says he was 'really excited about', studying philosophy, history, English and creative writing. His 54-year-old mother, who works with families in NHS mental health services in south London, said she believed Lester may have had an accident because he wasn't scared of heights or cliffs. Lester McLennan's mum has issued an urgent appeal as searches for missing man continue The last confirmed from the 20-year-old's phone was around 5.30pm at the popular tourist attraction in County Antrim. His mother is now calling for the two men who handed the rucksack to the visitor's centre on Saturday November 2 to come forward. Furthermore, anyone who used the cliff that Friday is urged to reach out. Because a missing alert had yet to be issued for Lester, the significance of the bag was not realised at the time. He took a bus from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway at 9.30am on Friday November 1 and police have issued CCTV of him getting on in Belfast. Later that day, a group of walkers encountered a man they believed to be Lester on the cliff path between the Causeway and Dunseverick. The coastguard, community rescue teams, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and search and rescue dogs have all been called to help in the hunt while a coastguard helicopter was deployed on Sunday morning. Police in Coleraine have appealed for help tracing the young man, with Sergeant McClean saying: 'Lester was last seen travelling by bus to the Giant's Causeway area from Belfast at approximately 9.30am on Friday 1st November. 'He is described as being approximately 6 feet 3 in height, of slim build with light brown hair and was wearing black glasses, light beige trousers with a dark belt, walking boots, a long grey coat to below the knee and a dark zip up jacket. He was also carrying a black backpack. 'We are appealing to anyone who may have seen Lester or who may have any information on his whereabouts to contact police. 'We are also keen to speak to the members of the public who located a black backpack in the vicinity of the Giant's Causeway and handed it to staff members to get in touch. 'Anyone with any information that could assist with enquiries is asked to contact police in Coleraine on 101 quoting reference number 76 02/11/24.' Southport murder suspect Axel Rudakubana is to face a single trial over the stabbings and more recent charges relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his home, a court ruled today. Rudakubana, accused of murdering schoolgirls Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, was not asked to enter a plea during the short hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. The 18-year-old is also accused of ten attempted murders - of two adults, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, and eight more children - plus a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon, specified in court as a curved kitchen knife. None of the injured children can be named for legal reasons. Separately, Rudakubana appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court a fortnight ago on additional counts relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his family home, in Banks, Lancashire - a village five miles north of Southport. Southport suspect Axel Rudakubana, 18, seen on video link during an earlier court appearance Rudakubana (pictured), of Banks in Lancashire, is charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven During today's 30-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Julian Goose ruled that both indictments should be joined together and Rudakubana face a single trial, to take place from January 20 and last four to six weeks. The defendant, who watched by videolink from Belmarsh Prison, South East London, was twice asked to confirm his name but refused to reply and sat in his grey prison tracksuit with the sweatshirt pulled over his mouth and nose. A prison officer confirmed he could hear proceedings and defence barrister Stan Reiz, KC, confirmed his identity. Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, said: 'He's (Rudakubana) taken the same position at every opportunity.' He will be asked to enter pleas during a further hearing on December 12. Remanding Rudakubana in custody, Mr Justice Goose said: 'You're next required to attend on 12th December. It will again be in this court. In the meantime, keep in touch with your solicitors, your barristers, in preparation for the trial.' Rudakubana's last court appearance was on October 30 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, to face charges relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his family home, in Banks, Lancashire - a village five miles north of Southport. Left to right: Southport victims Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguia Members of the community blow bubbles as people gathered to mourn victims of the Southport knife attack by holding a vigil on August 5 The 18-year-old appeared at the hearing a fortnight ago, also via videolink from HMP Belmarsh, with his prison-issue sweatshirt over his mouth throughout the six-minute hearing and refused to speak when asked to confirm his identity. Defence counsel Stan Reiz, KC, told Westminster Magistrates' Court: 'For reasons of his own, he has chosen not to answer questions.' The court heard that Rudakubana faces the additional offences of production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism. Remanding Rudakubana into custody at the October 30 hearing, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told him: 'You will appear before Mr Justice Goose at Liverpool Crown Court in relation to these matters.' Ms Heer, KC, prosecuting, said Rudakubana should be kept on remand 'for fear of further offending and, frankly, for his own protection'. The three girls who died had been attending the summer holiday club at the Hart Space Community Centre in Southport. Bebe and Elsie died on the day while Alice died in hospital the day after. Rudakubana (pictured) was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and moved to the Southport area in 2013. He was living in Banks, Lancashire, at the time of the attacks The day after the attack, thousands turned out for a peaceful vigil but a separate protest later erupted into violence outside a mosque in the town. In the following week, protests and rioting took place in dozens of towns and cities across the UK, fuelled by misinformation on social media, with asylum centre hotels targeted. Over 1,000 people have been arrested and hundreds sentenced. Don Lemon announced he will be leaving Elon Musk's X platform in protest over the billionaire and President-Elect Donald Trump's plans. 'I have loved connecting with all of you on Twitter and then on X for all of these years, but it's time for me to leave the platform,' the former CNN anchor, 58, in an X video. 'I once believe that it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech, but I now feel that it does not serve that purpose.' He also drew sharp criticism of Musk's company changing its terms of service - starting on November 15. The new terms will force all disputes against X to go through the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas or State Courts located in Tarrant County. Those courts are located in conservative hubs, which will make it easier for the controversial company to shield itself from litigation, according to The Washington Post. The former CNN anchor, 58, has been quite vocal about his displeasure with the 2024 election results and has announced he will be ditching X over actions taken by the billionaire. 'It's time for me to leave the platform,' he said He said debate and free speech are no longer apart of Musk's company (pictured: Musk and Trump in October) Although it is not unusual for companies to specify the courts where lawsuits can be brought against them, those businesses are usually within the jurisdiction of that court. While X is headquartered in the Western District of Texas, the Northern District has 10 out of 11 judges that were appointed by a Republican. 'Whoever wrote these terms of service appears to believe that conservative judges are more likely to rule for X in the typical case than randomly selected judges across the country,' Georgetown University Law Professor Steve Vladeck told The Washington Post. 'I think that speaks for itself,' Lemon concluded his video. Since the election, Lemon's X account has been nothing but scathing reviews of Trump's decisions, including criticizing his nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. 'What?' Lemon laughed. 'At first, some of these folk's nominations, I said: "Okay, all right, they're a little extreme, but there was some normal people in there, like Marco Rubio or Mike Waltz - you know, just regular old Republicans, but Pete Hegseth? 'The morning, weekend news host? Come on,' he said in a video. He also criticized Trump's appointment of RFK Jr., who is rumored will be Trump's Health Secretary, which terrifies higher-ups in Big Pharma. Musk himself was recently appointed to co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency with Vivek Ramaswamy by Trump. Trump made the bombshell announcement on Tuesday night saying Musk would help direct the 'Manhattan Project of our time' with the former Republican presidential candidate. 'This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!' Musk said in a statement. Musk himself was recently appointed to co-lead of the new Department of Government Efficiency with Vivek Ramaswamy by Trump Lemon also criticized Trump's appointment of RFK Jr., who is rumored will be Trump's Health Secretary and his nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary Earlier this year, Musk branded Lemon a 'pompous fool' after the two men had a spectacular falling out following an interview on the former CNN star's ill-fated X show. In the sit-down, Lemon grilled his former boss over a proliferation of hate speech on X since Musk bought the social media platform previously known as Twitter. Taking to X, Musk wrote: 'Even though I think Don (lemon emoji) is a pompous fool who spouts nonsense, he is still free to upload his show to X and will receive advertising revenue.' Musk previously approached Lemon to debut this new chat show on X after his axing from CNN in April 2023. But the Tesla and SpaceX tycoon canceled his contract following their tense interview. The show, until his announcement, was screened on X and other places after Musk took away the exclusive license. The mother, who suffered from depression, is a key suspect and left a note Grandparents found the young children stabbed to death in their Alpine home A mother who allegedly stabbed her three children to death in the family's alpine home in France has reportedly been found dead in Switzerland. Deborah Pel, a 45-year-old teacher, fled the small town of Taninges after she allegedly killed the three children, aged two, 11, and 13, on Tuesday, leaving only a note behind. French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere reported that after fleeing in her Audi SUV, the French-Swiss national was today found dead in her car. The cause of her death is not currently known. It today emerged that the children's grandparents were the ones who discovered the carnage in the family's home, which lies ten miles from the Swiss border. It had earlier been reported that her partner, who fathered the youngest child, had found the bodies. Earlier, around 60 French police officers, supported by helicopters and diving squads, were searching for her. Investigators who knew of her dual citizenship requested assistance from Swiss authorities in their search, who flagged her car as it passed into the country today. Deborah Pel (pictured) fled the small town of Taninges after she allegedly stabbed the three children to death on Tuesday afternoon This photograph shows the house where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 13, 2024 French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of street near the location where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 12, 2024 The motive behind the tragic killings is not currently known. Police are interviewing the family's relatives. The investigation has been handed over to the Bonneville public prosecutor's office. The mother was part of a blended family with a man who was the father of the youngest victim. He has not yet been publicly named. Pel was a teacher at a school in nearby Marnaz, where she had reportedly transferred from Adelin-Malgrand school in Samoens. Local media reported she suffered from depression. Le Dauphine Libere reported that she was transferred following a petition from parents, who said she was too strict with the children. She was also reportedly heavily involved in the local community, most notably as a member of Samoens municipal harmony, and was treasurer of the town's music school. Pel was a keen flautist, and was given an award for her dedication to music in 2022, following 30 years of playing the flute. Pel was a teacher at a school in nearby Marnaz, where she had reportedly transferred from Adelin-Malgrand school in Samoens French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of a street, near the location where three children were found dead, in Taninges, eastern France, on November 12, 2024 The house where the three children were found dead is pictured in Taninges, on November 13, 2024 The local community has been left in ruin following the killings. The head teacher at the Jacques Brel middle school in Taninges where the two older children were enrolled refused to comment on the matter, following a question from a local reporter. Meanwhile, the school where Pel taught is making preparations to answer questions from students and their parents. Le Dauphine Libere reported that a substitute teacher has already been appointed to take charge of the class Pel taught. The shocking Alps killing comes after two small children were last week found decapitated in a bathtub on the French island of Guadeloupe. The bodies of the mutilated four-year-old and 13-month-old siblings were discovered by their father in their family home. The children's mother, the prime murder suspect, was found naked and wandering the streets by two police officers after the alarm was raised. According to French outlet Le Parisien, the woman, who is believed to be in her forties, was speaking incoherently and was unable to explain the reasons for her actions when approached by police. According to public prosecutor Caroline Talbo, the woman was initially taken into custody and then released due to her mental state, and has since been hospitalised. Trump names TV personality and veteran has is pick to lead the Pentagon Republican TV commentator Scott Jennings is coming to fellow conservative television personality Pete Hegseth's defense after Donald Trump tapped him to lead the Pentagon. President-elect Donald Trump announced Hegseth, 44, was his pick for defense secretary in a post Tuesday night sparking outrage from Democrats. The pair have a close relationship with Hegseth being a longtime supporter. But the military veteran and likely Trump loyalist is a controversial pick. He previously lobbied the president-elect during his first term both privately and publicly to pardon service members accused of war crimes. Hegseth has also publicly argued women should not have combat roles in the military. Appearing on CNN, famed author Carl Bernstein on Tuesday said Trump with his nominations is trying 'in an insidious way' to change the philosophies and priorities the U.S. has been living with since World War II. But Jennings came to Hegseth's defense. 'Does anyone have confidence in the current leadership of the Pentagon and the way the defense situation has been operating for the last several years?' Jennings asked. President-elect Trump picked conservative television personality Pete Hegseth as his pick to lead the Defense Department The Republican strategist cited the disastrous pullout of Afghanistan and the spy balloons being flown over the U.S. 'I'd say I've had just about enough of the so-called insiders running the Defense Department,' Jennings said. 'I think we ought to give Pete Hegseth a chance,' he added. Jennings claimed all the criticism of him is that he's not the expected 'Washington pick' and argued the American people 'just voted against the expected Washington pick.' Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 and was commissioned in the Army National Guard. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as at Guantanamo Bay. While he has military experience, he does not have senior military leadership or national security experience as he gears up to potentially lead 1.3 million active-duty U.S. troops and handle the department's more than $800 billion budget. When it was pointed out that Jennings was assigning civilian leadership decisions to the Pentagon, he pushed back. 'You make a good point. The civilian leadership made decisions and then the people they put on charge of the Pentagon carried it out, and it was all pretty much a disaster,' he said. Scott Jennings (left) appearing on CNN Tuesday after Pete Hegseth was announced Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon Pete Hegseth posing with President-elect Trump who is holding a copy of the 44-year-old's book Hegseth has been appearing on Fox News for a decade and most recently served as co-host of 'Fox & Friends Weekend' before Trump's announcement. He also served as CEO of the veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America and holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard. In an interview earlier this year on 'Fox & Friends' to promote his book, Hegseth shared that his unit was set to guard President Biden's inauguration, but members of his unit leadership deemed he was 'an extremist or a white nationalist because of a tattoo.' He described it as a Jerusalem cross tattoo but claimed it was used to revoke his orders. Hegseth's nomination will have to be confirmed by the Senate. While Republicans will hold the majority in the Senate starting in January, it's not clear he will have enough support with the small GOP margin to be confirmed. Hegseth was reportedly considered in Trump's first term to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, but he was never nominated amid concerns over whether he would be confirmed by the Republican Senate majority at the time. 'He's going to have to go up there just like everybody else and prove his knowledge of how to do this job. He's not immune from that, but we ought to give this man a chance in my opinion,' Jennings said. Two Utah moguls allegedly splurged $40 million of investors cash' intended for a slate of bars on enormous mansions, ultra-luxurious vacations and a private jet. Aaron Wagner, 42, and his business partner Michael Mains, 46, are accused by federal authorities of raking in millions on the promise of building a dozen new restaurants in the Gilbert and Scottsdale, Arizona areas. Instead, they splashed out on multi-million-dollar homes and purchased an $8.3 million private jet, it is claimed, all while bragging about their extravagant purchases on social media. Prosecutors allege this was all part of the scheme, as Wagner would 'show off' his 'lavish lifestyle to induce investors to believe he was a successful businessman.' Days before the duo were indicted on November 6, Wagner's wife Candace lashed him on Instagram and implied he'd cheated on her, saying he had 'sold his soul to the devil.' Aaron Wagner, 42, a bar entrepreneur, is accused of swindling over $40 million from investors to buy luxury homes, expensive gifts and a private jet She shared a smiling picture they took in happier days, saying: 'This man is NOT my husband. This is NOT the man I married. Ive hated him for YEARS. But I cant live with that hate in my heart anymore so all I can do is forgive him and let the consequences of his actions take care of the rest. 'Im sorry to all of the good people hes hurt in his path of lust and greed. I hope he finds a way to right his wrongs. Because NO ONE deserved what hes done 'I have so many questions that hell probably never give me answers to. How could he hurt so many good people. How could he hurt ME and MY babies. 'How could he fake TWENTY years with me. How could I fall for all of it. How does a person do the things hes done.' Wagner and his wife often shared lavish holidays they took with their seven children, but prosecutors alleged 'many of these indicators of success were in fact financed by investor funds he had stolen' Wagner was charged along with his business partner Michael Mains, 46, (pictured), after allegedly raking in millions on the promise of building new bars in the Gilbert and Scottsdale, Arizona areas According to the federal indictment against Wagner and Mains, the duo told investors they had plans to fund dozens of restaurants. After raking in $40 million for their ventures, their shareholders eventually came to find their cash was not entirely being spent on the bars, as one alleged victim suspecting there are 'hundreds of people that have been screwed over.' '(Victims) hope his name becomes synonymous with fraud and is never able to do another deal again,' the anonymous investor told Gilbert Sun News. In the complaint, FBI Agent Brad Simons said during his investigation into Wagner's ventures, which were reportedly under several business names, he found the businessman used over $2 million from one investor to pay for the private jet. Wagner and Main both regularly posted photos of themselves using a glamorous black private plane on their social media pages. Also listed among the allegedly fraudulent purchases included a $4 million 'second home' for Wagner in Scottsdale, a $4.5 million property intended to be turned into a nightclub, and an $8 million estate in Missoula, Montana. Simons wrote in the complaint that although Wagner's social media showed him living the high life with his wife and their seven children, 'many of these indicators of success were in fact financed by investor funds he had stolen from the very businesses they were meant to support.' Wagner's allegedly fake lavish lifestyle and portfolio included this $4.2 million mansion in Alpine, Utah, where he lived with his wife and seven children Although Wagner's social media showed him living the high life with his family, prosecutors said Wagner would 'show off' his 'lavish lifestyle to induce investors to believe he was a successful businessman' The family is pictured on another lavish vacation to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida Wagner's business partner Michael Mains owned this lavish home near to Wagner's in Alpine, Utah Detailing the alleged scheme, Wagner is accused of taking investor cash to 'fund a separate, failing project for an earlier group of investors' in a kind of pyramid scheme He would do so 'in order to conceal the fact that he had already squandered or diverted the investors money', the complaint claimed. A number of the locations where Wagner and Mains singled out for their bar plans have also come under scrutiny, including a 'swanky new dining experience' in Scottsdale, Arizona called Swags. Wagner's business partner Mike Mains shared images of himself and his family along with the private jet, which prosecutors said was obtained through fraud Wagner's wife Candace shared a scathing Instagram post disowning her husband for 'selling his soul to the devil', and apologized to 'all of the good people hes hurt in his path of lust and greed' The application for the bar, which has since been denied, also listed a number of franchises owned by Wagner to bolster his credentials, including 'Everbowl, Crumbl Cookies, Dirty Bird Chicken, Hello Sugar, Mas Por Favor, Electric Fish and Morning After Brunch Club.' Wagner's plans sparked backlash in Gilbert, Arizona when it was revealed he bought the Clare House, the second-oldest building in the city. Locals feared he would demolish the building to build a Bottle Blonde franchise location - one of many that have now stalled amid the federal investigation. Casey Kendel, chairman of the Redevelopment Commission for Gilbert, told AZ Family that she was 'very much in shock' hearing the news of Wagner's arrest, and admitted the move has left locals in the dark. 'We dont know if the house itself will be caught up in litigation, whether from the criminal charges or if its going to be repossessed. So, there are a number of different variables that come into play,' she added. A local critter dubbed Cedric the squirrel by residents of a Texas town is still alive after he was tragically shot with a steel dart through his neck. An Alamo Heights, Texas, homeowner captured a photo of Cedric on November 11, two months after the creature miraculously survived the seemingly targeted attack. 'It sounds silly, but you know how people are when they lose their pets or a family member? I had gotten over that grief, finally,' the concerned local Sarah Reveley told San Antonio Express-News. 'So when (my neighbor) sent me that picture, I was like, "Oh, my goodness!" ... I just couldn't believe it, I was astounded.' Reveley was the first person to see Cedric in the neighborhood with the dart lodged in his neck, spotting him in August. Cedric the squirrel was spotted on a roof in Alamo Heights, Texas this week after miraculously surviving a dart shooting As of this week, no one has come forward with information that will incriminate those responsible for Cedric's injuries 'I looked at him and I thought, "He's got a twig or something [in his neck],'" Reveley told KENS 5 at the time. She came closer to the squirrel and realized the awful truth. Revely and her neighbors believe the sadistic culprit shot Cedric with a blowgun. The squirrel has been one of Reveley's frequent visitors, but the injured animal ran off after she attempted to get closer to help him. Revely was happy to see Cedric in her yard again in September, the first time sighting since his injury. 'It was such a bittersweet moment. I was happy to see him, but I'm still so worried about him being out there, hurt like that,' she told San Antonio Express-News. Homeowner Sarah Reveley spotted Cedric's injury on August 25, and saw him again on September 1 Reveley points to where she recently spotted Cedric Reveley has theorized that the attack on Cedric is connected to the deaths of two other squirrels in her yard last summer. The homeowner did not reveal when she discovered the squirrels' bodies or how they died, but the similarities were enough to make Reveley get the police involved. She created a flyer featuring pictures of Cedric with the dart in his neck with information on the .625 Caliber 4' blowgun she believes the attacker used. There is also a $500 reward for information leading to the identities and convictions of the individuals involved in the shooting. As of this week, no one has come forward with information that will incriminate those responsible for Cedric's injuries. There is $500 reward for anyone who has information that will lead to the persons responsible for Cedric's injury Texas' Chapter 4, Section 12 of Alamo Heights code of ordinances features one that prohibits the inhumane treatment of animals. This treatment includes torture, deprivation of necessary food or drinks, or failure to provide adequate shelter during dangerous weather. Based on the ordinance, the persons responsible for shooting Cedric could be charged with a misdemeanor. 'I know damn sure that I'm going to find out and this isn't going to happen again,' Reveley told KENS 5. Cedric isn't the only squirrel whose misfortune has garnered national attention. New York-based internet star Peanut the squirrel was seized from its owner and euthanized, causing major outrage from his fans and New Yorkers alive. To make matters worse, the creature tested negative for rabies despite DEC and Chemung County officials saying they killed the animal to test for the deadly virus. The notorious cult leader Charles Manson has admitted to additional murders in a previously unheard phone call. In the newly released audio Manson claimed that he had 'left some dead people in Mexico.' Speaking from prison the cult leader, who was imprisoned for a string of murders in the 60s and 70s, revealed: 'There's a whole part of my life that nobody knows. 'I lived in Mexico for a while. I went to Acapulco, stole some cars. I just got involved in stuff over my head, man. Got involved in a couple of killings. I left my .357 Magnum in Mexico City, and I left some dead people on the beach.' The distressing phone call has been released as part of a teaser for Peacock's three-part series 'Making Manson' which revisits the criminal's life in his own words with the help of 20 years worth of phone calls he made to a friend. The notorious cult leader Charles Manson has admitted to additional murders in a previously unheard phone call. In the newly released audio Manson claimed that he had 'left some dead people in Mexico' Manson's 'family' are known to have murdered at least nine victims (pictured). As the leader of his 'family' Manson did not commit the murders himself but instead persuaded his followers to do his bidding Manson infamously led the 'Mansion family' cult in the late 1960s and early 70s that murdered at least nine people, including actress Sharon Tate. As the leader of his 'family' Manson did not commit the murders himself but instead persuaded his followers to do his bidding. Manson and his followers were arrested in 1969 and during his trial he appeared in court with a swastika carved into his head. He went on to serve more than 40 years in jail before his death in 2017 at 83. The series focuses on Manson's life before he established the 'family,' whose members were mostly young women. Phil Kaufman, a former cellmate, detailed his experience living with Manson. 'Charlie was very good at be being evil and not not showing it,' he said. 'Anything that detracted him from his game plan at that time, he would squash it, but he did it with velvet gloves,' he said. 'See there's a whole part of my life that nobody knows about. I lived in Mexico for awhile. I went to Acapulco, stole some cars,' Manson can be heard saying on a phone call, in a short clip posted by Peacock. 'I just got involved in stuff over my head, man. Got involved in a couple of killings. I left my .357 Magnum in Mexico City, and I left some dead people on the beach.' The Spahn Movie Ranch, where convicted murderer Charles Manson and his followers lived from mid 1968 until their arrest in October 1969 Speaking from prison, he revealed: 'I lived in Mexico for a while. I went to Acapulco, stole some cars. I just got involved in stuff over my head, man. Got involved in a couple of killings. I left my .357 Magnum in Mexico City, and I left some dead people on the beach' Manson infamously led the 'Mansion family' cult in the late 1960s and early 70s that murdered at least nine people, including actress Sharon Tate (pictured) Peacock's 'Making Manson' revisits the criminal's life in his own words with the help of 20 years worth of phone calls he made to a friend. Phil Kaufman, a former cellmate, detailed his experience living with Manson, saying he was 'very good at being evil' The series focuses on Manson's life before he established the 'family,' whose members were mostly young women. Phil Kaufman, a former cellmate, detailed his experience living with Manson. 'Charlie was very good at be being evil and not not showing it,' he said. 'Anything that detracted him from his game plan at that time, he would squash it, but he did it with velvet gloves,' he said. Former Manson associates and members of the 'family' said they didn't think much of his criminal record - which included arrests for rape and theft - prior to the sensational murders of Tate and others. 'I was told he had gotten out of jail or prison or whatever - I never knew the details, and that didn't mean much in the 60s,' music producer Gregg Jakobson said. 'But if we knew that he had murdered somebody, that would be different. But he just had gotten out of jail, that's all we knew.' Dianne Lake, a former 'family' member, added: 'I knew that he had been in prison for taking a girl over the state line. It seemed minimal at the time.' The notorious 'mad eyed' killer from Cincinnati languished in prison after his 1971 conviction for conspiracy to commit murder. 'I was told he had gotten out of jail or prison or whatever - I never knew the details, and that didn't mean much in the 60s,' music producer and Manson associate Gregg Jakobson said. 'But if we knew that he had murdered somebody, that would be different' Dianne Lake, a former 'family' member, added: 'I knew that he had been in prison for taking a girl over the state line. It seemed minimal at the time' 'Maybe I should have killed 500 people, I would have felt I really offered society something,' he said after he was sent away. After spending a decade behind bars for check forgery in the 1960s, Manson was said to have pleaded with authorities not to release him because he considered prison home. While behind bars, he became obsessed with music - believing his musical talents would earn him fame and a following. He was eventually released in San Francisco and began gaining followers, mostly women, who believed he was Jesus Christ. The 'family' eventually established a commune-like base where Manson manipulated the group with drugs and supervised orgies. By the summer 1969, Manson had failed to sell his songs and the rejection set him off a murderous path. After serving a 10-year sentence for check forgery in the 1960s, Manson was said to have pleaded with authorities not to release him because he considered prison home The public first heard of Manson when actress Sharon Tate, 26, was viciously murdered at her home. She was eight months pregnant with husband Roman Polanski's child when she was stabbed to death, with an X cut into her stomach and one of her breasts cut off. In addition to Tate's murder, Manson instructed his 'family' to murder six other victims. Manson was eventually revealed as the mastermind. He was given the death sentence but it was changed to nine consecutive life sentences after California abolished the death penalty. A Texas teenager was hit by a car on her way to a fraternity Halloween party, leaving her with horrifying injuries and a long recovery ahead. Mia Pace, 19, was walking on Ranch Road 12, just miles west of downtown San Marcos, towards a Texas State University frat house when she was struck by the vehicle. The October 31 accident ruptured her bladder and broke both her legs, left arm, back and nose. It lacerated her spleen and liver, gave her a concussion and caused internal bleeding. Pace's mother Ruthie Bekker told KXAN: 'I received a phone call at about 11pm from her best friend. And I knew that was probably not a good thing. 'Shes so lucky. And I think in addition to that, shes incredibly lucky that she never stopped breathing.' Mia Pace, 19, was hit by a car on Halloween night while heading to a Texas State University frat party Pace stood for the first time with the help of hospital staff, according to her GoFundMe She underwent multiple surgeries and will need extensive rehabilitation to fully recover from her critical condition. Pace's younger sister Liana wrote in a GoFundMe post: 'She had a spinal fusion surgery along with a bladder surgery. She got metal plates and screws put into her legs and left arm. 'We are grateful that she is stable and alive, but this road to recovery will be a very hard time.' But Pace has made significant progress and was finally able to leave the intensive care unit. Bekker said on Monday that she hopes her daughter will be moved to a rehabilitation center in the coming days. While enduring the pain and fighting to regain her strength, Pace has done her best to maintain an uplifted attitude. Pace has managed to keep her spirts high despite her critical injuries and has been moved from the ICU Pace's sister described her as 'the brightest most beautiful soul' and started a GoFundMe to support her recovery Her mother revealed to KXAN: 'Shes able to make jokes about the situation, and her spirits incredible. 'Shes just an inspiration to all of us.' Liana told the outlet: 'Im really proud of her. I know shes so strong and I love her so much.' Pace made positive strides on Monday, when a GoFundMe update shared a photo of her standing up with the help of hospital staff for the first time since the life-threatening collision. The person behind the wheel during the accident was cooperative with police and had the right of way when Pace was hit, the Texas Department of Public Safety told KXAN. Pace's family has received more than $46,000 in donations to support her care and recovery. Liana said $20,000 were raised with the first 24 hours of the GoFundMe's existence. Pace suffered from several broken bones, a concussion and internal bleeding Pace's recovery will be long and straining, but her family is relieved she survived her nearly-fatal injuries In an Instagram post about Pace's heartbreaking condition, Liana wrote: 'Mia is the brightest most beautiful soul I know and the person I would do anything for, my best friend forever.' In 2016, KXAN reported a similar incident of a 19-year-old walking to a Texas State University frat house and being struck by a car. Luis Xavier Alvarez was walking down the same road as pace when he was hit. His severe injuries resulted in his death. President Joe Biden will meet with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of an economic conference in Lima Peru this weekend, according to a senior administration who took pains to avoid comment on the looming presence of Donald Trump. 'We've been working towards this meeting since National Security Sullivan visited Beijing in late August,' a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday. The sit-down comes amid ongoing tensions with China, which has been providing financial and diplomatic support to Russia mid its war on Ukraine, threatening Taiwan, and finding ways to disrupt the U.S.-crafted rules based order. White House officials were glad to share the incremental areas where the U.S. and China are trying to put the critical relationship on sounder footing. But the official was thrown off by repeated questions from reporters on a briefing call that centered on Trump. 'Ill refer you to the incoming administration on any questions on what they intend to do. We really cant comment on that,' the official said in just one of their replies, when asked about the big tariffs Trump has threatened to impose after a contentious term dealing with China. President Joe Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Lima, Peru, a senior administration official told reporters 'I cant comment on what the next administration will or wont do and what their policy direction will be,' the official said when pressed. When a reporter finally asked about whether the U.S. has already fallen behind the Chinese behemoth when it comes to infrastructure and influence in Latin America, the officially delighted in the reprieve. 'Thanks for the question and for the shift in topic as well,' said the official, stressing U.S. efforts to harness private investment overseas. The official finally relented and reflected on the difficulties in the relationship, without revealing much. 'This is a tough, complicated relationship between the U.S .and China, and so whatever the next administration decides, they're going to need to find ways to manage that tough, complicated relationship,' the official said. Biden and Xi have met three times during the Biden presidency, the last one in Woodside, California following heightened tensions over the Chinese spy balloon incident. They will meet in Lima on Saturday, at the tail end of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference, shortly before Biden is set to visit the Amazon and travel to Rio de Janeiro for the annual G7 meeting. The U.S. is endeavoring to 'manage' a relationship with China even as it supports Russia's war on Ukraine and threatens Taiwan A senior administration official repeatedly batted down questions about Donald Trump on a day the former president met with Biden at the White House The confirmation of a meeting, which had been expected, came on a day of another tense one-on-one between Biden and Trump at the White House. Biden, who Trump did not invite to a similar meeting after Biden defeated him in 2020, stressed that he would give Trump whatever he needs for an orderly transition. Trump responded that 'politics is tough, and it's [in] many cases not a nice world, but it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much. A transition that's so smooth it'll be as smooth as it can get.' Biden and Xi also met in Bali in 2022 on the margins of a G20 summit. Biden will use the meeting to 'take stock of efforts to responsibly manage competition over the last four years.' He has 'demonstrated that our two countries can and must manage our differences and prevent competition from veering into conflict or confrontation by maintaining open lines of communication' and finding areas of shared interest. After their California meeting, they focused on reestablishing military-to-military communications, couner-narcotics efforts amid the fentanyl epidemic, and have begun 'difficult but productive conversations about AI safety and risk.' Biden will raise some 'concerns' with his counterpart. He will express 'deep concern over the PRC's support for Russia's war against Ukraine' and the deployment of 10,000 North Korea troops. On cyber, he will also say that 'reckless attacks against our critical networks are unacceptable.' He will stress 'peace and stability' across the Taiwan Strait and say China's increased military activities are 'destabilizing.' He 'may also express concern over PRC actions in the South China Sea,' amid continuing harassment of lawful maritime operations. A 14-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to raping a 91-year-old woman after breaking into her home. Jesse Stone is set to be sentenced as an adult for the attack at the elderly woman's home in Reddick, Florida, on June 9. The victim, who has not been identified, saw a 'dark shadow' in the hallway of her house. Before she could react someone had 'pounced on top of her', court records filed on Thursday stated. She recalled fighting with 'all her might' to free herself but was subdued as Stone 'beat her head with his fist.' As the attack went on, she prayed, 'dear God, please help me', as Stone told her to 'shut up' before raping her and fleeing. Scroll down for video: The details of the June 9 attack in Florida are disturbing, and will see 14-year-old Jesse Stone (seen here in a June 17 mug shot) tried as an adult Court records describe how around midnight, the unnamed elderly victim saw a 'dark shadow' in the hallway of her house in the small town of Reddick, Florida - seen here In a statement, deputies said the community stepped in and stepped up to aid in the in the investigation. 'I told everyone last week that we would find the person responsible, and we have,' Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement a little over a week after the heinous crime. 'Im very proud of the hard work that my detectives and forensics team have done on this case to bring about a quick closure. 'This type of unimaginable violence is still shocking to me after all of my years in law enforcement.' He went on to thank the people of Reddick, the small town south of Gainesville where the attack took place. He thanked 'all of the citizens that sent in tips and leads in [the] case', which saw the suspect put in cuffs after a little over a week. At the time, it was revealed a neighbor of the victim provided law enforcement with videos of Stone. Shortly after, the same neighbor saw the teen riding his bike in the same set of clothes. Stone was subsequently arrested and admitted to entering the victim's home - as well as striking and sexually abusing her. Court records describe how around midnight, the unnamed victim saw a 'dark shadow' in the hallway of her house - before being detained in this detention center days later Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, a lifetime cop who assumed his office in 2016, said of the incident: 'This type of unimaginable violence is still shocking to me after all of my years in law enforcement' It's now been revealed he knew the woman - often stopping to speak with her for polite conversation, investigators said. He was even at the victim's house the day of the attack Stone admitted to the rape - as investigators revealed it was results from a rape kit that confirmed he was the culprit responsible He also admitted to the rape - as investigators revealed it was evidence and results from a rape kit that confirmed Stone was, in fact, the culprit responsible. 'The Reddick community has shown its resilience and support for us and their community through all of this,' Sheriff Woods added of the case - which will now enter its sentencing stage early next month. The fresh court documents further revealed how Stone gained entry to the residence through an unlocked door, and that he also lives in the area. Moreover, he also knew the woman he bombarded with blows while raping her, the records showed - describing how he often stopped to speak with her for polite conversation. It was even revealed he was at the victim house that same day, hours before - though no details were provided. He's now set to be tried as an adult - due to the severity of the crimes he's now admitted to. In the interim, the heinousness of his actions have left locals in complete disbelief - with several in the town of barely 500 saying they've never seen such depravity before. 'I don't know what this world's coming to,' one man Tampa-based NBC affiliate WFLA. Unspecified evidence seized from the scene helped as well, leading him to admit to his crimes. He's now set to be tried as an adult In the interim, the heinousness of his actions have left locals in complete disbelief - with several in the town of barely 500 saying they've never seen such depravity before. It left even rattled the most seasoned of the sheriff's deputies, Lt. Paul Bloom admitted to the TV station. 'This is something that, even to those of us in law enforcement, is still shocking,' he said following Stone's arrest. 'I think its anyones worst nightmare'. The victim was not named 'I wonder what happened to the boy to make him become a monster at 14,' another local added. It left even rattled the most seasoned of the sheriff's deputies, Lt. Paul Bloom admitted to the TV station. 'This is something that, even to those of us in law enforcement, is still shocking,' he said following Stone's arrest. 'I think its anyones worst nightmare an elderly female wakes up to see her attacker coming through the dark.' His boss Woods, a lifetime cop who assumed his office in 2016, went on to add: 'This type of unimaginable violence is still shocking to me after all of my years in law enforcement.' Stones sentencing, meanwhile, is slated for December 19. He will remain detained without bail until then. The victim was not named. A retail tycoon dubbed the 'Del Boy Billionaire' has swooped in to save troubled DIY chain Homebase in a move securing up to 1,600 jobs and 70 stores. The deal by Chris Dawson, whose company CDS Superstores acts as parent company to The Range, was confirmed this afternoon by administrator Teneo. But around 2,000 workers and 49 Homebase shops still remain at risk. Mr Dawson pulled a similar move last September after agreeing to buy the Wilko name, website and intellectual property - entitling him to use the Wilko brand as he sees fit - for 5million after the British homeware chain collapsed. News of the deal came just hours after Homebase owners Hilco, who bought the firm for a token 1 in 2018, announced this morning it was appointing insolvency experts after reporting an 84.2 million loss last year. Chris Dawson, whose company CDS Superstores acts as parent company to The Range The Homebase DIY store in Upton on the Wirral in Merseyside is pictured this afternoon The threat facing the retail giant came as Britain's high street continue to suffer after beloved brands including BHS, Wilko, Debenhams, The Body Shop and CarpetRight ran into financial trouble. Some have been resurrected as online brands, or have drastically slimmed down t just a handful of stores where there was once an empire of hundreds. Damian McGloughlin, the managing director of Homebase, told suppliers in August it would begin an 'active sale process' to seek new investment. Hilco Capital began looking at ways to cut costs earlier this year, blaming overly cautious consumers not splashing out on DIY projects. The deal will see Homebase subjected to a 'pre-pack' administration sale that sees the firm's assets bundled up and purchased by another company, which could save some stores and jobs. Speaking today, Homebase boss Mr McGloughlin, said the last three years had been 'incredibly challenging' for DIY stores, blaming 'a decline in consumer confidence and spending' after the pandemic. 'Against this backdrop, we have taken many and wide-ranging actions to improve trading performance including restructuring the business and seeking fresh investment. 'These efforts have not been successful and today we have made the difficult decision to appoint administrators.' Homebase has been saved thanks to retail tycoon Mr Dawson. File photo Damian McGloughlin, the managing director of Homebase, previously told suppliers in August it would begin an 'active sale process' to seek new investment Sainsbury's bought at least 10 stores and there are talks of selling a further 10 to rivals Wickes and Topps. Mr Dawson told The Telegraph he is 'delighted to be able to save so many stores and jobs'. Analysts suggest Homebase may have run into trouble because of high borrowing costs - stopping homeowners from investing in improvements to their properties. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'It's been tough going in the home renovation market, as consumers have tightened their belts amid high borrowing costs. 'Even though interest rates have begun to come down, homeowners have been ultra cautious, with bigger ticket items hard to shift. 'Some consumers appear to have been ring-fencing spending for holidays and experiences rather than major makeovers.' She added that competitors such as B&M and Home Bargains - which sell much cheaper, mass-market furniture - will have cleaned up at Homebase's expense. Ms Streeter continued: 'The Range appears to have found a recipe for success with its pile 'em high, sell 'em cheaper approach to homewares, and appears to be mulling expanding its footprint by taking a chunk of Homebase stores. 'The future for others remains uncertain, although there may be other takers in the "value" end of the home market, who could swoop in with a cut-price offer.' Homebase was co-founded by Sainsbury's in the late 1970s as the supermarket chain looked to diversify its business. But after Sainsbury's sold off the firm in the early 2000s it formed part of the Home Retail Group empire, with Argos and Habitat for stablemates. In 2016, Australian firm Wesfarmers paid 340m for Homebase - and proceeded to run it in baffling fashion. A map showing the 10 locations set for conversion into Sainsbury's Mr Dawson is now at the helm of 213 chains nationwide and visits ten per day in his personalised helicopter (seen above) Mr Dawson has described The Range as a poor man's John Lewis in the past The entire senior management team was fired, and Wesfarmers tried to lump Brits with Australian sales tactics - including selling barbeques in winter. A consignment of mole traps was also sent to Ireland for sale - despite the country having no moles. The firm lost 420m under Wesfarmers' ownership after posting a 24m operating profit the year before it was bought over. Wesfarmers, humiliated, sold it to current owners Hilco for just 1. Hilco has previously overseen the resurrection of HMV, buying it in 2013 before selling it to Sunrise Records, and the sale of designer label Cath Kidston to Next. It also had a hand in the administration of BHS, Peacocks and Debenhams. Homebase saviour Mr Dawson resides at number 70 on the Sunday Times Rich List - and lives in Monaco. He was dubbed the 'Del Boy Billionaire' due to his distinctive DE11 BOY number plate on his 350,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe. Mr Dawson, 71, also managed to save part of beloved High Street chain Wilko after finalising a deal to buy the name, website and intellectual property for 5m last year. He makes no secret of his unabashed desire to be rich, once telling the Mail that as each person comes into his shop he thinks 'kerching, kerching, kerching!' His humble beginnings saw him and his two brothers raised on a council estate in Plymouth, with their labourer father Thomas and his cleaner mother, Elsie. Prospects were bleak - his younger brother still lives in the same house - and money was so sparse that he claims he did not own his first pair of pants until he was 12. As a boy, he struggled academically and was so severely dyslexic that he left school without a single qualification, unable to read and write. Mr Dawson started life on the market stall in Plymouth (pictured) and used to sell upcycled furniture and scrap metal to punters Wheeler dealer: The Range - which was set up by Chris Dawson (pictured) - finalised a deal to buy the Wilko name, website and intellectual property for 5m Sainsbury's agreed to acquire 10 Homebase shops and convert them into supermarkets earlier this year in a deal creating 1,000 jobs But dyslexia did not stymie a budding business brain: he began selling ice-creams at the age of seven, before taking on three paper rounds - two of which he subcontracted to friends. He also earned money by doing early-morning wake-up calls for military officers in his garrison home town of Plymouth and began selling teas to builders on construction sites at the age of 14. He later embarked on a career as a scrap metal dealer, 'borrowing' leftover scraps from his school technology class. He is a self-confessed workaholic, sleeping only six hours per day and admitting he does nothing to relax, except work. He reportedly does not have a work email and instead communicates with employees in a regular early-morning conference calls, ensuring he is physically and metaphorically everywhere in the business at all times. In 2015 he was said to have left grieving relatives 'distraught' after his car blocked a body from being taken into a funeral home. The deceased's body had just been collected from hospital and driven to an undertakers in Plymouth, Devon. But when the private ambulance arrived a Range Rover belonging to Mr Dawson was discovered parked outside the clearly marked entrance meaning the ambulance couldn't be reversed in. The Range later 'apologised for any inconvenience' the vehicle had caused. In August, Sainsbury's agreed to acquire 10 Homebase stores and convert them into supermarkets in a deal which is anticipated to create around 1,000 new jobs. The locations set for conversion are located in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Derry/Londonderry, Fareham, Inverurie, Lowestoft, Newark, Omagh and Rugby. More to follow. Rudy Giuliani has begged fans for donations to help him 'buy food' after his 'measly' bank account was seized by authorities. The former New York City mayor, 80, was ordered to hand over his Manhattan penthouse and Mercedes to two Georgia election workers he defamed after contesting Donald Trump's 2020 election loss. Mother and daughter Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss won the $148million defamation case after Giuliani accused them of tampering with votes. Giuliani went on to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Sharing a fundraising page set up to fund his legal battle, Giuliani wrote: 'Wilkie Farr Law firm and Judge Liman are trying to inhibit me from making a living. 'They seized my measly checking account so I can't buy food. Help me fight.' Rudy Giuliani has begged fans for donations to help him 'buy food' after his 'measly' bank account was seized by authorities Separately, he said: 'They have seized all my money which wasn't much. I need legal representation against these evil people. I can't buy food.' The fundraising page has already raised more than $120,000 to fund his legal battle. It refers to Giuliani as 'America's Mayor', and says he 'has been persecuted to the highest level through law fare due to his support of President Donald Trump.' Since his social media plea on November 9, in excess of 600 fans have donated to the cause. 'God bless you, Rudy. It is shameful what they are doing to you. You are a true American patriot and hero,' one fan wrote. The fundraising page has already raised more than $120,000 to fund his legal battle Mother and daughter Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss won the $148million defamation case after Giuliani accused them of tampering with votes after Trump's failed bid for presidency in 2020 'I am appalled at the weaponization of our justice system. You were the glue that brought NYC back to life after 9/11. These people are utterly evil. Breaks my heart what they have done to you,' another wrote. 'Americas Mayor should not be treated like this. God sees all things and everything stolen from you will be returned 100X. God bless you, sir.' The most generous donors have given as much as $1,500. Giuliani has a $250,000 target on the fundraising page. He has been ordered to hand over his $5.6million Manhattan apartment, cash, 26 watches and his Mercedez Benz after losing the defamation case. A remote commune has been deemed an 'urgent health hazard' by Humboldt County officials following alarming findings regarding sewage and sanitation issues on the property. Known colloquially as 'Yee Haw' by its residents, this remote enclave in Trinidad, California, owned by Charles Garth, has become both a symbol of communal self-sufficiency and a battleground between idealism and public health, housing hundreds of people over the past four decades in structures built from salvaged materials and renovated buses. But a recent inspection Humboldt County officials have deemed the property an 'urgent health hazard' due to severe sewage and sanitation issues, including overflowing toilets, leaking sewage, and uninhabitable structures. As the clock ticks down on a county-ordered 39-week abatement plan, the fate of Yee Haw hangs in the balance, caught in the crossfire between those who defend it as a refuge and those who see it as a public health disaster. The Yee Haw commune, nestled in the Redwood Coast, has been deemed an 'urgent health hazard' by Humboldt County officials A series of inspections uncovered makeshift toilets overflowing with human waste, sewage seeping into the ground, and uninhabitable structures left to rot In September, the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department presented a history of nearly 30 years of enforcement actions against Yee Haw. During a meeting on September 24, officials reviewed the findings from a 2021 inspection, which uncovered makeshift plywood outhouses, buckets filled with human waste, and poorly constructed homes deemed uninhabitable. These issues led the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to implement a 39-week abatement plan, requiring Garth to address the health and safety violations or face eviction. The plan also mandated a follow-up inspection, which took place on October 3. On November 5, county officials updated the Board of Supervisors, revealing that little progress had been made. Mario Kalson, director of environmental health for Humboldt County, reported on the October 3 findings. Inspectors found three camp toilets on the property: two connected to barrels and one with unknown disposal. Near one of the toilets, they discovered a tarp covering a pile of sewage. They also found a broken 2-inch drain pipe behind a two-story building, leaking raw sewage onto the ground. Inspectors noted that the property contained two unpermitted wellsone dug and one drilledand a network of water pipes running close to camp toilets, posing a risk of fecal contamination. The county's environmental health staff warned that with Trinidad's 40 inches of annual rainfall, surface contamination could wash into nearby Trinidad Bay, further endangering the environment. The Building Division of Humboldt County also inspected the commune's structures and identified widespread code violations, including missing smoke detectors, electrical hazards, and improperly installed wood stove piping. An inspection report from October 29 highlighted 'urgent health, life, and safety issues.' Charles Garth owns the property near the seaside town of Trinidad In photos shown at the meeting it depicts a community filled with makeshift outhouses made from plywood and buckets, containers laying around with human waste and illegally constructed homes Dr. Candy Stockton, Humboldt County's public health officer, addressed the board with both personal and professional reflections. She shared a story about her grandfather building their family home from scavenged materials, expressing her understanding of the value of communal living. 'I do carry that tradition in my family and see the value of it,' she said. However, Stockton questioned Garth's commitment to the safety of Yee Haw residents, stating that they had a right to be protected from unsafe living conditions, and criticized Garth for failing to address the serious health risks on the property. In response, Kalson urged the board to take immediate action, recommending the removal of existing toilets and installation of two serviced portable toilets, the addition of a handwashing station, an inspection of the wells for safe water, and the removal of all stored sewage. The supervisors offered their perspectives on the situation. First District Supervisor Rex Bohn pointed out that many of the issues at Yee Haw have persisted for nearly three decades, despite Garth collecting rent from residents. 'You start doing the math, there's been a lot of money taken over the last 30 years with no, none, zero improvements,' Bohn said. Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone, whose district includes Yee Haw, defended the commune, calling it 'far more sanitary and safe than any encampment' he had seen, noting that many encampments have no bathroom facilities at all. Madrone suggested the county might consider forgiving the $40,000 in fines imposed on Garth, allowing him to invest those funds into improving the property. Garth addressed the board, sarcastically introducing himself as 'public enemy number one.' He disputed the county's health concerns, likening the waste on his property to compost, and argued that if he were given a permit for his toilets, he would no longer be considered a nuisance. Tensions flared when Garth squared off with Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, who pointedly asked him whether he would comply with the county's recommendation to install portable toilets and remove the existing camp toilets and human waste. Garth, however, avoided giving a direct answer, instead offering a deflection: 'I'm getting my st tested,' he said, adding, 'I don't have any raw sewage.' Bushnell remained firm, reminding him of the county's clear directive: 'Those things have to be done for public safety,' she said. Under pressure, Garth finally conceded, agreeing to follow the county's sewage remediation plan. The county has issued a 39-week abatement plan, requiring Garth to address the health and safety violations or face eviction Under pressure, Garth finally conceded, agreeing to follow the county's sewage remediation plan During public comment, residentsboth current and formerdefended Garth and Yee Haw. One resident compared the commune to the Ewoks of Star Wars or the Na'vi from Avatar, describing it as a peaceful, self-sustaining community. Another resident, present during the October inspection, questioned the validity of the county's findings, arguing that no tests or analyses had been conducted on-site. After a lengthy public comment session, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county's recommendations for action. The board reminded Garth that the 39-week abatement timeline was ticking down, with around 35 weeks remaining before formal abatement actions would begin. Supervisor Bushnell appealed to Garth's sense of responsibility, urging him to act in the best interests of his residents: 'Charles, you have a whole room full of people that love your property and want to stay there, and I hope that we can come to a solution.' A mother who spent weeks in a coma after being hurled from a fairground ride has agreed to a 1.43million settlement in a High Court battle with the owner. Khadra Ali was ejected from the Xcelerator ride at the Funderpark funfair in Yiewsley, west London, on April 10 2018. Shocking footage captured shows her flying through the air while the ride continued to rotate. Following the incident she spent weeks in a coma and months recovering in hospital. In May, the Health and Safety Executive said she had suffered multiple fractures to her back, hips, pelvis, ribs and both collarbones as well as internal bleeding and a significant head injury. She sued Derek Hackett, the ride's owner trading as Hackett Fairs, for damages after being left unable to do chores or activities with her children. This is the terrifying moment when mother-of-eight Khadra Ali, 51, is flung from a fairground ride in a funfair in Hillingdon, west London Mrs Ali clung onto the fairground ride, called the Xcelerator, before she was violently flung off it before crashing into a nearby ride and landing on the ground The mother-of eight's seat and safety bars were not checked before the ride began. Health and Safety officers found technical issues had been missed when the ride was checked the previous year A High Court hearing on Wednesday was told that Ms Ali had reached an out-of-court settlement with Hackett, with her lawyer, Robert Kellar KC, claiming the 1.43 million sum was 'within the range of reasonable offers'. Judge Rebecca Crane approved the sum at the end of the short hearing in London, describing it as 'a very sensible settlement for both parties'. The regulator said earlier this year that Ms Ali, who is now in her 50s, was riding with her daughter and had not been properly restrained in her seat when she was thrown from the ride. She 'screamed for help' while on the 'fast-motion' ride and clung on to her life before being ejected, hitting the barrier of the next ride and landing on the ground, the executive said. Pictured: police tape surrounds the ride at Funderpark in Yiewsley, London after the accident An HSE investigation into the incident found the ride's seat restraint system was designed with electrical and mechanical failings by the manufacturer, Perrin Stevens Limited, while the ride control system was set up in a way that would not have detected all failures. It also said Mr Hackett failed to properly maintain the ride, but that this was partly due to Perrin Stevens's operator manual lacking information on inspection and maintenance of the seat restraint system. The investigation also found that on the day of the incident, Hackett's ride operator had no attendant assisting them despite the operations manual requiring a minimum of two people to operate and monitor the ride. The operator did not check each rider's restraint bar as they should have before starting the ride and did not notice that Ms Ali required assistance and stop the ride. Hackett, previously of School Street, Radcliffe, Manchester, was one of three men who admitted health and safety offences at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this year. He received an 18-week sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay 4,800 in costs. Ex-Fox News host Gretchen Carlson offered a shocking five-word-response to the news that President-elect Donald Trump appointed Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense. 'Yes he's a veteran and?' the former conservative firebrand wrote on X. Carlson, 58, joined a chorus of cable news personalities, Democrats and even Senate Republicans who expressed bewilderment at the selection of Hegseth, an Army veteran and the co-host of the 'Fox & Friends Weekend' show since 2014. Carlson and Hegseth overlapped at Fox News for two years before she left the network in 2016. 'From silly diner interviews on Weekend Fox and Friends to Secretary of Defense?' Carlson added in her post. 'I never thought I'd say I'm stunned about any pick after the election but nominating Pete Hegseth for this incredibly important role?' Gretchen Carlson was 'stunned' that Pete Hegseth was selected by Donald Trump as the next secretary of defense Carlson's departure from Fox eight years ago amid her sexual harassment claims against Roger Ailes led her down a path of workplace advocacy. This culminated with her appearing next to President Joe Biden in March 2022 when he signed a bill she championed Carlson's departure from Fox News came amid a sexual harassment lawsuit she filed against network president Roger Ailes. Since Carlson's exit from the network, she has openly criticized Fox News hosts who she believes inspired the January 6 Capitol riots with their coverage. She even appeared alongside President Biden on March 22, 2022, when he signed a bill she pushed for to ban companies from preventing employees from taking sexual misconduct claims to court through mandatory arbitration. Hegseth, 44, joined Fox following an unsuccessful Senate run in Minnesota in 2012 and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Those tours won him two Bronze stars. He reportedly became friends with Trump during the president-elect's regular appearances on his show. On a recent appearance on Fox News, he made it clear that he felt Biden's White House was run by 'pro-Palestinian millennials.' 'What Israel is about to do is bring hell down on Hamas. Israel is about to do real war. Israel will be stacking bodies because Netanyahu isn't messing around,' he said. Hegseth, who has no national security experience, would inherit one of the world's most powerful posts amid a series of global crises Hegseth, who has no national security experience, would inherit one of the world's most powerful posts amid a series of global crises if he's confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate. The surprise pick prompted hair-on-fire reactions across the media landscape. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon lost his mind in a video posted about the appointment, claiming he thought it was a joke until he saw Trump's statement. 'When I saw it, I thought The AP (Associated Press) must have been hacked,' the former CNN anchor said. 'But Pete Hegseth? The morning, weekend host on Fox News? Come on.' Liberal anchor Joy Reid on MSNBC mocked the president-elect's cabinet as a 'clown car' and appeared to be laughing when she read the news. 'The former and future president is moving quickly to fill the clown car and round out his cabinet before he changes his mind and fires them all. Moments ago Trump announced that he has selected Fox morning weekend host Pete Hegseth... because why not?' she said. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon (pictured left) lost his mind in a video he posted about the appointment, thinking it was a joke until he saw Trump's statement. On MSNBC, Joy Reid on (pictured right) appeared to be laughing when she read the news Dan Goldman, a Democratic congressman from New York, told CNN that Hegseth is 'clearly a sycophant cheerleader' of Trump. 'I'm shocked, truly. And this is exactly what we worried about and we warned about Donald Trump, which is that he is going to appoint unqualified loyalists to shape this government into his own personal fiefdom, and get revenge on generals and put essentially really unqualified people,' he said. Goldman added: 'I appreciate Mr. Hegseth's service in our armed forces, but being a serviceman does not make you qualified to lead the Department of Defense and to have access to our nuclear weapons.' The reaction of Senate Republicans was a mix of confusion but also hopeful optimism. 'Really? I'd have to think about it,' said Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said: 'Wow I'm just surprised because the names that I've heard for Secretary of Defense have not included him.' Ted Budd of North Carolina, however, called Hegseth 'an impressive individual.' President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled many of his cabinet picks as he prepares to return to the White House come January 20, 2025 In a recent interview, Hegseth suggested his plans for the office, including getting rid of what he called 'woke s***' in the military.' Anyone 'involved in the woke s*** has got to go...you have to reestablish that trust by putting in no-nonsense warfighters in those positions who aren't going to cater to the socially correct garbage,' he said. 'You're not training young officers to be baptized in this type of thinking. And then, you know, whatever the standards, whatever the combat standards were, say, in, I don't know, 1995, let's just make those the standards.' He also wants to hire the makers of Top Gun Maverick to make slick Hollywood-style recruiting ads to 'motivate people to want to serve.' Hegseth is just one of the high-profile appointees the president-elect has announced in the last several days. Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will return as border czar to preside over the mass deportation effort that Trump campaigned on. Two New York Republicans, Rep. Elise Stefanik and former Rep. Lee Zeldin, will become United Nations Ambassador and Environmental Protection Agency administrator, respectively. Billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to cut trillions of dollars worth of wasteful federal government spending. And Florida Senator Marco Rubio won the coveted role of Secretary of State, often thought of as a springboard to the presidency. A killer rapist who tortured his ex-girlfriend and cut off her new partner's genitals in a sickening double murder will spend the rest of his life in prison after judges rejected an appeal against the sentence. Marcus Osborne was jailed in March for the horrific knife attack which left Katie Higton, 27, with 99 injuries; and Steven Harnett, 25, with 24 wounds. The 'monstrous' offender had lured Mr Harnett to Miss Higton's Huddersfield house in a sickening ploy in which he used her phone to impersonate her and convince Mr Harnett to come to the property. He then killed him while four children were inside the house, going on to rape another woman at knifepoint. Disturbingly, after the horrific attack, Osborne compared the couple to Romeo and Juliet and said they could 'die together now.' Marcus Osborne was jailed in March for the horrific knife attack which killed his ex-girlfriend Katie Higton and her new partner Steven Harnett Leeds Crown Court heard that Osborne, who was 35 when he was sentenced, lay in wait for Ms Higton and attacked her as she entered the house they once shared in the early hours of May 15 last year. Katie Higton, 27, was left with 99 injuries Steven Harnett, 25, was also killed by Marcus Osborne on May 15 last year. Osborne had used Higton's phone to pretend to be her and lure him to her property where he was waiting Earlier on Wednesday, Osborne's lawyers told the Court of Appeal that the sentence should be reduced as the judge had failed to take into account his guilty pleas, and that the whole life order was 'not necessary'. But three senior judges dismissed the appeal bid, with the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr describing the killings as 'planned and brutal murders motivated by sexual jealousy'. She said: '(The sentencing judge) was entitled to consider this was not a borderline case, and to be in no doubt as to its gravity, being of such exceptional seriousness that even a very long minimum term would not amount to just punishment. 'The facts of these two murders, together with their associated offences and taking into account relevant aggravating factors, are so horrific, that whole life terms were appropriate, despite the applicant's guilty pleas. 'At the end of the day, these were two planned and brutal murders motivated by sexual jealousy and involving sexual conduct, committed in circumstances designed to maximise the depravity of the murders by an individual with a history of significant violence against one of the victims, and previous domestic partners.' Earlier on Wednesday, Osborne's lawyers told the Court of Appeal that the sentence should be reduced as the judge had failed to take into account his guilty pleas, and that the whole life order was 'not necessary'. Here Osborne is pictured Steven Harnett, pictured, was murdered shortly after starting a relationship with Kate Higton But three senior judges dismissed the appeal bid, with the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr describing the killings as 'planned and brutal murders motivated by sexual jealousy'. Pictured: police at Miss Higton's home in Huddersfield Osborne's sentencing hearing was told that Ms Higton had been in a relationship with him for five years, but left him in early May last year after an assault which was 'the last straw'. Ms Higton had complained to police that the relationship was 'coercive, controlling and physically abusive' in the last two years and that she had been regularly assaulted, including one incident when he threw a cat at her. In the days before the murders, she also told West Yorkshire Police that Osborne had told her 'he would slit her throat if she said what he had done', and that 'if she ever got a boyfriend he would kill them both'. Osborne was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence offences on May 12 last year and bailed with conditions not to go back to their home, but spied on Ms Higton over the following days and found out about the developing relationship between her and Mr Harnett by hacking into her Snapchat account. He later admitted two counts of murder and single counts of rape and false imprisonment, and already had convictions for violent offences against two previous partners. The sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, said that Osborne was heard saying: 'I warned you I was going to kill you... this is your fault this is happening' as he attacked Ms Higton, and was described as washing himself between killings, laughing and jeering. He later invited a neighbour into the living room to see the bodies, which the judge said was 'as if you were proud of what you had done'. She said that the crimes were 'horrific' and that 'even a very long minimum term would not amount to just punishment'. John Elvidge KC, for Osborne, told the court in London that his guilty pleas should have been given 'heavy weight' as they spared the rape victim from having to give evidence. But Baroness Carr, sitting with Lord Justice Jeremy Baker and Mr Justice Bennathan, dismissed the challenge, stating that some of Ms Higton's injuries 'were inflicted with the intention of disfiguring as well as killing' and that the original sentencing decision 'cannot be impugned'. She said: 'We do not accept the submission that the judge inappropriately reduced the weight to be attached to the applicant's guilty pleas.' Osborne attended the hearing via a video link from HMP Wakefield, wearing a grey Adidas jumper, and did not react as his appeal bid was dismissed. Speaking after Osborne's sentencing in March, Supt Alan Weekes who led the investigation into Osborne's offending, said: 'It is hard to understand the behaviour of anyone who acted as Osborne did in bringing horror to a family home. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by his dreadful crimes. 'The absolutely brutal offences committed by Marcus Osborne during the morning of May 15 are some of the worst myself and other experienced homicide detectives have investigated in our careers. 'Osborne's attacks on his victims were savage but also chillingly calculated in their execution. His behaviour can only be described as truly monstrous.' Authorities have confirmed the tragic outcome of the search for a missing 5-year-old autistic boy in Oregon - with his body found several miles from his home. Joshua James McCoy vanished from his Coos County home late on Saturday, November 9, while his mother was napping. A massive search effort was launched, with nearly 100 people - including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and local fire departments - scouring the area for any sign of the young boy. But in a devastating development, the Coos County Sheriff's Office has now confirmed that Joshua's body was discovered on Tuesday afternoon. 'It is with immense sadness that we have to report that missing Joshua McCoy has been found deceased,' CCSO said in a news release. Joshua James McCoy vanished from his Coos County home late on Saturday, November 9, while his mother was napping The Coos County Sheriff's Office has now confirmed that Joshua's body was discovered on Tuesday afternoon Joshua was discovered around 12:30pm on Tuesday, around 1.6 miles straight-line distance northwest from his residence, and almost two miles by road, police said. The heartbreaking news comes just days after the 5-year-old vanished from his home late on the evening of Saturday, November 9. He was reported missing to North Coos dispatch via a third party at 6:27pm that evening, and first responders arrived on the scene at 6:45pm. Authorities immediately launched a search of the property and surrounding areas, with deputies, search and rescue teams, K9 units, and drone operators all involved in the effort. A pond on the property was even drained, but nothing of interest was located during Sunday's search. The 5-year-old vanished from his home late on the evening of Saturday, November 9 Joshua was discovered around 12:30pm on Tuesday, around 1.6 miles straight-line distance northwest from his residence, and almost two miles by road, police said Additional resources were brought in from neighboring counties in southern Oregon and northern California to assist with the investigation over the following days. Then on Tuesday afternoon, Joshua's body was tragically discovered just over a mile and a half from his home. The Coos County Sheriff's Office has not yet released any further details about the circumstances surrounding Joshua's death, saying only that they are 'immensely saddened' by the outcome. The investigation into the young boy's disappearance and death remains ongoing. New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the CISF will fulfill the aspirations of women to participate in crucial task of protecting the nation. On his social media handle X, Shah said, In a firm step towards realizing Modi Ji's vision of enhancing women's participation in every field of nation-building, the Modi government has approved the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the CISF. He said, To be raised as an elite troop, the Mahila Battalion will shoulder the responsibility of protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, like airports and metro rails, and providing VIP security as commandos. The decision will certainly fulfill the aspirations of more women to participate in the crucial task of protecting the nation, Shah said. It may be mentioned the government on Tuesday approved the establishment of first all-women battalion of CISF. UNI RBE GNK President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Washington, DC on Wednesday with a full entourage of loyal staff members and advisors in tow. Billionaire Elon Musk, who has embraced the name first buddy, was part of the group traveling with the president, and has had significant influence in the transition process. Trumps most loyal and longest serving aide, Dan Scavino, was also spotted with him, along with senior advisor Jason Miller, top aide Stephen Miller, so-called 'human printer' Natalie Harp, advisor Boris Epshteyn, deputy campaign manager Justin Caporale, and campaign political director James Blair. Susie Wiles, Trumps choice for his chief of staff, also traveled with the president-elect and Rep. Matt Gaetz was another member of the group. After Trump arrived, his transition team announced that Scavino would serve as the Assistant to President and Deputy Chief of Staff, and Stephen Miller as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security. From l-r., Susie Wiles, Jason Miller, Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, Boris Esphteyn, Natalie Harp and Dan Scavino, walk off President-elect Donald Trump's as he arrives, Blair was appointed as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs. Taylor Budowich becomes Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel. After arriving in Washington, Trump first visited House Republicans on Capitol Hill before going to the White House to meet with President Joe Biden. Musk was spotted attending Trump's Capitol Hill meeting but did not appear with the president-elect at the White House meeting with Biden in the Oval Office. Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk walks on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., November 13, 2024. White House Chief of staff-designate Susie Wiles and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) a Jason Miller arrives with President-elect Donald Trump's motorcade at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Stephen Miller arrives along with President-elect Donald Trump's motorcade at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden greeted Trump in front of a roaring fire, offering him congratulations and saying: 'Welcome back.' He added: 'We'll do everything we can to make sure you're accommodated, (have) what you need.' Trump said: 'Politics is tough and in many cases its not a nice world but it is a nice world today.' The meeting, which many feared would be awkward, appeared cordial. This is the horrifying moment pedestrians run for their lives as a car mounts the pavement in Piccadilly Circus and ploughs into a crowd, leaving a 'screaming woman trapped in the wreckage'. Shocked tourists rushed to pull two women from the mangled vehicle after it veered 'out of control' outside the Angus Steakhouse in the busy Piccadilly Circus area last night. They were both taken to hospital for treatment, and their condition has since been assessed as non life-threatening. CCTV footage shows the black Toyota speeding through central London before it flew off the road towards pedestrians. The vehicle then smashed into a traffic light box, completely destroying its front, according to a witness. The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, but she has since been bailed. The incident is not being treated as terrorist related. CCTV footage shows the black Toyota speeding through central London before it flew off the road towards pedestrian Figures can be seen fleeing the terrifying scene as they run from the car as it mounts the pavement The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, but she has since been bailed. The incident is not being treated as terrorist related A member of staff at Angus Warehouse told MailOnline that the car would have ploughed into diners if it had not been stopped by one of London's street map signs, known as monoliths, which brought the vehicle to a sudden stop. 'The car came to a stop one metre before our restaurant,' she said. 'The ground was a bit slippery and the driver obviously lost control. They hit one of the maps [monolith]. This is what stopped the restaurant being hit.' The waitress said the restaurant managers quickly called the police and ambulances after the car crashed in a packed out area, while diners were eating inside. She added: 'Everyone was in shock, you don't see this every day. There was a loud crash. There were a lot of people, it was very crowded.' Nelson Costa, who works at Wok and Fire which is about 20 metres from where the crash happened, told The Sun he: 'heard a loud noise, like a big bang' which he 'knew immediately was an accident'. He added: 'It was not like anything I had heard before'. A shop worker working nearby said he heard a 'loud bang which sounded like gunshots'. He said: 'I was on the phone outside and I tried to hide at the beginning.' A crowd of alarmed passers-by gathered around the scene as a pedestrian was rushed to hospital for treatment. Three people were hospitalised after a Toyota ploughed into an Angus Steakhouse in Piccadilly Circus last night A member of staff at Angus Warehouse told MailOnline that the car would have ploughed into diners if it had not been stopped by one of London's street map signs Witnesses reported that the vehicle mounted the pavement outside the restaurant in the busy Piccadilly Circus area at 6.50pm. (File image of the Angus Steakhouse where the car crashed. The map which stopped the car ploughing into diners is circled Both the driver and one of the passengers, who witnesses say were both women, were also taken to hospital. Dramatic video footage shows the number plate hanging off the front of the wrecked car, with one of the airbags activated after the collision. Angus Steakhouse is central London chain, with five restaurants spilled out across the capital. The Piccadilly Circus location opened in 1968, serving customers grilled steaks, ribs and other American-style BBQ food. The Met Police said: 'Police were called at approximately 18:50hrs on Tuesday, 12 November to reports of a collision involving a car in Coventry Street, junction with Haymarket, SW1. 'Witnesses reported a car mounted the pavement before colliding with a building. 'Two people a pedestrian and a passenger who was in the car - were taken to hospital for treatment. Their condition has been assessed as non life-threatening. 'The driver of the car was not seriously injured but was taken to hospital as a precaution. 'No reports of any other serious injuries. 'The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, she has since been bailed. 'Enquiries into the circumstances continue.' Ukraine could develop a rudimentary nuclear bomb within months if Donald Trump pulls US military aid, a briefing paper prepared for the country's Ministry of Defence has revealed. The weapon would be built from plutonium and use similar technology to the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945, the report stated. Despite giving up its nuclear arsenal in 1996, Kyiv is still in control of nine operational reactors and has significant expertise on how to build the weapons. It comes after Trump reportedly backed the shock ultimatum President Volodymyr Zelensky gave NATO last month when he seemed to demand either Ukraine is granted membership of the bloc or they would become a nuclear power. Zelensky later clarified he had meant there was no alternative security guarantee and Kyiv has since denied they are considering building a nuclear bomb. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Donald Trump in September in New York President Donald Trump meets with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg in July 2017 According to The Times, the briefing paper prepared for the Ministry of Defence reads: 'Creating a simple atomic bomb, as the United States did within the framework of the Manhattan Project, would not be a difficult task 80 years later.' 'The weight of reactor plutonium available to Ukraine can be estimated at seven tons A significant nuclear weapons arsenal would require much less material,' it continued. The bomb would be big enough to destroy an entire Russian airbase or concentrated military or industrial targets, the document's authors concluded. It comes as president-elect Trump has famously pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war within a day of becoming president and has boasted of his 'very good relationship' with President Putin. He has also said the invasion would never have happened if he had been in the White House and has criticised Biden's level of support for Ukraine, despite President Zelensky being adamantly against relinquishing territory to Russia. It comes after Zelensky last month reportedly told NATO to let his country join the group or it will get nuclear weapons in a shock ultimatum that was allegedly backed by Trump. The leader, 46, declared his bombshell proposal at the EU summit in Brussels - stating either NATO quickly accepts Ukraine into its alliance, or it will once again become a nuclear power, German newspaper Bild reported. Zelensky made a bombshell announcement at an EU summit in Brussels, claiming he wanted NATO to let his country join the military alliance, or Ukraine would become a nuclear power The bomb would be big enough to destroy an entire Russian airbase or concentrated military or industrial targets, the document's authors concluded (stock photo) Zelensky had reportedly planned to present what is being dubbed his 'victory plan' to the heads of state and government of the European Union, but instead made the dramatic announcement to stunned reporters. Speaking to the former American President Donald Trump, 78, some weeks ago, the Ukrainian leader declared: 'Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, and then they will be our defence. 'Or we will have to enter into some kind of alliance. Apart from NATO, we do not know of any effective alliances today.' He said Trump had agreed with his proposal before he made the statement at the summit, insisting that a membership to NATO would provide his country with the ultimate security guarantee to protect it from Russia. Last week it emerged that Trump could propose a 800-mile demilitarised zone between Russia and Ukraine as part of a plan to end the war early. The plans, which were outlined by three Trump staffers, would involve the zone being policed by British and European troops. It would mean that Russia would keep its territorial gains made in Ukraine with the current border frozen in place. Kyiv would also have to assure that it would not join NATO for 20 years. Ukrainian servicemen of the 26th artillery brigade fire an AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer toward Russian positions near the front line in the Chasiv Yar area Under the plans the US would arm Ukraine in return for preventing Russia from restarting the war. However, responsibility for manning and financing the buffer zone would fall solely on Ukraine's European allies. 'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European,' a member of Trump's team told the Wall Street Journal. 'We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British and French to do it.' Many analysts have warned that Trump is indeed likely to reduce US military aid to Ukraine and force Kyiv's European partners to shoulder a huge burden to maintain an adequate supply of arms - a move that would certainly pile pressure on Zelensky to consider a negotiated settlement. 'Trump does have a legitimate point about European allies having underperformed in defence and over-relied on Uncle Sam to protect them for too long, and this is a huge wake-up call to the West,' Dr Russell Foster, Senior Lecturer in British and International Politics at King's College London, told MailOnline. 'But Europe, Canada, and Australasia have let their defence spending stagnate for so long, they have nowhere near the industrial base and military infrastructure to help defend Ukraine and themselves from further aggression without American help. 'We are likely to see major calls for defence spending and investment across NATO - but this will take years to build up and be hugely expensive at a time of economic stagnation. The future of Western defence is now looking very bleak.' President-elect Donald Trump joked about running for a third term as he addressed the House GOP conference Wednesday morning. Trump triumphantly returned to Washington, D.C., a week and one day after his election victory, for a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House. Prior to his meet-and-greet with the Democratic president, Trump addressed members of his own party on Capitol Hill. 'I suspect I won't be running again unless you say he's so good we've got to figure something else out,' the 78-year-old joked. Trump has long made jokes about serving as president indefinitely - with Democrats pointing to those quips as evidence of the ex-president's authoritarian leanings. But one Democrat responded to Trump's quip immediately by introducing a resolution to clarify the terms of the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution - which states a president can't serve three terms in office. President-elect Donald Trump joked about serving a third term as he addressed the House GOP Conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday ahead of his White House meeting with President Joe Biden Rep. Dan Goldman's resolution, obtained by The New York Times, seeks to cement that it would apply to Trump. The resolution is very unlikely to make it to the floor of the House with Republicans still in the majority. But it is a sign that Democrats will use everything in their power to control Trump, even though they are in the minoirty. In the past, Trump has commended Chinese President Xi Jinping for abolishing term limits for himself. 'He's now president for life. President for life. No, he's great,' Trump said in 2018. 'And look, he was able to do that. I think it's great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot some day.' Of course, Trump was thwarted in 2020 by Biden, who was able to pull the so-called 'blue wall' states away from the Republican - Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania - and also win the traditional red states of Arizona and Georgia. Now, four years later, Trump comes back to Washington after peeling away every single swing state from Biden's successor on the Democratic ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump was introduced at the conference meeting by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called him the '47th president of the United States.' The president-elect came to the podium with his traditional walk-on song, Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA. 'Isn't it nice to win?' Trump asked his fellow Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson (left) escorts President-elect Donald Trump (right) into a meeting with the House GOP conference on Wednesday 'We won all seven swing states by a lot,' Trump said, adding that he had also almost won New Jersey. 'It's got them very worried. Because they say well next time if we go up just a fraction of what we went up, you're going to win New York, you're going to win New Jersey. You're going to win places that weren't winnable. California too.' New Jersey went 51.8 percent for Harris and 46.3 percent for Trump, with 94 percent of the votes in the state reported. Harris won New Jersey's 14 Electoral College votes. The 22nd Amendment bars a person twice elected as president from serving any more terms. The amendment was ratified in 1951 after Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times. It would take more than Congressional approval to change the Constitution, as the ratification process is outlined in Article V. To approve a change, three-fourths of state legislatures or three-fourths of state ratifying conventions would have to say yes - an extremely steep climb in a country that's almost evenly politically divided between Democrats and Republicans. Two women who were part of an international monkey torturing network which saw animals sadistically beaten, burned and even doused in acid have been jailed after a judge heard harrowing evidence of their sadism. A judge said the actions of Holly LeGresley, 37, and pet-owning grandmother Adriana Orme, 56, were 'beyond comprehension for most of society' after a court was outlined a catalogue of horrifying abuse which included monkeys being attacked with scissors. The pair faced a maximum sentence of five years each in custody but Judge James Burbidge KC jailed LeGresley for two years and Orme for 15 months. The judge told both women their offences represented a course of conduct that can only be described as 'depraved, sickening and wicked'. He said both defendants had high culpability factors from prolonged and serious cruelty, and sadistic behaviour, and said LeGresley had played a leading role in the torture network. The judge told the pair: 'Neither of you can explain away your conduct as pure fantasy as you seemed to assert in interviews with police.' Holly LeGresley arrives at Worcester Crown Court to shouts from protestors A year-long BBC investigation into the torture network in 2022 revealed a chain of participants around the globe who would 'commission' people living in Thailand or Indonesia to film monkeys being tortured to later be shared online. BBC journalists went undercover in one of the main Telegram torture groups after the charity Action for Primates discovered people were paying to buy monkeys in Indonesia to be tortured. Journalists in the Telegram group found hundreds of people trading extreme torture ideas, with the goal of creating bespoke videos which were then sold, sometimes for as little as 10. Worcester Crown Court heard the two women, both from Worcestershire, were participants in online chatrooms were abuse was discussed. LeGresley, who had researched where she could buy a monkey in the UK, went by the name of 'The Immolator' online - which the judge said 'indicated a desire to maim or torture', adding LeGresley appeared to 'revel' in the moniker. She effectively acted as an 'archivist', offering to help catalogue a user's collection, the judge said. Judge Burbidge told the pair: 'You promoted the physical torture of monkeys by others, you shared videos and images of such torture and abuse, retained images and videos for what appeared to be your own pleasure and amusement..' The pair were brought to justice following investigations by animal rights campaigners and the makers of a shocking BBC documentary called The Monkey Haters He said 'socially awkward' Orme's involvement in the network began with her wanting to stop 'this outrageous behaviour' but said she then 'got a taste for it'. And he told LeGresley she had 'caused significant pain, torture and death to the monkeys in Indonesia'. The gore-obsessed woman - who lives with her parents - previously described Hannibal Lecter, a serial killer who eats his victims, and Pennywise, the clown from IT who preys on children, as her 'horror icons'. But other posts on social media showed her cradling and cuddling cockatiels or holding a tarantula. The torture network shared 61 folders with approximately 3,000 images and videos, the court heard. LeGresley sobbed in the dock as the court heard how she planned to create videos showing severe injuries to monkeys. She expressed a desire for a baby monkey to undergo severe trauma, and also for one monkey to watch another animal die. She also ordered a whip-round for one member who had funded videos, writing: 'She's done so much... delivering one of the best videos we've seen for a long time.' The judge was read a catalogue of monkey torture methods which included attacks with scissors. One monkey died after being tortured for around 10 minutes. The court heard Orme, who attended court with her husband, was known as Noelle in the online chatrooms. She had more than 1,200 cached images of monkey torture on her computer, and a USB stick seized by police contained five videos of monkeys being tortured. Prosecutor Ben Close said Orme expressed a preference for mental torture, wanting to torture monkeys and heal them, before torturing them again. In a post on Facebook she wrote: 'My monkey hatred seems to be back. Holly LeGresley is heckled by protestors as she arrives at Worcester Crown Court for sentencing 'Shame they don't do a diploma in monkey hatred.' Ahead of the sentencing, the women were greeted by placard-waving protesters shouting 'shame' as they arrived at court. One sign read 'social media enables animal abuse'. LeGresley, from Kidderminster, admitted uploading 22 images and 132 videos of monkeys being tortured to online chat groups. She also admitted paying 17.24 via PayPal to a contact in order to encourage or assist the commission of acts causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Orme, from Upton upon Severn, has admitted sending one image and 26 videos featuring monkey torture into chat groups, between 14 March 2022 and 16 June 2022. Softly-spoken Orme further admitted encouraging an offence by making a 10 payment to a PayPal account - the price of seeing a baby macaque being tortured. The court heard Orme had taken steps to address her behaviour and was on the waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy, while LeGresley had a long history of depression and anxiety and was likely to be diagnosed with autism. Despite their shared interest in monkey torture, the pair had never met, and only set eyes on each other for the first time at their initial magistrates court hearing in May. LeGresley and Orme were members of a Telegram group run by Michael Macartney from Virginia, USA, who called himself ''the Torture King''. Macartney, who was recently sentenced to three years and four months in prison for conspiring to make and distribute "animal crush" videos, ran several online Telegram groups that facilitated the 'torture, murder and sexually sadistic mutilation' of baby long-tailed macaques for 'fun.' Adriana Orme, 56, from Upton-upon-Severn arriving at a previous hearing. She was jailed for 15 months In their group chats on Telegram, Orme told other members: I love mental torture. It's funny what you can reach and see how they change.I would start f****** them up mentally, then slowly bit by bit physically, torture them, heal them, torture them, heal them. Keep them alive like this for as long as possible. LeGresley said: I feel very satisfied when I see monkeys suffer too. It makes me happywhats the point in just killing them? Thats no fun. Evidence obtained during the investigations by Action for Primates, a UK-based project that advocates globally on behalf of non-human primates, and Lady Freethinker, a US-based animal protection organisation, was given to various law enforcement agencies and spurred the BBC investigation. Sarah Kite, spokesman for Action for Primates, said: Anyone involved in this type of behaviour must be held to account, and others need to know that such extreme cruelty and depravity will never be tolerated. We hope these sentences will deter others from becoming involved in these perverted and sadistic activities.' Nina Jackel, Founder of Lady Freethinker, said the horrors inflicted on baby monkeys for online videos were sickening, adding: Those involved in the creation or distribution of animal torture content for enjoyment pose a threat to both animals and humans, and they must be held accountable. Worcester Crown Court heard that the women had become members of online groups dedicated to the sadistic torture of Macaque monkeys in Indonesia. Both paid an American intermediary known as Torture King to commission their twisted fantasies which were carried out by an Indonesian called OKBro whose real name was Lupe. Sentencing them, His Honour Judge Burbidge KC, described the women, both first time offenders, as depraved, sickening and wicked. Both women were arrested after a year-long investigation by the BBC and a police inquiry which was assisted by Action for Primates, a UK-based environmental conservation group. LeGresley of Baldwin Road, Kidderminster, admitted that she uploaded 22 images and 132 videos of monkeys being tortured to online chat groups between March 25 and May 8 2022, and made a payment to a PayPal account to encourage cruelty on April 25 of the same year. Adriana Orme arrives at Worcester Crown Court for her sentencing Dutch-born Orme from Upton upon Severn pleaded guilty in August to publishing an obscene article by uploading one image and 26 videos of monkey torture between April 14 and June 16 2022, and to having encouraged or assisted the commission of unnecessary suffering by making a 10 payment to a PayPal account on April 26 2022. Having originally joined a group called HCage, Le Gresley, from Kidderminster, complained about rules preventing sex stuff. She was then invited in March 2022 by Mike Macartney, also known as Torture King, to join another group and wrote: Finally the uncensored version. Orme joined the group a month later. Prosecutor Ben Close told the sentencing hearing that they soon set about commissioning their own video to be made. Le Gresley wrote to the group saying: I have something that might interest you. I have a guy to crowdfund a monkey in Indonesia. Basically he buys a onkey just for us. He will do just about anything to it that you want. Discussing putting a monkey into a blender, Le Gresley said: I would like to see it spun on slowly and tormented have some limbs broken. If it does not suffer it feels like a waste of a good rat. Le Gresleys enthusiasm for torture led to her being appointed the group moderator by Macartney who said: If you need something organising cal the Immolator. Shes your girl. Protestors were heard shouting 'Shame' as LeGresley arrived at the court with her face covered She advised that a baby monkey should be clothed before being put into a blender as it would, make the death more drawn out and posted comments such as, OMFG, epic blender video. Encouraged by the blender video, Le Gresley got others in the group to pay in for more videos to be made. She said: It is like when you commission a piece of art. You put your trust in the artist to bring your vision to life. Orme paid 10 to a PayPal account for a video to be made and Le Gresley sent payments worth 40.29. She then set up a voting mechanism where group members could decide what method of torture and death they would prefer. One idea was to take a cheese grater to a monkeys bottom, rub lemon juice into the wounds and then hang it from a ceiling fan. Le Gresley rubbished the idea saying she feared OKBro might go too easy on the monkey. Her idea of putting a baby monkey into a sealed jar with red ants won the vote. Lupe (OkBro) was paid $105 for his services. The final video showed a young monkey trapped in a tiny jar with red ants. It struggled to breathe. It then had its eyelids removed and was impaled by a spike through its anus which came out of the top of its head. After 16 minutes of torture, the monkey died and a second creature was then subjected to the same treatment. Orme wrote: I loved seeing the ants and the shish kebab. Le Gresley urged members to watch with the sound on as the screams sounded like a small child. During the two and a half hour hearing, Le Gresley sobbed in the dock and asked for water, bringing the hearing to a temporary halt. She had told police that she was suffering from PTSD as a result of what she had seen. LeGresley was surrounded by protestors as she arrived for her sentencing She had written: I love the look of confusion and betrayal on the little shits face. I like to see the babies f***ed over. The younger they are, the more they deserve to get a beating. The adults I would shoot point blank in the face. The juveniles I want to torture for as long as possible until they die. Orme said she preferred mental torture. Torture, heal, torture. Keep them alive as long as possible, she wrote, before adding: My son is downstairs with me so cant watchLOL. Le Gresleys obsession led to her assembling an archive of 65 folders with 3,000 images and videos classified according to the torture taking place. One of the videos of a young monkey being tortured to death was set to The Entertainer music. Giving mitigation for Le Gresley, her barrister Tom Walkling said she was, extremely remorseful and had suffered from extreme fatigue syndrome for over a decade, making her unfit for work. He said she was on the autistic spectrum and said custody would be inappropriate. Mitigating for Orme, Curtis Myrie described her as a caring mother and devoted to her rescue dog Diesel. He said his client suffered from undiagnosed Aspergers Syndrome and also lived with chronic pain from fibroid myalgia. He said she had originally come across the monkey material on YouTube and had intended to report it but then became sucked in. Her condition meant she could not leave the abhorrent material alone, he said. Resisting calls for suspended sentences, Judge Burbidge told the defendants: These offences represent a course of conduct by you both that can only be described as depraved, sickening and wicked. LeGresley's nickname was 'The Immolator' meaning someone who kills for a religious sacrifice and the group she was part of commissioned videos of monkeys being set on fire Using the comfort of your own homes you engaged in chat rooms through the internet. Perhaps in that environment you took leave of your senses and any real recognition of reality as sadly some people appear to do when engaging with others on the internet. Quite what led you two women of good character and, I am satisfied, some intelligence, to engage in such a forum is beyond comprehension by any right-thinking member of society. Why there even exists such a forum is beyond comprehension and a sad indictment to humanity. You promoted the physical torture of monkeys by others and you disseminated videos of such torture and abuse. I would be failing in my public duty were I not to give you custodial sentences. Prosecutor Ben Close said that childless LeGresley had told police that her phobia of childbirth was triggered by monkeys, especially monkeys that look like humans. In an exchange with group members, she admitted wanting to see monkeys tortured but added that she did not 'need five years in jail.' This, said the prosecutor, showed she had researched the law and knew exactly what sentence she could expect. At one point LeGresley told the torture network: 'People do not see it (torture) as a strange psychological phenomenon, they see it as a crime.' Asda's website has been out of action leaving thousands of Brits unable to access their orders and rewards online. Issues were first reported at around 3pm, according to some customers, who claim they have struggled to use the app. There have been more than 1,000 complaints recorded, according to Downdetector. One customer said: 'I can't seem to log into my Asda account? It keeps saying something went wrong? 'How are we supposed to do an online shop if we can't even log into the account?' Asda's website has been out of action leaving thousands of Brits unable to access their orders and rewards online Downdetector tracks outages, claiming that 'user reports indicate problems at Asda'. Online shoppers nationwide, including people in Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Plymouth have all allegedly been impacted by the outage, according to The Sun. Some customers complained that the outages are 'becoming too regular a thing'. 'I have been signed out of my Asda app for some reason and now it won't accept my, very definitely correct, password,' one said. 'These problems are becoming too regular a thing.' An Asda spokesperson said: 'Due to a global issue affecting multiple businesses, our online shopping website was unavailable for approximately an hour earlier today. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we would like to reassure our customers that they are now able to shop with us as normal.' A TV paediatrician has told a public inquiry that he lies awake at night thinking about how he 'should have had more courage' and voiced his concerns about Lucy Letby after 'virtually' catching her. Letby was convicted of the attempted murder of Child K by dislodging her breathing tube in the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit in February 2016. But, Dr Ravi Jayaram had walked into the nursery room just moments before. The prosecution at Letby's trial said she was caught 'virtually red-handed' by Dr Jayaram, although he did not tell anyone at the hospital, or the police, about the incident at the time. Giving evidence on Wednesday at the Thirlwall Inquiry into the events surrounding Letby's crimes, Dr Jayaram said he had been sitting outside the nursery reading medical notes when he realised Letby was alone with Child K. He said he felt 'significant discomfort', but also thought he was being 'completely irrational and ridiculous' before deciding to go in 'just to make sure everything was fine'. Senior paediatrician Dr Ravi Jayaram says he 'should have had more courage' and voiced his concerns about Lucy Letby Letby was convicted of the attempted murder of Child K by dislodging her breathing tube before Dr Ravi Jayaram walked into a nursery room in 2016 He said: 'There has been a lot of speculation but I didn't walk in and see anything. What I walked in and saw was a baby clearly deteriorating and when I went to assess Baby K the ET (endotracheal tube) was dislodged. 'My priority was to resuscitate Baby K, which I did successfully. I will take this with me to my grave. At that point I thought "How has that happened?"' Explaining why he said nothing about the incident at the time, Dr Jayaram said: 'It is something of a mea culpa. Why didn't I? I lie awake thinking about this. 'It's the fear of not being believed. It's the fear of ridicule. It's the fear of accusations of bullying. 'I should have been braver and should have had more courage because it was not just an isolated thing. There was already a lot of other information. I should have had more courage.' This comes after a specialist doctor claimed she had been 'misled' by hospital bosses after asking to review baby deaths at a hospital where Lucy Letby murdered patients. Dr Jayaram said he first became aware that Letby could be causing 'inadvertent or even deliberate harm' to infants when he returned from leave after the death of a baby girl, Child I, in October 2015. He recalled conversations in corridors with fellow consultants about the repeated associated presence of Letby and sudden and unexplained deaths on the unit. He said: 'I can't recall who among us was the first to articulate possibilities of deliberate harm but when expressed openly it became clear that I was not the only consultant with those concerns.' He added: 'My impression was that all of us began to consider whether her presence was of significance rather than coincidence or bad luck. Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven more at the hospital between June 2015 and June 2016 Children's nurse Lucy Letby (pictured in a custody photo, left; and while working in hospital, right) went on a year-long killing spree while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital 'We were still finding it difficult to think the unthinkable but once that's on your radar it's very hard to shut it away and you run the risk of confirmation bias as well and whether you are seeing things that aren't there.' Following the incident with Child K, Dr Jayaram said the fears of Letby causing deliberate harm had become 'an elephant in the room which was becoming bigger and bigger'. He said: 'We felt completely impotent to know how to deal with it.' An external thematic review around the same time identified that Letby was on duty at or just prior to nine out of 10 deaths on the unit in 2015, the inquiry has heard. Dr Jayaram said: 'I naively assumed that the nursing director and the medical director would look at that, see the pattern and act.' He told the inquiry he felt the consultants did not have enough information to raise their suspicions until the third week of June when he passed on his concerns to Karen Towsend, divisional director of urgent care nursing, in a hospital cafe. He explained: 'I said, as a group of consultants, we were extremely concerned about these events and we were all at a point, as a group, where we felt natural causes had been excluded as far as they could be, and we were really concerned about her being on the unit. 'My intention was to get some help and support as to what to do because we were not comfortable with Letby continuing to work unsupervised on the unit. 'I could have been more forthright. I could have have specifically said 'You must remove her from the unit' and I didn't say that.' Letby went on to murder Child P, a baby boy, before she was finally moved from the neonatal unit to clerical duties in July 2016 after the consultants expressed similar concerns to the hospital's executive team. Hospital bosses then opted to carry out a number of reviews into the increased mortality and did not call in Cheshire Police to investigate until May 2017. The neonatal nurse was redeployed into an administrative role after doctors demanded she be moved off the unit following the deaths of two triplet brothers on consecutive shifts in July 2016. Pictured: The Countess of Chester Hospital Supporters of ex-nurse Lucy Letby demonstrate outside the High Court during her appeal hearing on April 25 At the start of his evidence, Dr Jayaram told the hearing: 'I would like to say to the parents and families of the babies affected by this awful tragedy... I would like to apologise for any personal failings and omissions I may have made in the period leading up to June 2016 and afterwards that might potentially have made a difference to avoiding problems. 'I want to acknowledge that I will take personal responsibility for things that I could have done better and in retrospect some fairly obvious (things) that could have been done better. 'And I would like to apologise as well for the systemic failings that could have contributed to this not being picked up as soon as it could.' The then clinical lead for children's services said he did not believe that hospital executives initially took their concerns about Letby seriously. He said he recalled chief executive Tony Chambers saying to him: 'I can see how that would be a convenient explanation for you, but surely there must be something else?' Dr Jayaram told the inquiry: 'What I realise now is that, right from that point, there was a reluctance to consider what we were suggesting could be going on. 'I had no reason to not trust these people. You know they are wise and they are paid large amounts of money to run hospitals. 'I was too trusting... Well, why shouldn't I be trusting the people who run an organisation in which I work? But it just didn't smell right.' Dr Jayaram accepted that failing to spot raised insulin levels from the blood tests of two babies, Child F and Child L, whom Letby poisoned in August 2015 and April 2016, was a 'collective failure' by the consultant body and they were both 'missed opportunities'. 'If you do a test you are trying to find something out and results should be looked at... You can't assume it is going to be normal,' he said. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. The inquiry, sitting at Liverpool Town Hall, is expected to sit until early 2025, with findings published by late autumn of that year. The Guardian has launched a boycott of social media platform X, citing 'often disturbing content' such as 'far-right conspiracy theories and racism'. It said that the recent US presidential election had underlined its view that the online forum, formerly known as Twitter, was a 'toxic media platform'. Insisting that the benefits of being on the platform were 'now outweighed by the negatives', it added that owner Elon Musk - the world's richest person - had been using the service's influence to 'shape political discourse'. The boycott means the The Guardian - which has more than 80 accounts and 27 million followers on X - will stop posting from its official editorial accounts on the platform. The main Guardian account on X now says: 'This account has been archived'. But the move does not stop individual reporters using the site and X users will still be able to share its articles. According to a report by the newspaper, individual reporters will not face restrictions beyond existing guidelines. The Guardian has launched a boycott of social media platform X, citing 'often disturbing content' The newspaper added that owner Elon Musk - the world's richest person - had been using the service's influence to 'shape political discourse' In a statement to readers, posted on its website, The Guardian said: 'We wanted to let readers know that we will no longer post on any official Guardian editorial accounts on the social media site X (formerly Twitter). 'We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives and that resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere.' It added: 'This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism. 'The US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse.' Musk, who describes himself as a 'free speech absolutist' bought the social media platform in 2022 for $44bn. The EU and campaigners have raised concerns over the way Musk is running the platform and the type of content that has been allowed on it during his tenure. Among those previously banned individuals to have been let back on the platform include self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate, British far-right figure Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. X users shared their views on the newspaper's decision to leave the site Musk, who describes himself as a 'free speech absolutist' bought the social media platform in 2022 for $44bn Other organisations have also recently quit X, include the Berlin Film Festival and the North Wales police force. The Guardian statement added: 'X users will still be able to share our articles, and the nature of live news reporting means we will still occasionally embed content from X within our article pages. 'Our reporters will also be able to carry on using the site for news-gathering purposes, just as they use other social networks in which we do not officially engage. 'Social media can be an important tool for news organisations and help us to reach new audiences but, at this point, X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work.' Donald Trump showed signs of respect towardPresident Joe Biden during their meeting at the White House on Wednesday, according to a body language expert. The president-elect sat down with Biden for the first time since his victory last week. Members of the White House press corps were permitted in the Oval Office for quick remarks where video was captured for about two minutes before the two had a private meeting with no cameras. Trump, 78, appeared to take a more 'passive' stance as he leaned over during his meeting with Biden, 81, in a sign of lowering his status to show respect to the current commander-in-chief. 'His adopted pose avoids any power-posturing too. His body language is calm and politely more passive than Biden's as though willing to show some final signals of respect here,' body language analyst Judi James told DailyMail.com. Donald Trump sat lower in his seat and appeared to take a posture of respect during his meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 The meeting Wednesday marks former President Trump's first return to the White House since he vacated in January 2021 and refused to attend the inauguration of his successor. Trump will retake residence there in January 2025 for his second term after a historic victory last Tuesday. All eyes were on Trump and Biden and how they interacted during the short exchange where they shook hands and made brief remarks ensuring a smooth transition between administrations. 'Trump sits rather low in his chair and employs two key gestures of a desire to look amenable rather than dominant,' James noted. 'Firstly he uses active listening signals as Biden speaks, including a forward torso lead and some nodding,' she told DailyMail.com of the former and future president's body language. 'His hands are placed between his splayed knees, avoiding any competing with Biden's emphatic 'man-splay' ritual of widely splayed legs and a hand on either knee.' James noted of the handshake: 'Then when Biden instigates their handshake by holding his hand out in midair, Trump lowers his own perceived status by leaning his torso completely forward, even placing his free hand round his stomach to bend, in an act of inconvenience that allows Biden to look temporarily like top dog.' Biden kicked it off by publicly congratulating Trump with: 'Well, Mr. President-elect and former president, Donald, congratulations.' The two shook hands, but Trump noticeably was bending over at the waist in a show of respect for the current commander-in-chief, according to a body language expert The two men made very brief remarks to reporters before they were escorted out of the Oval Office so Trump and Biden could hold a private meeting 'And, uh, looking forward to having, like we said, a smooth transition,' the president added. 'Do everything we can to make sure you're accommodated what you need. And we're going to get a chance to talk about some of that today. So, welcome back.' 'Thank you very much,' Trump replied. 'Politics is tough, and it's in many cases not a very nice world,' he continued. 'But it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much and a transition that's so smooth, it'll be as smooth as it can get. And I very much appreciate that. Thank you.' 'You're welcome. Thank you, all,' Biden replied as he dismissed the press. Trump used a softer-than-usual voice during their brief exchange for the cameras. Trump returned to the White House for the first time since vacating his office in January 2021. He also stopped by a House GOP Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on November 13 along with his new closest confidant Elon Musk 'His words also sound warm and conciliatory as he mentions it is a 'Nice world today' to register their signs of peace and ability to play nicely together,' the body language analyst notes. During their exchange, James notes that 'Trump even self-polices the downward steeple of his hands at one point, changing the mild power gesture to a less status-induced clasp.' She said that when he engaged in 'some gentle tapping of his fingertips' he was 'forming a metronomic gesture that implies some suppressed impatience.' It is a town that has seen its population steadily fall since the decline of coal mining in the 1980s. But now Cumnock in Ayrshire has been named the most affordable place to buy a home in Britain. Located 15 miles from Kilmarnock, it was named Britains most affordable town to buy in 2024 with an average property value of 80,300, according to a new study by property experts Zoopla. This figure was found to be significantly below the UK average house price of 267,500. Located only two miles from King Charles 2000-acre Dumfries House, the small town has a population of approximately 8,700 people and a strong industrial past. Cumnock in Ayrshire was named as Britain's most affordable town to buy property But with a decline in heavy industry, its population has decreased by more than 8 per cent over the past 40 years. Scotland as a whole was found by Zoopla to be a hotspot for Britains most affordable homes, with Ayrshire in particular having a high concentration of affordable properties available to buy. Houses in Ayrshire were valued at less than 1.3 times the annual household income, whilst four out of five of Britains most affordable towns were also located in this area. Izabella Lubowieckza, Senior Property Researcher at Zoopla, said: Affordability remains a concern for many homebuyers so it is positive to see that there are areas of the UK where the affordability of housing has improved. Alongside Cumnock, the other affordable Ayrshire towns for prospective home buyers were Girvan, Saltcoats and Ardossan. In August, Saltcoats was named by GetAgency as the cheapest spot to buy a UK coastal home, with the Scottish seaside town 14 times less expensive than the popular hotspot of Sandbanks, dubbed Britains Palm Beach after the pricey Florida destination. The average property in the Ayrshire town sells for 80,000, a third of the national average King Charles' Dumfries House is close to the town of Cumnock Whilst Scotland is home to some of the UKs cheapest properties, housing experts have increasingly warned that a significant number of people may still likely never be able to get onto the housing ladder amidst the rising costs of living. Zooplas research found that an average property in Britain is currently valued at 3.8 times the average annual household income, with eight in ten British towns still considered to be worth four times the average income of a two-person household. In September, it was announced that almost three-quarters-of-a-million pounds worth of funding would be granted by the Scottish Government to councils across Ayrshire to help reduce the number of families struggling to find permanent accommodation. Speaking about the funding, provided under the Governments Affordable Housing Supply Programme, Housing minister Paul McLennan said: The delivery of affordable homes is the foundation of family life and is fundamental to how we achieve our priorities of eradicating child poverty and growing the economy. The key to tackling homelessness and reducing the time spent by families in temporary accommodation is to deliver more affordable homes. David McDowall, Head of Economic Growth at East Ayrshire Council, said: Were happy to see that Zoopla is featuring Cumnock as Britains most affordable town. 'As a council weve invested heavily in recent years with help from working with Historic Environment Scotlands Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme. This has enabled the redevelopment of the town centres shopping area to help businesses and residents with the regeneration of many of the areas beautiful historic buildings, breathing new life into the towns conservation area. Having affordable housing and new job opportunities in the area means families can settle and enjoy a good quality of life in a community which works hard together to make the best of every opportunity which comes along. New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana from November 16-21. On the invitation of the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prime Minister Modi will visit Nigeria from November 16-17. This will be the first visit by a Prime Minister of India to Nigeria in 17 years, a statement said. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks to review the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria and discuss further avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship. He will also address a gathering of the Indian community in Nigeria. A quick-thinking cafe customer sprang into action to thwart a thief's attempted getaway in Argentina - hurling her chair at the bike-riding bandit as he tried to make his escape. Wild video footage showed the woman and a friend seated at a table on the sidewalk outside the Italia Cafe in the city of Resistencia on November 4 when the suspect tried to flee on a bicycle after allegedly stealing a cell phone. Noticing the commotion as the man raced toward her, she lifted up her chair and threw at the thief while a waiter also stepped in to block his path. A quick-thinking customer at a cafe in Argentina used a chair to stop an alleged cell phone thief who tried to flee the scene The suspect crashed to the ground after a customer threw a chair at him and a waiter blocked his path The suspect crashed violently to the ground as the waiter ran up and began kicking him. The apparent owner of the stolen cell phone is then seen running over and picking up the device, which was jarred loose during collision, as bystanders rushed over and helped restrain the man until police arrived. A second video showed one of the bystanders pinning the suspect, identified by local outlets as Mario Castillo, 36, to the ground. Castillo could be heard complaining that they were hurting him and that he was not feeling well because his head was injured. Bystanders pinned the alleged thief to the ground after he was knocked off his bike He then begged for water as he struggled struggled with his captors. 'Relax or I will break your legs. What part don't you understand?' one of the bystanders said as he dragged him away. The waiter told El Sol newspaper that they had grown tired of muggings in the area and decided to mete out their own justice. 'It was more of an impulsive reaction than anything else,' he told the outlet. 'We're tired of these issues with the thieves and all that, and then, it kind of makes you a little angry. I said, enough, since I'm here, "Why can't I defend the girl?"' Social-media users praised the attentive customer for her courage. 'What good reflexes that woman has,' one person commented. 'This is how a society is reinvented: instant justice by one's own hand and/or by the hands of others but in solidarity,' another added. A third American plane was shot by gangs as it flew over Haiti on Monday, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to ban flights to the country for 30 days. A Tuesday inspection revealed a Miami-bound American Airlines plane was hit by a bullet while leaving Touissant LOverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. No one was injured and American Flight 819 landed safely at its destination, American Airlines confirmed with DailyMail.com. This comes after gunfire in the area forced a Spirit Airlines flight to divert its landing and injured a flight attendant. A JetBlue aircraft was shot at while leaving the capital during the same time frame on Monday. The FBI has launched an investigation into all three incidents, CBS reported. American Airlines announced it will suspending all flights to Port-au-Prince until February Touissant LOverture International Airport will be closed until November 18 in light of rampant gang violence American Airlines announced it is suspending all flights to Port-au-Prince until February. The airline told DailyMail.com: 'We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed.' A notice sent out on Tuesday temporarily prohibited American planes from flying within 10,000 feet of Haiti's airspace. A statement from the US Embassy in Haiti reads: '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. Bullets shot at a Spirit Airlines plane caused the flight to divert, as a flight attendant was injured '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.' Touissant LOverture airport will remain closed until November 18 and flights to Haiti will be sent to another Haitian city, Cap Haitien. These shootings were a part of rampant gang violence sparked by swearing in Haiti's new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said there were 20 documented armed conflicts on Monday, a day after he was sworn in. In peacekeeping efforts, the Haitian council wrote in a statement: 'This cowardly crime, which threatens Haiti's sovereignty and security, aims to isolate our country on the international stage. A JetBlue flight was hit by gunfire from gangs as it took off from Haiti on Monday 'The perpetrators of these heinous acts will be hunted down and brought to justice.' The UN estimated that gangs control 85 percent of the capital. Dujarric warned that gang violence and turmoil is detrimental to the country's interests, as it is 'limiting the flow of humanitarian aid and humanitarian personnel.' 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 Fils-Aime. An American Airline plane was hit by a bullet while departing from Haiti (not pictured) The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently accused of corruption. 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 countrys slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports, shipping ports and stirring chaos. Outraged California parents lined up to blast a teacher who told Hispanic students that their parents voted for Donald Trump because they want to be white. One mother opened Tuesday's meeting about Maximiliano Perez by roaring: 'To say that a Hispanic man wants to be white, I'm offended... My family voted for Trump. (The teacher) should be fired - you are put on notice.' 'The majority of your student population is Hispanic,' another fumed while addressing bosses at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley. 'What (Perez) just did is make the most racist comment. To tell them that their fathers, that if they voted for Trump, that they only did it because they wish they were White. That is the worst of it all. An enraged Latina Trump voter stood up to berate teacher Maximiliano Perez at a meeting Tuesday night after the Valley View High School teacher said Hispanic parents who voted for Trump want to be white Furious teachers unleashed on Valley View High School officials after a teacher was caught on audio berating his students with an anti-Trump rant the day after the election 'Shame on him.' In the audio after last week's Trump election win, Perez was heard telling students they 'can end up in a concentration camp' as a result of Trump's win. The teacher, since suspended over the diatribe, also compared the president-elect Adolf Hitler, and branded him 'treasonous scum' and a 'rapist, draft-dodging coward.' Enraged parents slammed Perez for 'crossing the line' and said he caused a 'six alarm dumpster fire' in the community, urging the school to make him face 'major consequences.' Maximiliano Perez, a history teacher at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, told students they 'can end up in a concentration camp' as a result of Trump's win, compared him to Adolf Hitler, and branded him 'treasonous scum' and a 'rapist, draft-dodging coward Perez most inflammatory remarks saw him take aim at the Hispanic community, a voter bloc that dramatically swung to Trump in the election, angering many parents as the school is made up of a large Hispanic community. Perez told his students he knows 'a lot of Latino men who wish they were white' - including their 'fathers, uncles, and grandfathers'. '(Trump) won because white women didn't show up and vote for Kamala Harris. He won because black men and brown men didn't show up and vote for Kamala Harris. 'Let me tell you, I know a lot of Latino men on this campus, adults and students, that love Donald Trump, and he's called their mothers rapists. He's called their fathers rapists. He's called them criminals. He called them the poison in the blood of our country.' 'God, they wanna be white so bad but they never will be,' Perez allegedly said in recordings. 'I hate that s***. I hate Latino men that oppress the women in their family, their own daughters. And then they turn around and vote for men who want to oppress them.' At the meeting, shared by Corey DeAngelis, senior fellow at the American Culture Project, parents took particular issue with Perez's targeting of the Hispanic community. In a recording, Perez is heard telling his students that the election result 'is not a f***ing game' and that they could even end 'with no human rights' under Trump's presidency One father, wearing a Trump 2024 t-shirt, stood up for Perez's right to 'say those things... but not at our schools.' 'What that teacher did was unacceptable,' he said. 'That was just crossing the line. There needs to be some major consequences.' In a statement after the audio went viral, The Moreno Valley Unified School District confirmed that Perez, who reportedly makes a total yearly salary of $106,442 and is listed as the school's advisor for the 'AP Mental Club,' was placed on administrative leave while they investigate the incident. 'We recognize the heightened emotions surrounding the current political climate, and we deeply value the diversity of our community, which encompasses a wide range of perspectives and beliefs,' the district said in their statement. Valley View High School did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com as to whether they have taken any further action against Perez. Perez accused the former president of quoting Adolf Hitler and 'embodying some of Hitler's ideas', sparking backlash from the community But despite the outrage over Perez's remarks, some students came out in defense of their teacher's scathing anti-Trump rant. A change.org petition, started by student Andrew S, named 'BRING BACK MR. PEREZ' demands the return of Mr. Perez and argues that the tweet by DeAngelis 'directly' puts the school in 'danger.' The petition calls Mr. Perez one of 'the best teachers on the campus and one of the kindest too' and admits that he engaged in an 'unprofessional moment' when discussing 'his mass-disappointment that Donald J. Trump had won.' One student, Sarah Ghawi, said: 'It's just devastating to know that they're trying to get him out all because of his opinion,' as reported by ABC7. 'I think they're trying to make him seem like a bad guy because of what he said,' another student who was present during the rant, Mykael James, chimed in. 'I know it was very strong toned, but that's how he gives his lecture as a professor.' 'I feel like it was appropriate,' she added. 'I didn't take it the wrong way, and he was offering up a one-on-one apology after class.' According to the students, a walk out is planned Tuesday in support of their teacher as thousands signed a petition urging the school to allow his return. Around 46 percent of Hispanic voters opted for Trump in the 2024 election, far higher than the 32 percent who marked their ballot for him in 2020. Migrants staying in a hotel who were at the centre of a healthcare row will be getting treatment on the NHS after a furious public meeting. Locals were originally told hundreds of illegal migrants could soon be getting access to 'free private healthcare', sparking a major debate. Instead, health cover for the migrants staying at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, will be provided by not-for-profit provider GTD Healthcare, which stressed it did not provide private care and was being commissioned by the NHS. The bombshell accusation of private healthcare was made during a fiery debate led by members of Trafford Council, in Greater Manchester, sparking an outcry of anger from local residents. A spokeswoman has told the Mail: 'With regards to the provision of NHS services at Cresta Court Hotel, I can confirm that GTD healthcare is in discussions with commissioners at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board and local primary care providers regarding healthcare support over the winter period.' The spokesperson added that while GTD Healthcare known until 2008 as GoToDoc is not part of the NHS, it only provides NHS-commissioned services and not private services. It is employee-owned and runs 13 GP practices as well as urgent care centres. Here is the exact moment Altrincham residents are informed that migrants staying at the Cresta Court will be receiving private health coverage. This meeting was called by conservative councillors to discuss residents' concerns and took place a few days before the MP "drop in" https://t.co/Uul6Mbij4R pic.twitter.com/XO3baE4sdM Byappointmentto (@byapptto) November 11, 2024 Migrants are pictured outside the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, near Manchester Residents are up in arms over claims asylum seekers would get access to private health care (pictured are locals discussing the situation at a church meeting last week) Asylum seekers are entitled to free NHS care while their claims are assessed. Rob Bellingham, chief officer for commissioning at NHS Greater Manchester, said: 'We have a duty to secure the provision of safe and appropriate NHS care for people while their asylum claims are being managed. 'NHS Greater Manchester has made arrangements with a local primary care provider to ensure asylum seekers who have arrived very recently receive the immediate care they need.' Nathan Evans, Conservative group leader at the council, previously claimed asylum seekers housed at the hotel had been contracted to a private 'doctors' system'. It comes after the hotel was abruptly converted into migrant accommodation for some 300 men, with the news only coming to light after thousands of bookings - including some wedding receptions - were cancelled without warning. Speaking at a church meeting about the fiasco, worried locals voiced their fears about the migrants at the hotel and the impact they would have on the area's 'stretched' health services. 'They're contracted with... a private doctors' system,' Councillor Evans told residents. '[That's what] my understanding is. It's not a statement of fact. That should mean they won't be putting weight on our local [health services].' Nathan Evans (pictured), Conservative group leader at Trafford Council, claimed a contract had been taken out to provide private health care for migrants The government has a legal requirement to provide migrants with healthcare treatment. Health cover for the migrants staying at the Cresta Court will be provided by not-for-profit provider GTD Healthcare, which stressed it did not provide private care and was being commissioned by the NHS. Footage of last week's meeting has since been shared online. Councillor Evans claimed he found out last week that the healthcare plan for migrants had been contracted out - as the Tory chief accused the Labour government of a 'wall of silence' over the situation. It comes as Labour said it would stop hotels being used to house asylum seekers - although Cresta Court Hotel's use is 'newly created', according to Sky News. In the meeting, Cllr Evans went on to say he did not support housing single male migrants at the hotel, but that it 'keeps them out of our doctors' surgeries. 'We just had our Minor Injuries Unit at Altrincham Hospital closed. We've now 300 people on our doorstep,' he told Express.co.uk. 'My understanding is that they are taking out a contract to support these people. Meanwhile, people here can't get a doctor's appointment.' Some 300 migrants are reportedly staying at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham Worried Trafford residents voiced their fears about the take over of the hotel. Pictured is Councillor Nathan Evans speaking next to community leaders and local police He added residents had been stonewalled by Whitehall, and claimed the move to house hundreds of migrants in the hotel had been a 'ministerial decision'. 'It's not like this has happened by accident. Someone took this decision. People are worried about it,' he said. 'Residents don't want them at the hotel, right in the centre of the town.' Young men thought to be asylum seekers were pictured earlier this week gathering in the hotel car park, smoking and drinking coffee. The decision to move migrants into Cresta Court has sparked a fierce debate locally. During the church meeting, residents raised their fears about safety and blasted an 'information vacuum' and lack of prior consultation about the hotel's conversion. One woman, her voice shaking, questioned whether the hotel was 'effectively an open prison' near several local girls' schools and a nursery, reported GB News. She added she had already cancelled a night out with friends over safety worries. Another person expressed concerns about her daughter's safety at night, suggesting the men came from a country that 'doesn't value women'. Residents attending the meeting expressed their safety fears about the migrants at the hotel Cllr Evans (pictured left) said there had been a 'wall of silence' from the Government over the situation Gwyneth Roper, who hosted the church meeting, reportedly said: 'I can't say I agree or disagree with what's going on because we've just been kept in the dark and treated like mushrooms.' While one resident asked if there would be a curfew or whether the migrants would be free to wander around after 7pm. Community police officer Colin Dytor, in comments quoted by Sky News, said: 'We can't just lock people up who haven't committed a crime. We live in a very tolerant and open society, and we have to continue that.' Connor Rand, Labour MP for Altrincham and Sale West, added that background checks had been conducted on the men by the Home Office. A spokesman for Serco - which runs the hotel - claimed 'no decision' had been taken on 'how healthcare will be provided to those' at the site. MailOnline has approached Trafford Council for further comment. Outspoken tech billionaire Elon Musk has pointed to a groundbreaking milestone in Australian solar power generation as he boldly predicted the future of the world's energy mix. Musk highlighted the rapid growth of rooftop solar in Western Australia, which accounted for an impressive 80.5 per cent of the state's electricity generation on Monday. At 1.30pm, solar output mostly from rooftop installations generated a total of 2.12 gigawatts in the region, far surpassing the output of traditional energy sources, according to data from the Australian Energy Market Operator. In contrast, natural gas and coal's contributions to the grid dropped significantly, with shares of just 8.6 per cent and 8.3 per cent, respectively. 'Solar power will be the vast majority of power generation in the future,' Musk wrote after sharing news about the Western Australia milestone. As solar power generation soars in WA, the market operator and state government have signed contracts with battery developers to capture excess rooftop solar power during the day and release it back into the grid for evening peak demand. Musk's company, Tesla, has been at the forefront of accelerating solar power and battery adoption and has been a strong advocate for renewable energy solutions. Last year, Musk suggested that if solar energy was harnessed effectively, it could power a civilisation 100 times larger than the current global population. Influential tech billionaire Elon Musk was impressed with WA's solar power energy figures Musk shared a post on X showing tradies installing solar panels on a roof in WA, along with statistics showing solar panels produced 80.5 per cent of the state's electricity generation He said that because wind and solar power are not always consistent, it's becoming more important to use stationary battery packs at renewable energy sites to store energy for when it's needed. Musk made the comments just hours after he was officially tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to 'dismantle' the $6.5trillion bloated US bureaucracy by spearheading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Trump said the duo 'will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies'. However, it remains unclear how much influence Musk's views on clean energy will have under the new Trump regime, with the President elect promising to increase fossil fuel production and withdraw the US from the Paris climate deal. 'I think we should just generally lean in the direction of sustainability,' Musk told Trump during a two-hour, livestreamed chat the two men held on X in August. 'And I actually think solar is going to be a majority of Earth's energy generation in the future.' However Musk downplayed the urgency of the undertaking. 'I think we want to just move over and if I don't know, 50 to 100 years from now we're mostly sustainable, I think that'll probably be OK,' Musk said. 'It's not like the house is on fire immediately.' Musk has also been a proponent of nuclear power which does not produce greenhouse gas. 'Nuclear electricity generation is underrated,' Musk said during the chat. 'People have this fear of nuclear electricity generation, but it's actually one of the safest forms of generation.' A ritzy lakeside neighborhood in Georgia is at war over plans to fix a dam that will cost millions - with many residents feeling the check isn't theirs to pay. Lake Dow in Henry County needs repairs to its dam that will cost as much as $10million - leaving residents facing a $30,000 bill each. But a bitter dispute has erupted between residents who live on the waterfront and those who live further away. The latter group argues that they should pay less as the lake has less impact on the value of their properties. Lake Dow Estates has 300 lots around the lake, with 30 percent of them residing on the prime lakefront land. In a homeowners association (HOA) meeting on Tuesday, residents were set to vote on if they wanted to go ahead with plans to fix the dam. Instead, however, they tried to unseat the current HOA board who then voluntarily stepped down. In 2008 the state reevaluated the lake to be a category one, meaning it needed to be kept at a lower water level. Residents opted to drain seven feet of water instead of spending millions to improve the dam and now the cost has only increased 'Those homeowners who live on the lake, their homes are gonna appraise much higher than someone who lives off the lake. So, in a sense it's not fair that everyone pay the same amount when our homes are appraised differently,' Travis Green, who had recently moved to the neighborhood, told Atlanta News First. Green said they had been shocked by the unexpected price tag that came with moving, and added: 'When we moved here, we got a "welcome to the neighborhood, and by the way you may [need] to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 in dam repairs.' In 2008 the state reevaluated the lake to be a category one, meaning it needed to be kept at a lower water level. Residents opted to drain seven feet of water instead of spending millions to improve the dam. 'The reason they classified it as a category one is because they deemed it to be a potential if the dam would fail. It would cause loss of property and potentially loss of life downstream,' resident Mark Rawlings told Atlanta News First. He said there had been plans over the years to fix the dam, and the price tag keeps getting higher and higher. Both Green and Rawlings have said there is a proposed payment plan being offered if they do go ahead with the plan, which would be $250 a month over 18 years with an interest cost Resident Travis Green recently moved into the neighborhood and was shocked by the hefty bill that he was greeted with. He said: 'In a sense it's not fair that everyone pay the same amount when our homes are appraised differently' Rawlings also recalled a plan that was on the table in late 2022 which was shut down by the HOA board at the time. He said the last plan they came up with was roughly $5 million. 'We want to be in compliance with the law. If I was off the lake, I would be very disturbed by the cost, but I should not be surprised,' he added. Both Green and Rawlings have said there is a proposed payment plan being offered if they do go ahead with the plan, which would be $250 a month over 18 years with an interest cost. Green said that after waiting so long, the situation has only become that much worse and the cost that much higher. 'To now let it build up to an almost $10 million project when probably 16 years ago, it was half of that and expect someone who is 70 plus years old or someone who is on a fixed income, or someone who don't even know what's going on, who just got here, trying to start a new chapter of their life, to just be like, "Hey welcome to the neighborhood. Pay this," I think that's kind of wrong,' Green said. Resident Becky Kennedy said: 'They've known it's coming for so long, that if you didn't like it and didn't want to fix the lake, why didn't you sell and get out of this neighborhood.' Members of the community have echoed both Green and Rawlings concerns and have shared how the battle has affected the community. Homeowner Asya Richardson Green told WSBTV: 'There's been a lot of tears. A lot of tears over these past couple of weeks, months, and days. You know people are scared. People are scared that they're going to lose their homes.' Another resident, Kristine Bobo, reiterated that many fellow community members 'don't know how to pay for it'. 'The majority of us think that since [lakefront homeowners] reap the benefits of this lake, they should cover more of the cost,' said resident Pkale Robinson. Another said that those who couldn't afford to pay for it should have planned accordingly, Becky Kennedy told the outlet: 'They've known it's coming for so long, that if you didn't like it and didn't want to fix the lake, why didn't you sell and get out of this neighborhood.' Once the new HOA board takes over, they will decide if the community will go ahead with the plans. Joe Biden is the meat in the MAGA sandwich his 46th presidency uncomfortably snuggled in between two hearty slices of Donaldough. It's been almost four years since Trump begrudgingly left the White House but, when the two sat together for the traditional Oval Office hand-off on Wednesday, they got along like old friends. Slap Happy Joe grinned widely and whispered, 'Welcome home,' as Donald 'The Legacy Destroyer', expressed his appreciation for such a warm reception. At least, that's what all the cameras captured. I imagine those weren't the only words exchanged. In fact, the two men reportedly spoke for a further two hours in private. Perhaps, the conversation went a little like this: It's been almost four years since Trump begrudgingly left the White House but when the two sat together for the traditional Oval Office hand-off on Wednesday - they got along like old friends. Biden: You know, I voted for you, right? Did you see me wearing your hat? Trump: Yeah, you and everyone else. But why did you keep calling me Hitler? That was a little not nice, Sleepy Joe. Biden: Malarkey! Now YOU are sensitive about nicknames? And I never called you Hitler that was Kamala. Let's just say, I'm not with her! Biden laughs, coughs and falls face-first out of his chair. At this moment, Dr. Jill Biden walks in, dressed in her finest blood-red Lady Macbeth suit. She hoists Biden back into his seat and starts speaking. Dr. Jill: Just remember, Donald, Joe was your best surrogate! Don't forget who opened up America's borders and flooded the country with illegal immigrants. 'Thank you' would be nice. What about giving me and Joe a nice cushy ambassadorship, so we can live out our retirements in style? Biden: I hear Ukraine is nice and Hunter has a lot of friends there. Jill pushes Joe back down to the floor. Trump: Sorry, guys. I've got more pressing issues on my agenda, like firing the entire federal bureaucracy, ending wars with the snap of my fingers and appointing a super-hot Press Secretary. Priorities! Suddenly, Hunter Biden bursts into the room. Hunter: Daaaaaad, I thought we were going to play catch with my Romanian buddies!!?? Biden: No, Hunter. I said: 'You are going to get caught with your Romanian buddies. Now, tell the Chinese that you won't be visiting Beijing anymore.' Hunter: Excuse me, Mr. Trump. Can I have a pardon? Biden: Yeah, Don. Will you pardon my boy? Trump: I don't think so, no. Biden: You're a Nazi! Hunter: You're garbage! Dr. Jill Biden walked in, dressed in her finest blood-red Lady Macbeth suit. Dr. Jill: Now boys, let's all agree that there's only one person we all really, really hate. Biden: Nancy Pelosi! Dr. Jill: No, Joe. Try again. 'Kamala', they all shout. Dr. Jill: That's right. Ever since she called Joe a racist, I've had it out for her. At least, I won't have to hug her creepy husband anymore he always tries to kiss me on the lips. Jill reaches into her purse and pulls out a letter addressed to Melania Trump. Dr Jill: I'm so sorry your pretend...I mean pretty... wife couldn't be here today, Donald. I was so looking forward to serving her some arsenic tea. I wrote her a little note. Can you deliver it for me? Trump: Oh Jill, that's so sweet! What does it say? Dr. Jill: Well, I know Melania is multi-lingual, so I wrote out a translation of 'Go f*** yourself' in five languages, including Slovak. Trump: It's been great catching up. Joe, you look worse than I thought. Hunter, pack your bags because you're going to Gitmo. I'll have Handsome Pete Hegseth get the transfer paperwork ready. Someone knocks on the Oval Office door and it opens. Biden: Hulk Hogan! What are you doing here? Trump: Meet the new Attorney General! Life's a beach! It was truly 'Dead Man Walking' this weekend as Lame Duck Doddering Joe nearly fell arse-over-teakettle as he battled the loose sand by his Rehoboth beach house. Frustrated First Lady Jill worked overtime to keep him from face planting. But why did she let her hobbling hubby embarrass himself in full view of the cameras? It was the perfect metaphor for a Democratic election campaign that was poorly conceived and painful to watch. (Though not quite as painful as Biden appearing to smooch his sister Valerie on the mouth! at a Veterans Day ceremony honoring his late son Beau. Yikes.) Not quite as painful as Biden appearing to smooch his sister Valerie on the mouth! at a Veterans Day ceremony honoring his late son Beau. Yikes! Fears for Ariana My sympathy is with Ariana Grande as the waify songstress appears to be shrinking into an ever-more diminutive diva. Sure, she seemed delighted to be showing off her co-star and hobbit-esque lover Ethan Slater at the Los Angeles 'Wicked' premier on Saturday. But bleached eyebrows and sunken features look good on exactly no one. She may have questionable taste in men but someone needs to get this girl a tasty sandwich stat. My sympathy is with Ariana Grande as the waify songstress appears to be shrinking into an ever-more diminutive diva. Foolish 4B The bizarre new '4B' movement of unhinged broads wasn't exactly on my 2024 bingo card. But there is something rather hilarious about the emotionally unstable leftie ladies now boo-hooing about Trump's win, blaming men and swearing off sex for life. Don't tell these Kamala-loving misandrists but they're guilty of cultural appropriation (the anti-patriarchy 4B trend originated in Korea). The movement's most radical are even shaving their heads in protest, uglifying themselves to prove some sort of point. There's an obvious upside. Red-blooded fellas now know who to steer clear of. And, for the less hysterical femmes among us, it leaves the dating pool a little less crowded. Winning smile? You know who looks great? Our relieved Vice Presidentress, fresh off defeat week and snapped laughing on Saturday with her great-nieces and a large glass of wine. Where were these easy breezy lifestyle pics a few weeks ago? Whisper it but, in her messy bun and college sweatshirt, this care-free Kamala looks almost likeable. You know who looks great? Our relieved Vice Presidentress, fresh off defeat week and snapped laughing on Saturday with her great-nieces and a large glass of wine. Pity presidency Meanwhile, Kamala's former comms director Jamal Simmons is begging Biden to step down within the month so that his old boss can still be the first female president. One canny X user compared the preposterous idea to a 'Make A Wish Presidency'. But fear not, at this point I think Joe would rather kiss his own sister than further aid Kamala's vaunting ambitions. Oh wait Drew the line Prison-fluencer Martha Stewart spoke for us all when she shoved off Drew Barrymore's advances live on TV this week. Lisping Drew's touch-me-more performances might be a desperate attempt to attract eyeballs to her tired talk show, but they're becoming downright deranged. After asking, 'what makes you soft and gooey?', Drew suggestively sucked her finger and caressed Martha's chefly arms. Unflappable, Martha pushed back, like she should've done with her stockbroker in 2001. Ousted CNN boss, Chris Licht, has torched legacy media - including his old colleagues - as being untrustworthy in a scathing speech about his former industry. Licht, 53, was fired from CNN in June 2023 and has yet to reenter the media field after his dramatic removal. On Tuesday, the former CEO sat down with Yahoo Finance to discuss how he thinks legacy media - which includes CNN, although he did not name the company directly - have lost their way with the American people. 'The facts are that people have lost trust in legacy media,' he told Yahoo Finance anchor Seana Smith. 'That's not me saying that, that's a demonstrable fact that has not happened in the last six months. That is something that's been happening for a long time and people are tuning out.' Even the company's election night coverage saw a huge downfall in viewership, with numbers falling below MSNBC for the time since the company launched, according to The Hollywood Reporter. On Tuesday, Chris Licht sat down with Yahoo Finance to discuss the current industry and how he thinks legacy media - which includes CNN, although he did not name the company directly - have lost the people 'The facts are that people have lost trust in legacy media. That's not me saying that, that's a demonstrable fact that has not happened in the last six months. That is something that's been happening for a long time and people are tuning out,' he said CNN brought in 5.1 million viewers, while MSNBC had 6.01 million. Meanwhile, Fox News led with 10.32 million, according to THR. During CNN's prime time shows in 2022 it saw an average of 828,000 viewers, significantly down from 2020 numbers, where it saw around 1.8 million, according to Pew Research Center. MSNBC saw slightly lower numbers than CNN, while Fox News bulldozed the both of them with a 2.1 million average viewers in 2022 and 3.1 million in 2020. Licht, who started in local news, thinks legacy media needs to find a way to 'reconnect with people and become relevant in their lives again.' He acknowledge that viewership was weakened due to a 'low-trust society' between consumers and the media and between fact and fiction. 'There is trusted sources of information and then there's trusted opinion, and I think those two worlds need to be very separate,' he told Yahoo Finance. 'I think part of the problem is they've kind of co-mingled and you know media organizations will try very hard to say: "No, no, no, this is our newsgathering and this is our opinion," but in the world, people don't make that distinction I have found. 'Someone's got to figure out how to restore trust and that these are the facts and then let people people go and have their opinions.' Licht, who started in local news, thinks legacy media needs to find a way to 'reconnect with people and become relevant in their lives again' He went on to say that readers and viewers need to 'go armed with what the actual facts are,' rather than being told what to think or having the truth spun in many ways. 'We used to have one set of facts and then you could have 30 discussions around that set of facts. Now you have 30 sets of facts and a thousand discussions around those sets of facts. And that has to change or we're in big trouble as a society,' he said. He and Smith also discussed the rise of fake news - a phrased coined by President-Elect Donald Trump that began during his first presidency. Although Licht believes it's 'larger than just a Trump presidency,' his advice to his former colleagues was to 'swing at the pitches that are thrown.' 'Don't say: "Well this means this and that means that's going to happen." Say: "He did this," and then let's discuss what that means. Not: "Well this is going to mean this," because a lot of times the media gets in trouble when they predict things. 'I would say there's been a lot of - as an observer - a lot of hyperbole around what a Trump presidency will mean and it's the end of democracy.' CNN's dropping numbers have caused staff to become 'scared and frustrated' about looming layoffs. Stars including Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer have reportedly been denied raises on their multi-million-dollar salaries as the biggest names on the network fear for their futures. On-screen favorite Chris Wallace also departed the network earlier this week, although he insisted that he did so on his own terms. Other staffers are worried more layoffs are coming, after the company laid off 100 earlier this year On-screen favorite Chris Wallace also departed the network earlier this week, although he insisted that he did so on his own terms. A longtime CNN employee told Fox News that after news of the layoffs spread, staff across the company are left feeling 'very sad and deeply frustrated.' 'Feelings which are pervasive throughout the organization among those who have been here a long time and feel a deep personal connection to having helped build the organization,' the anonymous staffer added. News of CNN's budget cuts and layoffs first spread after an explosive report from Puck News, warning that network executives are set to take drastic action to save the company's flailing reputation. Although there is no mention of who may be on the chopping block, it is feared that the cuts could hit everyone from low-level staff to those such as Anderson Cooper and his $20 million-a-year salary. 'In the next few months, Im told, CNN will implement another round of layoffs that will impact hundreds of employees across the organization,' reporter Dylan Byers wrote Friday, referencing CNN's recent 100-person layoff seen over the summer. The fresh round of firings, the insiders said, will be more geared toward the production side of the company - but on-screen 'talent' will be impacted too. House Speaker Mike Johnson will retain his top GOP leadership position after Donald Trump urged Republicans to vote for him Wednesday. House Republicans huddled at the Hyatt Regency just off Capitol Hill for hours to deliberate as to who should be named the next party leader. The GOP lawmakers voted unanimously by voice for Johnson to become the GOP nominee for speaker, sources in the room told DailyMail.com. He will still need to solidify his support with his members before a full vote in the House on January 3, 2025. Some hardline Republicans remain unconvinced he should lead them again this next Congress. The other current House GOP leaders, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, will also stay in their positions after Republicans voted to keep them in power. Johnson's victory comes after Trump joined the lawmakers Wednesday morning at the Hyatt before meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House. Trump told the Republicans he '100 percent' supports Johnson retaining the speakership. 'This is a tremendous guy. Im with him all the way,' Trump said. President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., as he arrives to speak at a meeting with the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. During Trump's remarks before House Republicans he mentioned that he supports Johnson retaining his spot as the GOP leader Trump's major priorities out the gate include enacting strict border security laws, streamlining the 'bureaucratic machine' and restoring American energy dominance. Johnson retaining the role is a vote of confidence for the leader who's path to power was a rocky one. In October 2023, Republicans shockingly voted to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy after eight House GOP members voted with Democrats to oust him. That set off a weekslong search to find another leader and started power vacuum as multiple candidates threw their hats in the ring for the top job. After Scalise, firebrand House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and Emmer failed to secure enough votes to be leader a number of others angled for the speaker's gavel. Eventually after multiple weeks without a leader and the House being rendered ineffective without a rudder to steer the body, Republicans eventually settled on Johnson. President-elect Donald Trump, escorted by House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., for a meeting with the House GOP conference Since being elected speaker, Johnson has faced multiple rounds of funding fights with Democrats and members of his own party. Multiple government funding debacles cropped up for the speaker throughout this year. In the spring those funding disagreements led to threats to remove Johnson from Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Tomas Massie, R-Ky. The pair were upset with the continuous extension of government funding levels that were set under former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Speaker Johnson was able to navigate the internal threats without issue, and the warning from Greene and Massie never materialized into a formal vote to strip power from the leader. The Republican speaker has also surprised critics skeptical of his fundraising prowess. Johnson has served as speaker since October 2023 after Kevin McCarthy was ousted Johnson has often touted his extensive travels across the country during the campaign season. In the end he was able to raise millions for critical GOP races across the country and under his tenure the Republicans were able to secure a supermajority. Johnson will officially become speaker of the 119th Congress in early January if he is captures enough support in a full House vote. Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain was elected the next House Republican conference chair during the voting session. She beat Rep. Cat Cammack of Florida in the race to replace House GOP Chair Elise Stefanik. Stefanik will vacate the role after being nominated to serve in Donald Trump's administration as Ambassador to the United Nations. McClain is a relatively new member, having been sworn into office in January 2023. 'I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as the Republican Conference Chairwoman and I thank my constituents in MI-09 for their continued support,' McClain said in a statement. 'I am excited to lead our unified team alongside President Trump and Speaker Johnson to pass the America First agenda.' The SNP has been accused of treating parliament like a gravy train after it emerged a third of its MPs are now eyeing second jobs at Holyrood. Despite being re-elected just four months ago, the partys Westminster leader Stephen Flynn revealed on Tuesday that he has applied to be a candidate at the 2026 Scottish election. The Aberdeen South MP said he wanted a double-jobbing dual mandate to sit in the Commons and Holyrood, despite previously attacking others for doing so. His combined earnings would rise to more than 115,000 a year if he was in both parliaments but he has insisted he will not take his salary from Holyrood. Two more Nationalist MPs yesterday confirmed they had started similar moves. Stephen Flynn has applied to be a candidate at the 2026 Holyrood election Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP Stephen Gethins and Angus and Perthshire Glens MP Dave Doogan said they had also applied to be vetted as potential Holyrood candidates. With the SNP collapsing from 48 MPs to just nine at the general election, it means a third of its Westminster group is now looking to move to the Scottish parliament. Political opponents yesterday accused the SNP, which regularly attacked former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross for being an MP and MSP at the same time, of shameless hypocrisy. Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: After years of decrying double-jobbing Tories, the SNP has decided the rules dont apply to them. This is shameless hypocrisy and an insult to the voters who elected these MPs just months ago. 'While SNP MPs treat our parliament as another gravy train, Labour is focused on improving the lives of Scots. Amid the growing row, the Nationalist MSP who Mr Flynn is trying to barge aside to grab her Holyrood seat made it plain she was up for a fight. Audrey Nicoll said she would challenge Mr Flynn, seen as a potential future SNP leader, for the candidacy and said he was clearly driven by longer-term ambition. The MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine told the P&J newspaper Mr Flynn revealed his plan to her at the weekend, hours before Mondays deadline for vetting. First Minister John Swinney once had a dual mandate, serving in Holyrood and Westminster Nationalist MSP Emma Roddick said she hoped Stephen Flynn, pictured, would rethink his decision to hold two seats at once 'On the one hand it came as a surprise but we were all very clear about Stephens longer-term ambition, she said. Speaking at Holyrood yesterday, Ms Nicoll added: I am looking forward to any contest. He is obviously keen to come to Holyrood. 'Ultimately, it will be for the branch members to decide who they want. Asked if she had any concerns about the way Mr Flynn had gone about his Holyrood bid, she said: Stephen has to answer for his own conduct. Further quizzed over whether his conduct had been admirable or decent, she said: Again, thats a matter for him to think about. The SNP changed its rules for the 2021 Holyrood election to ban dual mandate politicians in its ranks, forcing sitting MPs to resign and sack their staff before standing for Holyrood. It was widely seen as a stitch-up designed to stop outspoken MP Joanna Cherry KC, taking on party heavyweight Angus Robertson for Edinburgh Central candidacy. But the SNPs ruling National Executive Committee can set new rules at each election and is expected to reverse the dual mandate ban to help Mr Flynn, Mr Doogan and Mr Gethins. Mr Doogan said he aimed to continue as an MP if elected to Holyrood and that it would be reasonable if his two seats covered the bulk of his constituents. He added: It is possible to do both jobs. That has been demonstrated by people before a dual mandate not just in the Scottish parliament but in other devolved legislatures across the UK. Mr Gethins said: It is not a huge secret that SNP MPs do not see a long-term future for themselves in the UK Parliament, an unnecessary layer of Government. So of course I would like to return to Holyrood at some point. Mr Gethins did not comment on the dual mandate issue, but a senior SNP source told the Mail it would make a lot of sense if all three MPs did the same thing if they became MSPs. Disgraced former health secretary Michael Matheson has also applied to stand in 2026, despite quitting the cabinet over an 11,000 expenses scandal linked to a holiday data roaming bill. Scottish Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine said: After a brutal result at the general election, its little wonder SNP MPs are setting their sights on Holyrood. 'Leading a depleted group at Westminster must be extremely hard for Stephen Flynn. Its clear to everyone the SNP is a tired party on a downward trajectory. Deputy Scottish Tory leader Rachael Hamilton said: Not content with failing Scotland from one Parliament, they want to do it in Holyrood as well. Scots are tired of the same old SNP faces who spend their time focusing on fringe issues, having the nerve to seek election all over again. First Minister John Swinney, who was both an MP and MSP between 1999 and 2001, said: Weve had times in the past when weve had dual mandates I had one myself. 'The party has got to come to its conclusions about these particular issues and it will do in the fullness of time. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, also seen as a future SNP leader, said Mr Flynn would be a brilliant asset at Holyrood and exactly the kind of person it needed. But Nationalist MSP Emma Roddick said she hoped Mr Flynn would rethink his decision to hold two seats at once, writing on X: Party members set this rule for good reasons. A dual mandate politician at Westminster and Holyrood would get their full MPs salary, worth 91,346 this year, plus a third of their MSPs salary, worth 24,066. The SNPs most famous double-jobber was Alex Salmond, who was an MP, MSP and First Minister between 2007 and 2010. Starting your journey as an international student in the US comes with hundreds of better opportunities and job prospects, but getting there is not as easy as the application itself. With these 4 tips for accepted international students in the US, you can easily follow steps that will ensure you a smooth transition from VISA applications to finally attending the university orientation. Remember, you worked hard to get this opportunity to study abroad and these processes will prepare you for an unforgettable higher education. Apply for a Student Visa Early One of the early tips for accepted international students in the US is to immediately apply for a visa. US News shared that your chosen university will send you a form I-20 so you can schedule an appointment at the US embassy or consulate as soon as possible. It's best to apply 5 months before classes begin and keep track of fees, such as the SEVIS, before attending your visa interview. University Orientation Programs The scariest part as an accepted international student in the US is departing your home country for another. But don't worry, most universities have pre-departure orientations you can attend while still at home so you're prepared when you arrive. There are also on-campus ones, but both will give you practical tips to help you survive the life of an international student emotionally, mentally, and socially. Prepare Life Off Campus According to US News, not a lot of campuses offer dormitories for international students. You're lucky if this is the case, but if not, you have time to prepare for what your college life would be like outside of your chosen university. Keystone Education Group noted that your school will definitely share information on housing, packing lists, and even health insurance, so you can live comfortably and safely away from home. Book Travel Arrangements Early Imagine you've gone to lengths to attend your dream university in the US only to find out that stressful last-minute changes await you on the campus. To avoid this, US News also shared that you can enter the US up to 30 days before classes begin if you're on an F-1 or M-1 visa. You can plan ahead to catch cheaper flights and it's also best to regularly check university guidelines on the best airports to arrive at as well as transportation methods and costs from the airport to the campus. Checking all requirements off your list already takes a lot of time and effort, but these 4 tips for accepted international students in the US will help lessen the burden as you prepare for college. A University of Mississippi graduate who went missing over two years ago was declared dead - but his body has not been found. Jimmie 'Jay' Lee - who used he/him pronouns - was last seen driving from his campus apartment in Oxford to Molly Barr Trails on July 8, 2022. The 20-year-old was allegedly going to meet Sheldon 'Timothy' Herrington, 23, who has been accused of murdering Lee. The two allegedly had an under the radar sexual relationship. Officials claimed Herrington strangled Lee and got rid of his body. He was arrested on in July, 2022 on a first-degree murder charge. But in March of the following year, his charge was upgraded to capital murder, Daily Journal reported. Herrington has been out on a $250,000 bond since December 2022. Jimmie 'Jay' Lee, 20, was a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi when he went missing Lee has been declared dead by the court after his parents filed a motion in September If found guilty of capital one murder, one can face a life sentence or the death penalty. The trial will begin in December. Police suspected Herrington because their were conversations between him and Lee the day his went missing. Notably, authorities said they found Herrington Googled 'how long it takes to strangle someone' before he saw Lee, the Mississippi Free Press reported. Surveillance footage and bodily fluids found by investigators were also considered when charging the 23-year-old. At the time of his disappearance, his friend Lakiowa Milan told WREG: 'Hes really energetic, nice, friendly. Hell talk to anybody. Hes kind of the life of the party. Real sweet. 'So, its just unfortunate something like this has happened so close to home.' Sheldon 'Timothy' Herrington, 23, has been charged with capital one murder in connection to Lee's disappearance Lee was a well known campus figure before he went missing Lee was described by the University of Mississippi's student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian, as 'a well-known member of Oxfords queer community.' Lee's heartbroken parents, Jimmie and Stephanie, filed a motion in September for their son to be pronounced legally dead by the Lafayette County Circuit Court. Typically, family members involved in a situation with such uncertainty have to wait seven years until requesting a missing a person be declared dead. But Zeb Hughes Law, went into effect in July, in the case of a 'catastrophic event that exposed the person to imminent peril or danger' an exception can be made, according to Daily Journal. Lee was last seen leaving his campus apartment to go meet Herrington by park trails Lee's death was listed as such. The document, officially issued in October, ordered the state to issue Lee a death certificate. Without a body, Herrington's trial will be under out of the ordinary circumstances. 'You let your imagination run wild,' criminal defense attorney Blake Ballin uninvolved in the case told WREG. 'There are many different ways that the state could still prove somebody is dead even though they cant produce a body.' 'You know these cases are unusual but not impossible,' he added. Ballin said new technology and digital evidence make prosecuting this unique case possible - but it may not be easy. Without Lee's body, there is still a chance of prosecuting Herrington using new technology, criminal defense attorney Blake Ballin said He said: 'Youre going to want to hammer home on the point that there is no body here. 'How do you know this person is missing? How do you know they dont want to be found? What proof is there that this person is even deceased?' Defense attorney Kevin Horan filed a 134-page motion in June to have his trial moved somewhere other than Northeast Mississippi, claiming the possibility of a biased jury, Advocate reported. No decision has been made about moving the trial location yet. A recent video of California Governor Gavin Newsom being heckled while visiting Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles is making its rounds on the internet. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass held a press conference on October 30 at the Downtown Women's Center to discuss funding for homelessness in LA communities. After the event ended, Newsom took a walk around Skid Row, an area notorious for their overwhelming homeless encampments, where the Democrat was mercilessly questioned and criticized by a group called the Los Angeles Community Action Network. 'You see how dirty these streets are? These streets ain't been clean, the city didn't bring one trash can,' a heckler off camera yelled at the governor, per the video. The heckler directly behind the camera called Newsom out for ignoring a woman he had passed, who was talking about how her kids were taken away from her while she was stuck living in a tent. A new video of California Governor Gavin Newsom being heckled while visiting Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles has made rounds on the internet Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass held a press conference on October 30 at the Downtown Women's Center to discuss funding for homelessness in LA communities. After the press conference, he took a walk around Skid Row The video cuts to Newsom firing back at the hecklers: 'The HHAP money, the prioritization continues to be a framework about housing, services, shelters, all sleep housing and supporting services for homelessness,' Newsom said. 'Interim housing has a role, property housing is important. I'm not opposed to shelters, but those are decisions for your local government.' The camera man then said, 'yeah, but what counts as housing?' The group continued to hurl insults at Newsom, accusing him of not making any actual change for the homeless. At one point, Newsom stops, turns to face the heckler, waits for him to finished, sticks his hand up and goes 'take care, man, alright, good to spend time with you' to which the man retorted 'do the right thing!' The group hurled insults at Newsom, accusing him of not making any actual change for the homeless. The Golden State's budget deficit is at least $45 billion, a shortfall so large it prompted Newsom to propose painful spending cuts impacting immigrants, kindergarteners and low-income parents seeking child care in a state often lauded for having the world's fifth-largest economy. California spent $24 billion tackling homelessness over five years but didn't track if the money was helping the state's growing number of unhoused people. The governor was previously called out by a reporter after he continued to dodge questions about blowing the state's spending. A popular plastic surgeon has been arrested in connection to the murder of her lawyer husband in Brazil. Police in the state of Sergipe said during a press conference Wednesday that Dr. Daniele Barreto orchestrated the October 18 attack that left her husband, Jose Rodrigues, dead and one of his sons wounded in the municipality of Aracaju. The two were ambushed by gunmen while driving. Authorities said that Barreto had sent Rodrigues to buy acai at a nearby market and provided the location to the alleged killers. Barreto was taken into custody at her home on Tuesday. Five other people were also apprehended in separate operations. Brazilian plastic surgeon Daniele Barreto was among five people arrested Tuesday in connection to the October 18 murder of her lawyer husband, Jose Rodrigues Dr. Daniele Barreto (left) was arrested Wednesday by police in Aracaju, Brazil for allegedly plotting the October 18 attack that left her lawyer husband Jose Rodrigues dead and his 20-year-old son wounded Footage of the ambush showed the suspects traveling in a car and a motorcycle as they followed a vehicle driven by Rodrigues' 20-year-old son Barreto is a well-known plastic surgeon who operates her own clinic. She has more than 143,000 followers on her Instagram account, where she has shared photos of her procedures. A video released by the police Wednesday showed Barreto and her secretary talking to the suspects, who later dropped the pair off at a residence. Footage of the ambush showed the suspects traveling in a car and a motorcycle as they followed a vehicle driven by Rodrigues' 20-year-old son. Two suspects were spotted on a motorcycle before they approached the car in which Jose Rodrigues was a passenger. One of the gunmen shot him four times and his son, the driver, once One of the suspects behind the wheel of the car made a hand gesture at his two accomplices on the motorcycle, who sped up to the right side of the vehicle Rodrigues and opened fire. One of the gunmen shot Rodrigues three times and his son once. The son was able to drive to a nearby hospital, where Rodrigues died several hours later. Barreto and Rodrigues were married for over 10 years and had plans of to end their relationship, but were unable to do so due to financial problems. Investigators learned that Rodrigues was envious of a friendship that Barreto had with another person and intercepted them outside the building where her clinic is located and argued with her. Authorities learned that Jose Rodrigues (left) and his wife, Dr. Daniele Barreto (right), had plans their marriage of over 10 years Authorities said that Barreto had sent Rodrigues (center) to buy acai at a nearby market and provided the location to the alleged killers Rodrigues' sister, Dr. Rosane Rodrigues, attended the police press conference and told reporters that her brother would have been surprised at learning that Barreto would have masterminded his murder. 'He was a wonderful person and he never crossed his mind that this could happen, and from inside his own home, that he would die in an ambush in his son's arms,' she said. What was even more concerning to the sister was that Barreto skipped her husband's funeral. 'We heard that she went to the beauty salon. Soon after, she hired a cleaning company to remove his smell from the house and, when I went to the apartment to pick up clothes for my nephew, I came across the maid with suitcases with my brother's belongings that were going to be donated,' she revealed. 'She also rented a beach house and traveled, in other words, her behavior was not that of a widow.' A hero dance teacher who was left fighting for her life after bravely shielding her child pupils during the Southport knife attack joined the little victims' families as their alleged killer appeared in court. Rudakubana, accused of murdering schoolgirls Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, was not asked to enter a plea during the short hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. Leanne Lucas was one of 20 sat on the public benches as the 18-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh in South East London. She is one of the two adults for whom the 18-year-old is also accused of attempted murder. Ms Lucas, who was working as a dance teacher at the Hart Space, was critically injured after she leapt in to try to protect innocent youngsters. One of the organisers of the holiday class, she underwent life-saving surgery in the hours after the rampage. The 35-year-old was quickly hailed a hero after reports she used her body as a shield to protect a number of children. Leanne Lucas was one of 20 sat on the public benches as the 18-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh in South East London Southport suspect Axel Rudakubana, 18, seen on video link during an earlier court appearance Left to right: Southport victims Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguia She was released from hospital before being readmitted later the same month. She underwent surgery before being released to continue her recovery. A fundraiser set up in her name has raised over 40,000 since the end of July. Southport murder suspect Rudakubana is to face a single trial over the stabbings and more recent charges relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his home, a court ruled today. The teenager is also accused of ten attempted murders - of two adults, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, and eight more children - plus a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon, specified in court as a curved kitchen knife. None of the injured children can be named for legal reasons. Separately, Rudakubana appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court a fortnight ago on additional counts relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his family home, in Banks, Lancashire - a village five miles north of Southport. During today's 30-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Julian Goose ruled that both indictments should be joined together and Rudakubana face a single trial, to take place from January 20 and last four to six weeks. Rudakubana (pictured), of Banks in Lancashire, is charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, six-year-old Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven The defendant, who watched by videolink from Belmarsh Prison, South East London, was twice asked to confirm his name but refused to reply and sat in his grey prison tracksuit with the sweatshirt pulled over his mouth and nose. A prison officer confirmed he could hear proceedings and defence barrister Stan Reiz, KC, confirmed his identity. Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, said: 'He's (Rudakubana) taken the same position at every opportunity.' He will be asked to enter pleas during a further hearing on December 12. Remanding Rudakubana in custody, Mr Justice Goose said: 'You're next required to attend on 12th December. It will again be in this court. In the meantime, keep in touch with your solicitors, your barristers, in preparation for the trial.' Rudakubana's last court appearance was on October 30 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, to face charges relating to the alleged discovery of ricin and an Al Qaeda manual at his family home, in Banks, Lancashire - a village five miles north of Southport. Members of the community blow bubbles as people gathered to mourn victims of the Southport knife attack by holding a vigil on August 5 The 18-year-old appeared at the hearing a fortnight ago, also via videolink from HMP Belmarsh, with his prison-issue sweatshirt over his mouth throughout the six-minute hearing and refused to speak when asked to confirm his identity. Defence counsel Stan Reiz, KC, told Westminster Magistrates' Court: 'For reasons of his own, he has chosen not to answer questions.' The court heard that Rudakubana faces the additional offences of production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism. Remanding Rudakubana into custody at the October 30 hearing, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told him: 'You will appear before Mr Justice Goose at Liverpool Crown Court in relation to these matters.' Ms Heer, KC, prosecuting, said Rudakubana should be kept on remand 'for fear of further offending and, frankly, for his own protection'. The three girls who died had been attending the summer holiday club at the Hart Space Community Centre in Southport. Bebe and Elsie died on the day while Alice died in hospital the day after. Rudakubana (pictured) was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and moved to the Southport area in 2013. He was living in Banks, Lancashire, at the time of the attacks The day after the attack, thousands turned out for a peaceful vigil but a separate protest later erupted into violence outside a mosque in the town. In the following week, protests and rioting took place in dozens of towns and cities across the UK, fuelled by misinformation on social media, with asylum centre hotels targeted. Over 1,000 people have been arrested and hundreds sentenced. A pensioner stabbed to death in a London market rampage on Remembrance Sunday that also left two others in hospital has been pictured for the first time. Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, died at the scene from a stab wound to his back. In the market, a stall has been set up which locals are covering with flowers in his memory. His family are aware and receiving support from specialist officers, the Met Police confirmed. Musse Ali, 66, allegedly hacked at marketgoers with a kitchen knife shortly before the two-minute remembrance silence in Walworth, southeast London. The two other victims, named as Ho Man Yau and Baheru Nadew Bartura remain in hospital dealing with injuries described as 'serious' by authorities. Ali has been charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing a bladed article. Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, died at the scene from a stab wound to his back. In the market, a stall has been set up which locals are covering with flowers in his memory Poilice and forensics officers were on the scene in Walworth, south London Sunday morning's triple stabbings happened by a street market in south London Officers were called at about 10.40am on Sunday to reports of people being stabbed Police say that their enquiries suggest that this was not a terrorist incident Appearing before Croydon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday with the aid of an interpreter, Ali was absent from today's proceedings at the Old Bailey. Danny Robinson, prosecuting, today told the court how the suspect Is accused of entering the market and going into a shop at roughly 10.30am. Judge Sarah Whitehouse, KC, remanded Ali in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 3 February, setting a provisional trial date for 22 September next year. Additionally, local authorities confirmed that an increased police presence would be seen in the Southwark area over the coming weeks in an effort to reassure locals and small businesses. Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, lead for policing in Southwark, also moved to dispel social media rumours about the stabbings, stating: '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'. Wednesday was all about Donald Trump and that's just how he likes it. The President-elect rolled into Washington D.C. in triumph on Wednesday, landing at Joint Base Andrews and taking a motorcade into the capital city where he got a thunderous welcome from his party, followed by a return to the Oval Office. The scene was a marked contrast to how Trump left the White House four years ago - down and defeated, insisting he was the true winner of the 2020 election, and refusing to meet with his successor Joe Biden. But after the bitter pill of defeat he was now savoring the sweetness of victory. A hero's welcome was waiting for him at a Washington hotel as House Republicans cheered when he came to address them Lawmakers took to social media to thank him for coming, posting flattering words and pictures of the meeting. Speaker Mike Johnson declared of Trump: 'He is the comeback king.' Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, sat in the audience, watching as Trump took the applause. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greet President-elect Donald Trump upon his arrival to the White House Later, President Joe Biden greeted Trump like a visiting head of state, welcoming him in the White House's Diplomatic Room and walking him down the colonnade to the Oval Office. Biden showed Trump around his old haunt, pointing out the changes he had made. One object was familiar: the Resolute Desk. Biden, like Trump, opted to use the massive wooden desk that was a gift from Queen Victoria to the United States. The men met for two hours, with just their top aides - chief of staff Jeff Zients and Trump's incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles - at their sides. The setting was cozy with a fire burning in the fireplace. Some of the country's greatest presidents - Franklin D. Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington - stared down on them from portraits on the wall. Trump came prepared with a list of seven questions to ask Biden. The meeting was gracious, cordial, and substantive, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 'It was substantive meeting and exchange of ideas,' she said, adding the leaders discussed foreign and domestic policy, funding the government, and a peaceful transition of power. The day just got better for Trump. After he left the White House, Republicans cemented their control in Washington when enough races were called to hand them control of the House of Representatives. They had sewed up the Senate on election night. And the talk about Trump continued as he announced a series of controversial cabinet appointments, including former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as his director of National Intelligence and Rep. Matt Gaetz as his attorney general. But the biggest prize of all for the incoming president was his return to the Oval Office. President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office with President-elect Donald Trump via the White House colonnade President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office 'We really had a really good meeting,' Trump told the New York Post after it had ended. Only the first few minutes of the meeting were open to the press. During it the two men were cordial. They shook hands. They called each other by their first names. 'I think by the length of the meeting tells you that they had an in-depth conversation on an array of issues,' Jean-Pierre noted. 'But nearly two hours said that he says a lot about how the meeting went.' 'It was gracious, it was substantive. And I think that's what's important. And what we are showing the American people is how you do this, how do you have a peaceful transition of power, how it looks and leading by example, and that is quite essential,' she added. Trump committed to a peaceful transition process, which is vastly different than how he handled it four years ago, when he falsely claimed he won the 2020 election. It 'will be as smooth as it can get and I very much appreciate that, Joe,' he told Biden. Neither man answered questions from reporters. At one point, Biden looked at Trump, who moved his head to the side and gave a small shrug, but did not respond. Trump told The New York Post that he and Biden discussed two issues on which they have differed, including war in Ukraine and Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. 'I asked for his views and he gave them to me,' Trump said. 'Also, we talked very much about the Middle East, likewise. I wanted to know his views on where we are and what what he thinks. And he gave them to me, he was very gracious.' Jean-Pierre refused to say if the 2020 election was discussed, saying the White House was looking forward. It's unclear how long Trump's magnamious attitude will last. He has mocked Biden on numeous occasions and questioned the president's mental abilities. Four years ago, Trump left Washington before Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021, becoming the first president to to skip the swearing-in of his successor since Andrew Johnson. When he won the 2016 election and entered the Oval Office at that time, Trump appeared nervous and was unusually subdued, calling then-President Barack Obama 'a good man' and the meeting 'a great honor.' Previously, Trump had questioned if Obama was even an American and demanded to see his birth certificate. Soon after that meeting, Trump was back to his insults. But, on Wednesday, Trump appeared at ease and, frankly, back at home. He knows the place well having lived there for four years. President Joe Biden shakes hands with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office Trump and Biden sat in front of the current president's favorite paintings of predecessors and busts of civil rights leaders Melania Trump was absent and did not meet with Jill Biden. Traditionally the outgoing first lady hosts her successor for tea in the residence while the Oval Office meeting takes place. Jill Biden joined her husband to greet Trump upon his arrival and gave him a handwritten letter of congratulations for Melania. She also pledged teams readiness to assist with the transition. The two men plan to stay in touch, Jean-Pierre said. And Trump told the New York Post he and Biden plan to see each other again before the Inauguration, which Biden has pledged to attend. 'The Oval Office is so beautiful and I do certainly look forward [to coming back],' he said. Trump and Biden last met two months ago at a 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York on September 11. Before that their last encounter was their televised debate on June 27, which was catastrophic for Biden's campaign and ultimately led to him leaving the race. Cue the Democrat-media complex freakouts! Leftist tears have been flowing mightily ever since Trump shocked the world by winning every single swing state in last Tuesday's electoral rout. But those tears turned into waterfalls after Trump tapped Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth to clean out the Augean stables at the bloated, woke-addled Pentagon. 'When I saw [news of Hegseth's nomination], I thought the AP must have been hacked,' wailed former failed CNN host Don Lemon. 'But Pete Hegseth? The morning, weekend host on Fox News? Come on.' Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman said: 'Being a serviceman does not make you qualified to lead the Department of Defense and to have access to our nuclear weapons.' So says the man whose greatest credential is that he's an heir to the Levi Strauss & Co. fortune... and a TV pundit. Well, since you raised it, Congressman, let's talk about those qualificationsshall we? Liberal tears turned into waterfalls after Trump tapped Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth to clean out the Augean stables at the bloated, woke-addled Pentagon . Hegseth received his Bachelor of Arts in politics at Princeton and earned a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. In 2003, after being commissioned into the Minnesota National Guard and then serving as a platoon leader in Guantanamo Bay, he volunteered for the U.S. Army infantry at the height of the Iraq War. Hegseth completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, winning two Bronze Stars in the process. After returning home, he served as executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, a formidable conservative organization that (correctly) opposes reckless military boondoggles and advocates for a restrained one might say 'America First' approach to foreign policy. He has also advocated for long-overdue reform of the sclerotic Department of Veteran Affairsan agency he would later be considered to lead during the Trump administration. At 44 years old, he's close to the age of many men and women who are now either serving overseas or recovering from the wounds of wars at home. And it is only someone of a younger generation, like Hegseth, who might be able to turn around our military's anemic enlistments. Last year was the worst on record for recruitment with the Army, Navy and Air Force missing their goals by double-digit percentages. Want more young men to sign up to the military? Ditch the assigned Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo readings and make sure our young warriors once again read men like General George Patton and Douglas MacArthur, he suggests. And he's right. Hegseth's attack on destructive progressive ideologies and the threat they pose to military readiness is full-on. 'My trust in this army is irrevocably broken,' he wrote in his bestselling book, 'The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,' published earlier this year. 'The so-called elites directing the military today aren't just lowering standards and focusing on the wrong enemy they believe power is bad, merit is unfair [and] white people are yesterday,' he said. In 2003, after being commissioned into the Minnesota National Guard and serving as a platoon leader in Guantanamo Bay, he volunteered for the U.S. Army infantry at the height of the Iraq War and completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, winning two Bronze Stars in the process. Hegseth's attack on destructive progressive ideologies and the threat they pose to military readiness is full-on. (Above) Hegseth and wife Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet Many of his critics were clutching their pearls on Tuesday over Hegseth's public take on women serving in combat roles. While he supports women joining the military, he doesn't think they should be assigned to 'physical, labor-intensive-type jobs'. That, he argues, undermines military readiness. To many Americans, it's also just common sense. 'Any general, any admiral... that was involved in diversity, equity and inclusion programmes or woke s*** has got to go,' he told a podcaster last week. And, he stressed, that includes members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Most importantly, Hegseth has demonstrated an understanding of Trump's pragmatic approach to foreign policy that America has overextended itself in too many proxy wars. He has identified that Communist China is, bar none, America's foremost 21st-century civilizational threat and that, in the Middle East, Iran is a menacing actor and Israel is our closest friend. Most importantly, Hegseth has demonstrated an understanding of Trump's pragmatic approach to foreign policy that America has overextended itself in too many proxy wars. Perhaps the best thing going for him? His nomination has all the right people triggered. A Politico article quoted an anonymous defense industry lobbyistsomeone whose entire job is to bilk the taxpayers of billions of dollars as emoting, 'Who the f*** is this guy?' Indeed, Hegseth's number is not in any of their rolodexes. And if that means less corporate slush fund money for overinflated defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, it sounds like an endorsement to me. At a time when America's failed class of military generals valorize wokeism and far too often deploy our young warriors to unwinnable conflicts overseas, naming an 'outsider' to the Pentagon bureaucracy merits America's enthusiastic support. Yes, the greatest knock of Hegseth is that he lacks significant experience maneuvering around the swollen federal bureaucracy. But such skills have failed to keep America and its brave warfighters from being ensnared in decades of unnecessary and futile conflicts or from being humiliated in Afghanistan. Perhaps, it's time to try something else? Josh Hammer is the syndicated host of 'The Josh Hammer Show' and senior editor-at-large at Newsweek. Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the Republican party on Wednesday night with his announcement that he'll nominate Matt Gaetz as his Attorney General in a bold test of his unchecked power. GOP Senators were stunned by the news the MAGA firebrand Florida Congressman was picked for one of the most senior roles in Trump's second administration in a sign they could try and block his confirmation. Gaetz, 42, is under the subject of an ethics investigation over claims of sexual misconduct, bribery and drug use - which he denies - and was also the focus of unsubstantiated sex trafficking claims involving a 17-year-old girl. Trump's nomination of Gaetz sets up an immediate loyalty test days after the president-elect sent a signal to Senate leaders by demanding power to make 'recess appointments' on his own when Congress is out of town. President-elect Donald Trump shocked Senate Republicans by saying he would nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to be attorney general It means he would be able to appoint members of his Cabinet without the 50 votes needed in the Senate. Critics are calling the move to make Gaetz Attorney General a 'cataclysmic' event that puts Trump's enemies in the firing line of the nation's top law enforcement officer. It is also a new allegiance test for Senate Republicans, who elected Sen. John Thune as party leader on Wednesday over the MAGA-aligned Sen. Rick Scott, even after almost all of them got behind Trump's presidential run. Even if Gaetz were to see his nomination falter, the clash could provide cover for other controversial Trump nominees. Trump announced his decision just minutes after issuing a statement saying he will nominate Tulsi Gabbard, who infuriated critics with claims about 'biolabs' in Ukraine, to be Director of National Intelligence. He has also chosen Fox News host Pete Hegseth to run the sprawling Defense Department. Republicans who had the Gaetz nomination thrown in their lap apparently without prior consultation revealed their shock both through their words and their silence. Longtime Sen. Charles Grassley, the 91-year-old Iowa Republican, was so exasperated by questions that stopped speaking to reporters and stood stone-faced for 30 seconds, Punchbowl reported. Grassley helped push through the 2017 Trump tax cuts and has a longtime interest in congressional oversight, and has been a key figure along with outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in getting Trump priorities through. Your browser does not support iframes. Another Senator, John Cornyn of Texas, looked like he tasted something strange upon hearing the news, the Hill reported, just hours after he lost a race to be Senate leader. Trumps nominations, which sent a signal of unbridled control over the party, came after Senate Republicans rejected MAGA-friendly Sen. Rick Scott of Florida for Republican leader. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), said she was 'shocked' by the announcement, the Huffington Post reported. Collins was among the seven Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after January 6. Republicans are set to control the Senate 53 to 47. Despite the protestations, it is not yet clear they would or could summon the will to resist Trump on such a crucial appointment so obviously important to the president-elect. Only just weighing in was Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who in the past made a highly incriminating statement about Gaetz. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) was stone-faced when he got the news John Cornyn of Texas, looked like he tasted something strange upon hearing the news, the Hill reported, just hours after he lost a race to be Senate leader Trump announced the move after meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House and thanking him for the orderly transition 'We had all seen the videos he was showing on the House floor of the girls that he had slept with. Hed brag about how he would crush ED medicine and chase it with an energy drink so he could go all night,' the former House member said in October 2023. Gaetz called it 'a lie.' Mullin said on CNN following news of the nomination: 'Matt Gaetz and I, there's no question we've had our differences. They've been very public about it. I completely trust president Trump's decision-making on this one. There's a lot of questions that will be out there. He has to answer those questions. And hopefully, he's able to answer the questions right. If he can, then we'll go through confirmation process.' That appeared to leave open the possibility that he would support him. Republicans including Trump's pick to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio have said that he deserves to have his cabinet in place. Acting as an enforcer, Trump ultra-loyalist Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) issued a televised threat to any Republican 'swamp creature' who votes against the controversial nomination. 'He deserves the team around him that he wants,' the senator told Fox business. 'It's not us to determine that. We've got 53 votes in the Senate. We can confirm with 51. I've already seen where a couple says we're not voting for him. Wait a minute. You are not the United States of America. You have one vote in the U.S. Senate, you did not get elected president ... If you want to get in the way, fine, but we're gonna try to get you out of the Senate, too, if you try to do that.' Thanks to a rules change, Republicans can push through any cabinet nomination on a simple majority vote, just as they can confirm Trump's judicial nominations. The late Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pushed through the 'nuclear option' to end the filibuster for nominations back in 2013, when Republicans were stalling Barack Obama's nominees. One campaign operative told DailyMail.com: 'In every new administration it seems that there's always at least one nominee that has to drop out because they don't have the votes in the Senate, and now it appears we won't have to guess anymore who fills that role is this time.' There has already been commentary that Trump's push on recess appointments signalled that his second term would be more radical than the first. One analyst, attorney Edward Whelan, called it a 'terrible anti-constitutional scheme' by overriding the 'advice and consent' of the Senate, a key check on executive power. Over in the House, where Gaetz has friends as well as enemies but where there is no role in the confirmation process, there were early predictions of doom for the nomination. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) hinted at the stakes in a remark to Politico. 'Are you s***in' me, that you just asked that question? No!' he asked if Gatz had the experience and character to be AG. 'But hell, youll print that and now Im going to be investigated,' he added. Rep. Max Miller, a former Trump aide, told Axios, 'Gaetz has a better shot at having dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than being confirmed by the Senate.' Democratic senators who campaigned calling Trump a threat to democracy went into overdrive. ''He (Gaetz) has openly called for the abolition of law enforcement agencies if they don't get in line with conservative political priorities,' Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told CNN, calling it a 'red alert moment for American democracy.' 'Matt Gaetz is being nominated for one reason and one reason only. He will implement Donald Trump's transition of the department of justice from an agency that stands up for all of us to an agency that is simply an arm of the white house designed to persecute and prosecute trump's political enemies. 'Matt Gaetz is being nominated because he will be and is today a political agent of Donald Trump. The ramifications of this pick, this particular pick, are stunning and potentially cataclysmic for American democracy. I hope that some senate Republicans will see that,' he added. The gambit also came on a day Trump joked about running for a third term, which is barred by the 22nd Amendment. Despite the fury, Trump expressed certainty about the nomination when he made it. 'Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,' Trump wrote. 'On the House Judiciary Committee, which performs oversight of DOJ, Matt played a key role in defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing alarming and systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization,' Trump said. The DOJ under President Biden ended its sex trafficking probe of Gaetz without bringing charges. Allegations about Rep. Matt Gaetz having sexual relationships with underage girls have resurfaced after Donald Trump announced the Florida representative as his pick for Attorney General. Sen. Markwayne Mullin slammed Gaetz earlier this year for showing images of girls he 'slept with' to colleagues on the floor of the U.S. House. The Oklahoma Senator now tells CNN that he trusts Trump's decision to pick Gaetz to join his cabinet. But he warned Geatz about questions he will have to face during Senate confirmation hearings. Rep. Matt Gaetz is likely to face an uphill battle to receive Senate confirmation to become Donald Trump's Attorney General considering his controversy even among Republicans in the upper chamber While Republicans regained control of the Senate in the 2024 election, Gaetz is controversial even among members of his own Party. Trump announced on Wednesday that he is nominating Florida Rep. Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ). Mullin said that Gaetz was 'seeking fame' when he initiated the motion to vacate House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year because the media 'wouldn't give him the time of day' after allegations of inappropriate relationships emerged. Gaetz says it's a lie that he was showing the women he was having sexual relationships with to Republican colleagues on the floor of Congress. Following an investigation, the Florida lawmaker was never charged by the Justice Department for sex trafficking or engaging in sex with minors. 'This is a guy that the media didn't give the time of day to after he was accused of sleeping with an underage girl. And there was a reason why no one in the conference came and defended him because we had all seen the videos he was showing on the House floor of the girls that he had slept with,' Mullin told CNN earlier this year. 'He'd brag about how he would crush ED (erectile dysfunction) medicine and chase it with an energy drink so he could go all night,' Mullin explained. 'This is obviously before he got married. So when that accusation came out, no one defended him.' 'All of the sudden he found fame because he opposed the Speaker of the House back in November,' he concluded. Trump announced on Wednesday that he is nomianting Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead his Department of Justice as Attorney General Video reemerged on Wednesday of Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma claiming earlier this year that Gaetz showed girls he had sexual relationships with to members of Congress on the floor of the House Gaetz is a hardline pro-Trump lawmaker and has been one of the most vocal supporters of the former and now future president. He is a controversial figure among Democrats and Republicans. Democratic Rep. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who has praised Trump for some of his other picks for his 2025 Cabinet and White House, spoke out against the selection of Gaetz as Attorney General. 'There have been serious, qualified individuals nominated to posts, like Rubio or Stefanik. Eric Schmitt would be a solid choice for AG,' Fetterman wrote. 'But Dem opinions on Gaetz aren't that interesting,' he continued. 'The good ones will come from my GOP colleagues to justify a vote for that jerkoff.' Fetterman's X post noted that Republicans have plenty of opposition to Gaetz, as well. But it'll be left to see next year whether members of the GOP will go on record voting against a Trump nomination. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said there are plenty of Republicans who will oppose Gaetz's selection as Attorney General 'Matt Gaetz and I, there's no question we've had our differences,' Mullin said following Trump's announcement on Wednesday. 'They've been very public about it.' He noted: 'I completely trust President Trump's decision-making on this one.' 'But at the same time he's got to come to the Senate and sell himself,' Mullin countered. 'There's a lot of questions that will be out there. He has to answer those questions. And hopefully, he's able to answer the questions right.' 'If he can, then we'll go through confirmation process.' Trump said he picked Gaetz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, after he emerged as a vocal critic of the agency of which his panel provided oversight and called for serious reforms. 'Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System,' Trump wrote of Gaetz's pick. 'Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.' British soldier Daniel Khalife has claimed he was 'thinking I could be James Bond', but insisted Iranian spies were not involved in his prison escape. The 23-year-old dramatically pleaded guilty earlier this week to escaping HMP Wandsworth by clinging to the underside of a food lorry, triggering a nationwide manhunt in September 2023. But he continues to deny that he was a spy for Iran - instead claiming he was an amateur double agent trying to smoke out their agents operating on British soil. His trial at Woolwich Crown Court heard that, on the third day of his time on the run, he used a phone he had bought to send messages to his Iranian handler on Telegram. The only message that police were able to recover showed him telling the handler, who used the alias David Smith: 'I wait.' Daniel Khalife is seen here after his arrest on a canal towpath on September 9 last year after being caught by police Bodycam footage issued by Metropolitan Police when Daniel Khalife was arrested at Grand Union Canal towpath HMP Wandsworth in London, where Daniel Khalife has pleaded guilty to escaping custody at the prison Khalife was then said to have remained in the Chiswick area for several hours, but, under cross-examination on Wednesday, he denied he was waiting to be spirited away by the Iranians. He has previously claimed he escaped prison to help ensure he was moved to a highly secure unit away from terrorists and paedophiles. But Mark Heywood KC, prosecuting, said: 'You weren't doing this to get into the high-security unit - if you could have escaped, you would have, and you wanted the Iranians to help you do it.' Khalife replied: 'No, I would've got a smartphone and contacted them straight away.' Mr Heywood continued: 'They didn't come to help you.' 'No,' replied Khalife. 'Did you ever understand why?', the prosecutor asked. 'I didn't ask them to,' Khalife responded. Khalife said he wore shorts and a t-shirt underneath his prison clothes which he changed into after his escape. That night, he said he visited a pub and tried to ring some friends for assistance He told the court: 'I wanted to exude an air of professionalism. I wanted to source at least a sleeping bag. I was naive to think normal members of the public, friends I had made, would have a sleeping bag.' Within a few hours, a friend arrived and withdrew 400 from a cashpoint near the pub which he used to buy a sleeping bag, a mobile phone and a change of clothes but still had over 200 left. Mr Heywood earlier put it to Khalife he was 'waiting for assistance' from his Iranian contacts after escaping from prison, to which he replied: 'No, that's not true. I didn't ask for any other assistance.' He added: 'The night before I didn't sleep... It's literally out of curiosity, I wanted to see what the reaction was. 'They wanted to help me, I closed the conversation.' British soldier Daniel Khalife (pictured) has been convicted of escaping prison after changing his plea to guilty halfway through giving evidence at his trial However, Khalife (pictured) denies committing an act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state Khalife is seen on CCTV preparing to slip out of custody while working in the kitchens at HMP Wandsworth - triggering a huge nationwide manhunt A court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Daniel Khalife appearing at Woolwich Crown Court Earlier, the court heard that Khalife had visited the Iranian embassy in London on several occasions while on bail the year before, in an effort to obtain an Iranian passport. Khalife's mother is Iranian and he claims he mounted his covert operation against Iran to impress MI6, after being told his heritage would stop him getting his dream job in intellgience. Unsent letters written by him at that time suggested he was considering a possible defection to Iran after his arrest, which he would then use as a way to pass more intelligence to the West. 'I was acting, for want of better expression like a mad man. It was a difficult situation,' he said. 'I have often said I was obsessed with putting myself in a position that was of use. 'I concocted some sort of an idea. I wanted to see what the reaction would be if I told the Iranians what was going on and I was told to head to the embassy. They wanted me to get a passport from the embassy to leave this jurisdiction. 'I headed to the embassy on two occasions. It was to get a feel.' Khalife denied that he was trying to leave the country, saying that an Iranian passport would cause 'red flags'. 'When I went to the embassy I could see I was viewed as a very low level individual. I was curious but I wouldn't say it was a surprise. 'I wasn't thinking very straight. To be honest with you I was thinking I could be James Bond like an idiot. 'The problem was how could I put myself of use to my country by being in prison, it doesn't further anything. I was trying to find ways I could be of use.' Khalife said he had felt suicidal after his initial arrest and added: 'I was a little bit off the rails to say the least.' He continues to deny committing an act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state, eliciting information about members of the armed forces and perpetrating a bomb hoax. The trial continues. Gathering consensus, strength to address challenges of times 14:31, November 12, 2024 By Liu Lingling, Li Yingqi ( People's Daily The world today is experiencing disorder, slowing growth, uneven development, and a loss of focus in governance. There is an urgent need for all parties to demonstrate the wisdom to see the changes, the ability to deal with the changes, and the courage to make changes. The 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit, which will be held in Lima, Peru's capital, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this month, will serve as important opportunities for all parties to work together to address challenges and promote sustainable development. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the two important meetings upon invitation. He will expound on China's policies and propositions on advancing Asia-Pacific cooperation, as well as China's firm support for multilateralism, an open world economy, and sustainable development, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to keeping Asia-Pacific cooperation in the right direction and pushing for the reform of the global governance system. Themed "Empower. Include. Grow" and "Building a just world and a sustainable planet," the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit will mirror the reality of the times and make common voices. The emergence and development of the APEC and the G20 reflect the evolving trends of world multipolarity and economic globalization. In the world today, changes on a scale unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerating pace. The world economy faces multiple risks and challenges. Should the world uphold multilateralism or tread the path of unilateralism? Should it adhere to open cooperation or allow protectionism to rise? Faced with this crucial decision, the APEC and the G20 must conform to the trend of the times, and build an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. All countries, regardless of their size and strength, are equal members of the international community, and multilateralism is key to coping with global challenges. The APEC and the G20 should take the lead in promoting multilateralism, uphold the principles of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits, and steer global governance in a fairer and more equitable direction. In September last year, the African Union officially became a member of the G20, which marked a significant step in the development of the G20 mechanism and reflected the reform direction of the global governance system. This has given more representation and a greater voice to developing countries in global governance, which is necessary to uphold justice and fairness, and maintain global stability. Development is the "golden key" to solving global challenges. To this end, all parties should work together to advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, create a just, fair, and non-discriminatory trade and investment environment, oppose all forms of protectionism, and build more bridges of cooperation while pushing back against the "small yard, high fence" approaches and trade barriers. To promote global development cooperation, the APEC and the G20 should take a people-centered approach, drive the full implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, put development back on the international agenda as a central priority, and make regional and global development more equitable, effective and inclusive, so that no country will be left behind on the path to modernization. Facing a new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, global development is presented with new opportunities and challenges. The APEC and the G20 should join forces to unleash the potential for innovation-driven growth and draw up rules based on extensive participation and broad-based consensus to foster an enabling environment for innovation-driven development. As China accelerates high-quality development, innovation holds the key to China's development prospects. In the face of environmental challenges, all countries are in a community with destinies linked, and no country can stay immune. The APEC and the G20 should follow a people-centered approach and foster a sound environment to buttress sustainable economic and social development worldwide. China remains as determined as ever to pursue green development that prioritizes eco-environmental conservation. It stands ready to enrich global supply with high-quality green technologies and products, so as to make greater contributions to the global fight against climate change and the global transition toward green and low-carbon growth. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has outlined a grand blueprint for further deepening of reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The positive momentum of China's steady economic growth is injecting positive energy into global economic recovery. Looking ahead, China will remain firmly committed to advancing high-level opening up to continuously provide new development opportunities for countries around the world. Facing common challenges, common needs, and common responsibilities, China will work together with all parties to push for the reform of the global governance system, gathering consensus and strength to address the challenges of the times. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Xi embarks on Latin America trip to champion cooperation, multilateralism Xinhua) 16:30, November 13, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is embarking on a journey Wednesday to Latin America, where he will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, capital of Peru, and the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, and pay state visits to the two countries. As he travels halfway around the globe, the world is witnessing a host of unprecedented and intertwined chaos and challenges: lackluster economic growth, rising trade protectionism and protracted regional conflicts. These pressing crises are demanding global unity, resolve and, most of all, effective actions. Xi's visit is expected to boost China's efforts with Latin American nations to build a community with a shared future, bolster cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and renew the world's commitment to improving global governance for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. NEW MILESTONES Over the past three decades, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, has driven rapid development in the region, turning it into a powerhouse for world economic growth, an anchor of stability for global development, and a pacesetter for international cooperation. As President Xi has put it, since the establishment of the economic leaders' regular meeting mechanism, APEC has always stood at the global forefront of openness and development. It has played a robust role in promoting Asia-Pacific trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, economic growth and technological progress, and the flow of goods and people. It has helped create the "Asia-Pacific miracle" that has staggered the world. As the highest-level, broadest, and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC embodies the deep aspirations of partners to build a better future together. The Asia-Pacific region has great economic potential thanks to its rich natural resources, booming tourism, dynamic markets with strong purchasing power, and fast-growing digital economy. In October, the International Monetary Fund predicted that the world economy will grow at 3.2 percent in 2024 and the emerging and developing Asia is expected to grow at 5.3 percent this year. As Xi has pointed out, development in the Asia-Pacific region has been achieved not through provoking antagonism and confrontation, pursuing a beggar-thy-neighbor policy, or erecting high fences around a small yard, but by staying open and inclusive and drawing on each other's strengths. Amid growing protectionism and calls for decoupling, APEC's role as a multilateral forum dedicated to economic cooperation is more crucial than ever in fostering dialogue, said Hans Hendrischke, a professor at the University of Sydney Business School. TRUE MULTILATERALISM "'Sugarcane and lemongrass grow in dense clumps.'This Indonesian proverb well captures the value of solidarity. Division and confrontation serve no one's interest. Only solidarity and common development is the right choice to make," Xi made this metaphorical reference at the G20 Bali Summit in 2022 to urge G20 members to stay committed to its founding purpose of unity and cooperation, carry forward the spirit of solidarity, and uphold the principle of consensus. In the face of a sluggish global economy, compounded crises in food and energy security, frequent geopolitical conflicts, and a severe deficit in global governance, the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with the theme of "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," not only responds to the call of the times but also reflects the aspirations of all nations. During the upcoming G20 summit, his 11th attendance at the gathering, Xi will address key issues such as building an open world economy and improving global governance, and elaborate on China's positions and offer China's insights and solutions. Within the G20 cooperative framework, China has, as always, been focusing on development issues. At the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016, development was, for the first time, brought to the fore within the global macro-policy framework. "All G20 members should take the responsibility inherent in being major international and regional players, and should lead by example in promoting development of all nations, improving the well-being for the whole mankind, and advancing progress of the entire world," Xi said at the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali. From being the first to explicitly support the African Union's accession to the G20, to striving to bridge the North-South "digital divide," China has always contributed to improving the global governance system and increasing the representation and voice of developing countries. The global governance concept proposed by China meets the needs of the new economic and development environment, said Dora Isabel Gonzalez, a Mexican scholar. SUPERCHARGE DEVELOPMENT The Chancay Port, 78 km north of Lima, is set to become a new shipping hub connecting Asia and Latin America, making the "Chancay to Shanghai" route a true path of prosperity, promoting the common development of China and Peru, Xi said. Spanning across the vast Pacific Ocean, China and Peru have long-lasting sincere friendship. The two countries have witnessed increasingly close economic and trade cooperation as well as cultural exchanges in recent years. Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. It is also the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China. Meanwhile, China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 years in a row. Brazil, the second destination of Xi's trip, is China's long-standing friend. The two countries have made substantial progress in their relationship. As major developing countries and important emerging markets, China and Brazil are good friends sharing the same goals and good partners moving forward together, Xi said. China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while Brazil is China's top trading partner and the largest investment destination in Latin America. The two countries have closely coordinated and cooperated on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and G20, safeguarding the common interests of both nations and that of developing countries. Ten years ago, Xi first proposed in Brasilia the vision of building a China-Latin America community with a shared future, charting the course for the development of China-Latin America relations in the new era. Over the years, Xi has focused on the shared future of China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, working for steady advancement in China-Latin America relations based on equality, mutual benefit, and common development. Cooperation between China and Latin American countries on the multilateral stage will further unite and empower countries in the Global South, playing a constructive role in addressing global issues and reforming the global governance system, said Patricio Giusto, director of the Sino-Argentine Observatory. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Wes Streeting has ordered officials to analyse the cost of implementing the new assisted dying Bill amid concerns it may divert funds away from NHS care. The health secretary yesterday repeated his opposition to changing the law, warning it may be necessary to cut other services to fund it. But he also argued there is a 'chilling slippery slope argument' if people felt compelled to end their own lives in order to save the NHS or their relatives money. MPs will get a free vote on the change later this month after it was put forward as a private members bill by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. Speaking at the NHS Providers annual conference in Liverpool, Mr Streeting said: 'Now that we've seen the Bill published, I've asked my department to look at the costs that would be associated with providing a new service to enable assisted dying to go forward, because I'm very clear that regardless of my own personal position or my own vote, my department and the whole government will respect the will of Parliament if people vote for assisted dying. Wes Streeting has ordered officials to analyse the cost of implementing the new assisted dying Bill Dignity in Dying campaigners gather in Parliament Square, central London, in support of the 'assisted dying bill' Pro-assisted dying activists protesting in support of the assisted dying bill outside parliament in April A campaigner from 'Dignity in Dying' hold a placard during a demonstration outside The Palace of Westminster 'That work is now under way, so I can't give you a precise figure today.' Mr Streeting was asked about the costs associated with assisted dying as a new service for patients, but also whether there may be savings if patients need less care because they choose to end their own lives. He said: 'You do touch on the slippery slope argument, which is the potential for cost savings if people choose to opt for assisted dying rather than stay in the care of the care providers or the NHS. 'I think that is a chilling slippery slope argument, and I would hate for people to opt for assisted dying because they think they're saving someone somewhere money, whether that's relatives or the NHS. 'And I think that's one of the issues that MPs are wrestling with as they decide how to cast their vote. But this is a free vote, the Government's position is neutral.' Mr Streeting, said there were 'choices and trade-offs', adding that 'any new service comes at the expense of other competing pressures and priorities'. Earlier in the day, Mr Streeting told Times Radio that a change in the law to allow assisted dying would be a 'big change' and no doctor would be 'compelled' to take part. He added: 'There would be resource implications for doing it. And those choices would come at the expense of other choices.' Downing Street would not be drawn into saying whether Mr Streeting was right to say a new assisted dying law could come at the expense of other NHS services. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater joins terminally ill advocates, bereaved families, and campaigners for a photocall outside the House of Parliament last month Labour MP Kim Leadbeater (centre) pictured with Dignity in Dying campaigners last month Mr Streeting's comments come amid growing signs that MPs are nervous about gaps in the bill and the lack of time they are being given to debate it, which could see it voted down. Energy Minister Michael Shanks told Sky News: 'I think ultimately I'll vote against the legislation when it comes because I'm not convinced the legislation provides enough safeguards, and I am worried about this kind of slippery slope that we potentially get. 'But I also absolutely recognise those who are suffering at the moment and want to have some control over the end of their life.' Tory MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke asked Sir Keir Starmer in Prime Minister's Questions to allow the bill more time in the Commons than the currently allotted single day on a Friday, when many MPs return to their constituencies. He warned that without more time, 'people like myself may decline a second reading over fear that we may not get to be able to debate these issues in full'. But Sir Keir insisted: 'I do think there is sufficient time allocated to it, but it is an important issue.' High-profile supporters of a change in the law include Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill and revealed in December that she had joined Dignitas in Switzerland because of the current law. The broadcaster has hailed the 'wonderful' Bill, but acknowledged it is likely to come into effect too late for her. A man armed with a high-powered rifle and on the run bounced on a trampoline before taking a father and his toddler son hostage in a tense stand-off with police. The 26-year-old man, from Snake Valley in Victoria's west near Ballarat, remains in hospital after Victoria Police's Special Operations Group used an attack dog to take him down. The elite camouflage-clad officers were seen on the roof of neighbouring homes in Weir Views, west of Melbourne, where the gunman had taken the dad and his one-year-old hostage. Superintendent Michael Cruse said the man allegedly fired multiple shots at police after he carjacked a 70-year old woman around 2.30pm on Tuesday in Snake Valley. The man used that car to make his way into the Melton area where cops deployed a police helicopter to track him for more than 100km to the Weir Views home where a dramatic siege took place. Neighbours on Leon Drive told media the armed man was spotted playing on a trampoline in a nearby backyard before he forced his way into the home. Supt Cruse confirmed the man had been observed behaving in a bizarre fashion immediately before taking the hostages, but wouldn't go into specific details. 'There was a period of time where he was behaving erratically in the backyard of the premises, yes,' he admitted. Elite police officers dressed in came stand over the alleged gunman after a dog took him down Police further allege the man fired upon officers who first approached him in the area. 'We'll allege a shot is fired toward police. Police were able to retreat and again, very thankfully, they weren't injured,' Mr Cruse said. Once bunkered inside, the man allegedly refused to allow his hostages to leave for two-and-a-half hours. The surrounding area was placed into lockdown, with residents told to remain indoors as SOG officers surrounded the property. Mr Cruse said police negotiators worked for hours to encourage the man to leave peacefully, but it was advice he refused to accept. Shortly after 6pm, police believed they had made a breakthrough, with the gunman suggesting he would allow his hostages to leave unharmed. But when the time came, police allege to man opened fire in a yet to be determined direction. 'At that point a tactical entry of the house has taken place by police. We'll allege at that point that a further shot was fired towards the police entry team and they were able to deploy a police dog and the male offender was taken down,' Mr Cruse said. In a stroke of luck for the offender, Mr Cruse revealed one of the elite officers fired back, but did not hit the man. SOG snipers prepare to take out the gunman on a nearby roof An SOG officer helps the man and his toddler escape the home amid wild scenes Instead, the man suffered little more than a dog bite and remains in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He is expected to be released on Wednesday afternoon where he will face multiple charges including conduct endangering life. The father and his child were physically uninjured in the incident, but are feared traumatised by the experience, as was the elderly carjack victim. Supt Cruse paid tribute to the bravery of the SOG members in ending the siege without the loss of lives. 'All of the police that were present yesterday have got significant expertise in a variety of different areas,' he said. 'The Special Operations Group train for these incidences and I was (reassured) by having their attendance there.' Supt Cruse said it was 'extremely lucky' that no police officers were killed in the incident. 'The offending is very serious and completely unacceptable that police members were exposed to this kind of danger,' he said. 'Having said that, we had a really strong plan and we tried to make it as planned and as safe as possible. But it is lucky.' Leon Drive in Wer Views was locked down as police surrounded the area Police are now working to ascertain just how many shots were fired by the man and how many were aimed at them. 'We're unsure of the exact number of shots that were fired ... at the moment we're just working through it,' added Supt Cruse. 'There's some unaccounted discharges we believe and we're just trying to establish where they were directed and what the rationale for that was.' None of the shots hit any police officers, but Supt Cruse said all police involved in the drama were receiving counselling over the coming days. After Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997, it was only natural for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to choose a personal item of hers as a reminder of their mother. Harry reportedly selected Diana's Garrard sapphire engagement ring, while William opted for her Cartier Tank Francaise watch. In 2010, it is believed the brothers swapped items, so William could use the ring to propose to Kate Middleton. Later, Harry gave the luxurious timepiece to Meghan Markle. However, in his bombshell biography Spare, released last year, the Duke of Sussex branded these reports 'absolutely rubbish'. Instead, Harry claimed William was already in possession of their mother's ring when he proposed to Kate, so he was never asked to give it up. One of the most famous pieces of jewellery in history, the Garrard sapphire and diamond engagement ring was purchased by Charles for Diana in 1981. It cost 28,000 and is now valued at upwards of 300,000 Additionally, Harry said he was unaware of William's intention to marry Kate until the engagement was publicly announced. 'Soon after we returned to Britain the Palace announced that Willy was going to marry. November 2010,' the Prince wrote. 'News to me. All that time together in Lesotho, he'd never mentioned it. 'The papers published florid stories about the moment I realised Will and Kate were well matched, the moment I appreciated the depth of their love and thus decided to gift Willy the ring I'd inherited from Mummy, the legendary sapphire, a tender moment between brothers, a bonding moment for all three of us, and absolute rubbish: none of it ever happened.' Harry went on to deny ever asking for the piece of jewellery after Diana's death and wrote: 'I never gave Willy that ring because it wasn't mine to give. He already had it. He'd asked for it after Mummy died, and I'd been more than happy to let it go.' One of the most famous pieces of jewellery in history, the Garrard sapphire and diamond engagement ring, was purchased by Charles for Diana in 1981. It cost 28,000 and is now valued at upwards of 300,000. The ring, inspired by Queen Victoria's sapphire brooch from 1840, which she wore as her 'something blue' on her wedding day, symbolised marriage, family and love. When presented with various options, Diana and Charles reportedly selected this ring together, as it complemented her blue eyes. The choice of a catalogue ring rather than a custom-designed piece broke royal tradition, making it possible for others to purchase the same engagement ring. William presented his fiancee Kate with the 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds, which was crafted by Garrard After Diana's death, it was reported that Harry requested to keep his mother's Garrard sapphire engagement ring, while William selected her Cartier Tank Francaise watch Kate has been proudly wearing Princess Diana's ring for almost 14 years In his bombshell memoir, Spare, Harry alleged that William was already in possession of their mother's ring when he proposed to Kate - so he was never asked to part with it Diana's choice of a catalogue ring rather than a custom-designed piece broke royal tradition, making it possible for others to purchase the same engagement ring In another twist, Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, told the Mirror that he was present when the brothers selected the items to remember their mother by. Paul claimed: 'Harry said to me, "I always remember holding Mummy's hand and that ring hurting me because it was so big". 'And that's why, when the boys came to Kensington Palace, I said to them, you must take something of your Mother's. You must take something to remind yourself of your time here at Kensington Palace and your mother's life.' The former royal employee claimed that William asked to keep Diana's Cartier watch, which had been a present from her father on her 21st birthday, while Harry chose her engagement ring, which has now been worn by Kate for almost 14 years. What's more, Paul says that William was 'happy with the arrangement'. Diana wore her beloved Cartier Tank Francaise on several occasions, including a 1997 visit to London's Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple and an engagement at the British Lung Foundation that same year. At the time, the yellow gold watch was priced at 17,800. Harry later gave it to Meghan, who has worn it countless times, often stacked with a Cartier Love bracelet. It is a clear favourite from her inherited collection. It's the cornerstone of every real estate agent's sales pitch: 'Location, location, location'. And this somewhat cliched piece of advice is something even the most seasoned buyers would be wise to keep in mind before purchasing their next home. Whether it's a place to live or a long-term investment, choosing the right suburb has never been more essential - and it's becoming increasingly clear which postcodes are set to soar. Affordable outer suburbs in cities with an undersupply of housing are likely to keep seeing a price surge, with values already doubling over the past five years. Queensland and New South Wales both have a shortage of new housing. But Victoria - which has an oversupply of real estate despite the influx of overseas migration - also presents opportunity because of the Melbourne suburbs where you can still snap up a house for the price of a small unit in Sydney. Trends also show a growing number of Sydney families, frustrated at unaffordable housing, are relocating to Brisbane where $1million still buys a house near the city. Perth too has seen phenomenal growth during the past year. AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina tells me house prices are likely to keep soaring in Sydney and southeast Queensland in the coming years. Affordable outer suburbs in cities with an undersupply of housing are more likely to surge in price in coming years (pictured is a house at Logan Central) 'States that have the highest level of undersupply, like Queensland and New South Wales, need to lift construction levels significantly,' she says. 'However, based on current levels of building approvals, issues with labour shortages and high material costs, we think construction levels will remain below underlying demand and keep upward pressure on home prices for some time yet.' CoreLogic head of research Eliza Owen notes that work from home is continuing to fuel interstate migration to more affordable cities, pushing up house prices there. 'It's fuelled by the normalisation of remote work - remote professionals have been empowered to chase that housing dream and it makes Queensland more of a reality,' she tells me. Logan Central House prices in Logan have doubled in five years This is despite suburb being in a floodplain area A home with backyard is still possible for average-income buyer Logan, south of Brisbane, has seen its median house price more than double in just five years, surging from just $288,692 in March 2019 to $588,187 in March 2024, despite being on a floodplain. Since then, Logan Central's median house price has climbed to $640,628, as of September, CoreLogic data shows. But is it still within reach of someone buying on their own who earns an average, full-time salary of $100,017 or a couple earning a combined income in the low six figures. With the Reserve Bank cash rate at a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent, banks are only allowed to lend borrowers 5.2 times their income. An average Australian with a 20 per cent mortgage deposit can still scrape into a Logan suburb on the M1 motorway, stretching from Woodridge to Beenleigh, if a house under $650,000 is on the market. Logan, where State of Origin legend Cam Smith learned to play footy, is still significantly cheaper than greater Brisbane's $973,534 level. Brisbane's middle house price in itself is $500,000 cheaper than Sydney's ridiculously unaffordable $1.474million. Ms Owen says Sydney parents looking for an affordable house with a backyard are increasingly attracted to places like Logan as they consider moving to southeast Queensland. 'It would be achievable for a median-income household in the area, or even higher-income borrowers,' she explains. 'That's where their money can go further in a high-interest-rate environment.' Logan has seen its median house price more than double in just five years, surging from just $288,692 in March 2019 to $588,187 in March 2024, despite being on a floodplain Chermside, inner Brisbane Chermside's median house price is $996,433 This follows a 16 per cent annual increase You can buy a house near the city for the price of an outer Sydney home In Sydney, $1million only buys a house at Liverpool, more than 30km south-west of the city - but in Brisbane, that's the median price for a home with a backyard at Chermside, just 10km north of the city. Mid-point house prices here have soared by 16 per cent during the past year. 'It's not just the face value at the median level, it's what you get for that price point,' Ms Owen says. 'One of the other fast-growing areas in Brisbane at the moment is Chermside. This is an area where a typical house costs a million dollars, which sounds like a lot, but if you're looking at the equivalent in Sydney, you're looking at three, four, five million dollars 10km north of the CBD.' Ms Owen predicts Logan's affordable suburbs and postcodes closer to central Brisbane will continue to thrive, given the $500,000 gap between median house prices in Sydney and Brisbane. 'Until there's much more narrowing in that gap, I don't think the incentive to go to south-east Queensland will be quelled,' she adds. 'That interstate migration trend could persevere for a few years yet just because there's still such a big gap between typical house values in Sydney and Brisbane.' Ms Mousina says Queensland's undersupply of housing started in the mining boom of 2005 and worsened before the pandemic as new residents migrated from NSW. In Sydney, $1million only buys a house at Liverpool, more than 30km south-west of the city - but in Brisbane, that's the median price for a home with a backyard at Chermside (pictured), just 10km north of the city 'Low construction in recent years has made the undersupply problem worse,' she tells me. 'Queensland has experienced high interstate migration since 2018 due to affordability challenges in neighbouring New South Wales, with the pandemic further increasing interstate migration into Queensland.' Lalor Park, western Sydney Lalor Park now has a median house price above $1million But it's still 28 per cent cheaper than greater Sydney's mid-point Overseas influx is set to offset interstate exodus from Sydney Sydney's more affordable suburbs have had more subdued growth by comparison, with Lalor Park's median house price growing by 52.6 per cent from $644,385 to $983,315 in five years. The price has kept on growing in 2024, hitting $1.060million in September - but that's still 28 per cent less than greater Sydney's mid-point. 'It's really those last accessible pockets of the market that are seeing the fastest rate of growth right now,' Ms Owen says. The affordable suburbs of Sydney are expected to keep having strong price growth as overseas migration more than makes up for the local exodus to Queensland. 'Some of the fastest growing areas, in terms of value, are some of the cheaper pockets of the south-west, western Sydney and some of the inner-city areas that have historically been a bit cheaper around the airport.' Sydney's more affordable suburbs have had more subdued growth by comparison, with Lalor Park's median house price growing by 52.6 per cent from $644,385 to $983,315 in five years Victoria Park, inner Perth Victoria Park's median price is approaching $1million The suburb is only 5km from Perth's city centre Beneficiary of iron ore prices hitting high levels Inner-city areas of Perth have had huge price growth, with house values in Victoria Park, on the Swan River, climbing by 20.4 per cent to $989,065. This suburb, just 5km from the CBD, offers cosmopolitan living for the price of outer suburbia in Sydney. 'There's definitely a factor of getting more for your money in Perth that is continuing to drive positive migration trends,' Ms Owen explains. Western Australia's iron ore boom in previous years has driven interstate migration, with this phenomenon continuing, despite a retreat in the value of the commodity used to make steel. 'What is also driving the growth in migration comes back to strong, economic performance and jobs growth,' she says. Inner-city areas of Perth have had huge price growth, with house values in Victoria Park, on the Swan River, climbing by 24.6 per cent to $959,558 Broadmeadows, Melbourne Melbourne still has suburbs with prices under $600,000 This means an average-income worker can buy on their own Victorian capital prices declined despite big overseas influx Victoria, despite receiving a large share of overseas migration, still has an oversupply of housing. This means investors priced out of Sydney and Brisbane have more choice in Melbourne - if they are prepared to play the long investment game and overlook the state government's $975 investor tax to pay for Covid lockdowns. Melbourne still has suburbs with very affordable median house prices, including Broadmeadows ($576,341), Frankston North ($587,498), Jacana ($579,543), Meadow Heights ($584,389), Campbellfield ($556,705), Dallas ($564,767) and Coolaroo ($548,435). They are all well below the Victorian capital's median house price of $925,762, with prices falling by 1.3 per cent in the year to September. 'Victoria looks to be seeing a large oversupply of dwellings,' Ms Mousina says. With suburban homes on sale that cost the same as a studio apartment in Sydney, the only way is up as far as price growth is concerned in the city by the Yarra. Ms Owen says Sydneysiders priced out of Brisbane in the coming years could chase a bargain in Melbourne, as rising prices in Queensland also make Victorians reconsider moving north. 'Because Brisbane has now overtaken Melbourne in terms of price, we'll probably see that pull factor of affordability starts to wane a bit,' she adds. Australia's strongest markets Brisbane and Perth had been flat for many years, and Melbourne could boom again if history is any guide. Melbourne still has suburbs with affordable median house prices, including Broadmeadows ($576,341) National housing undersupply A record 547,300 overseas migrants, on a net basis, flooded into Australia in 2023 - the most ever for a calendar year. The Treasury is expecting that influx to slow to 260,000 in 2024-25. AMP estimates 167,000 new homes will be built in 2024, rising to 180,000 in coming years. But this would still be short of the 240,000-a-year target as part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's goal to build 1.2 million homes over five years from July 2024. Ms Mousina says this means Australia would still be 200,000 homes short this year, leaving 78,000 people scrambling for accommodation. In 2022, the average household had 2.5 people, down from 2.9 in 1983, as more people live alone and couples have fewer children. READ MORE: Britain becomes first rich country to end coal power Britain is making great strides eliminating the use of fossil fuels, including closing down our last ever coal-burning power plant. But a new study reveals a much more worrying picture worldwide. Scientists say global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to be the highest on record in 2024. CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will reach 37.4 billion tonnes by the end of the year, the experts predict - up 0.8 per cent from 2023. This figure is based on preliminary data and computer modelling, but if it turns out to be accurate it would mark a record high. The UK will have emitted around 0.3 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024 by burning fossil fuels or about 0.8 per cent of the total global emissions. The report coincides with the Conference of the Parties (COP), the annual conference that gathers global leaders to discuss climate change. COP29, taking place this month in Baku, Azerbaijan, is attended by PM Keir Starmer, who wants to cut Britain's greenhouse gas emissions by 81 per cent by 2035. CO2 emissions come from burning 'dirty' fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) to meet the world's vast energy needs. Pictured, a power plant that produces electricity from coal, Rovinari, southern Romania The 2024 projection (37.4 billion tonnes of CO2 from fossil fuels) is based on preliminary data and computer modelling. If accurate, it would mark a record high The new Global Carbon Budget report, published on Wednesday, has been produced by an international team of more than 120 scientists. According to lead author Pierre Friedlingstein, a carbon and climate scientist, the impacts of global warming are 'increasingly dramatic'. 'We still see no sign that burning of fossil fuels has peaked,' said Friedlingstein, a professor at Exeter's Global Systems Institute. 'Until we reach net zero CO2 emissions globally, world temperatures will continue to rise and cause increasingly severe impacts.' To meet the world's vast energy demands, power plants across the world burn 'dirty' fossil fuels namely coal, oil and gas. These power plants burn the fuel to create heat, which is in turn used to generate steam to drive turbines which generate electricity. Unfortunately, when fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of CO2, a greenhouse gas that traps heat, into the air, as well as other toxic byproducts. The new research estimates that coal, oil and gas contribute 41 per cent, 32 per cent and 21 per cent of global fossil CO2 emissions, respectively. Globally, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2024 are projected to be 37.4 billion tonnes, while CO2 emissions from 'land use change' will be 4.2 billion tonnes - a combined total of 41.6 billion tonnes In Britain, the last remaining coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar near Nottingham , switched off its generators for the last time on September 30 By far, China releases more CO2 from fossil fuels than any other country around 12 billion tonnes, or 32 per cent of the global total. China is followed by the US (13 per cent of the global total) followed by India (8 per cent), the EU (7 per cent) and the rest of the world (38 per cent). Professor Friedlingstein said these figures include emissions not just from power plants, but from planes and cars, because they use oil, a fossil fuel. However, CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels is not the whole story. Scientists say there's been another 4.2 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2024 from 'land-use change' in other words, when humans modify the natural landscape, deforestation being one example. and degradation. Deforestation is the process of permanently removing trees, often to make way for planting crops and cattle grazing to accommodate the human demand for food. When deforestation occurs, much of the carbon stored by trees is released back into the atmosphere as CO2. Globally, emissions from land-use change (such as deforestation) have decreased by 20 per cent in the past decade, but are set to rise in 2024. Deforestation is the process of permanently removing trees, often to make way for planting crops and cattle grazing to accommodate the human demand for food. Pictured, deforestation near Uruara, Para State, Brazil, January 21, 2023 Taking land-use change into account as well brings the total amount of global CO2 emissions in 2024 to 41.6 billion tonnes, the researchers say up from 40.6 billion tonnes last year. The researchers admit that there is 'uncertainty in the projections', so it remains possible that emissions could decline in 2024. Confirmed figures for 2024 will be revealed next year, said Professor Friedlingstein. On a more optimistic note, there has been evidence of 'widespread climate action' this year in an effort to curb dangerous emissions. There's been a 'growing penetration' of renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass and geothermal replacing fossil fuels. The UK, for example, shut down its last ever coal power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire on September 30. England and Scotland are also set to collaborate on the construction of a 'superhighway' that transports clean energy generated by wind. However, the UK is still relying on oil and gas, which explain the 0.3 billion tonnes of CO2 the country releases through fossil fuels. Wind turbines harness energy from the wind using mechanical power to spin a generator and create electricity. Pictured, offshore wind turbines in Liverpool Bay on the west coast of the UK In Norway, meanwhile, around 98 per cent of the electricity production comes from renewable energy largely hydropower, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. This compares with a heavy polluter like China, which still generates about 70 per cent of its electricity from fossil fuels. The researchers conclude that the shift to renewables worldwide is key to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. First signed in 2015, the Paris Agreement is an international pact to control and limit climate change. It hopes to hold the increase in the global average temperature to below 2C (3.6F) 'and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C (2.7F)'. The US officially rejoined the Paris Agreement under President Joe Biden in 2021 after Donald Trump withdrew under his first term. But Trump regains the presidency, he's expected to withdraw the US for a second time. Around 82 per cent of US energy comes from fossil fuels, while only 8.8 per cent is from renewable sources and the rest from from nuclear. Professor Friedlingstein added: 'World leaders meeting at COP29 must bring about rapid and deep cuts to fossil fuel emissions to give us a chance of staying well below 2C warming above pre-industrial levels.' Deadly 16-foot-waves are expected to hit the beaches of Northern California, triggering officials to issue a 'stay of of water' warning. The National Weather Service (NWS) released the alert Tuesday, saying strong strong offshore winds will cause 'dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.' The weather advisory is in effect until 6am PT Wednesday for beaches across San Francisco, northern and southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur counties. Deep water waves in the area are typically 10 feet high this month, but NWS Meteorologist Dylan Flynn reported that they could surpass 17 feet. Even the most experienced swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water because the large waves can create a strong undercurrent that will pull people into the sea. Those visiting northwest-facing beaches are the most at risk of being pulled under the water and are also advised to keep their pets away from the beach shore. An atmospheric river that formed off the coast of California on Sunday was behind the high waves, but meteorologists said it took 24 hours for them to reach the shore. The strong wind gusts could hit speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour over the ocean and although the wind won't reach the coast, the resulting waves still pose a major threat. San Francisco beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water as 16-foot high waves crash against the shore 'Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches,' the NWS stated. 'Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock even for the most experienced swimmers. 'Cold water shock can result in dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, greatly increasing the risk of drowning in rough open waters.' The agency also noted that northwest-facing beaches are at a high risk for large turbulent shore breaks and strong currents. Although the NWS warning is in place until Wednesday morning, Flynn told Newsweek that another advisory will likely be issued through Thursday. The deep water waves were caused by a storm force low pressure system which forms when low pressure associated with thunderstorms and hurricanes builds in the atmosphere. The low pressure at the storm's center causes wind speeds to reach 38 miles per hour and forces the air to rise into the atmosphere, significantly increasing the size and intensity of waves in the ocean. Even the most experienced swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water because the large waves can create a strong undercurrent that will pull people into the sea (stock) Deep water waves only occur in ocean depths at least twice their wavelength, meaning if the wave is 17 feet above the ocean's surface it formed where the ocean's depth was greater than 34 feet. When these waves approach the shoreline and enter shallow water, they can increase height by 200 percent - a phenomenon known as shoaling. This is where the wave's energy becomes more concentrated as its speed decreases which causes the wavelength to shorten and its height to increase, leading to larger breaking waves. California has experienced an increase in atmospheric rivers in the last few years, with meteorologists reporting the state was hit by nine within just three weeks between December 2022 and January 2023. Atmospheric rivers are relatively long and narrow regions that carry water vapor outside of the tropics. They can extend up to 1,000 miles in length, and back-to-back atmospheric rivers, also called AR families, can trigger significantly heavy flooding. 'These start over warm water, typically tropical oceans, and are guided toward the coast by low-level jet streams ahead of cold fronts of extratropical cyclones,' Qian Cao, a hydrologist at the University of California, San Diego told PBS The first bout of heavy rainfall drenches the ground and prevents the soil from absorbing more liquid, causing water levels to build up and sea levels to rise. This weather phenomenon typically happens when large scale weather patterns sync up to form narrow stretches of intense moisture transport. They can happen anywhere in the world but primarily occur in the mid-latitudes regions - roughly 30 to 60 degrees north or south of the equator. Every year, around 80 unprovoked shark attacks are reported worldwide - including several that prove fatal. But the days of avoiding the water could finally be a thing of the past, as scientists from Macquarie University have found a surprisingly simple method to avoid shark attacks. Scientists say that attaching LED lights to you or your surfboard can create an 'invisibility cloak' which prevents sharks from attacking. While their method has only been on tested on cardboard cutouts of seals so far, the experts say it could pave the way for new life-saving shark deterrents. The system is based on the fact that while great white sharks are apex predators, their eyesight is poor. This means that sharks decide whether or not to attack based almost entirely on their prey's silhouette. Just like the 'dazzle camouflage' used on battleships, the researchers found that bright lights actually made it harder for sharks to spot seal-shaped decoys. Even though the sharks could still see the seal shape above them, they were no longer able to recognise it as potential prey. Scientists have found that attaching bright lights to an object like a seal-shaped decoy or a surfboard actually reduced how often great white sharks attack. The researchers think this could be used to make life-saving shark deterrents for surfers The researchers spent nearly 500 hours towing seal-shaped foam decoys through the shark-infested waters of Mossel Bay, South Africa to test shark deterrent strategies Although great whites are the deadliest of all sharks, researchers don't believe this is because they are naturally more interested in eating humans. Rather, scientists believe that most great white attacks are accidental byproducts of the shark's poor vision. Lead author Dr Laura Ryan and her colleagues' previous research shows that great whites are likely colour-blind and bad at making out details but excellent at spotting objects from afar. However, sharks will attack almost anything with the right outline, including an unfortunate surfer on their board. 'They are really good at detecting a silhouette,' says Dr Ryan. By understanding how a shark's eyesight works, humans should be able to exploit that weakness to hide in plain sight. The researchers spent nearly 500 hours towing seal-shaped foam decoys through the great white-infested waters of Mossel Bay, South Africa. Each of the decoys was decorated with a different pattern of LED strips of various brightnesses. Scientists found that attaching lights to a seal-shaped decoy significantly reduced how often great white sharks attacked Great white sharks actually have poor eyesight, meaning they attack based on the outline of their prey rather than any fine details. Since surfers look like seals from below they are often accidentally hunted How to avoid a shark attack Shark attacks can be avoided by using strips of LED lights. Great whites are visual hunters which rely on spotting their prey's silhoutte to strike. By breaking up your silhouette using lights, sharks no longer recognise you as a potential prey item. While this technology is being developed, experts advise that swimmers avoid entering the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are active. You should also stay close to shore and avoid entering murky water where sharks might more easily mistake your outline for prey. Advertisement While the plain control decoys were frequently attacked or chased by sharks, the researchers soon spotted that the lit-up seals were attacked far less often. Bright lights were found to be the most effective with zero interactions with great whites occuring while the LEDs were set to maximum intensity. Yet the researchers also found that this effect wasn't simply because the sharks were being blinded or scared off by the lights. A decoy fitted with flashing strobe lights was also sent out into the waters but this proved to be even less effective than continuous lighting at deterring sharks. This suggests that the lights deter attacks by breaking up the decoy's silhouette, which was still visible between the flashes. Co-author Professor Nathan Hart says: 'It's like an invisibility cloak but with the exception that we are splitting the object, the visual silhouette, into smaller bits. 'It's a complex interaction with the shark's behaviour. The lights have to be a certain pattern, a certain brightness.' The researchers also found that decoys fitted with horizontal stripes were attacked less than those with vertical stripes, although both received less attention than the control. Coating the bottom of the foam decoy with lights led to a dramatic reduction in interactions including following and breaching (illustrated right). When the lights were set to bright, interactions were reduced to zero The study found that decoys fitted with LED stripes never had any interactions with great white sharks while some control decoys were attacked more than 12 times. Vertical stripes helped but were less effective than the horizontal placement In their paper, published in Current Biology, they argue that this is because a pattern of vertical stripes still leaves some prey-like shapes. Dr Ryan says: 'When you have the lighting going along the body, you still have a long, narrow silhouette left over, which is going to be similar to what a seal produces.' On the other hand, even four thin horizontal strips reduced the total interactions with sharks to zero. Finding a way to protect surfers is absolutely vital as the number of recorded shark attacks rapidly increases around the world. In 2023, over 40 per cent of attacks involved surfers - many of which were in the shark hotspots around the US and Australia. Last year, California surfer Michael 'Jared' Trainor, 33, was attacked by a 16-foot-long great white shark, weighing over 1,000 pounds. Mr Trainor was waiting for a wave when the shark struck from below, tossing him into the air before dragging him beneath the water. Luckily, Mr Trainor was able to escape the shark and survived the attack but others have not been so lucky. Michael 'Jared' Trainor (pictured), 33, was catching waves off a remote Ferndale beach in October 2022, when he was attacked by a great white shark from below. Luckily his leg was trapped by his board, preventing the shark from biting any deeper Using motion tracking cameras the researchers found that horizontal stripes produced outlines which more most dissimilar from an unadorned seal shape. This may have meant that sharks were simply unable to recognise the decoy as a prey item In 2022, British diving instructor Simon Nellist, 35, became the first person to be killed by a great white shark on a beach in Sydney in almost 60 years. Likewise, a scuba diver named Manuel Lopez was reportedly decapitated by a great white while diving near San Jose Beach in Tobari Bay on the western coast of Mexico. The goal is now to take this discovery and create a technology that could help save human lives. Understandably, South African authorities wouldn't allow the team to test their ideas on surf-board-shaped decoys for fear of creating a danger to local surfers. However, Dr Ryan and Professor Hart say there is no reason that the same technique shouldn't work for surfers. 'What we're trying to do now is move from seal decoys into a surfboard prototype by embedding LEDs into the bottom of a surfboard,' says Dr Ryan. Further testing will be needed to see if the lights are as effective for stationary objects like a surfer waiting for a wave or against other dangerous sharks such as bull sharks. However, the researchers remain hopeful that this breakthrough could one day avert deadly attacks to keep both surfers and sharks safe. NASA is now monitoring the second stranded astronaut's health, according to insiders. Barry Wilmore, 61, has reportedly lost body mass during his 160-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). An unnamed NASA employee said that while his weight loss does not appear to be as pronounced as Sunita Williams' 'gaunt' look, doctors are taking precautions to ensure he doesn't reach a tipping point. At the start of the mission, six-foot-tall Wilmore weighed more than 210 pounds, the source said. It's unclear how much weight he's lost since boarding the ISS. 'He had a lot more mass at the start, so it's not as big of a deal,' the employee told the New York Post. 'But it's happening, and it's being monitored. Any changes in the astronauts' bodies are being noted. And his mass seems to have gone down.' It comes after Williams denied 'rumors' that she had lost weight in a live video published by NASA on Tuesday. She claimed that she has actually gained muscle on board the ISS, and pointed to 'fluid shift' to explain her appearance in the concerning photos. Wilmore (front left) and Williams (front right) pose with the other members of the Expedition 72 crew for a photo posted on October 4 Another NASA employee has spoken out about the health of the stranded Starliner crew, but this time, the unnamed source raised concerns about astronaut Barry Wilmore It's not unusual for astronauts to shed weight while in space. During long-term ISS missions, they typically lose about five percent of their original body mass mainly due to the muscle and bone density loss that is caused by microgravity. The Starliner crew has been stuck on the ISS since their spacecraft experienced numerous technical issues, rendering it unfit to return the two astronauts to Earth. NASA has declined to comment on the information leaked by its employees, and instead referred DailyMail.com to their original statement given on November 6. 'All NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station undergo routine medical evaluations,' the statement reads. 'They have dedicated flight surgeons monitoring them, and are in good health.' At the start of the mission, six-foot-tall Wilmore weighed more than 210 pounds, the source said. It's unclear how much weight he's lost since boarding the ISS A doctor has raised concerns about Williams' health, claiming this September 24 showed her looking 'gaunt' NASA astronaut Sunita Williams denied the 'rumors' about her health in a live video published by NASA on Tuesday, claiming that she has actually put on muscle over the last five months In the NASA video published on Tuesday, Williams said that she has actually put on muscle over the last five months. 'My thighs are a little bit bigger, my butt is a little bit bigger. We do a lot of squats,' she said. She added that she is the same weight as when she launched to the ISS in June, and bizarrely claimed the apparent change in her appearance was due to 'fluid shift.' 'I think things shift around quite a bit, you probably heard of a fluid shift,' Williams said. 'Folks in space you know, their heads look a little bit bigger because the fluid evens out along the body.' During spaceflight, weightlessness instantly shifts blood and fluids from the lower portion of the body to the upper areas, which can sometimes result in a puffy pace and thinner legs. Both Williams and Wilmore passed their pre-mission physicals before the space flight. Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore before their mission on June 5 Another NASA employee who is 'tangentially' involved in the mission told the New York Post that the agency has become concerned about the speculation around Williams' health. The source added that NASA is warning employees that leaking sensitive information about the astronauts' health could be grounds for firing. 'HIPAA laws apparently apply to NASA, too,' the insider said. Williams and Wilmore have been living on the ISS since June 6 after they launched for what was supposed to be a 10-day mission. But their faulty Starliner spacecraft suffered numerous technical issues - including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions - that ultimately drove NASA to deem it unsafe to carry the astronauts home. Starliner returned to Earth uncrewed on September 7. Williams and Wilmore will spend roughly another three months on the ISS before they return home on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft sometime in February 2025. The fiasco was a public embarrassment for Boeing, and the spaceflight company has since been sidelined on the mission. But the anonymous NASA sources told the New York Post that Boeing executives are keeping a close eye on the mission's latest developments. 'If anything happens to those astronauts, heads will roll at Boeing,' said the employees. 'This is a really, really bad look.' Boeing declined DailyMail.com's request for comment. When Rhodri the Great built Castell Dinefwr as a defence against the Vikings in the ninth century, he brought with him distinctive long-horned, white-coated cattle to provide sustenance. Rhodri, who was busy laying the foundations of Wales, probably never suspected that this ancient breed, known as White Park, would outlive the era of kings. Though it has. At the foot of the castle, near the town of Llandeilo, a 20-strong herd is grazing by the visitors cafe at Newton House. A living reminder of the former ruler. This Grade-II listed country house, from 1660, is now a National Trust property, and its a curious building. Newton is considered one of the most haunted places in Wales, and TV crews come regularly hoping to film paranormal activity (following rumours of voices and odours coming from empty rooms that began in the 1980s). Nothing to report on our visit though its interesting to see the propertys Second World War exhibit and impressive art collection, including a portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots bidding farewell to France in 1561. Dinefwr isnt the only castle in the area. Carreg Cennen Castle overlooks miles of unblemished countryside from its own hilltop, six miles away. This is hidden from view when we visit at night to take advantage of its Dark Skies Reserve status and enjoy a flask of hot chocolate beneath the stars. Laura travels to Llandeilo in South Wales where 'a strip of pastel-coloured houses leads to the market town from a stone bridge over the River Towy' (above) Laura visits Castell Dinefwr (above), which was built in the ninth century Rhodri the Great 'brought distinctive long-horned, white-coated cattle to provide sustenance' to Castell Dinefwr in the ninth century and 'probably never suspected that this ancient breed, known as White Park, would outlive the era of kings' Llandeilo, where we are staying, has a population of around 1,800. A strip of pastel-coloured houses leads to the market town from a stone bridge over the River Towy. Its high street has boutiques, craft shops and galleries displaying local art. We stop for lunch at The Cawdor which, locals say, serves the best Welsh lamb in Carmarthenshire. Another attraction is just outside town at Dolaucothi, the only known Roman goldmine in Britain. Here you can join underground tours three days a week. A hollowed out area in the yard was once an enormous open-cast pit where Romans may have used slave labour from the area to dig for gold. Theres also a walking trail. Down a woodland path, you follow a stream to the sound of trickling water and the occasional drumming of great spotted woodpeckers. Its a wonderful sight, just like Rhodris cattle down at his old castle. The past feels close by in this charming corner of Carmarthenshire. WHERE TO STAY: Doubles at The Cawdor in Llandeilo from 115 B&B (thecawdor.com). Sixt has car/minivan hire from 36 a day (sixt.co.uk). Grade II listed Newton House 'is considered one of the most haunted places in Wales' (above) The five cities can be reached direct from London St Pancras International Eurostars cross-Channel service has been a roaring success and, after 30 years, it now carries more than 18 million people a year, with some trains seating close to 900 passengers. Its easy to see why. Boarding the sleek carriages is invariably far more pleasant than taking to the skies. The seats are comfortable, the staff cheery and there is a welcome air of peace and civility as you glide smoothly across the flat fields of northern Europe. While checking in can at times be chaotic, with queues for security and crowded departure halls, you are able to take lots of luggage and there are none of those pesky liquids restrictions. Riding the rails is also better for the planet, of course. So, heres our guide to enjoying a break in the five cities with a direct service from London St Pancras International. Fares to all destinations are from 78 return (eurostar.com). ARTY AMSTERDAM There are three Eurostar trains a day from London to the popular Dutch city of Amsterdam (pictured) Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel (seen here) has doubles from 101, room only Eurostar added this popular Dutch city in 2018 and there are now three trains a day. A new, enlarged departure lounge will open at Amsterdam Centraal early next year until then passengers have to change in Brussels on the return leg. This winter the citys inner canals will be illuminated at night with artworks for the Amsterdam Light Festival (November 28 January 19, amsterdamlightfestival.com), with walks and boat tours available (iamsterdam.com). JOURNEY TIME: 3h 52m HOW TO DO IT: Stroll through the Rijksmuseums Gallery of Honour which is festooned with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer (timed entry, rijksmuseum.nl), then take a 100 Highlights canal cruise from the nearby pier (stromma.com). The picturesque Nine Streets (de9straatjes.nl) are packed with tempting shops and places to eat including Proeflokaal van Wees which distils its own jenever (Dutch gin) with tastings available (proeflokaalvanwees.nl). When hunger calls, Foodhallen is a former tram depot with buzzing bars and 19 street-food stands serving everything from bitterballen (Dutch croquettes) to dim sum and French patisserie (foodhallen.nl). STAY: The canal-facing Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam hotel has Mondrian-inspired rooms and is just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Doubles from 101, room only (avanihotels.com). OUR TIP: Buy a City Card that parcels up museum entry, public transport, bike rental and a canal cruise, from 60 for 24 hours (iamsterdam.com/citycard). HOP OVER TO LILLE Stress less: It takes under 90 minutes to reach the French city of Lille on the Eurostar (file image) Get into the festive spirit with a trip to Lille's enchanting Christmas market (pictured) This charming northern French city is close enough for a day trip, perhaps for a slap-up lunch of moules frites and biere blonde combined with shopping at the sparkling Christmas market in Place Rihour (November 20 December 29, noel-a-lille.com). Stay a night or two and youll have time to discover its flamboyant 17th-century buildings, abundant museums and seductive cake and chocolate shops (lilletourism.com). JOURNEY TIME: 1h 22m HOW TO DO IT: Vieux Lille, the cobblestoned historic heart, is just a 15-minute walk from Lille-Europe station and packed with small, high-quality shops. For a view over the city ascend the 341ft belfry in the Hotel de Ville (reservation required, lilletourism.com) and dont miss the enchanting Hospice de la Comtesse, a hospital built in 1237 that is decorated with delightful blue and white hand-painted tiles (mhc.lille.fr). In the evening have a drink in the lively bars of rue Royale then dine at reasonably priced Club Marot, which serves creative dishes such as smoked haddock with foie gras (clubmarot.fr). STAY: Le Chat Qui Dort has smart rental apartments in five locations including options for families. Studios from 80 (lechatquidort.fr). OUR TIP: Most museums close on Tuesday. Bradt has just published an updated city guide (14.99, bradtguides.com). DISCOVER BRUSSELS Book a Eurostar ticket to Brussels (pictured) and you can continue to any rail destination in Belgium at no extra cost The secret to visiting the sprawling capital of both Belgium and the European Union is to home in on a particular area. For most that means the World Heritage-listed Grand-Place framed with magnificent guildhouses while there, drop in on the nearby Fashion and Lace Museum (fashionandlacemuseum.brussels). Another rewarding theme is art nouveau centred on the St Gilles and Ixelles neighbourhoods, with the sensuous home of star architect Victor Horta an essential stop (hortamuseum.be). JOURNEY TIME: 1h 53m HOW TO DO IT: Rise above the tourist hullabaloo by booking lunch at The Brasserie on the first floor of the old Stock Exchange, which serves Belgian staples such as chicken vol-au-vent paired with regional beers (thebrasserie.be). In the evening enjoy a surrealist cocktail at Bar Magritte in Hotel Amigo (roccofortehotels.com) then dine on old school favourites like roast venison with juniper sauce at wood-panelled Les Brigittines (lesbrigittines.com) Info: visit.brussels. STAY: NH Hotels has seven contemporary four-star hotels in the city centre including the zestful nhow Brussels Bloom next to the Jardin Botanique. Doubles from 95, room only (nh-hotels.com). OUR TIP: Book a Eurostar ticket to Brussels and you can continue to any rail destination in the country at no extra cost. Transfers are valid 24 hours, allowing time to see some sights while en route to cities such as Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. PROCEED TO PARIS High lights: Head to Paris where you can see Sacre Coeur on Montmartre (pictured), just one of the French capitals famous sights HOW TO SAVE ON EUROSTAR... Sign up to the Eurostar newsletter to be emailed the latest offers. Travel mid-week and outside of holiday periods. If you can be flexible on time of travel, you and up to three companions can save up to 50 per cent off fares your exact departure is sent 48 hours in advance (snap.eurostar.com). Search the lowest fares page for travel to Lille, Paris and Brussels (eurostar.com/uk-en/find-lowest-fares). Advertisement After the success of the Summer Olympics, the French capital will be back in the news with the partial re-opening of Notre-Dame cathedral on December 7 following a five-year restoration (notredamedeparis.fr). Get festive at the Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries, which opens November 16, while the New Year sales start January 8, 2025. JOURNEY TIME: 2h 16m HOW TO DO IT: For a cultural hit with free admission visit the permanent collection at the Petit Palais, which includes works by Rubens, Courbet, Monet and Cezanne (petitpalais.paris.fr). If the weathers poor, download a self-guided walk through the citys historic arcades and hidden passages (gpsmycity.com). Book dinner at Brasserie Vagenende in Saint-Germain-des-Pres which has original decor from 1904 and a classic menu with dishes such as skate wing with capers (vagenende.com). Info: parisjetaime.com. STAY: Right by Gare du Nord and the foodie delights of Marche Saint-Quentin, Hotel Mademoiselle is a friendly four-star hotel with elegant rooms and a small spa. Doubles from 117 with breakfast (hotel-mademoiselle-paris.com). OUR TIP: Buy Metro tickets in advance from the cafe on board Eurostar, saving time on arrival. For a longer stay, get a Navigo Easy card (2 from newsagents) then download the Bonjour RATP app which has live data on bus and Metro services (ratp.fr). EXPLORE ROTTERDAM Modern marvel: The journey from London to Rotterdam by Eurostar takes just over three hours. Above, a Eurostar arrives at Rotterdam Central Station Piet Blom's Cube Houses (seen here) are one of Rotterdam's key tourists attractions Flattened in the Second World War, this dynamic port is well worth discovering, with its eye-catching modern buildings and intriguing mesh of harbours and waterways. A chief reason to get off the train here is Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a pot-shaped warehouse covered in mirrored plates where artworks from Breughel to Picasso are displayed on innovative crystal easels that let you see their backs. Dont miss the 360-degree city views from the forested roof terrace (boijmans.nl/en/depot). Info: rotterdam.info JOURNEY TIME: 3h 13m HOW TO DO IT: Explore the city centre by bike on a guided tour that pairs tastings of local snacks like raw herring and poffertjes (small pancakes) with stops at key sights such as Piet Bloms amusingly wonky Cube Houses (bikeandbite.nl). Book dinner at De Matroos en Het Meisje, a cosy restaurant with no menu instead you sup on what the kitchen feels is good that day, which could be brill with fermented honey followed by slow-cooked pork with cabbage (dematroosenhetmeisje.nl). STAY: Built in 1901, the former harbourside headquarters of the Holland-America shipping line is now the highly atmospheric Hotel New York complete with vintage posters and leather luggage. Doubles from 111, room only (hotelnewyork.com). OUR TIP: Take a ride in the black and yellow water-taxis that tear around like speedboats, from 5 (watertaxirotterdam.nl). A safari in Africa can change your life. So declares Deborah Calmeyer, the charismatic CEO of ultra-luxe African safari specialist Roar Africa during a chat with MailOnline Travel about the world of safaris and the bespoke 'beyond first class' holidays her company offers. She reveals her favourite 'seven-star' luxury lodge in Africa, the best safari country on the continent for solo female travellers, what it's like on Roar Africa's private jet safaris that cost up to $185,000/145,000 and how a safari can change someone's world view. Regarding this last point, Zimbabwean Deborah explains: 'To me going on safari is a homecoming, [returning to] the cradle of humanity. 'When our guests leave the continent, they say the most profound things, such as "you have changed my life" and "I see the world differently now". You don't say that when you come back from Italy or Paris. 'You don't have that heart-cracking, melting connection. All that, Africa gives you. I think [an African safari] is probably the most expensive trip you'll ever take. But it's the most priceless experience. 'Africa's pristine wild spaces and wildlife have the power to drop you back into your body, re-awakening dormant senses and renewing one's appreciation for what really matters in this journey called life.' Deborah Calmeyer, the charismatic CEO of ultra-luxe African safari specialist Roar Africa, spoke to MailOnline Travel about the world of safaris and the bespoke 'beyond first class' holidays her company offers. She says: 'Africa's pristine wild spaces and wildlife have the power to renew one's appreciation for what really matters life' Deborah, who's based in New York, stresses that safaris change the animal kingdom, too. She says: 'Responsible, sustainable travel to Africa is imperative for the future of the continent and the wildlife. As born and bred Africans, we know what it takes to protect endangered wildlife. Responsible tourism minimises the negative impacts of travel on the environment, wildlife and local communities, but also generates the critical income and awareness these national parks need to protect the wildlife.' We're sold. But where's the best place to stay? In one of Deborah's favourite lodges, of course. Her favourite luxury lodge is Xigera (pronounced with a 'K', not an 'X') in Botswana, which she describes as 'a masterpiece'. She explains: 'Xigera lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta exceeds all expectations. It's insane. A masterpiece. 'It's a homage to the continent, designed by the legendary architect Anton De Kock and filled with phenomenal African art. There is a very special energy here, elevated by the people, the world-class amenities, the incredible food and every luxury imaginable. Even the wildlife wants to move in. 'It's seven-star, in my opinion.' Roar Africa offers incredible safaris with flight transfers aboard the Emirates Executive Private Jet (above) - a customised Airbus A319 The Emirates Executive Private Jet features individual suites for each of the 10 guests on board Roar Africa offers three specialist private jet trips: The Greatest Safari on Earth ($165,000/129,000 per person); Sand, Sea, City & Safari ($175,000/137,000) and The Journey Beyond ($185,000/145,000) Deborah is also a huge fan of Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe, which 'feels like coming home' and offers guests an enticing topography of 'enormous boulders, ancient baobabs and gold and orange msasa trees'. Segera Retreat in Kenya also makes the podium, with Deborah describing it as a 'spectacular example of effective conservation and collaboration with local people in service of protecting the wild'. Deborah also has advice on which countries different types of travellers should pick. She reveals: 'Best for families and children is South Africa, which has incredible private villa options like Tswalu Tarkuni and Cheetah Plains, which appeal to all generations. 'Namibia and Zimbabwe are best for pure unbridled adventure, because they're rougher and more isolated and you're not going to necessarily get the amenities that you would in South Africa or Botswana, while Rwanda is exceptionally safe for solo female travellers.' Several luxury safari companies can set up trips to these destinations and lodges why choose Roar Africa? What sets it apart from the competition? Deborah says: 'This is an important question for me, because we're not selling a destination, we're selling my home, right? And I think that's probably the biggest difference, because when someone's coming to somewhere that you're from, you provide a totally different experience than, say, a travel agent. 'I'm sure if I was coming to London you'd give me so many different, cool, interesting places versus what a travel agent in New York might offer. Above is Deborah's favourite luxury lodge in Africa - Xigera in Botswana's Okavango Delta. She describes it as a 'masterpiece' 'Even the wildlife wants to move in,' says Deborah of Xigera 'My family has been on the African continent since 1688. Africa is in my DNA. It's 300 years of Africanness that's coming to our guests. 'How else are we different? I think we are really geared for those people who just don't have time to get it wrong. Everyone's suffering from what I call nature deficit disorder. We all need that tree, that flower, that path, that space, that freedom, that beauty - particularly heads of companies and families. 'I've vetted everything so that anyone who travels with us doesn't get to a place where they're like "I wish we were there", or, "Those guests told me about that, why didn't we go there?" There's no time to get it wrong with the heavy lift of travel today, and the congestion and the grind and the unreliable airports and airlines. 'It's really hard. And I feel like our job is to quieten the noise, to still the guest so that they can really go into that space, that silence, that beauty, that freedom. 'Nobody feels anything anymore. We're so numbed and our focus is so stolen. What I'm trying to give people is that essence of transformation of what Africa can really do for you. But you have got to still all the normal hassle of travel. That's how we approach it.' The deep-pocketed can experience Roar Africa's powers of organisation at their most eye-opening by booking a place on one of its three private jet safaris - The Greatest Safari on Earth ($165,000/129,000 per person); Sand, Sea, City & Safari ($175,000/137,000) and The Journey Beyond ($185,000/145,000). There are just 10 places available on each, with guests flown on the Emirates Executive Private Jet - a customised Airbus A319 - to some of the most spellbinding locations in Africa. Roar Africa is 'geared for those people who just don't have time to get it wrong' Deborah says: 'On the "Greatest Safari on Earth" the guests experience Africa's four most iconic destinations in 12 days The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It is the only beyond-first-class private jet experience in the world.' Are the (inevitably rich) guests blase about it all or thrilled? Firmly the latter. Deborah reveals: 'None of our guests are ever blase. Everybody's high the minute they walk on. They're like, "Okay, I'm never travelling any other way. This is ridiculous." 'They're just floating around Africa. So they get very bubbly and very excited and very emotional, because they can't believe that this is how they're getting to experience it. There isn't another trip in the world like this one right now. I've done it seven times and I'm going every single time I can, because it's so amazing.' Roar Africa offers three specialist trips aboard the Emirates Executive Private Jet: The Greatest Safari on Earth ($165,000/129,000 per person); Sand, Sea, City & Safari ($175,000/137,000) and The Journey Beyond ($185,000/145,000). For more visit www.roarafrica.com and www.instagram.com/roarafrica. Orient Express is bringing the luxury of its famous trains to the high seas with the launch of two stunning cruise ships. Now the interiors of the first ship to set sail, the Orient Express Corinthian, have been revealed, with guests promised a 'dreamlike experience' while on board. The Corinthian, it has been announced, will set sail in June 2026 and sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean seas. At 220m (721ft) long with 4,500 m sq (48,437 sq ft) of sails mounted on three masts, Orient Express Corinthian will be the 'world's largest sailing yacht'. In a statement, Orient Express says: 'By combining the consummate workmanship of Frances most talented gold and silversmiths with the excellence of the engineers working for one of the worlds most prestigious shipbuilders, Orient Express Corinthian offers an unrivalled, dreamlike experience enhanced by cutting-edge technology and perfect comfort on board. 'Truly reinventing our relationship with time, the yacht will offer a new perspective for discovering the land from the sea, offering unforgettable experiences around iconic moorings and stopovers.' The mega-yacht will have 54 suites, measuring between 45 m sq (484 sq ft) and 230 m sq (2,475 sq ft). Six of the suites will be 'premium class'. All of the suites are set to have panoramic bay windows and have been 'designed as cocoons opening onto the sea' with interiors 'decorated with wood, leather and marble'. The interiors of the Orient Express Corinthian yacht have been revealed (above). All of the suites are set to have panoramic bay windows and have been 'designed as cocoons opening onto the sea' The rooms are decorated with 'wood, leather and marble' and there will be six 'premium class' suites At 220m (721ft) long with 4,500 m sq of sails mounted on three masts, Orient Express Corinthian will be the 'world's largest sailing yacht' Maxime dAngeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, says: 'All the suites and the entire design of the yacht have been conceived as unique spaces that break the boundaries of Orient Express's classic decorative grammar while remaining true to its very particular codes. 'A contemporary vision of Orient Express, that of an era in which high quality is synonymous with excellence and calls for a real aesthetic revolution.' Orient Express Corinthian will have five restaurants and eight bars, including a '1930s-style speakeasy' and a 115-seat cabaret 'exuding a Parisian atmosphere'. Facilities onboard include a recording studio, cinema, spa and a 16.6m (54ft) -long swimming pool. The yachts are a collaboration between the Orient Express sailing division - Orient Express Silenseas - French hospitality brand Accor and the French shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Sebastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman & CEO, says: 'Harnessing its boundless imagination, Orient Express has conjured up a dreamworld of discoveries, meetings, motion and emotions. 'With Orient Express Corinthian, the Orient Express legend is now preparing to sail the worlds finest seas offering an unprecedented experience of travel and adventure. 'Drawing inspiration from the golden age of luxury cruises, the yacht reinvents movement and comfort on the water and is designed to meet the sustainability challenges of the future. Its a great source of pride for all of us.' Maxime dAngeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, says the yacht represents 'a contemporary vision of Orient Express, that of an era in which high quality is synonymous with excellence and calls for a real aesthetic revolution' The Corinthian, it has been announced, will set sail in June 2026 and sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean seas. Guests have been promised a 'dreamlike experience' while on board Sebastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman & CEO, says: 'Harnessing its boundless imagination, Orient Express has conjured up a dreamworld of discoveries, meetings, motion and emotions' Orient Express says: 'Truly reinventing our relationship with time, the yacht will offer a new perspective for discovering the land from the sea, offering unforgettable experiences around iconic moorings and stopovers'. The 54 suites will measure between 45 m sq and 230 m sq Fatal Attraction, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, was the pop culture phenomenon of the 80s. It was the female stalking erotic thriller that had romance lovers gripped to their TVs as it showed how a married man's one-night stand came back to haunt him when his lover began to stalk him and his family. And now a new ITV drama, titled The Real Fatal Attraction, bears a striking resemblance to the throwback flick and is set to air on Wednesday, November, 13, at 9pm on ITV1. It tells the story of a scorned barrister who plots against her lover when she finds out is already married. The new series will unravel the truth of Anisah Ahmed, 37, who embarked on an elaborate revenge plot against, Iqbal Mohammed, 41, after discovering he was already hitched. Fatal Attraction, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, was the pop culture phenomenon of the 80s (pictured) And now a new ITV documentary titled, The Real Fatal Attraction (pictured), bears a striking resemblance to the throwback flick and is set to air on Wednesday, November, 13, at 9pm on ITV1 Who is Anisah Ahmed? Anisah cried rape in an 'evil' and 'malicious' plot which involved her staging her own kidnapping and stabbing in a 'comprehensive and orchestrated' revenge campaign against fellow barrister Iqbal. The 'manipulative' woman attempted to frame Iqbal, for rape, claiming he had sexually assaulted her on several occasions in a 'detailed and convincing' false report. She even went as far as to recruit her ex-boyfriend Mustafa Hussain, 34, in her scheming plan. 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. Anisah'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 Iqbal of raping her on several occasions, giving detailed and convincing accounts to investigators. In a final, desperate bid to frame her ex-lover, Anisah 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, Anisah is believed to have stabbed herself almost severing her femoral artery with a horrific injury to her thigh. Anisah cried rape in an 'evil' and 'malicious' plot which involved her staging her own kidnapping and stabbing in a 'comprehensive and orchestrated' revenge campaign against fellow barrister Iqbal The 'manipulative' woman attempted to frame Iqbal, 38, (pictured) for rape, claiming he had sexually assaulted her on several occasions in a 'detailed and convincing' false report In a final, desperate bid to frame her ex-lover, Anisah 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 She told police Iqbal had ordered the attack on her, later producing a forged confession from an imaginary hitman. Fortunately, her plot was foiled, and Anisah was convicted for perverting the course of justice. Iqbal at the time compared his ordeal to the 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 Anisah first contacted Iqbal 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. 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.' What happened to Anisah Ahmed? She was handed a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of four years and six months. She was handed a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of four years and six months. Her sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal seven months later, who changed her prison term to 10 years Now she has been released from prison after she became the first person to receive life for perverting the course of justice in April 2021. 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, Anisah, from Oxford, she has been released from prison after spending less than four years in jail. She is under a home detention curfew, which means she has to wear an electronic tag and is restricted to what times she can leave the house. Christina Haack and her estranged third husband Josh Hall were all smiles in the second season premiere of Christina in the Country, which aired Tuesday on HGTV. The 41-year-old interior designer and the 44-year-old Foundry Group realtor had wrapped production on season two of her home-flipping reality show on April 15 - three months before he filed for divorce. 'I have some good news. I know how much you love Tennessee,' Christina told Josh. 'I've gotten some inquiries lately and a few of them are really good, so I feel like it's time we go back there and start some new projects, new families, new contractors.' Hall then interrupted: 'Oh, it's been time!' Christina Haack and her estranged third husband Josh Hall were all smiles in the second season premiere of Christina in the Country, which aired Tuesday on HGTV In the episode - titled 'From 12 to Two' - the retired LAPD officer discovers their troubled first TN flip house has asbestos in the walls, a damaged sewer line, and they have to completely replace the water main. 'This could have a major effect on our design choices, and we risk making a larger profit overall,' Haack warned during the cliffhanger. And despite already pouring in $620K into the house, the Anaheim-born blonde still believes it's 'going to be a moneymaker.' Curiously, Christina decided to remove her 23-acre, six-bedroom Leipers Fork farmhouse from her realtor Kelly Dougherty's website on October 26 - 23 days after listing it for $4.5M. Season one of Christina in the Country revolved around the property, which Haack originally bought back in 2021. 'Remember when you said you would never steal from me or my kids and you would just be happy in a van with your dog?' the Christina & Kylie co-founder wrote via Instastory on October 3. 'I guess plans changed. All about trying to take everything you can... With your mind on my money and my money on your mind... Byeeee!' Josh has been living at the Leipers Fork home since their legal separation on July 7 - the day after Christina claimed he illegally transferred $35K from a rental property she owned to his personal account. The 41-year-old interior designer and the 44-year-old Foundry Group realtor had wrapped production on season two of her home-flipping reality show on April 15 - three months before he filed for divorce In the episode - titled 'From 12 to Two' - Josh discovers their troubled first TN flip house has asbestos in the walls, a damaged sewer line, and they have to completely replace the water main And despite already pouring in $620K into the house, Christina still believes it's 'going to be a moneymaker' Curiously, Christina decided to remove her 23-acre, six-bedroom Leipers Fork farmhouse from her realtor Kelly Dougherty's website on October 26 - 23 days after listing it for $4.5M Season one of Christina in the Country revolved around the Leipers Fork property, which Hall has been living in since their legal separation on July 7 (listed as 'off market' on Zillow) Haack wrote via Instastory on October 3: 'Remember when you said you would never steal from me or my kids and you would just be happy in a van with your dog? I guess plans changed. All about trying to take everything you can... With your mind on my money and my money on your mind' Hall's rep denied the allegations to DailyMail.com: 'Josh hasn't stolen a penny from her or her family. This is a red line, and Christina has crossed it.' Haack did not have a prenup with the Fresh Pet paid partner, who's asking for alimony and 'all rights to any HGTV and/or Discovery Network shows or specials they produced' including Christina on the Coast and The Flip Off - according to TMZ. All this, after less than three years of wedded bliss. On November 5, the Christina Collection Flooring founder was spotted filming HGTV's The Flip Off with her ex-husband #2, Ant Anstead, who stepped into replace Josh. Christina and the 45-year-old Englishman welcomed five-year-old son Hudson London Anstead during their 21-month marriage, which ended in 2021. Haack also welcomed two children - daughter Taylor Reese El Moussa, 14; and son Brayden James El Moussa, 9 - during her seven-year marriage to ex-husband Tarek El Moussa, which ended in 2018. Just one day after one of the most hilarious Wheel of Fortune missolves in recent memory, a Wisconsin sausage company is giving away a 'round of sausage' for fans. Monday's episode of Wheel of Fortune featured Connecticut police officer Will Jordan, who attempted to solve the puzzle with, 'Treat yourself a round of sausage.' He immediately knew it was incorrect, with the next contestant, Kitina, correctly solving the Phrase with, 'Give yourself a round of applause.' Jordan's response quickly went viral on Monday, with the sausage company Johnsonville getting in on the fun with a new giveaway. The official Johnsonville social media accounts revealed a new contest on Tuesday, where fans can win 'a round of sausage by revealing their acts of kindness. Just one day after one of the most hilarious Wheel of Fortune missolves in recent memory, a Wisconsin sausage company is giving away a 'round of sausage' for fans Monday's episode of Wheel of Fortune featured Connecticut police officer Will Jordan, who attempted to solve the puzzle with, ' Treat yourself a round of sausage .' He immediately knew it was incorrect, with the next contestant, Kitina, correctly solving the Phrase with, 'Give yourself a round of applause' The official Johnsonville social media accounts revealed a new contest on Tuesday, where fans can win 'a round of sausage by revealing their acts of kindness Johnsonville posted a photo of a package of bratwurst with a custom, 'Treat yourself a round of sausage' spelled out in puzzle board form like the iconic game show. 'Wills got us inspired. Its World Kindness Day tomorrow. Post a kind act youve done or observed with #KeepTheInternetJuicy and well treat yourself a round of sausage,' their posts read. They clarified that, 'a round of sausage = one FREE Johnsonville product coupon while supplies last.' The Johnsonville Instagram post received over 2,800 replies while their X post garnered over 400 replies, filled with acts of kindness. Some were as simple as Instagram user Lauren Hedberg, who said, 'We donated food to the humane society by our house.' Others went above and beyond like another Instagram user Beth Hull, who said, 'My husband and I launched our boat after Hurricane Harvey and helped rescue people from their flooded houses. That was a very surreal moment. It was the least we could do to help.' Johnsonville is a privately-owned family company founded in 1945 in a small Wisconsin town. It has since grown to be one of the largest sausage producers in the United States, still owned and operated by the family of original founders Ralph and Alice Stayer. 'Wills got us inspired. Its World Kindness Day tomorrow. Post a kind act youve done or observed with #KeepTheInternetJuicy and well treat yourself a round of sausage,' their posts read Jordan was a good sport about the missolve, revealing to Maggie Sajak - the daughter of iconic host Pat Sajak - that he just 'blanked' Seacrest then came over with a cue card from the show which he signed, as Will asked him to make it out to the Jordan family, which he did. 'Don't worry about it, Will, even if they put sausages in your locker now,' as they shared a snap together Jordan was a good sport about the missolve, revealing to Maggie Sajak - the daughter of iconic host Pat Sajak - that he just 'blanked.' 'Yeah, I'll tell you, when the lights are on and you know the stars, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, it's... I just went blank,' Will admitted in an interview with Maggie. He added, though, 'If your dad, in retirement, is watching the show, maybe cracks a beer and has a laugh, it'll be worth it.' Maggie said she would, 'be sure we tune in that night, that's a promise,' as Will recognized he'd get some playful ribbing about the flub back home. 'I'm sure I'm gonna have sausages in my locker and police car when I get back, so we'll try to have some fun with it,' Will added. Seacrest then came over with a cue card from the show which he signed, as Will asked him to make it out to the Jordan family, which he did. 'This is really gonna be special,' Will said as Ryan handed the cue card to Maggie for her to sign, as she offered some words of encouragement. 'Don't worry about it, Will, even if they put sausages in your locker now,' as they shared a snap together. Fans are outraged as Channel 5 has axed its beloved Mediterranean drama The Wives, despite stellar ratings from viewers. The fan-favourite show sees Sylvia Morgan (Tamzin Outhwaite), Beth Morgan (Jo Joyner) and Natasha Morgan (Angela Griffin) as three sisters-in-law who are bound together by marriage, a good glass of wine, and the tragic loss of a family member. Drawing inspiration from Daphne du Mauriers 1938 Gothic novel, Rebbeca, it follows the trio as they try to solve the mystery of the death initially ruled an accident of their fellow sister-in-law Annabelle, played by Christine Bottomley. However, the nail-biting series has come to an abrupt end, and in another blow, fans will never know the answers to the plot lines that are being cut short as the show ends on a cliffhanger. According to The Mirror, an insider said: 'It came as a shock because the ratings were around a million and scripts had already been written for more episodes, in confident anticipation of series two. Fans are outraged as Channel 5 has axed its beloved Mediterranean drama The Wives, despite stellar ratings from viewers An insider said: 'It came as a shock because the ratings were around a million and scripts had already been written for more episodes' (Tamzin Outhwaite pictured) The source added that although TV bosses filmed a neat ending with tied together all of the loose ends, they decided to scrap it and instead show a different version that introduced more unanswered questions. It was presumed that this was because writers thought the drama would continue, but the cast were reportedly hit with the news in a shock phone call last week. The source said: 'The ending that was actually shown didnt explain why Frankie wanted Annabelle dead or the identity of the mystery figure hiding in the van in the final scene, something that was crucial to an understanding of the entire plot.' MailOnline has contacted Channel 5 for comment. Viewers were baffled by the ending of the first series when it first aired in September, taking to X to write: '#TheWives Can somebody please explain what the hell that ending was all about??? I'm totally confused.' 'Excuse me you can't get me so invested into a series then end like that.. that is cruel!!! #TheWives' 'I know, so much more to know ludicrous, there has to be a second series surely. I know this was from a book, surely the book didnt end with everything still to know!' 'Cripes what sort of ending was that.' EastEnders actress, Tamzin, 53, who portrays Sylvia Morgan, stars in the series The nail-biting series has come to an abrupt end, and in another blow, fans will never know the answers to the plot lines that are being cut short (pictured: Angela) Viewers were baffled by the ending of the first series when it first aired in September 'Snap! I didn't understand the ending at all!' 'Didnt understand the ending either and I loved it up until then! Who was in the van? Why did Frankie want her gone?' 'Couldn't believe it finished like that, such a great series but the ending was awful.' It comes after Tamzin Outhwaite was scolded by her The Wives co-star Jo Joyner as she dropped a huge spoiler during an episode of This Morning in September. The former EastEnders actress, 53, seemingly spoiled a huge part of the upcoming series. During the episode, Tamzin revealed that Annabelle is not actually dead and was just missing - implying that she is found alive during the final episodes. When show hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard asked the actresses to chat about the film, EastEnders's Jo, 47, explained: 'There was another sister-in-law but she died.' Cutting her off, Tamzin tried to correct her and jumped in: 'No she hasn't', but Jo stares and quipped, 'no, she has.' It comes after Tamzin Outhwaite was scolded by her The Wives co-star Jo Joyner as she dropped a huge spoiler during an episode of This Morning in September Not sensing the tone, Tamzin persisted: 'She's gone missing', to which Jo opened her hands and flatly proclaimed, 'that is a spoiler', before she pulled a face. Realising what she just confessed, Tamzin pulled and face and corrected: 'We think she is dead'. Jo then clarifies that the sisters think Annabelle is dead in the beginning of the series and viewers will find out that she is in fact not dead but actually missing. The drama unfolded during their annual family getaway to Malta. But the trip is overshadowed by the absence of their other sister-in-law, Annabelle Morgan, who vanished a year before under mysterious circumstances. Annabelle's phone was found at the edge of a cliff which lead to the authorities presuming she is dead. But the plot took a turn as the family returned to Malta - where Annabelle disappeared. During the holiday Annabelle's husband Charlie introduced his new girlfriend, who has an uncanny resemblance to their former sister-in-law. Unhappy with the conclusion of Annabelle's case, Beth suspected there is more to the story. The three sisters then put their heads together in an attempt to uncover the truth about what really happened. John Krasinski has admitted that he once left a UK customs border agent in disbelief when he revealed he was married to fellow Hollywood star Emily Blunt. In a resurfaced clip from April 2018, John - who was recently named Sexiest Man Alive 2024 by People magazine - explained to television host Jimmy Fallon how an officer working in a London airport basically reminded him that he had 'married up.' The anecdote began when Jimmy, 50, asked John, 45: 'How's your wife? The beautiful Emily Blunt,' and as the live studio audience cheered, the actor joked: 'That reaction means I married up, and don't I know it.' As Jimmy tried to reassure him, John added: Please! They don't have to tell me, the customs agent in London did!' before explaining what happened when he was visiting Emily, 41, in the UK while she was filming Mary Poppins Returns. 'I went to visit her all the time, I was shooting something else but I went almost every weekend and it was going great, the customs, the whole experiences, whatever.' During a 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, John Krasinski recalled an interaction he once had with a UK border agent John, pictured here with wife Emily Blunt in May 2024, said the airport worker was stunned when he revealed who he was married to 'And then I hit this... this guy was about my age and he looked like he was ready to get a little surly with me,' John continued. 'And he said, "Says here that you're an actor, would I know you from anything?" and I went, "You know, we redid the UK version of The Office" - strike one! "Oh you took what we did, perfect." 'And he said, "Who are you visiting here?" I said, "My wife," and he said: "Is she an actress?" and I said, "Yeah," and he said: "Would I know her?" and I replied: "I don't know man, her name's Emily Blunt." 'And he goes like this, "you? You married Emily Blunt?" and I go, "Yeah," and he goes like this,' the actor continued as he pretended to stamp a passport angrily and added: He said, "Okay go, just go!" Like the stamp was so hard!' John's throwback comments come as he left people divided when he was named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive on the Late Show with Steven Colbert on Tuesday evening. The father-of-two dethroned the 2023 winner, Grey's Anatomy hunk Patrick Dempsey, 58, for the coveted title. John told People he thought he was 'being punked' when he was told he had won the title this year. The actor also revealed his wife was 'very excited' to learn he was named Sexiest Man Alive, adding, 'There was a lot of joy involved in me telling her.' This week, John was named as People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive on the Late Show with Steven Colbert After John was announced as this year's winner, fans had a divided reaction on social media. 'John Krasinski sexiest man alive? Hmmmm I'm not sure,' one wrote, while another added: 'John Krasinski People's sexiest man alive? I must be missing something.' 'I'm so disappointed it's not even funny. I stayed up till midnight for this bulls**t,' a third said, while a fourth questioned: 'John Krasinski???? not ryan gosling!!????' Another commentator shared a photo of John's wife Emily crying in a still from the film The Devil Wears Prada, and wrote, 'only his wife thinks that.' 'This is worse than benny blanco to me, like giving it to a slice of bread,' someone else wrote. Legendary Australian actor Ken Shorter died in Sydney earlier this month aged 79. No cause of death was given and it is believed he was in declining health for several years, after retiring from acting in 2018. The veteran performer played the title character in the iconic 1974 Australian biker gang movie Stone, which is regarded as an influence on Mad Max. He also appeared alongside Mick Jagger in the 1970 film Ned Kelly and played a role in the Hollywood movie Dragonheart: A New Beginning. Australian TV writer Nigel Giles confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media: 'Vale Ken Shorter, Australian actor who worked across stage and screen since the 1960s. 'Known for roles in iconic film and TV productions including You Can't See 'Round Corners and Stone, plus guest roles in everything from Play School to Number 96. Lovely bloke.' Born Kenneth Shorter in Sydney in 1946, he originally worked as a police officer and truck driver in the late 60s. However, he soon realised his real passion was performing and he became an actor and went on to star in some of Australia's most renowned productions. Legendary Australian actor Ken Shorter died in Sydney earlier this month aged 79. Pictured in the 1974 movie Stone The veteran performer played the title character in the iconic 1974 Australian biker gang movie Stone, which is seen as an influence on later movies such as Mad Max He began his career as a presenter on the iconic Aussie children's show Play School in 1969, before moving into films. His other performances include roles in Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and the 1981 American fantasy movie Dragonslayer. He also lived in England for several years and while there appeared in shows such as The Bill, Casualty and Persuasion. Ken was an extremely private person who rarely spoke to the media and little is known about his personal life, including whether he was married or had children. Iconic New Zealand rockers Shihad have announced they are splitting up after 36 years. The Wellington-bred band revealed the split while announcing their swansong tour Loud Forever. The Aussie leg of the run will see Shihad hit Adelaide, Sydney, Perth Brisbane, and Melbourne from February to March 2025. In a statement announcing the tour explained that the split was due to members Jon Toogood, Tom Larkin, Phil Knight, and Karl Kippenberger not being able to devote their full time to the band. 'With gaps between albums increasing, growing commitments outside the band, and band members inability to give Shihad the time, focus and dedication it needed and deserved, they made the hard call to end the band,' the statement read. While opinions within differ, they are united in agreement that half-a**ing Shihad was never an option.' Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, bass player Scott Kippenberger said that while the writing was on the wall, he felt grief at the loss of his band. 'Its been a long time coming, Its been a long process for us. Im relieved for the announcement,' he said. Iconic New Zealand rockers Shihad have announced they are splitting up after 36 years 'Its a range of emotions. 'Deep down, I never want this to end. 'Grief. It's been quite a time of grief.' Enjoying a career that spanned almost four decades, Shihad build their career on the back of an uncompromisingly powerful live show. In a statement announcing the tour explained that the split was due to members Jon Toogood (pictured), Tom Larkin, Phil Knight, and Karl Kippenberger not being able to devote their full time to the band. The band enjoyed two top ten albums in Australia - 2002's Pacifier, and 2014's FVEY - and were nominated for four ARIA awards. The band's influence in their native New Zealand cannot be overstated with six of their albums hitting number one, including their latest Old Gods, which dropped in 2021. The band have also won 18 Aotearoa Music Awards and were inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2010. Off the back of the success late '90s success, the band shifted focus to try to crack the difficult US market, deciding to record their 'Its a range of emotions. 'Deep down, I never want this to end. 'Grief. Its been quite a time of grief,' bass player Karl Kippenberger told the New Zealand Herald Early in 2001 Shihad focused their attention on the US market and signed with an American-based management. They started work on their next album, Pacifier, in Los Angeles, however before the album was completed, the US was rocked by the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York. In the wake of the tragedy, Shihad briefly changed their name to Pacifier as it was felt that the original name sounded like 'Jihad.' The band eventually reverted back to their original name in 2004. Dorit Kemsley shared more details about her son Jagger's 'very frightening' emergency surgeries on Monday. The 48-year-old Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star gushed that she was 'very, very happy to say that hes doing so much better' as he recovered from septic hip. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the condition also known as septic arthritis is an infection of joint fluid and tissue that spreads through the bloodstream. It is most commonly found in children and is treated by administering antibiotics and draining excess fluid. 'He had two hip surgeries in under a week. Emergency surgery,' Dorit told Us Weekly. 'This little guy has been through a lot, but hes incredible.' Dorit's good news about her 10-year-old son Jagger comes as she and her costar Kyle Richards are rumored to be feuding over their exes. Dorit Kemsley, 48, shared an optimistic update on Monday about her resilient son Jagger, 10, after he underwent two emergency surgeries for a septic hip; seen in February in Santa Monica She said Jagger had 'been through a lot,' but he now walked with only a 'little limp' and no longer required a walker Although Dorit who shares Jagger with her estranged husband PK was optimistic about her son's condition, she noted that he still walked with a 'little limp.' However, his mobility has been improving significantly, and she said he no long needs a walker to get around. 'It was scary and difficult and challenging, but he was so strong and brave,' she said. Dorit noted that the medical interventions were a shock for her son, as her children had 'not even had blood drawn' before he was rushed into surgery. 'Next thing you know, were in the ER,' she added. Jagger's condition was complicated due to some misdiagnoses, which unfortunately meant that his septic arthritis had gotten more serious. Because of that, doctors didn't waste any more time in getting him prepped for surgery. 'I had about 10 minutes from when they told me he was going into emergency surgery to when they wheeled him away,' Dorit confessed. 'It was scary and difficult and challenging, but he was so strong and brave,' she said of Jagger Dorit, who said Jagger went into emergency surgery because he was initially misdiagnosed, was overjoyed that he recovered enough to do a joint costume with the family for Halloween The experience of waiting for her son to emergency from the operating room was 'very traumatic' and 'very frightening,' but she thanked God when her little boy emerged in good condition. However, he wasn't out of the woods, and he required a second surgery just five days later, and Dorit said he dealt with a 'few other setbacks' as he recovered. 'Seeing him not walking for a month and being in the hospital for two weeks and then coming out in a wheelchair to a walker, to limping, to walking and soon to be running kids, theyre very resilient. They bounce back,' she said. 'Thank God, hes doing really, really well. So Im so happy.' Jagger's recovery meant that he was able to join his sister Phoenix, eight, and his parents as Dorit and PK reunited for Halloween. On Instagram she posted cute photos of the quartet in matching Flintstones costumes, and Jagger appeared to be healthy and happy in the smiley snaps. 'It was great,' Dorit gushed about the trick-or-treating session, which the family 'look[s] forward to.' 'When Jagger was in the hospital and we didnt know what was going on, really, I didnt know if there was going to be a Halloween,' she admitted. 'And so, for us to have been able to do it and get dressed and me be able to take them trick or treating, it was everything. So Im so happy.' The holiday saw Dorit reuniting with her estranged husband and Jagger's father PK; pictured together in 2022 Kyle Richards recently shut down rumors that she and Dorit were feuding. Dorit was rumored to be pursuing her ex Mauricio, while Kyle rumored to have feelings for PK This week, Dorit's RHOBH costar Kyle Richards tried to shut down rumors that she and Dorit had been feuding over their alleged interest in each other's estranged spouses. She made it clear that, though she did swap messages with PK who split from Dorit in May she didn't think of him 'like a brother,' but rather as 'one of the girls,' she told Extra TV. 'He will admit that himself,' she added with a laugh, before confirming that she was not attracted to PK. She also clarified that any drama between her and Dorit was not due to rumors that Dorit had her eye on her estranged husband Mauricio Umansky. By Ma Qiong Established in 1989, the Artemisinin Anti-Malaria Medical Aid Team of GZUCM is currently the only Chinese medical aid team dedicated to using artemisinin to prevent and treat malaria overseas. With more than 40 members, this team has been rooted in Africa and Oceania for many years, and their independently developed anti-malarial drugs have benefited over 30 million patients, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the global fight against malaria. The outstanding achievements of the medical aid team are just a vivid example of GZUCM's efforts to promote the internationalization of Chinese medicine. For decades, GZUCM has been committed to bringing Chinese medicine as the valuable heritage to the world through international cooperation in education, research, and healthcare, continuously enhancing the international influence and competitiveness of Chinese medicine, and contributing the unique strengths to building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. Build a Global Research Network According to Guo Hong, the Vice President of GZUCM, to further implement the international level of Chinese medicine research and promote global health development, GZUCM actively constructs a global research network and establishes long-term cooperation mechanisms with world-class universities and medical research institutions to jointly drive the innovative of Chinese medicine science. The university has formed a strong alliance with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarding institution, the Karolinska Institute, and Uppsala University in Sweden, jointly establishing the "China-Sweden Joint Research Base of Chinese medicine." This base is the first joint Chinese medicine research institution set up in a European high education institution and marks an important milestone in the international scientific research cooperation. Leveraging the advantageous resources of the three institutions, the base conducts a series of cutting-edge international scientific research in Sweden, including the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases with Chinese medicine, the development of new drugs, and the European policy research of Chinese herbal medicine. The collaboration between GZUCM and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia has led to the establishment of the "China-Australia International?Research Centre for Chinese medicine." Since its inception, the center has published approximately 120 co-authored SCI papers and 35 volumes of clinical evidence-based series (including 29 English monographs and 6 Chinese monographs), systematically organizing and rigorously evaluating ancient and modern evidence for 29 Chinese medicine-dominant diseases. These achievements have showcased the unique charm and clinical value of Chinese medicine internationally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) featuring a special introduction on this topic. Collaboration with Utrecht University in the Netherlands has introduced cutting-edge scientific research techniques to GZUCM, such as Single Cell Mass Cytometry (CyTOF) and integrative multi-omics bioinformatics analysis. The application of these technologies has filled a gap in organoid research in Chinese medicine and enriched research methods, enhancing research standards. The collaborative team published groundbreaking research findings in 2023 in the top-tier international journal "EMBO Molecular Medicine," under the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), providing new perspectives and approaches for studying the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and drug targets. Explore New Paths for Innovation On the evening of March 22, GZUCM hosted a significant event, ie. the inaugural meeting of the Overseas Alumni Association, held both online and offline. During the meeting, Academician Liu Liang quoted an ancient saying, "A towering tree must have its roots; water surrounding the mountains must have its source," to inspire each alumnus: the alma mater is not only a cradle for acquiring knowledge and skills but also the starting point for aspirations and dreams. Notably, the organizational structure of the Overseas Alumni Association has taken shape, covering 12 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Europe, forming a global network of Chinese medicine alumni. The newly established alumni associations in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Macau Student Exchange Association in 2024 have strengthened the network. In the journey of promoting Chinese medicine culture globally, besides relying on the unique and powerful bond of the alumni association, GZUCM actively practices its core tenets of "inheritance, promotion, service, and innovation." Leveraging the advantages of cultural resources, the university sends over 200 experts and scholars abroad each year for academic exchanges or lectures, bringing Chinese medcine culture and Chinese traditional culture overseas. Meanwhile, the university closely collaborates with governments, professional cultural dissemination agencies, and mainstream media to construct a comprehensive media matrix, creating a multi-dimensional and integrated communication system. From the health series in "National Treasure Archives" to the short videos "Guangdong Chinese medicine," and the English documentaries "Healing Guangdong" and "Chinese Medicine Doctors in Guangdong", high-quality cultural products in multiple languages and formats allow global audiences to deeply understand the long history and brilliant achievements of Chinese medicine. Keeping up with contemporary trends, the university actively participates in the "Chinese medicine Internet Celebrity" cultivation plan, using new media platforms to expand communication channels, making Chinese medicine culture more accessible to younger audiences. Additionally, it fully leverages the resources of the Guangdong Chinese medicine Museum to conduct relative science popularization services and international dissemination. Integrate Western and Chinese Medical Wisdom It is worth mentioning that from 2015 to 2023, GZUCM successfully established seven national-level Chinese medicine overseas centers and five national-level international cooperation bases worldwide, securing a total of RMB 15.438 million yuan in national funding. This achievement not only acknowledges the efforts and contributions of the university but also marks an important milestone in the internationalization of Chinese medicine. Among these initiatives, the Artemisinin Anti-Malaria Research and Promotion Project stands out as a major highlight. The artemisinin compound developed by GZUCM has not only been included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of recommended medications but has also received patent protection in 40 countries. It has been widely used in several malaria-endemic countries, successfully helping tens of millions of people alleviate their suffering. GZUCM's Artemisinin Anti-Malaria team actively responds to the "Belt and Road Initiative," delving into malaria-endemic regions in Asia and Africa to provide high-quality medical services. By training local medical personnel and promoting prevention and treatment concepts, they have effectively enhanced the malaria control capabilities of the recipient countries. In 2023, GZUCM and its affiliated hospitals took the lead in establishing the Belt and Road Alliance for Chinese medicine, which includes over 20 universities and big tertiary hospitals from both China and abroad. In August 2024, the "Belt and Road International Joint Laboratory on Traditional Medicine Innovation Research" was established at the university's Second Affiliated Hospital. The laboratory aims to gather top international research forces to jointly explore the modernization and internationalization of traditional medicine. At the same time, GZUCM, based in the Greater Bay Area and looking globally, integrates Chinese medicine resources from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and utilizes multiple professional alliances such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Chinese medicine Alliance to establish the Greater Bay Area Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, continuously promoting the modernization and international cooperation of Chinese medicine. Forge a New Team of International Talents As Traditional Chinese medicine gains international recognition, GZUCM is actively responding to national strategies by accelerating the establishment of a new framework for international education. It is dedicated to cultivating high-level international talents in Chinese medicine, further enhancing the reputation of the "Study at GZUCM" brand in global education. To this end, GZUCM leverages its geographic proximity of being close to Southeast Asia and actively cooperates with countries and regions that have a better foundation for the development of Chinese medicine to cultivate talents. Since 2007, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, GZUCM and Singapore College of Chinese Medicine have jointly offered a seven-year bachelor's degree program in Chinese medicine. This program has not only become the largest and most influential Chinese medicine educational cooperation project between China and Singapore but also witnessed deep cooperation and mutual development in the field of Chinese medicine education. Meanwhile, in recent years, GZUCM has taken the initiative to cater to the Belt and Road initiative and has established 33 part-time postgraduate teaching sites in 15 countries and regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It has also signed cooperation agreements with renowned universities and Chinese medicine institutions in Russia, Chile, Portugal, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries and regions to carry out a variety of cooperation projects. In addition to academic education cooperation, the school also organizes a variety of short-term Chinese medicine education and training programs. Up to now, a total of 1,189 short-term training courses have been organized, covering more than 40 countries and regions, with over 12,000 participants attending the training courses. In the era of globalization, GZUCM has fully leveraged the advantages of the internet to create a global online teaching platform for Chinese medicine. Through the platform, GZUCMs high-quality Chinese medicine educational resources can benefit students around the world. Currently, the platform has established 33 overseas teaching sites in 15 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, providing convenient learning channels for Chinese medicine enthusiasts in these areas. To Lead the Formulation of International Standards GZUCM understands that cooperation with international organizations is key to promoting the standardization of Chinese medicine. To this end, GZUCM has actively cooperated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish the International Research Institute on Clinical Guidelines for Traditional Medicine. The establishment of this platform not only provides an important vehicle for Chinese medicine to participate in the research and development of international standards but also further enhances its role in evaluating the current status and progress of clinical guidelines and related standards in the field of international traditional medicine. By selecting and evaluating the evidence of clinical guidelines and related standards from various regions or countries and forming recommendation reports, GZUCM is strongly involved in WHO's standard-setting, demonstrating that Chinese medicine has a model effect in the field of standards and norms construction. Vice President Guo Hong pointed out that in the specific practice standardization, GZUCM has achieved remarkable results. It has not only successfully hosted the GRADE Training Course for Chinese Medicine Guideline Methodology and the Second International Symposium on Guidelines and Standards for Traditional Medicine, but also established the Working Committee of International Clinical Standards of Chinese Medicine. These efforts have significantly enhanced Chinese medicine's say and influence on the international stage. It is particularly worth mentioning that the "Guidelines for the Treatment of Primary Headache with Chinese medicine," which was led by GZUCM, has been officially included in the U.S. National Guideline of Clinics (NGC). This milestone achievement marks the first and only Chinese medicine clinical practice guideline to be included in NGC, signifying a high level of international recognition for Chinese medicine in relative field. In the process of internationalization of Chinese medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese medicine has effectively enhanced the global influence of traditional Chinese medicine by deepening international cooperation and leading the development of standards, opening up a new path for the international development of Chinese medicine. In the future, GZUCM will continue to uphold the concept of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and work hand in hand with other countries and regions around the world to jointly promote Chinese medicine onto a broader global stage. Longtime couple Laura Prepon and Ben Foster are reportedly divorcing after 6 years of marriage. It was Ben, 44, who filed for divorce on Tuesday, according to TMZ, as the site added that the actors are already living separately. The site alleged that the two split 'a few months ago' and Laura, 44, is currently living in Tennessee while Ben calls Los Angeles home. Ben cited 'irreconcilable differences' and listed September 9 as their separation date in the divorce papers. He asked the court to enforce their prenuptial agreement. It was also added that Laura has not been wearing her wedding ring; she was ring-free in a Halloween Instagram post. Her last Instagram post with Ben was made in December 2022. Together they have two children: a daughter named Ella, who was born in August 2017, and a son who was born in February 2020. Longtime couple Laura Prepon and Ben Foster are reportedly divorcing after 6 years of marriage. It was Ben who filed for divorce on Tuesday, according to TMZ, as the site added that the actors are already living separately; seen in November 2022 The site also claimed that the two split a few months ago and Laura is currently living in Tennessee while Ben resides in Los Angeles. Seen in January 2023 DailyMail.com has reached out to their reps for comment. The couple met as teens through mutual Danny Masterson then started dating in 2016. In August of 2017 they welcomed their daughter. They wed in June 2018. In February 2020 they welcomed a son. Prepon was in a relationship with Christopher Masterson, Danny Masterson's brother, from 1999 to 2007. She later dated Scott Michael Foster for several years, but said in 2013 they had broken up. Foster was engaged to Robin Wright from 2013 to 2015. He has been in relationships with Karen Elson (2016), Jenna Danneberger (2011), Zoe Kravitz (2007 - 2008), Kirsten Dunst (2000 - 2001) and Antje Traue. In 2021, Prepon said she was focusing on her 'own individual spirituality' after leaving Scientology. The Orange Is the New Black alum joined the controversial religion in 1999, but revealed she chose to leave the faith around eight years ago. Laura felt 'relieved' to have put Scientology behind her, a source said. An insider said: 'She feels relieved to be living life on her own terms. She wants to focus on her own individual spirituality.' Ben cited 'irreconcilable differences' and listed September 9 as their separation date. He asked the court to enforce their prenuptial agreement. Seen in 2018 It was also added that Laura has not been wearing her wedding ring. Together they have two children: a daughter named Ella, who was born in August 2017, and a son who was born in February 2020. Seen in April 2022 Laura initially joined the religion to help her gain control of her emotions, but since marrying Foster and having two children she wanted to focus on her family life. The source added to Us Weekly magazine: 'She's a mom now and she's moved on, and she is building her life around that. Laura found her own spiritual path and no longer wants to be associated with the church.' Laura revealed she had cut ties with Scientology in an interview given in 2021, in which she said the religion is 'no longer part' of her life. She said: 'I'm no longer practicing Scientology. I've always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. 'I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I've prayed in churches, meditated in temples. I've studied Chinese meridian theory. I haven't practiced Scientology in close to five years and it's no longer part of my life.' Prepon's last Instagram post was made a week ago when she voted with her daughter in her arms The That '70s Show star said that she and Ben who has never practiced the religion put their energy into meditation to help keep them centred rather than any particular religion. She added: 'We meditate daily and I'm really liking it because it's something that helps me to hear my own voice and it's something we can do together.' Also in 2021, Laura said that she was 'riddled with anxiety' when she became a mother. She battled with anxiety when her daughter was born because she wasn't sure she had what it takes to be a mother. She said: 'If motherhood has taught me anything so far, it's that something can work out for a period of time and then you move on and evolve from that. Laura, center with glasses on, is best known for her show Orange Is The New Black 'As a new mom, I was riddled with anxiety that I had never experienced before. My friends who were mothers with older kids said, 'Laura, this is a phase, you'll move on and then it will be something different.' And that has transcended into other parts of my life. We're all evolving. I always see that with my kids.' The star revealed her two children are growing up all the time and are 'changing every day'. She added: 'They are changing every day now. My daughter is outgoing and wonderful and obsessed with mermaids it used to be unicorns. She's also very determined and does not give up. My son is beginning to socialize with kids more in small classes. He's much more calm and observant.' And Laura can't believe how much she loves her children, as she says having kids has filled her with an 'overwhelming sense of love'. She told People magazine: 'When I had my second child I thought, how am I ever going to love a child as much as I love my first? Then you do and it's this overwhelming sense of love. It's incredible how that happens.' Mariska Hargitay made rare comments about the trauma of losing her mother, Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield, at the age of three. 'I lost my mother when I was 3 years old, and I grew up in a house of people dealing with the tragedy in their own way,' the actress, 60, shared at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation's 18th Annual HOPE Luncheon on Tuesday, as per Us Weekly. 'Because there was so much grief, there wasn't room to prioritize anyone. We didn't have the tools that we have now to metabolize and understand trauma,' the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star added. Mansfield, an actress and Playboy Playmate, tragically died in a car crash in 1967 at the age of 34. Hargitay and two of her siblings were passengers in the vehicle. Hargitay accepted the 2024 Hope Award for Depression Advocacy at the event, hosted at The Plaza Hotel in NYC. Mariska Hargitay, 60, made rare comments about the trauma of losing her mother, Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield, at the age of three, while attending the Hope for Depression Research Foundation's 18th Annual HOPE Luncheon on Tuesday (pictured) Mansfield, an actress and Playboy Playmate, died in a car crash in 1967 at 34. Hargitay and two of her siblings were passengers in the vehicle; Mariska and Jayne seen in 1964 This year's luncheon centered on trauma and recovery, a topic the actress explored in depth during her speech, as she delved into 'various traumas' she's experienced over the years, and how she overcame them. She explained that it wasn't until 'much later in life' that she developed the tools to confront her past traumas. 'I also suffered sexual trauma in my 30s, it wasn't until much later that I found the language to acknowledge it for what it was,' the star shared. She said the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded 20 years ago was 'part of my response to my own experience.' Earlier this year, Hargitay who shares three children with husband Peter Hermann, 57 revealed she was raped by a friend when she was in her 30s. 'I built a whole foundation that responded to trauma and survivors the way that I wanted to be responded to. I had the good fortune to find extraordinary therapists who introduced me to many different healing modalities.' Hargitay emphasized the importance of addressing how 'trauma lives in the body' in order to heal, adding, 'These modalities give me my life back.' Hargitay expressed deep gratitude for those 'who mirrored my trauma back to me, who helped me integrate different parts of ourselves and metabolize my own trauma.' 'I lost my mother when I was 3 years old, and I grew up in a house of people dealing with the tragedy in their own way,' the actress shared; Jayne and Mariska pictured with Mansfield's friend, Satanist Anton LaVey 'Because there was so much grief, there wasn't room to prioritize anyone. We didn't have the tools that we have now to metabolize and understand trauma,' the star added; seen in October Hargitay accepted the 2024 Hope Award for Depression Advocacy at the event, hosted at The Plaza Hotel in NYC; seen in 2023 in New York City 'Complex trauma that so many of us carry. We all have a story. We all are carrying so much internally that other people can't see.' She concluded her speech with a positive message for those struggling: 'There is hope.' Mansfield was born Vera Jayne Palmer in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania in 1933. She studied acting at university and won a series of quirkily named beauty contests including Gas Station Queen, Miss Lobster and Miss Fire Prevention Week. Her voluptuous hourglass figure cost her roles in the conservative climate of 1950s Hollywood but won her a nude shoot with Playboy in 1955. The following year, Mansfield signed with Twentieth Century Fox, whose executives hoped she could become the new Marilyn Monroe. She was named one of the most promising newcomers at the 1957 Golden Globe Awards for her performances in films such as The Girl Cant Help It. But by the early 1960s, her career had fizzled out. Despite gaining some edge as one of the first major Hollywood actresses to appear nude in a film Promises! Promises! in 1963 Mansfield lost her star. Mansfield had a total of five children and was divorced three times. Her second husband, Mickey Hargitay, was a Hungarian-American actor; Mansfield seen with Mickey and their kids Zoltan, Mikos, and Mariska, and daughter Jayne from Mansfield's previous marriage Mansfield was a trailblazer sex symbol in the fifties and sixties - at a time where many actresses were afraid to embrace their sexuality; pictured on set of Too Hot To Handle Her voluptuous hourglass figure cost her roles in the conservative climate of 1950s Hollywood but won her a nude shoot with Playboy in 1955; pictured circa 1955 Mansfields rather rocky private life three marriages that all ended in divorce, along with allegations of numerous affairs was also a major talking point during her time in the public eye. In 1966, she also began a friendship with Anton LaVey, a Satanist trying to attract new members to his Church of Satan. A popular legend that might have been spread by LaVey himself claimed that he portrayed the devil who rapes Mia Farrows character in the 1968 film Rosemarys Baby. After they connected in San Francisco, the pair developed a friendship that some claim was sexual in nature and continued to meet frequently to perform rituals until Mansfields death. After Mansfield died LaVey conducted a Satanic memorial service for her at his Black House in San Francisco. Mansfield had a total of five children. Her second husband, Mickey Hargitay, was a Hungarian-American bodybuilder and actor. Aside from Mariska, she was also mom to Jayne (born 1950), Mickey (born 1958), Zoltan (born 1960), and Tony (born 1965). Mansfields life was suddenly cut short while she was in a Buick car traveling from Biloxi, Mississippi to New Orleans along with her lawyer and then-boyfriend Samuel S. Brody, driver Ronnie Harrison, and three of her children. Harrison crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer that was obscured by a cloud of insecticide dust from the truck hauling it. Hargitay followed into her famous mother's footsteps as an actress. She's been playing Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999; seen in a still Hargitay and her mother were united on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame when their stars placed stars were placed side by side in 2013 Mariska, who was fast asleep in the backseat, survived. Her brothers, eight-year-old Mickey Jr. and six-year-old Zoltan, also survived. Last year Mariska penned an emotional tribute to her mom on Instagram, on what would have been her 90th birthday. 'Happy birthday Mama. We live to love you more each day,' wrote the acclaimed star in her caption. Hargitay followed into her famous mother's footsteps as an actress. She's been playing Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999. The show is one of the longest-running primetime dramas on American television. In 2013, Hargitay and her mother were united on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame when their stars placed stars were placed side by side. Roxy Jacenko has scolded fellow business owner Jane Lu over her working from home policies at Showpo. The 44-year-old PR queen expressed her disapproval of the CEO's decision to have employees work in the office only two out of five days per week. Speaking on The Lazy CEO Podcast with Jane Lu, Roxy emphasised her belief that having staff present in the office five days a week would foster greater collaboration among the team. 'You've got a whole team out there. Get them here five days a week, not f**king two days a week,' she said. 'The only way to work the team is with the team. And I'm sorry, I don't believe in this work from home.' Jane acknowledged that when she had her team in the Showpo office full-time, she noticed that more ideas were 'bounced off' and exchanged among colleagues. 'Before Covid, I was more the same age as everyone. We were together five days. [There was] so much more collaboration,' she said. 'Everyone just presents ideas to me. There's no brainstorm.' Roxy Jacenko (left) has slammed fellow business owner Jane Lu (right) over her working from home policies at Showpo 'Yeah, but that's your fault. You're the boss,' Roxy quipped. 'You're not together, you're not on the floor with them... only two days a week.' Australian online fashion retailer Showpo was founded in 2010 by Jane and has a target market of young women. The CEO has a net worth of approximately $55million. Elsewhere in the chat, Roxy revealed how she gained 18kg after moving to Singapore in 2023 with her husband Oliver Curtis and their two children. The 44-year-old PR queen expressed her disapproval of the CEO's decision to have employees work in the office only two out of five days per week Jane acknowledged that when she had her team in the Showpo office full-time, she noticed that more ideas were 'bounced off' and exchanged among colleagues The entrepreneur settled in to the Southeast Asian country in July last year after selling her family mansion in Sydney's Vaucluse and shutting down some of her businesses. She admitted she stacked on the kilos after relocating because of her lifestyle changes. Roxy explained she spent most of her time eating, drinking and going shopping and this led to an 18kg weight gain. 'Housewifery was not for me. I just shopped and shopped. It was the most boring existence,' Roxy, who announced her return to PR in September, said. 'I consumed 18kgs of alcohol in a year and realised this is not for me so I got back to work.' She also discussed the terrifying moment she overdosed on Ozempic in an effort to lose weight. Roxy revealed she'd taken four times the recommended dosage before she suffered from severe vomiting and non-stop shaking. 'I put so much weight on. I would have to undo my jeans when I sat in the car so I got sucked in by it,' she explained. 'I bought it, I tried it. I took four times the amount in the first go.' Roxy continued by saying she's 'so sick of people' who deny using Ozempic, adding: 'I call a spade a spade on my platform and I don't care.' The PR Queen previously said she thought she was going to 'die' after taking one milligram of the diabetic treatment, which was four times the amount prescribed to her by a doctor. Australian WWE star Grayson Waller has broken his silence over a shock interview he did on Sunrise earlier this year during which he accused co-host Natalie Barr of 'disrespecting' his profession. The professional wrestler, 34, told Canadian podcaster Chris Van Vliet he lashed out on camera after he felt the Sunrise team were making fun of his job. 'I hate when people disrespect what we do and treat it as a joke. Their sound guy said he would "take a punch" from me, and I was like, "you don't realise what we do",' Grayson said. In January, Grayson was welcomed to the Channel Seven breakfast show alongside American rival LA Knight, but things took a turn for the worse when the pair started trash talking each other. Co-host Barr looked visibly uncomfortable as Grayson's verbal insults became heated and told the wrestlers: 'I'm getting a bit scared here I'm glad I'm sitting on this side of the couch.' Grayson told Chris he decided he would have some 'fun' by scaring the Sunrise team after he felt insulted by them. 'I thought I'm going to have some fun with this, and they were terrified. We need to protect what we do. If someone is so disrespectful to your face, I'm not going to sit there and take it. 'I wanted them to respect what I did a little bit more. They don't know what wrestling is, they are not fans. I came to Australia to do the show, I was doing it for them, they were not doing it for me.' Australian WWE star Grayson Waller (pictured) has broken his silence about the shock interview he did on Sunrise earlier this year, in which he accused co-host Natalie Barr of 'disrespecting' his profession During the shock Sunrise interview, Natalie asked Waller and Knight to perform their 'signature' WWE moves on each other. After they refused, she suggested they instead demonstrate using a Sunrise floor manager. The male staffer then confidently strutted onto set and prepared to face off with Waller, who seemed irritated the man wasn't taking it seriously. 'I don't think you understand, because if I go over there we're gonna have the police here, because I'm not gonna give you some fake punch,' Waller ranted at the man, standing up from his seat. The professional wrestler, 34, told Canadian podcaster Chris Van Vliet that he lashed out on camera after he felt the Sunrise team were making fun of his job. Pictured on the program 'I'm gonna punch you straight in the jaw. The disrespect you give me when you act like this isn't real. Don't act tough. You guys disrespect us, are you kidding me?' he continued. Natalie was visibly shocked by the outburst, nervously telling Waller: 'I'm not disrespecting you.' Meanwhile, co-host Matt Shirvington tried to diffuse the situation, doing his best umpire impersonation before escorting the floor manager off set. Waller then sat down and assured Natalie that he and Knight 'loved' the Sunrise host, as they immediately wrapped up. A woman who had a chance encounter with Kanye West in Sydney in the mid-aughts has declared she could have been the next Kim Kardashian. Sydneysider Belle, who appeared on KIIS FM Wednesday, told radio host Kyle Sandilands how she met the rapper at The Ivy and was invited to party with him. Belle couldn't tell Kyle exactly what year this occurred, but she said it was in Kanye's era of the wearing the coloured shutter shades. 'He was in the days where he was rocking the Venetian glasses, you know, the bright yellow ones?' she said. Kanye first wore a pair of shutter shades - also known as slatted shades, louvered shades, or Venetian blind shades - in his Stronger music video in 2007. In late 2006, Kanye brought his The Touch the Sky Tour Down Under, in support of his second studio album, Late Registration. It was the second world tour of his music career. 'He was really smooth,' Belle recalled. Kanye West played tourist during his tour stop in Sydney in November 2006 Models showcasing Diesel designs at The Ivy Pool Club in 2009 'He was trying to find out what we were doing after.' Belle was partying with her friends at billionaire Justin Hemmes' Ivy nightclub in the midst of its 2000s glory days, when the Merivale venue was often frequented by high rollers and A-list international artists. 'Do you remember his breath?' Kyle asked her, likely in reference to doctors' claims the rapper's titanium veneers can cause halitosis. Belle didn't recall, but admitted the rapper 'was heaps shorter than I thought!' She said that she remembers feeling nervous and excited in the presence of the 5'8 fashion designer, and said that he'd repeatedly asked her what she was doing after the party. 'He was like, "What you doing after?"' Kanye West and 'socialite' Kim Kardashian attend the grand opening of Intermix in Los Angeles, California in 2007. The longtime friends became romantically involved in 2012 Ultimately, Belle turned the famous musician down and chose to remain with friends. 'I was like "F**k! I could've been the next Kim!" she exclaimed, and then sighed. 'But I'm not.' Kanye went on to marry Kardashian and have four children with the socialite before their divorce in 2022. He went on to marry Australian Yeezy employee Bianca Censori that same year. Kanye West pictured performing live at Sydney Olympic Park in 2006 It comes after reports Ivy's Level 6 bar was described as being 'one step short' of 'a brothel', by an unnamed manager last month. Staff at the ritzy venue, where membership costs $10,000 a year, have detailed allegations of sexual assault and being pressured into pleasing the largely wealthy male clientele. In return, the hand-picked bevy of glamorous young women, mostly aged between 18 and 21, employed as 'hosts' would take home Gucci handbags and up to $600 in tips for a couple of nights' work. An unnamed staff member told Nine newspapers that 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. Merivale told Nine newspapers it took the allegations extremely seriously but had no record of them. Jamie Foxx has revealed the mantra he 'lives by' 19 months after surviving a near-death 'medical complication,' which put him in a 20-day coma and left him unable to walk. 'No bad dayz,' the Oscar winner - turning 57 next month - wrote on Tuesday. 'This is my mantra after surviving something that I thought I would never go through. My good friend James [V. Barnett], who also happens to be my manager, gave me this phrase. I live by it now. 'When you come through the darkness, the light looks brighter. And while I'm at it, I want to say thank you to everyone that sent up a prayer. I needed it.' Jamie (born Eric Bishop) then urged his 31.2M social media followers to watch his first comedy special in 22 years - Netflix's Jamie Foxx: What Happened Was... premiering December 10 - 'if you need a spiritual tune-up.' Jamie Foxx has revealed the mantra he 'lives by' 19 months after surviving a near-death 'medical complication,' which put him in a 20-day coma and left him unable to walk (pictured in 2023) Foxx's Instagram post received supportive comments from celebs like Oppenheimer actor David Krumholtz: 'Prayers stay up for you, Jamie.' And Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea posted three heart emojis. In the teaser for his upcoming stand-up special, the In Living Color alum told the crowd: 'I said, "If I can stay funny, I could stay alive." I'm back!' Jamie's heart and my soul was 'filled with nothing but pure joy' after he 'had an opportunity to tell my side of the story' over three nights October 3-5 in Atlanta, GA. 'I haven't been on stage in 18 years but I needed the stage and I needed an audience that was made up of nothing but pure love and that's what you were,' Foxx gushed on October 13. 'When people ask me is this a stand-up comedy show I say, "No, it's an artistic explanation of something that went terribly wrong."' In behind-the-scenes snaps, the Grammy winner could be seen playing piano and singing during the What Happened Was special. Jamie only had eight days left of filming on Seth Gordon's spy comedy Back in Action - premiering January 17 on Netflix - when he suffered what he thought was just 'a bad headache.' The Oscar winner - turning 57 next month - wrote on Tuesday: 'No bad dayz. This is my mantra after surviving something that I thought I would never go through' Jamie (born Eric Bishop) added: 'My good friend James [V. Barnett], who also happens to be my manager, gave me this phrase. I live by it now. When you come through the darkness, the light looks brighter' Foxx then urged his fans to watch his first comedy special in 22 years - Netflix's Jamie Foxx: What Happened Was... premiering December 10 - 'if you need a spiritual tune-up' The In Living Color alum's Instagram post received supportive comments from celebs like Oppenheimer actor David Krumholtz: 'Prayers stay up for you, Jamie' And Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea posted three heart emojis In the teaser for his upcoming stand-up special, Jamie told the crowd: 'I said, "If I can stay funny, I could stay alive." I'm back!' Foxx's heart and my soul was 'filled with nothing but pure joy' after he 'had an opportunity to tell my side of the story' over three nights October 3-5 in Atlanta, GA The Grammy winner gushed on October 13: 'When people ask me is this a stand-up comedy show I say, "No, it's an artistic explanation of something that went terribly wrong"' Jamie only had eight days left of filming on Seth Gordon's spy comedy Back in Action - premiering January 17 on Netflix - when he suffered what he thought was just 'a bad headache' 'I've been through something. I've been through some things,' Foxx said while accepting the Vanguard Award at the Critics Choice Association event on December 4. 'I cherish every single minute now it's different. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy because its tough when it's almost over... when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel I didn't see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don't know where I was going. "S***, am I going to the right place?"' On the personal front, the life-long bachelor had the support of his newlywed daughter Corinne 'Foxx' Marie Bishop, 30; from his relationship with Air Force veteran Connie Kline. Jamie could also lean on his 16-year-old daughter Anelise Bishop (with former publicist Kristin Grannis) as well as his model girlfriend of 15 months, Alyce Huckstepp. Kyle Sandilands took a swipe at Ben Fordham on his radio show Wednesday morning, mocking the 2GB host's recent OnlyFans fraud claims. Fordham, 47, revealed on his radio show on Tuesday that he was the victim of a scam which saw charges made to his Commonwealth Bank account for the X-rated site. Now Sandilands, 53, has intensified the playful feud with his radio rival by joking that Fordham wasn't scammed at all, but instead paid for OnlyFans himself. 'Dirty dog. Come on, Ben. Now listen. I'm unpacking this,' Sandilands began on his KIIS FM radio show. 'When was the last time you wandered into the bank just to have a chat to the teller and [they] start running through your [transactions]? Never. That never happens.' Sandilands went on to say he texted Fordham after hearing his radio segment about the shocking payments made to the subscription website, which people often use to purchase racy videos and images from adult content creators. 'He wrote back, "Mate, why would I ever go on OnlyFans when I've got a hottie like Jodie? Why would I even do it on air? But I can see where you're coming from." So he's still trying to get out of it,' Sandilands said. 'Then he sends me the screenshot of the actual bank statement... I thought god you protest too much. You're guilty,' Sandilands joked. Kyle Sandilands, 53, (left) took a swipe at Ben Fordham, 47, (right) on his radio show Wednesday morning, mocking the 2GB host's recent OnlyFans fraud claims Sandilands proceeded to show his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson the bank statement Fordham sent, which he said contained four US$50 payments made to OnlyFans. Fordham recently urged Australians to check their travel money cards after he fell victim to an 'embarrassing' fraud involving OnlyFans. The 2GB host visited his local Commonwealth Bank branch to close the accounts linked to his and his wife's travel cards. Fordham told the bank clerk that he wouldn't be using the travel cards anymore and wanted to transfer any remaining funds back to his regular bank account. However, when the Commonwealth Bank employee pulled up the account on their computer, Fordham immediately noticed 'OnlyFans' listed in the transaction historya platform where users pay subscription fees to access adult content. Fordham revealed on his radio show on Tuesday that he was the victim of a scam which saw charges made to his Commonwealth Bank account for the X-rated site. Pictured with his wife Jodie Speers 'I had this embarrassing conversation with the gentleman behind the counter... he was pretending he didn't see it,' Fordham said. 'It was an uncomfortable moment where I said to him, "Look, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I swear I have not spent any money with OnlyFans".' The bank employee told Fordham he had been targeted by a scammer. The transaction history showed that $50USD had been transferred out to 'OnlyFans.com' and then returned to the account just minutes later. Fordham and Sandilands have often enjoyed playful jabs both on and off the air. However, Sandilands recently opened up about an on-air physical altercation with his radio rival Ben Fordham last week. The pair appeared as guests on the John Laws show to discuss the US presidential election, when things quickly got ugly after Fordham took a verbal swipe at the shock jock. Now Sandilands has intensified the apparent feud with his radio rival by joking that Fordham wasn't scammed at all, but instead paid for OnlyFans himself Sandilands responded to Fordham's slam by throwing a glass of water in his face. 'Of all the experts on American politics, what an honour for John Laws to have Kyle Sandilands commenting [on the election],' Fordham said during the segment. 'I'll throw this water in your face, b***h; I don't care who you think you are,' Kyle responded. Fordham continued to bait Sandilands, telling him: 'Have a go... you talk tough to the paparazzi.' Audio of the incident, in which Fordham can be heard reacting to receiving a soaking, was shared with listeners on the Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday. 'Oh, Lord,' Fordham said after the attack. Sandilands then told him: 'Don't ever push a Brisbane boy,' Co-host Jackie O Henderson laughed hysterically during the playback after Sandilands confirmed he threw the glass of water straight into Fordham's face. Gillian Anderson looked the epitome of sophistication as she joined smart Charles Dance at the Booker Prize 2024 winners event on Tuesday night. The actress, 56, wore a beautiful dark red dress as she posed at the literary event held at Old Billingsgate. She completed the look with a pair of strappy black heels to boost her height and wore her blonde tresses pulled back. Also at the event was actor Charles, 78, looked smart in a black suit which he wore with a patterned scarf. British author Samantha Harvey became the first woman since 2019 to win the Booker Prize. Gillian Anderson looked the epitome of sophistication as she joined smart Charles Dance at the Booker Prize 2024 winners event on Tuesday night Actor Charles, 78, looked smart in a black suit which he wore with a patterned scarf as he arrived Her book Orbital, about astronauts looking down at Earth, was named as the winner of the 50,000 prize and trophy at the ceremony held in the City of London. Harvey, who was longlisted for the prestigious literary prize in 2009 for her debut novel The Wilderness, is the 19th woman to win since the first award in 1969. There have been 36 male winners. The Queen was one of the first to send the author her congratulations, after meeting her earlier today - saying the novel was 'brilliant'. Harvey, from Bath, said she had 'no idea how to deal with' her win at the 2024 Booker Prize as she took to the stage following her victory. She said she was 'overwhelmed, vicariously' when Irish author Paul Lynch, a friend of hers, won last year, and 'can't believe' she is in the same position. She said: 'Gosh, I have no idea how to deal with this. I have not expected it. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Harvey dedicated the prize to 'everybody who does speak for, and not against the earth, for and not against the dignity of other humans, other life and all the people who speak for and call for and work for peace'. 'I suppose it's fair to say that no Booker speech has ever been made in a perfect world. It's hard to not acknowledge the imperfections of the world that we live in today.' The actress, 56, wore a beautiful dark red dress as she posed at the literary event held at Old Billingsgate She completed the look with a pair of strappy black heels to boost her height and wore her blonde tresses pulled back She looked as classy as always in the midi dress Charles cut a dapper figure at the event British author Samantha Harvey became the first woman since 2019 to win the Booker Prize She posed with her award at the prize ceremony in London Five years ago, the gong went jointly to two women, British author Bernardine Evaristo for Girl, Woman, Other and Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood for The Handmaid's Tale sequel The Testaments. It was last won by a British author when Glasgow-born Douglas Stuart was named the 2020 Booker Prize winner for Shuggie Bain. Harvey joined the likes of Gillian, Charles, Sara Pascoe, Sir Lenny Henry, Ruth Jones and TV historian David Olusoga at the star-studded ceremony. Gaby Wood, chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, said: 'Orbital wins the prize in a year of geopolitical crisis, likely to be the warmest year in recorded history. 'A book about a planet 'shaped by the sheer amazing force of human want', about an 'unbounded place' with no wall or barrier visible from space, with all politics 'an assault on its gentleness', it is hopeful, timely and timeless.' Speaking with The Guardian, she continued: 'Zooming right out let me escape our web of concerns about our impact on each other and on the planet.' Born in Kent, Harvey said that she had been watching the ISS live camera 'for years', and had become immersed in the beauty it showed. Describing it as 'space pastoral', she said the characters are 'just part of the image, not the lens' - and her key hope was to 'do justice in words to the beauty of the Earth and how I feel about the unnerving fact of its aloneness'. Harvey's novel takes place over a 24-hour time frame, following six astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station over 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets. It touches on the death of a loved one, a typhoon coming, and the fragility of human life. Harvey, a Reader in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, where she herself went to university, previously told the BBC that she wrote the book between successive lockdowns. Sir Lenny Henry (L) and Lisa Makin attend The Booker Prize 2024 winners announcement Author Elizabeth Day and her husband Justin Basini were also in attendance Comedian Tom Allen wore a smart velvet suit She told Radio 4's Front Row: 'I was writing about six people trapped in a tin can. It felt like there was something resonant about that and our experience of lockdown, of not being able to escape each other and also not being able to get to other people.' This year, a record number of women were shortlisted for the Booker, with five nominated in total. The best-selling book of the shortlist, with 29,000 copies sold in the UK this year, Orbital is also the second-shortest Booker winner, just behind Penelope Fitzgerald's Offshore, which won the 1979 prize. It has also won The InWords Literary Award 2024 and the 2024 Hawthornden Prize for Literature. Dermot O'Leary and wife Dee Koppang enjoyed a date night at Somerset House's Skate launch party in London on Tuesday. The This Morning star, 51, and partner Dee, 45, looked loved-up as they skated around the ice rink hand-in-hand. Dermot bundled up in a black jacket and cream turtleneck top, teamed with chinos, brown Chelsea boots and a flat cap. Meanwhile, Dee looked chic in an emerald coat, while also accessorising with a flat cap and carrying her belongings in a brown crossbody bag. Other celebrities at the fun festive event included Jamie Dornan, Lennon Gallagher and Greg Davies. Dermot O'Leary and wife Dee Koppang enjoyed a date night at Somerset House's Skate launch party in London on Tuesday The This Morning star, 51, and partner Dee, 45, looked loved-up as they skated around the ice rink hand-in-hand The couple enjoyed a warm drink after hitting the ice In September, Dermot surprised fans by sharing an emotional tribute to his wife Dee Koppang on Instagram as he celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. The presenter took to his Instagram page on Saturday with a rare snap from their wedding day as they danced the night away together. Dermot, who is usually fairly private about his family life, gave a rare insight by sharing the sweet shot of himself and Dee. Alongside the photograph, he wrote: '12 years!' The couple met when they were both working for the same television corporation and started dating in 2002 when they began a nine-year relationship. Dermot got down on one knee during a trip in New York in 2011. Despite keeping the news quiet themselves, C aroline Flack announced on the Xtra Factor that the couple had become engaged. Dermot and the film producer eventually tied the knot a year later at St Mary's Church in Chiddingstone in September 2012. Dermot bundled up in a black jacket and cream turtleneck top, teamed with chinos, brown Chelsea boots and a flat cap Dee looked chic in an emerald coat, while also accessorising with a flat cap and carrying her belongings in a brown crossbody bag She appeared in high spirits at the event Lennon Gallagher posed with a glass of Whispering Angel at the event He was joined by Isobel Richmond Isobel showed off her skating skills on the rink Jamie Dornan wrapped up in a navy jumper, khaki jacket and quirky orange carfe Arielle Free stood out in a neon green jumper underneath her layers Greg Davies appeared in high spirits at the event Layton Williams showed off his impeccable style in black wide-leg trousers and blazer Dermot has previously o pened up about being a father to a toddler and how becoming a parent has changed his priorities. The television presenter lives in London with his wife Dee and their son Kasper, three. Speaking to The Times last year, he explained how much energy is required to keep up with his young son, saying it can be 'full-on'. Dermot said: 'I turned 50 this year and being a dad to a three-year-old can be full-on. A mate who had twins just before Kasper arrived told me, Dont worry about how old you are, just make sure you stay in shape. And hes right. I took Kasper to the RAF Museum the other week and it was like an Olympic sprint, dashing from one exhibit to the next. As soon as we came out he said: Can we go round again?' He went on to describe his love of family time, saying that the daily tasks of changing nappies or playing silly games were the best part. He explained: 'Dees work means that were not always together but, those evenings when we are, we make the most of spending proper time together as a family. I cant understand those parents who dont enjoy changing nappies or crawling around on the carpet pretending to be a racing car. Isnt that the absolute joy of being a parent?' Dermot added that his priorities in life had shifted with the birth of his son, from his material needs to how he wants to spend his spare time. He said: 'Having a child has changed what I want from life and what makes me happy. Do I need another car? The latest gadget? A bit of vintage Van Morrison vinyl? No, forget the material stuff. What I want is to be with the people I love. Being a dad puts the world in perspective.' It comes after Dermot surprised fans by sharing an emotional tribute to his wife Dee on Instagram as he celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary Dermot revealed that his wife Dee had given birth to their first child in an Instagram post in June 2020. Posting a sweet photo of a personalised babygrow, he wrote: 'Welcome to the world baby Koppang O'Leary... We're delighted to announce that we've had a baby. 'A little boy born on Tuesday 23rd June 2020 (Sankthansaften / Midsummer for you Norwegians) at 8.19am, weighing in at 6lb 13oz. 'Enjoying the cuddles in the newborn bubble... cats yet to be 100% convinced. Lots of love, Dermot & Dee x.' The couple first met in 2002 when they worked for the same TV production company and got engaged in New York in December 2011, before tying the knot the following year. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori was spotted shopping for home decor at Williams Sonoma in Los Angeles on Tuesday in a very revealing outfit. The 29-year-old architect flashed her behind in a sleek white mini dress, which she paired with white sheer lace tights. The Australian beauty famous for her boundary-pushing outfits went braless under the sizzling ensemble. She completed the head-turning look with a pair of chic pointed-toe heels. Her shoulder length black tresses were halfway pinned back with a hair clip. Bianca was seen browsing home decor items after she and the rapper, 47, bought a $35 million Beverly Hills mansion. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori, 29, was spotted shopping for home decor at Williams Sonoma in Los Angeles on Tuesday in a very revealing outfit The architect flashed her behind in a sleek white mini dress, which she paired with white sheer lace tights Numerous shopping bags were pictured being wheeled back to her car after a successful shopping trip. Among the items on the cart was a stainless steel dish rack. Kanye raided his pension pot and used high risk mortgage lenders to fund the purchase of the estate - a property he does not intend to live in with wife Bianca, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Kim Kardashian's ex and his current wife 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 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'. 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. She was pictured adjusting the mini dress Bianca was seen browsing home decor items after she and the rapper, 47, bought a $35 million Beverly Hills mansion The Australian beauty famous for her boundary-pushing outfits went braless under the sizzling ensemble At one point she was seen adjusting her skintight dress The dress appeared to keep riding up She arrived in a silver Tesla Cybertruck Bianca kept tugging at the front of her dress The star might have been buying decor for her and Kanye's new mansion, though they will reportedly not live there, and instead rent it out Her shoulder length black tresses were halfway pinned back with a hair clip Bianca rocked smokey makeup for the day She completed the head-turning look with a pair of chic pointed-toe heels Bianca was pictured adjusting her dress once more She looked focused while perusing the aisles Kanye's lady love appeared to pick out a number of items The cream dress showed off her toned arms 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. '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. In June Bianca shocked onlookers as she fully exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top on her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon 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 However, they don't intend to live in it, and bought it as an investment Bianca pointed to something on a high up shelf Kanye did not join her for the shopping outing Numerous shopping bags were pictured being wheeled back to her car after a successful shopping trip Among the items on the cart was a stainless steel dish rack Two people were pictured wheeling the packed shopping cart Bianca smiled as store assistants helped load her purchases They appeared to have a friendly chat Afterwards, she zoomed off in her Cybertruck 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. '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. 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 Kanye recently sold his rotting Malibu home in September after he stripped it down to make a 'bomb shelter' 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. 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.' 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 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. In wake of Megan Fox's shock pregnancy news, it's been reported that Machine Gun Kelly has 'no relationship' with her ex-husband Brian Austin Green. According to TMZ, the rapper-turned-rocker, 34, hasn't spoken or seen Green, 51, in two years and hasn't made much of an effort to be a 'father figure' to Fox's kids. Fox shares three sons Noah, Bodhi and Journey with Green, who she divorced in 2020 after a decade of marriage. She got engaged to Machine Gun Kelly in 2022 after two years of dating and she confirmed this week that she's expecting their first child. MGK and Green's alleged icy relationship could create a tense co-parenting dynamic once Fox gives birth next year. In wake of Megan Fox's shock pregnancy news , it's been reported that Machine Gun Kelly has 'no relationship' with her ex-husband Brian Austin Green; MGK and Megan seen in 2022 According to TMZ , the rapper-turned-rocker, 34, hasn't spoken or seen Green, 51, in two years TMZ reported that Machine Gun Kelly last crossed paths with Green in 2022 when he accompanied Fox to one of her sons' school functions. Sources who were in attendance claimed that Green tried to 'break the ice' by cordially approaching MGK during the event. However, the greeting didn't go as planned as MGK is said to have offered 'nothing more than an unenthused 'What up'' to Green. He also refused to make eye contact with Green during the encounter, making it clear that he was not interested in befriending the Beverly Hills, 90210 star. This was reportedly the last time that MGK and Green have spoken to or seen one another. Sources told the outlet that Green would like the Rap Devil hitmaker to involve himself more in his and Fox's kids' lives. But when it comes to the possibility of Green forming an amicable relationship with MGK in the future, the insider said: 'That ship has sailed.' In contrast, Green's fiancee Sharna Burgess, 39, has a 'great relationship' with his ex Megan and their three sons. When she began dating Green four years ago, Burgess went out of her way to introduce herself to Fox and even exchanged numbers with the Transformers actress, another source told TMZ. MGK also hasn't made much of an effort to be a 'father figure' to Fox's kids; Green and Fox with sons Noah, Bodhi and Journey Fox and Green divorced in 2020 after a decade of marriage; seen in 2013 Sharna is so involved in Noah, Bodhi and Journey's lives that they now refer to her as 'mom.' Green and Sharna welcomed their first child, son Zane Walker Green, two, in 2022. On Monday, Megan shocked as she made her pregnancy announcement by debuting her bump in an edgy shoot showing her covered in black paint as she cradled her stomach. The post was captioned: 'nothing is ever really lost. welcome back.' She added an angel and heart emoji to the caption. The announcement was soundtracked to the MGK song Last November, a track about the miscarriage she previously suffered with the musician. Megan is already a mother of three and Machine Gun Kelly is already a father to his 15-year-old daughter Casie Colson Baker, who he shares with ex Emma Cannon. TMZ revealed on Tuesday that Fox is four to five months along in her pregnancy. This would mean that she and MGK born Colson Baker would have a due date in March for their first child together. The site reports that the power could does know the sex of the baby but they are keeping it between themselves for now. Insiders for the publication claim that the Jennifer's Body actress is feeling confident and healthy during the pregnancy which is obviously a great sign considering her prior pregnancy loss. Fox's shock pregnancy announcement comes a year after she revealed she suffered a miscarriage with MGK. MGK and Green's alleged icy relationship could create a tense co-parenting dynamic once Fox gives birth In contrast, Green's fiancee Sharna Burgess, 39, has a 'great relationship' with Megan and their three sons She opened up about the experience in her 2023 book of poetry, Pretty Boys Are Poisonous. Megan wrote about an ultrasound of a baby girl at 10 weeks and a day, per excerpts from People, and said: 'maybe if you hadn't... maybe if i had...' She continued, 'I want to hold your hand / hear your laugh, but now / I have to say / goodbye,' and later adds, 'I close my eyes and imagine holding you tight against my chest as they rip you from my insides'. Elsewhere in the book, she wrote, 'I will pay any price. Tell me please / what is the ransom / for her soul?' 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 and MGK had never discussed the pregnancy loss prior to the poetry book, however the 'Bloody Valentine' hitmaker did appear to allude to it at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2022, dedicating his performance to Megan and adding, 'This is for our unborn child.' Megan also suffered an ectopic pregnancy years earlier. She revealed the loss in an interview with Women's Wear Daily last year as she discussed the two poems she wrote about her miscarriage. 'That experience was so much harder than I would've anticipated it being, and I've really analyzed 'why was that? Why was that so difficult for me?' Because when I was younger, I had an ectopic pregnancy, I've had other things that I'm not going to say because God forbid the world will be in an uproar. On Monday, Megan shocked as she made her pregnancy announcement by debuting her bump in an edgy shoot showing her covered in black paint as she cradled her stomach; seen in 2020 She also shared a photo of her positive pregnancy test 'But I've been through other similar issues, but not with someone who I was so in love with.' 'And so that love element really made this miscarriage really tragic for me and left me with a lot of grief and a lot of suffering. 'So I put it into a lot of writing. He's written about them in his albums as well, he wrote a couple of songs about the miscarriage. So it just felt like something that I could address publicly because it's been addressed in one way through him, so I have a space to express as well.' The pregnancy announcement comes several months after Megan and MGK confused fans with his music video, Lonely Roll, which was released in July. Megan appears in the video sporting a fake baby bump before the video ends with her playing with a baby girl. The credits of the video further confused fans as the final line read: 'Introducing: Baby Violet Leika.' At the time, a source shared with Us Weekly that Megan was not pregnant but that she and MGK had discussed starting a family together. 'Although they have discussed having a baby, this was just for MGK's music video,' the insider said. Megan and MGK have had a passionate and rocky relationship. They first began dating in 2020 after meeting on the set of Midnight in The Switchgrass before getting engaged in 2022. When announcing their betrothal on Instagram, Megan said she and MGK 'drank each other's blood' to celebrate the occasion. But just over a year later, Megan sensationally hinted she had split from MGK as she shared a cryptic Instagram post before completely deleting her account. TMZ revealed on Tuesday that Fox is four to five months along in her pregnancy Megan cloaked her bump beneath a Star Wars costume as she celebrated Halloween with her boyfriend last month The actress posted a video in which she appeared to burn a letter in a bonfire, along with a bag. She also uploaded a very raunchy string of mirror selfies while joined by a male pal, in which she put on a busty display in a plunging black top and cut-out trousers. Megan wrote in her caption, 'You can taste the dishonesty/ it's all over your breath,' which are lyrics from Beyonce's 2016 track, Pray You Catch Me, about her husband Jay Z's own affair. She then removed all traces of Machine Gun Kelly from her Instagram grid, having unfollowed him before deleting her account altogether. Ultimately they seemed to patch things up and things appear to be all well between them now, with the couple being seen together ever since. The rapper also recently tattooed his entire upper body in black ink, reportedly to prove to Megan that he is 100% committed to their relationship. In March, during an appearance on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, Megan revealed she and MGK had ended their engagement at some point. 'I feel like everyone has such an opinion on your guys relationship. You got engaged, then I think it was called off, then we don't know what's going on with you. How would you describe your relationship with MGK?' host Alex Cooper asked. Megan responded: 'I think that what I've learned from being in this relationship is that it's not for public consumption, so I think as of now, I don't have a comment on like the status of the relationship per say. 'What I can say is that is what I refer to as being my twin soul and there will always be a tether to him no matter what. I can't say for sure what the capacity will be, but I will always be connected to him somehow. The pregnancy announcement comes several months after Megan and MGK confused fans with his music video, Lonely Roll, which was released in July; seen in a still from the video They first began dating in 2020 after meeting on the set of Midnight in The Switchgrass before getting engaged in 2022 Megan is already a mother of three and Machine Gun Kelly has daughter Casie Colson Baker, 15, with ex Emma Cannon; pictured last year 'Beyond that I'm not willing to explain. But all those things you said were accurate things that have occurred and I can see them being confusing or interesting to people and them being like, 'What's up?'' Her final comment confirmed speculation she had ended her engagement from Kelly. Megan was previously married to Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Brian Austin Green from 2010 to 2021. They welcomed three children together during their marriage before their union officially ended. Brian has been with DWTS professional Sharna Burgess since 2020 and they have son Zane Walker Green, two, together. Bianca Censori's lookalike sister Angelina mimicked her famous sister's brazen style on Tuesday as she left her bra at home while stepping out for lunch. The younger sibling of rapper Kanye West's wife looked chic in a very casual ensemble as she grabbed a bite of sushi in Melbourne. Going completely makeup-free for her outing, the brunette beauty donned a baby pink crop-top which flashed her washboard abs. She paired the braless look with a pair of loose black sweatpants which sat very low on her hips. Angelina accessorised with a pair of black slides before using a matching headband to push back her dark locks from her bare face. The socialite appeared to be emulating her famous sister Bianca, who is known for stepping out in very raunchy ensembles. The outing comes just a few weeks after Angelina rubbed shoulders with Kylie Jenner's ex Travis Scott in a very unlikely connection to the Kardashian clan. Bianca Censori's lookalike sister Angelina (pictured) mimicked her famous sister's brazen style on Tuesday as she left her bra at home while stepping out for lunch Travis, who was in Australia on his Circus Maximus tour at the time, is the ex of Kylie Jenner and shares two childrenStormi, six, and Aire, twowith the American star. And Angelinawhose brother-in-law Kanye is the ex-wife of Kylie's older sister Kim Kardashianshowed her support for the star as she attended the first birthday bash of the Melbourne venue The Emerson, hosted by Travis, last month. For the night, Angelina also appeared to have taken style tips from her older sister Bianca as she made sure to turn heads in a very racy ensemble. Bianca, who married Kanye in late 2022, is known for her nearly-nude approach to fashion and often raises eyebrows with her pulse-raising and very daring outfits. And Angelina appears to be following in Bianca's footsteps as she took to Instagram to share snaps from her racy ensemble as she headed out to the party. The younger sibling of rapper Kanye West's wife looked chic in a very casual ensemble as she grabbed a bite of sushi in Melbourne Going completely makeup-free for her outing, the brunette beauty donned a baby pink crop-top which flashed her washboard abs The Australian model, who is every inch Bianca's lookalike, put on a very busty display in a plunging black crop top as she posed up a storm for the camera. She showed off her washboard abs in the daring ensemble, which she teamed with a daring sheer beige skirt. 'Idk how to act,' she simply captioned the images. At the same time, Bianca was by her husband Kanye's side in Tokyo at a viewing party for the rapper's upcoming album Bully as the pair put divorce rumours to bed. Angelina recently rubbished reports that her family is concerned for sister Bianca over her romance with husband Kanye West. Angelina said the claims were 'bulls**t' and that her family supports Bianca's romance with the controversial rapper. 'We all support [Kanye]. We support his new album. We support his new clothes he's dropping,' Angelina told the Herald Sun in March. Angelina appears to be following in Bianca's footsteps as she took to Instagram to share snaps from her racy ensemble as she headed out to the party. Pictured: Bianca with husband Kanye earlier this year She paired the braless look with a pair of loose black sweatpants which sat very low on her hips Angelina accessorised with a pair of black slides before using a matching headband to push back her dark locks from her bare face Angelina described her sister as her 'best friend and confidante' and insisted all was well. 'It's all just bulls**t. There was something about my dad [Leo] even recently. My dad never talks. Nothing's true,' she said. The Vultures rapper married Bianca in December 2022, just one month after his divorce from Kim was finalised. Kanye and Kim share four childrenNorth, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six and Psalm, five. Concerns were soon raised for the designer after she was pictured in a string of bizarre and increasingly provocative outfits. Elsewhere this month, it was also claimed in a lawsuit filed by Kanye's ex-assistant Lauren Pisciotta that the rapper allegedly told Bianca that he wanted to have sex with her mother Alexandra while she watched. The disturbing allegations were made by Lauren in an 88-page updated lawsuit, filed on October 12 and obtained by DailyMail.com. The socialite appeared to be emulating her famous sister Bianca, who is known for stepping out in very raunchy ensembles Angelina flashed her washboard abs in the chic baby tee She stopped to grab a small box of sushi for lunch in her hometown of Melbourne Among them were claims that Kanye has a 'kink' of wanting to have sex with mothers of his sexual targets, which he frequently talked about. According to the lawsuit, the lewd text Kanye allegedly wrote to Bianca read: 'I wanna f**k your mum. Before she leaves.' Bianca was in the US on a work visa at the time, and her mother, Alexandra, was visiting Los Angeles from their native Australia. Lauren claimed Bianca responded to Kanye's texts by declining the offer. 'This is what she wrote... she's [Alexandra] married. I'm going to f**k someone this weekend and tell you the next time you're inside me,' Kanye told Lauren of Bianca's alleged reply minutes later. Since August, Bianca's Australian family has made a united show of support for the model amid reports of her turbulent relationship with Kanye. Alexandra has been spotted spending more time with Bianca in recent months, dining and shopping with the brunette architect at celebrity hotspots like Nobu. She has also chaperoned her internationally to Vultures 2 listening parties alongside Angelina. Alexandra is also mother to a third daughter, Alyssia. Leonardo DiCaprio and girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, whisked themselves away to Mexico for a lavish getaway to celebrate the star's 50th birthday. The Oscar winner, 50 - who had a blast during a star-studded birthday bash over the past weekend - was seen boarding a private jet in Los Angeles on Monday with the Italian model, 26, and his mother Irmelin. DiCaprio kept it casual for the busy day of travel in a pair of black sweatpants as well as a black, hooded sweatshirt that was partially zipped up at the front. The actor additionally wore a printed, white shirt underneath and added a black cap on top of his head. Leonardo slipped into a pair of comfy, gray sneakers that were secured with laces and carried a black backpack over his shoulders. Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, and girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, 26, whisked themselves to Mexico for a lavish getaway to celebrate the star's 50th birthday - and were joined by his mother Irmelin Vittoria - who was first romantically linked to DiCaprio in August 2023 - also dressed down in vibrant, green and yellow sweats The Oscar winner was seen boarding a private jet in Los Angeles on Monday with the Italian model and his mom Vittoria - who was first romantically linked to DiCaprio in August 2023 - also dressed down in vibrant, green and yellow sweats. The beauty's dark locks were pulled back into a sleek bun to prevent loose strands from falling onto her face. Ceretti opted for minimal accessories and added a pair of mini earrings as well as fashionable shades for a finishing touch. The model easily carried a large, black bag over her right shoulder to hold items she needed while on the plane. Leonardo's mother, Irmelin, donned a pair of loose-fitting trousers as well as a white shirt and blue sweater that was wrapped around her waist. The group was spotted making their way towards a private jet in Los Angeles and were later seen once again after touching down in Mexico. DiCaprio officially celebrated his 50th birthday on Monday - and over the weekend, had the chance to ring in the milestone with close friends. On Saturday, the Inception actor was joined by 500 guests at a private estate in the Hollywood Hills where a lavish party was held. DiCaprio kept it casual for the busy day of travel in a pair of black sweatpants as well as a black, hooded sweatshirt that was partially zipped up at the front At one point, he was also briefly seen having a conversation on the phone while at the airport Leonardo slipped into a pair of comfy, off-white sneakers that were secured with laces and carried a black backpack over his shoulders Vittoria - who was first romantically linked to DiCaprio in August 2023 - also dressed down in vibrant, green and yellow sweats The beauty's dark locks were pulled back into a sleek bun to prevent loose strands from falling onto her face Ceretti opted for minimal accessories and added a pair of mini earrings as well as fashionable shades for a finishing touch Some of the A-list celebrities that were in attendance during the special night included Brad Pitt, Katy Perry and Paris Hilton. To keep the party private, guests were given stickers to cover up the cameras on their phones upon arrival. Earlier in the night, the Baby2Baby Gala took place in Los Angeles - and numerous stars made their way to Leonardo's birthday bash afterwards, per Page Six. A source explained to the publication that, 'Basically, the Baby2Baby group all went to Leo's after.' Stars had the chance to dance to DJ Meel's set and the insider stated that he, 'spun late into the night.' Aside from the music, celebrities also had the chance to indulge in glasses of Telmont champagne as well as sugary cake. And hours later on Sunday, DiCaprio was accompanied by Vittoria and other close pals such as Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Evan Ross for a birthday dinner at Stella Ristorante in West Hollywood. After grabbing a bite to eat at the hotspot, the group was seen standing outside of the eatery and shared embraces before parting ways for the night. The model easily carried a large, black bag over her right shoulder to hold items she needed while on the plane The group was spotted making their way towards a private jet in Los Angeles and were later seen once again after touching down in Mexico On Saturday, the Inception actor was joined by 500 guests at a private estate in the Hollywood Hills where a lavish party was held Some of the A-list celebrities that were in attendance during the special night included Brad Pitt, Katy Perry and Paris Hilton To keep the party private, guests were given stickers to cover up the cameras on their phones upon arrival A source explained to the publication that, 'Basically, the Baby2Baby group all went to Leo's after' Stars had the chance to dance to DJ Meel's set and the insider stated that he, 'spun late into the night' And hours later on Sunday, DiCaprio was accompanied by Vittoria and other close pals such as Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Evan Ross for a birthday dinner at Stella Ristorante in West Hollywood After grabbing a bite to eat at the hotspot, the group was seen standing outside of the eatery and shared embraces before parting ways for the night Leonardo opted for an all-black ensemble that comprised of black pants as well as a black shirt and jacket. Vittoria put on a stylish display wearing a pair of denim shorts which were paired with an oversized, black blazer. The Italian supermodel additionally donned a black and white-striped top and slipped into a pair of black boots. Shortly before the Oscar winner celebrated his 50th birthday, a source informed Us Weekly that DiCaprio and Ceretti were still going strong ahead of the festivities. 'They have a lot of respect for each other. They both travel a lot for work and are very supportive of each other's careers.' However, another insider explained that the Titanic actor isn't ready to settle down just yet, and told the outlet, 'He just doesn't see the point in settling down.' Leonardo and Vittoria first crossed paths at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 and three months later in August, sparked romance rumors when they were seen on an ice cream date in Santa Barbara, California. The next month, the Hollywood star flew to Milan for fashion week where Ceretti was walking the runway. The pair also celebrated Leo's 49th birthday last year in November together - and that same month, their relationship was confirmed. At the time, a source told Us Weekly that DiCaprio was 'completely smitten' with the model and added, 'It's going so well that Leo's actually being exclusive.' Shortly before the Oscar winner celebrated his 50th birthday, a source informed Us Weekly that DiCaprio and Ceretti were still going strong ahead of the festivities Shortly before the Oscar winner celebrated his 50th birthday, a source informed Us Weekly that DiCaprio and Ceretti were still going strong ahead of the festivities; seen in 2023 in L.A. At the time, a source told Us Weekly that DiCaprio was 'completely smitten' with the model and added, 'It's going so well that Leo's actually being exclusive'; seen earlier this month in L.A. 'He says she's not only gorgeous, but super down-to-earth, and they have a ton in common.' The insider added, 'She's not intimidated by his fame at all - she even makes fun of it, "the model and the movie star." Leo finds it refreshing.' In regards to their age gap, the source explained that it 'clearly isn't an issue for him' while adding that Ceretti 'is an old soul.' The actor's close friends are also 'keeping their fingers crossed that Leo may have finally found The One,' the insider added. Before his 50th birthday, the lovebirds were seen together as they attended Kendall and Kylie Jenner's Halloween party. It came shortly after Leonardo was seen hanging out with Teyana Taylor as they partied together in NYC until 3a.m. last month in October. Mick Fanning's stunning Gold Coast home will soon be heading to auction, and its online listing has quickly seen it become Queensland's most viewed property. The surf legend, 43, purchased the stylish three-bedroom beachside property for $3million in 2021 and its unique design made it the perfect home for the legendary athlete. The unique property features an indoor skate ramp, a home gym, sauna, swimming pool and is located just minutes from the scenic Currumbin Beach. It features large spacious rooms with high ceilings, gorgeous modern architecture and breathtaking nature views as it lies adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary. Set on a 1269sqm block, the stunning home is perfect for entertaining and families and features an open-plan kitchen area, with space to dine outside in the summer. Its convenient and highly sought-after location is close to a range of amenities, including shopping centres, schools and public transport. It is the perfect home for people looking for a tree change while still being within driving distance of modern amenities. The sprawling site also features a home gym, an infrared sauna and surfboard racks, along with a surround sound system. Mick Fanning's (pictured) stunning Gold Coast home will soon be heading to auction, and its online listing has quickly seen it become Queensland 's most viewed property The surf legend, 43, purchased the stylish three-bedroom beachside property for $3million in 2021 and its unique design made it the perfect home for the legendary athlete The unique property features an indoor skate ramp, a home gym, sauna, swimming pool and is located just minutes from the scenic Currumbin Beach The property is heading to auction on Saturday, November 23, and is expected to be particularly attractive to potential buyers. As property prices have steadily risen in the area over the past few years, it is expected to sell for significantly more than Fanning paid for it. It was previously claimed that it is expected to sell for at least $4million, hopefully nabbing Fanning a cool profit of at least $1million. Fanning and his partner Breeana Randall also have several other properties in the area, which are believed to total around $10million in value. They lived in the house with their two young children, Xander and Lyla. RealEstate.com.au previously reported that the property was one of the most viewed homes in Australia when it last went up for sale in 2021. Fanning has an impressive property empire and sold his Coolangatta duplex for $2.8million at another auction back in 2021. There were nine registered bidders at the auction, with two parties entering a bidding war. The winning bidder is a local from the area and bought the property as an investment. The larger apartments were expected to yield around $750 per week, and the granny flats around $450 each week. It features large spacious rooms with high ceilings, gorgeous modern architecture and breathtaking nature views, adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary It is the perfect home for people looking for a treechange while still being within driving distance of modern amenities Fanning purchased the beachside units for $3.1million in 2007 and repainted the block and renovated the interiors in a beachy, bohemian style. He reportedly still owns two other properties in the same street, which he bought in 2005 and 2006 for $1.39million and $1.2million respectively. Fanning who hails from Sydney's Penrith, is one of Australia's most celebrated surfers. He survived a shark attack during a competition in South Africa in 2015, an incident which made global headlines. Radio host Kyle Sandilands has weighed in on the Federal Government's plan to put warning labels on individual cigarettes. Under the tobacco regulations, warning messages including 'poison in every puff', 'damages your lungs', 'causes 16 cancers', 'shortens your life' and 'toxic addiction' must be printed on every cigarette by April 2025. Sandilands, himself a prodigious puffer, said the new measures were redundant, claiming every smoker is already aware cigarettes are damaging their health. 'What a waste of time,' Kyle spat. 'We all know smoking is no good for us. We still choose to do it because it's not illegal.' Newsreader Brooklyn Ross added that watching the message disappear as the cigarette is smoked, could have the opposite effect. 'You know what will be kind of awkward is that as you're smoking, the person next to you is going to see that message slowly go away as you smoke it down,' he said. Clearly nonplussed with the recent developments, a grumpy Kyle replied with: 'I couldn't give a rats a**e about what someone else thinks.' Radio host Kyle Sandilands has weighed in on the Federal Government's plan to put warning labels on individual cigarettes Kyle's comments come after strict new rules to stamp out smoking are set to come into effect. The regulation guidelines were released in October 2024, giving manufacturers five months to comply with the April 2025 deadline. Federal health minister Mark Butler said that retailers will have a three-month transition period Under the tobacco regulations, warning messages including 'poison in every puff', 'damages your lungs', 'causes 16 cancers', 'shortens your life' and 'toxic addiction' must be printed on every cigarette by April 2025 'What a waste of time,' Kyle spat. 'We all know smoking is no good for us. We still choose to do it because it's not illegal' Mr Butler said that retailers will have a three-month transition period to sell existing stock. But industry sources told the Daily Telegraph that manufacturers will need more time to be able to revamp their supply chains in time to produce the new government-required cigarettes. If manufacturers miss the deadline, Australia could face a situation where legal cigarettes are unavailable in stores. Nationals senator Matt Canavan warned the government there was a 'clear and understandable risk' that people would turn to illegal cigarettes as a result of the legislation. Currently, cigarette packets in Australia must display health warnings on the front, back, and side of the package It's unlikely that Kyle will take heed of the new warnings, with the shock jock revealing in 2020 that he's been known to spark up in the shower. Kyle is pictured with wife Teagan Kynaston and son Otto Currently, cigarette packets in Australia must display health warnings on the front, back, and side of the package. The warnings, which also feature gruesome imagery, must cover at lest 75 per cent of the front, and 90 per cent of the back of the pack. It's unlikely that Kyle will take heed of the new warnings, with the shock jock revealing in 2020 that he's been known to spark up in the shower. 'It's not that difficult because I've got the ashtray sticking out of the wall,' he told his co-host Jackie O Henderson. Jackie jokingly informed him: 'Kyle that's your soap dish not an ashtray and you know that.' This wasn't the first time Kyle has spoken about his unhealthy bathroom smoking habit. 'It's not the best way to smoke, but smoking in the shower is a whole different thing.' he previously revealed on his radio show. Advertisement Demi Moore dazzled as she joined her Landman co-stars at the Los Angeles premiere of the new Paramount+ series. The A-list actress, 62, hit the red carpet in a sheer black lace dress by McQueen which was covered in sparkly black beading. The high-low dress showed off her sculpted legs and arms as she posed for shutterbugs. An elegant train trailed behind her as she walked the red carpet in sky-high Christian Louboutin heels. The Striptease star's long raven tresses flowed down her chest in glamorous waves. Demi Moore dazzled as she joined her Landman co-stars at the Los Angeles premiere of the new Paramount+ series As for her makeup, Moore rocked a sultry smokey eye paired with a soft pink lip and a youthful peach flush. She accessorized with dangly diamond earrings that matched the stunning diamond bracelet and rings on her left hand. Demi eagerly posed up with her Landman co-stars Paulina Chavez, Michelle Randolph, Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter and Jacob Lofland. Larter sizzled in a busty brown sequin dress that showed off her killer figure. The Final Destination star, 48, paired her shimmering frock with pointy black patent leather heels. Her voluminous blonde hair was swept over one shoulder, allowing her to show off one of her dangly jeweled earrings. Larter was joined by her longtime husband Hayes MacArthur, 47, who she wed back in 2009. Chavez turned heads in an eye-catching glittery ruffled dress that exposed her bare back and tiny waist. The A-list actress, 62, hit the red carpet in a sheer black lace dress by McQueen which was covered in sparkly black beading An elegant train trailed behind her as she walked the red carpet in sky-high Christian Louboutin heels The Striptease star's long raven tresses flowed down her chest in glamorous waves Demi's high-low dress showed off her sculpted legs and arms as she posed for shutterbugs As for her makeup, Moore rocked a sultry smokey eye paired with a soft pink lip and a youthful peach flush She accessorized with dangly diamond earrings that matched the stunning diamond bracelet and rings on her left hand She exuded confidence on the red carpet Moore arrived to the event wearing a chic black coat with silk lapels Demi eagerly posed up with her Landman co-stars Paulina Chavez, Michelle Randolph, Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter and Jacob Lofland Ali and Demi beamed as they posed for a photo together (L-R) Billy Bob, Demi , and Jacob all posed for a snap at the premiere The cast appeared in great spirits as they celebrated the film's screening The actress, 22, completed her premiere outfit by throwing on a pair of sheer black tights and tall gold chrome heels. Thornton looked effortlessly cool while rocking a chic all-black outfit and layered chain necklaces. The Bad Santa star, 69, wore a fedora over a headscarf and slipped on a pair of Western boots. He was accompanied by his wife of 10 years, Connie Angland, 60. Michelle Randolph exuded radiance as she made her way down the red carpet in a low-cut tan paisley-patterned dress. The actress wore her golden blonde hair down and flashed a beaming smile through pink-toned lips during her time in front of cameras. Kayla Wallace, who also stars in the new drama on Paramount+, took the plunge in a flowy white sleeveless dress with black lace details. Landman focuses on the huge oil boom in Texas and how some of the biggest moguls in the trade will go to any means necessary to maintain their vast wealth. Ali Larter sizzled in a busty brown sequin dress that showed off her killer figure The Final Destination star, 48, paired her shimmering frock with pointy black patent leather heels Her voluminous blonde hair was swept over one shoulder, allowing her to show off one of her jeweled earrings She was joined by her longtime husband Hayes MacArthur, 47, who she wed in 2009 Larter flashed smiles for the cameras ahead of the screening She looked incredible during her red carpet stint Paulina Chavez turned heads in an eye-catching ruffled glitter dress that exposed her bare back and tiny waist The actress, 22, completed her premiere outfit by throwing on a pair of sheer black tights and tall gold chrome heels Her silky brunette hair was styled in a glamorous bun for the occasion in LA Billy Bob Thornton looked effortlessly cool while rocking a chic all-black outfit and layered chain necklaces He was accompanied by his wife of 10 years, Connie Angland Michelle Randolph exuded radiance as she made her way down the red carpet in a low-cut tan paisley-patterned dress Kayla Wallace, who also stars in the new drama on Paramount+, took the plunge in a flowy white sleeveless dress with black lace details Series star James Jordan rolled up to the event in a denim jacket and suede boots Actor Andrew Lockington was there with his longtime wife Christy Caroline Rhea arrived wearing an eye-catching red jacket and black heels Akilah Hughes wowed in a black midi dress with sexy mesh sleeves The Office star Kate Flannery looked preppy chic in a pleated skirt, a black blazer and a turtleneck Model/actress Jordyn Denning stunned onlookers in a simple black dress Christian Wallace, whose podcast Boomtown inspired the new series, exuded confidence in all-black Drake Rodger rocked a leather jacket and shiny shoes for the starry LA premiere The series is co-created by the man behind the Yellowstone universe Taylor Sheridan, 53, and podcaster Christian Wallace. Landman, like Yellowstone, is set in the present day and is inspired by the popular podcast Boomtown, which chronicled a 21st century oil boom in western Texas. The series logline describes it as 'an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, its reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.' Demi is set to play series regular Cami, whose husband Monty (Jon Hamm) is one of the most powerful oil men in Texas and a friend of Tommy Norris who is played by Billy Bob Thornton. Season one of Landman will premiere on Paramount+ on November 18. The cast recently returned to the United States after promoting the west Texas drama in the United Kingdom last week. The promo tour for Landman comes soon after the release of Demi's latest film project, The Substance, which also stars Margaret Qualley, 30. Landman which will premiere on Paramount+ on November 18 focuses on the huge oil boom in Texas and how some of the biggest moguls in the trade will go to any means necessary to maintain their vast wealth Demi is set to play series regular Cami, whose husband Monty (Jon Hamm) is one of the most powerful oil men in Texas and a friend of Tommy Norris who is played by Billy Bob Thornton It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, which was lauded by critics immediately, and hit theaters on September 20. The horror film centers on a former celebrity (Moore) who uses a mysterious black market drug that replicates her cells and temporarily creates a younger version of herself. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid and Hugo Diego Garcia and it was written/directed by Coralie Fargeat. Advertisement Nicole Richie put on a chic display alongside Emma Roberts as they attended the star-studded Didion & Babitz book launch event in West Hollywood on Tuesday. The TV personality, 43 - who made a rare appearance with her younger sister Sofia Richie at the Baby2Baby gala - crossed paths with the Scream Queens star, 33, at the Chateau Marmont where the festivities took place. The book - which was written by Lili Anolik - was published on November 12 and looks closely at the lives of both Eve Babitz and Joan Didion. Celebrities gathered together to celebrate the novel's release, including Richie who turned heads wearing a colorful, floral print dress that clung to her frame. The ensemble was held up with halter-styled straps and contained off-the-shoulder sleeves that draped down. Nicole Richie, 43, put on a chic display alongside Emma Roberts, 33, as they attended the star-studded Didion & Babitz book launch event in West Hollywood on Tuesday Nicole's locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down in light waves past her shoulders. She accessorized the look with a pair of dangly earrings to coordinate with the colors of her dress and also added a variety of flashy rings. The star's makeup was classically done for the evening, and comprised of a layer of mascara to her voluminous lashes as well as a light shadow around her eyes. A warm blush was added for a radiant glow, while a nude-colored, glossy tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch. Richie was seen pausing for a few photos as she mingled with other guests at the event, and was also spotted speaking to the crowd. At one point, the Simple Life star held a black folder in her hands as she seemingly read excerpts from Anolik's new book. The novel delves into the dynamic between both Eve Babitz and Joan Didion, as well as their varying relationships with Hollywood, per Deadline. Babitz was a visual artist and author known for writing Eve's Hollywood (1974) while Didion was a journalist who was called one of the 'pioneers of New Journalism.' Celebrities gathered together to celebrate the novel's release, including Richie who turned heads wearing a colorful, floral print dress that clung to her frame She accessorized the look with a pair of dangly earrings to coordinate with the colors of her dress and also added a variety of flashy rings At one point, the Simple Life star held a black folder in her hands as she seemingly read excerpts from Anolik's new book The novel delves into the dynamic between both Eve Babitz and Joan Didion, as well as their varying relationships with Hollywood, per Deadline Emma Roberts was also in attendance on Tuesday, and was seen crossing paths with Nicole inside the venue The American Horror Story actress showed off her sense of style wearing a short-sleeved, white shirt and a silver bralette on top She slipped into a matching, high-waisted skirt and also slipped into a pair of open-toed, gray pumps Emma Roberts was also in attendance on Tuesday, and was seen crossing paths with Nicole inside the venue. The American Horror Story actress showed off her sense of style wearing a short-sleeved, white shirt and a silver bralette on top. She slipped into a matching, high-waisted skirt and also slipped into a pair of open-toed, gray pumps. Her blonde hair was parted in the middle, and cascaded down past her shoulders in elegant waves. Roberts easily carried a black clutch bag in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the special night. Emma's makeup was glammed up, and comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a light smoky shadow around her eyes. A warm blush was added to better accentuate her cheekbones, while a nude-colored, matte tint was worn on her lips. The star was later seen standing in front of a microphone as she read through papers inside the folder. The star was later seen standing in front of a microphone as she read through papers inside the folder Emma's makeup was glammed up, and comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a light smoky shadow around her eyes Along with spending time with Richie, Emma was also seen mingling with Dustin Lance who donned a pair of khaki pants as well as a blue and white-striped sweater She also flashed a cheerful smile with Jake Wesley Rodgers who opted for a black and white-patterned sweater and a pair of black trousers Elizabeth Olsen was fashionable in a black skirt as well as white blouse and black shirt underneath The WandaVision actress layered the ensemble with a dark green blazer and also wore a pair of chunky, black boots The star's brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down in light waves past her shoulders Olsen was seen reading out loud from the binder as she addressed the other attendees at the book launch on Tuesday Along with spending time with Richie, Emma was also seen mingling with Dustin Lance who donned a pair of khaki pants as well as a blue and white-striped sweater. She also flashed a cheerful smile with Jake Wesley Rodgers who opted for a black and white-patterned sweater and a pair of black trousers. Elizabeth Olsen was fashionable in a black skirt as well as white blouse and black shirt underneath. The WandaVision actress layered the ensemble with a dark green blazer and also wore a pair of chunky, black boots. The star's brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down in light waves past her shoulders. Beverly D'Angelo was spotted wearing a black shirt that had the words 'What the f*** is really going on?' printed in white lettering on the front. The National Lampoon's Vacation star wore a pair of black trousers as well as a white coat for a final touch. D'Angelo opted to not wear any flashy pieces of jewelry to allow her outfit to be the main focal point. Beverly D'Angelo was spotted wearing a black shirt that had the words 'What the f*** is really going on?' printed in white lettering on the front The National Lampoon's Vacation star wore a pair of black trousers as well as a white coat for a final touch She was seen posing with Emma Roberts and Elizabeth Olsen as they crossed paths with each other during the night D'Angelo opted to not wear any flashy pieces of jewelry to allow her outfit to be the main focal point Beverly's grayish hair was parted in the middle, and cascaded down past her shoulders in natural waves Roberts and Beverly also paused for additional pictures together as they helped celebrate the launch of Didion & Babitz D'Angelo opted to add a warm blush to her cheeks as well as a nude-colored, glossy tint on her lips She was seen posing with Emma Roberts and Elizabeth Olsen as they crossed paths with each other during the night. Roberts and Beverly also paused for additional pictures together as they helped celebrate the launch of Didion & Babitz. The Violent Night actress was later spotted with Barbara Steel who was classy in a white blouse which was tucked into a black, pleated leather skirt. Karah Preiss was stylishly casual wearing a white button that was partially unfastened around the collar. The executive producer slipped into a pair of loose-fitting, black trousers as well as a pair of brown shoes. She was seen pausing for a memorable snap with Roberts as well as the author of Didion & Babitz, Lili Anolik. The Violent Night actress was later spotted with Barbara Steel who was classy in a white blouse which was tucked into a black, pleated leather skirt Karah Preiss was stylishly casual wearing a white button that was partially unfastened around the collar She was seen pausing for a memorable snap with Roberts as well as the author of Didion & Babitz, Lili Anolik Emma held a smile on her face as both she and Anolik held a lighthearted conversation during the festivities Da'Vine Joy Randolph was also in attendance, and wowed wearing a dark red, satin jumpsuit Emma held a smile on her face as both she and Anolik held a lighthearted conversation during the festivities. Da'Vine Joy Randolph was also in attendance, and wowed wearing a dark red, satin jumpsuit. The Holdovers actress's brunette hair was parted in the middle, and flowed down past her shoulders in elegant curls. Like many of the guests, the Oscar winner was also seen reading from the binder as other guests watched in the distance. Mirandi Babitz - the younger sister of the late Eve Babitz who passed away in 2021 - also stopped by the book launch Before the event came to an end on Tuesday, the celebrity attendees stopped to take group photos together At one point, Emma Roberts, Beverly D'Angelo, Elizabeth Olsen, Lili Anolik, Nicole Richie and Alexi Wasser posed for the camera Mirandi Babitz - the younger sister of the late Eve Babitz who passed away in 2021 - also stopped by the book launch. She flashed a cheerful smile wearing a long-sleeved, blue shirt as well as a pair of black pants and closed-toed, red shoes. Before the event came to an end on Tuesday, the celebrity attendees stopped to take group photos together. At one point, Emma Roberts, Beverly D'Angelo, Elizabeth Olsen, Lili Anolik, Nicole Richie and Alexi Wasser posed for the camera. Veteran jazz drummer Roy Haynes died in Nassau County, New York Tuesday at 99, his daughter Leslie Haynes-Gilmore said. Haynes-Gilmore told The New York Times that her father passed away on the South Shore of Long Island following a brief illness. Haynes' time at his drum kit spanned more than 70 years, as he played alongside legendary figures such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Sarah Vaughan, according to the paper. The newspaper emphasized his innovations and longevity, calling him 'an irrepressible force who proudly remained both relevant and stylish over a career spanning seven decades, having had a hand in every major development in modern jazz, beginning in the bebop era.' Haynes was born March 13, 1925 and raised in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury. He took to playing music in his teens and was playing full-time as a career by the age of 20. Veteran jazz drummer Roy Haynes died in Nassau County, New York Tuesday at 99, his daughter Leslie Haynes-Gilmore said. Pictured in 1981 in San Francisco, California Haynes pictured backstage at NYC's Blue Note nightclub on June 27, 2013 In the 1940s, he collaborated with saxophone player Lester Young, and between the years of 1949 to 1952, served as a member of Charlie Parker's quintet. Haynes in 1952 declined an offer to play alongside Duke Ellington to ply his craft in smaller bands that he had more creative room to work within. Other notable names Haynes worked alongside included late legends such as Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz and Art Blakey. Haynes also worked as a bandleader, releasing his debut album Busman's Holiday in 1954, the paper reported. Haynes' albums as a bandleader included 1958's We Three with bass player Paul Chambers and piano player Phineas Newborn Jr.; and 1962's Out of the Afternoon with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Tommy Flanagan and Henry Grimes. Haynes had also played on collaboration albums such as Eric Dolphy's 1960 record Outward Bound, Oliver Nelson's 1961 record The Blues and the Abstract Truth, Stan Getz's 1962 record Focus and Chick Corea's 1968 album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. Over his decadeslong career, Haynes won two Grammys on eight nominations, first in 1988 for his Blues For Coltrane - A Tribute To John Coltrane for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group. He also won for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Individual Or Group for Like Minds in 1999. The Grammys also presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. The Jazz Foundation of America presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. In 1996, France's government presented Haynes with the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. The New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music also presented him with honorary doctorates. Haynes, who worked alongside included late legends such as Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz and Art Blakey, was pictured in 2011 in NYC Over his decadeslong career, Haynes won two Grammys on eight nominations and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured in 2011 with former Grammys president Neil Portnow Musician and educator Peter Erskine said Haynes embodied a futuristic sound Jazz author Ted Gioia hailed Haynes for what he described as 'an amazing career' A number of fans had lofty words of praise for the late jazz drummer amid news of his death Haynes was fondly remembered by a number of people amid news of his passing. Musician and educator Peter Erskine said, 'When you listened to Roy Haynes play, it was as if the music sent you a postcard saying, "Greetings from the future. Wish you were here!" RIP, maestro.' Jazz author Ted Gioia hailed Haynes for what he described as 'an amazing career.' 'RIP jazz drum legend Roy Haynes, who leaves us at age 99,' Gioia said. 'Along the way, he performed with John Coltrane, Lester Young, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, Sarah Vaughan, Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz, and many, many others.' Musician Emmet Cohen wrote, 'ROY HAYNES! Rest in power to one of the most important innovators of American music, who forever changed the scope of drums, and left an indelible mark of excellence on this Earth!!!' One fan called Haynes 'one of the most important jazz drummers of our time! 'Drums were the first instrument I learned and he had such an massive influence on the community as a whole. Real life legend who made it all the way to 99!' Another said, 'RIP Roy Haynes, one of the absolute greats.' Haynes, pictured in LA in 1989, was called 'one of the most important jazz drummers of our time' in a memorial Haynes pictured at the Village Vanguard nightclub in NYC June 1, 1993 Some users noted the recent spate of deaths of a number of prominent stalwart musicians, including Hayes, Lou Donaldson and Quincy Jones this month; and Benny Golson in September One user said they were 'very heartbroken to hear the sad news,' calling Haynes 'connected to so many generations of Black Music.' Some users noted the recent spate of deaths of a number of prominent stalwart musicians, including Hayes, Lou Donaldson and Quincy Jones this month; and Benny Golson in September. 'Weve just lost Lou Donaldson and Roy Haynes in less than a week,' said one user. 'May these legends live forever.' Another said, '2024 has been heavy taking our elders up outta here,' while another called Haynes 'one of the greatest drummers who ever lived.' Haynes and late wife Jesse Lee Nevels Haynes, who died in 1979, were parents to three children, the paper reported. Haynes is survived by his daughter and two sons, Craig and Graham, who are both musicians; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family of Chanel Maya Banks are desperately searching for the actress after she mysteriously vanished in Los Angeles two weeks ago - and claim her husband isn't cooperating with police. The Gossip Girl and Blue Bloods actress, 36, was last heard from on October 30, when she texted her cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh, now working with police and leading a fundraiser for her urgent return. The actress' family, including her mother Judy Singh and cousin Danielle, have flown in to Southern California to help aid in the search after her husband allegedly told them 'she does not want to be found', and has been taking down missing posters. Chanel had been living at an apartment in Playa Vista with her husband of one year before her family members suddenly stopped hearing from her. Upon entering her apartment, they discovered that Banks' belongings were still at the location, including her 'emotional support' dog and car. However, her phone and laptop were not found. Chanel Maya Banks, 36, has been missing for nearly two weeks - and her loved ones are desperately searching for the actress who was last heard from on October 30 Chanel Banks, 36, went missing at the end of October and has not been in touch with family Banks married her husband last year in November and uploaded a video of the day on her main TikTok account at the time. She was last active on the social media app in September After not hearing from Chanel in days, her loved ones quickly grew worried due to the actress often being in communication. Danielle told ABC7 News: 'Five days without hearing from my cousin is red flags and alarm bells. 'She doesn't go more than 48 hours without speaking to me or her mom... That girl is more like a big sister to me.' She said she last heard from her cousin by text on October 30, and saw her on FaceTime on October 27. Singh has been putting up flyers in her cousin's neighborhood but revealed that Chanel's husband has been uncooperative with the family and police. 'Her husband is extremely suspicious,' she told ABC7. 'He is not willing to help LAPD. He's not willing to help me or her mom. 'He is removing flyers off of posts and cars.' Police told KTLA 5 they are helping with the case and have carried out four welfare checks this month alone. Banks was not home on any of the occasions, they said. When the family entered the home, they found her dog. Danielle said it was unusual, as her cousin 'does not go anywhere without her dog'. 'That dog is by her side for emotional support.' Banks married her husband last year in November and uploaded a video of the day on her main TikTok account at the time. She was last active on the social media app in September. Danielle told ABC7 News that Chanel has recently been stepping away from her acting career to instead focus on writing. 'I can tell you in my soul, in my gut, something is not right...We're crossing two weeks now without a word, without a sound. Nothing.' 'We asked him where is Chanel, and all he continues to say is "she does not want to be found, she will reach out when she's ready."' Danielle said. Police do not expect foul play Chanel is known for her appearances in Gossip Girl (pictured), Blue Bloods and Suits A GoFundMe page has been launched in order to help the family pay expenses for a private investigator and to help with their stay in Los Angeles The Blue Bloods actor (pictured left) had reportedly stepped away from acting in recent years Chanel attends the Cinema Society film screening of Twelce, in New York, July 2010 According to her family members, per KTLA 5, Banks moved to Los Angeles 10 years earlier to pursue an acting career. Along with Gossip Girl, Chanel - who also goes by the name of Chanel Farrell - is known for appearing in the series Blue Bloods, Suits, and the movie, Twelve. Danielle told KTLA 5: 'The last text we got from her before her phone went off the grid was Oct. 30. I'm not going to leave California until I find my cousin.' She flew from Toronto to help search for Chanel, with the actress' mother arriving from New York. Upon discovering that Banks' phone appeared to be dead, and her dog and car were still at her apartment, Danielle immediately reached out to the police. Los Angeles Police Department investigators confirmed to the outlet that they are working on the case, and have completed a welfare checks this month. In an emotional message, Danielle said to Chanel, 'We love you so much. We just want to know you're okay and that you're safe and that nobody did anything to you.' Banks' mother, Judy, asked for prayers and told KTLA, 'Pray for my daughter because at this point, we don't know exactly [what happened].' 'She would never go anywhere without telling her mom or myself. We noticed on November 10 that her husband has a busted lip and marks and scratches on his neck and arms,' Danielle said Banks, 36, is known for starring in episodes of the third season of Gossip Girl (2009) as Sawyer Bennett - one of Jenny Humphrey's friends; Taylor Momsen (Jenny) seen above in NYC in 2009 Los Angeles Police Department investigators confirmed to the outlet that they are working on the case to help find the missing actress (pictured centre) 'We are hearing stuff here and there, people saying this and that, but I know that's not my daughter.' A GoFundMe page has been launched in order to help the family pay expenses for a private investigator and to help with their stay in Los Angeles. Danielle penned a description which read that Chanel, 'has been married for just over a year, and her husband is being uncooperative with police.' She revealed that both she and Judy were able to gain access to the apartment on Sunday, November 10 and said, 'all of her belongings are still there' aside from her laptop and phone. 'She would NEVER go anywhere without telling her mom or myself. We noticed on November 10 that her husband has a busted lip and marks and scratches on his neck and arms.' Danielle added, 'Police were called on November 10 and they took pictures of his injuries, which he did not have two days ago when police did the last welfare check.' 'We asked him where is Chanel, and all he continues to say is "she does not want to be found, she will reach out when she's ready."' 'He claims he does not know where she is, he says he hasn't seen or heard from her since November 7, but never called police to say she's gone.' Chanel attends the film screening of Total Recall in New York, August 2, 2012 Family claim her husband is not cooperating with police However, Danielle wrote that the police do not suspect her husband of 'foul play' and told the family that he 'has not committed any crime by with-holding information.' 'There's nothing they can do until they have evidence or probable cause to arrest him.' In conclusion, she wrote, 'Chanel has no family or friends here and would NEVER go somewhere without telling her mom. Please help us find my cousin.' As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe page has raised around $3,000 with the goal of $20,000. Joey Essex put on a very flirty display with Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lesseps, who is 25 years his senior, on live TV. The former TOWIE star, 34, who earlier this year appeared on Love Island and is now based in Los Angeles, sat in the studio audience of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen as he interviewed Luann, 59. During Luann's interview, host Andy pointed out Joey in the audience and told her he is single after she revealed she is 'dating'. The reality star looked quite taken with Joey and invited him to come and watch her cabaret show. The pair then exchanged numbers after filming wrapped. In the interview, Andy said: 'I also want to point out our friend Joey from Love Island is in the audience and he was asking about you before the show and he's single'. Joey Essex put on a very flirty display with Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lesseps, who is 25 years his senior, on live TV During Luann's interview, host Andy pointed out Joey in the audience and told her he is single after she revealed she is 'dating' The host then suggested Luann meet up with Joey after the show. Luann asked: 'Oh, the afterparty? Oh, twist my arm'. A source told Page Six: 'After the show wrapped, Luann came over, and she and Joey exchanged information and followed each other on Instagram.' 'After flirty nods throughout the show and encouragement from Andy, she said shed love for him to come to the show.' MailOnline has contacted Joey and Luann's representatives for comment. Joey is newly-single after he split from Love Island's Jessy Potts, 25, in September - just seven weeks after leaving the villa together. Luann, meanwhile, was married to French Count Alexandre de Lesseps for 16 years before they divorce in 2009. In 2016, the reality star married Tom D'Agostino Jr., losing her 'countess' courtesy title in the process. The reality star looked quite taken with Joey and invited him to come and watch her Cabaret show. The pair then reportedly exchanged numbers after filming wrapped The host then suggested Luann meet up with Joey after the show. Luann asked: 'Oh, the afterparty? Oh, twist my arm' Joey is based in Los Angeles following his split from Love Island's Jessy Potts, 25, in September - just seven weeks after leaving the villa together (pictured in August) Luann has been married twice. In 2016, the reality star married Tom D'Agostino Jr., losing her 'countess' courtesy title in the process. They divorced a year later (pictured in 2017) But just a year later, Luann announced they were getting divorced. Joey's flirty display comes after he shared a very flirty exchange with TV host earlier this month, when he insisted he's 'husband material'. Joey joined US station KTLA with host Jasmine Simpkins and the panel, who cheekily suggested that he take his clothes off in the interview. 'I'm so excited to be here, you all look beautiful by the way,' he said after being introduced. Joey's flirty display comes after he shared a very flirty exchange with TV host earlier this month, when he insisted he's 'husband material' 'Can you just keep talking we love your accent?' the panel teased back. Discussing Joey's outfit, Jasmine explained how she had helped him choose what to wear for the show including the mohair cardigan. 'Maybe a little later we can tell you to take it off', the girls joked while Joey awkwardly giggled. As they flipped the conversation to his reality TV career, Joey continued: 'In the UK it's pretty hectic for me, I do get stopped. But I enjoy it, I enjoy the life that I live. 'I am looking for somewhere to live in LA. I'm looking for a flat because I own a house in Essex and it's a lot of working looking after a house. 'I clean my own house, my own clothes, my own dishes. I'm perfect husband material, I must say.' Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has revealed he 'struggled to cope' while battling the 'male menopause'. The Changing Rooms star, 59, has opened up about the impact of a gradual change in testosterone levels, which made him feel as if he'd lost his 'juiciness.' Speaking to The Express, Laurence explained that he first went to see a doctor in December 2022, after realising he was 'struggling to cope' with his low mood, and went onto praise testosterone supplements. The interior design guru is the latest male celebrity to open up about their mid-life struggles after Robbie Wililams claimed last year that years of partying have left him with depleted testosterone, leading to thinning hair and low libido. 'I've used up all of the natural good stuff. I've got the manopause,' he said, while fellow hellraiser Shaun Ryder has also spoken about his struggles. It comes after it was revealed this week that one in ten hospital trusts have 'male menopause' guidelines, while a quarter do not have policies in place for women. The woke protocols have been installed at around 20 trusts, despite the NHS describing the term as 'unhelpful and misleading'. Elsewhere, almost a quarter of police forces have policies to address the 'manopause' yet more than 40 per cent had nothing for female staff experiencing menopause, according to a Freedom of Information request. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has revealed he 'struggled to cope' while battling the 'male menopause ', before seeking help with testosterone supplements Robbie Williams claimed last year that his hair is thinning and that he has lost his sex drive due to the 'manopause' Happy Mondays star Shaun Ryder claimed that he 'can't speak' if he forgets his testosterone gel The findings are further evidence of the widespread practice amongst public bodies, as exposed in an audit by the Mail last year which found examples within the Fire Service, Police, Councils and NHS. Critics said it was wrong to compare the two, with menopause effecting all women and the 'manopause' said to affect around two per cent of men. Last year, East Midlands Ambulance trust caused outrage when it emerged that it offers up a year's paid leave to male staff who suffer menopause-like symptoms. Managers at the Trust have been told they should provide additional uniforms, portable fans and change shift patterns to assist male staff members experiencing a drop in testoserone levels. A newsletter for NHS staff abotu the so-called male menopause. This week it emerged that one in 10 trusts have guidelines on supporting staff with the condition, while a quarter do not have policies in place for women A presentation on andropause given to East Midlands Ambulance Trust, which last year caused outrage when it emerged that it offers up a year's paid leave to male staff who suffer menopause-like symptoms Testosterone levels peak in young adulthood, around age 20, but decline by about 1 per cent annually after age 30 Opening up about his struggles Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, explained: 'They said: ''It's your testosterone.'' My levels were very low. It's something I was really interested in, because it's an age thing. 'There's this obsession that testosterone is all about your libidinousness, your ability to become priapic. But actually, it's not at all. It's basically kind of a ''manopause'' where, as testosterone levels drop, you find life quite tough. It's difficult to be optimistic. You do lose a lot of your drive. You do lose a lot of your juiciness. 'So I was happy to embrace the idea of testosterone supplements, and I think it's something 60-year-old guys should be much more up front about. It can feel embarrassing if it looks like you're going to the doctor because you can't perform in the conjugal stakes.' Laurence went onto explain that low testosterone aren't just 'to do with sex,' and can contribute to 'how you feel about the world and about yourself.' The male menopause, sometimes referred to as the 'andropause', is said to be marked by a gradual change in testosterone levels. Meanwhile, Happy Mondays star Shuan Ryder insisted in an interview with The Sun last year that the 'male menopause' is real, describingthe perils of forgetting his testosterone gel. 'As any woman who's gone through the menopause will know, if you forget your stuff you go absolutely mental,' he said. 'If I haven't got my testosterone gel, I can't speak. 'I can't leave the house, I can't make eye contact.' The notorious hellraiser famously lost his teeth after excessive use of crack, cocaine, ecstasy and heroin, leading him to spend 25,000 on rebuilding his smile. As with women, the term is used to describe the period in an adult man's life when his hormone levels fall, potentially causing symptoms including erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and rapid fat gain. But there is considerable debate within the medical community about whether it should be recognised as a condition at all. Dr Channa Jayasena, a hormone specialist at Imperial College London, and author of the Society for Endocrinology's guidelines on testosterone replacement therapy, said it should not be referred to as 'manopause'. 'I think it's an unhelpful term,' he told BBC Radio 4s Menopause Matters series. 'If we compare it to the menopause, all women undergo menopause, whereas 2 per cen of men undergo the 'manopause'. Throwback: The former Take That singer, 49, revealed that years of partying has left him 'f***ing knackered' and battling 'thinning hair' (pictured in 1996) The Changing Rooms star has opened up about the impact of a gradual change in testosterone levels, which made him feel as if he'd lost his 'juiciness. 'Menopause is a relatively sudden event in a woman's life course. It takes place over two to five years, whereas declining testosterone levels can develop over decades.' What is 'male menopause' The term 'male menopause' has been used to describe the period in an adult man's life when his testosterone levels dip. Actually, 'menopause' is a misnomer, doctors say. Menopause is generally understood to be a dramatic change in hormonal production which tends to occur over a relatively short period of time. Deficient levels of testosterone can cause low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, unexplained reduction in muscle mass or sudden gain of body fat, body hair loss, osteoporosis, and depression. In men, declining testosterone levels tend to occur more slowly and can present at any age, and most men are less likely to present with a sudden onset of low testosterone symptoms. Testosterone in males is produced in the testicles and drives sexual development. The hormone regulates sex drive, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Low T in men is very common. In fact, around 40 percent of men over 45 years old and 50 percent of men in their 80s are affected. Men with low T may opt to start hormone replacement therapy to combat symptoms and replenish hormone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy comes in many forms, from topical gels to intramuscular injections. Advertisement He said that while all women would potentially benefit from HRT if they had symptoms, this was not the case with testosterone deficiency and many men needing no medical intervention. Dean Burnett, a neuroscientist and honorary research fellow at Cardiff University, said symptoms linked to the manopause, such as brain fog and low mood, were more likely the result of common mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. He said: 'We are very keen on medicalising things in the modern world, because we are recognising more and more conditions, disorders or just atypical ways of being, which could be addressed better. 'Women have the menopause so to say that men have a similar sort of hormone deficiency issue at a similar stage of life, it's a very logical leap to say 'well, that's the male version' of this well-established phenomenon. 'But I do think you can go too far with that and attempt to put a label on a problem which may not necessarily be there.' Like with women, the term 'male menopause' is used to describe the period in an adult man's life when his hormone levels crash, causing a host of symptoms that shatter sufferers' confidence or are outright debilitating including erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and rapid fat gain. Male babies are born with testosterone. Their 'T' levels quickly increase during puberty, which causes boys to develop deeper voices, bigger muscles and body and facial hair. The hormone also helps the testes produce sperm crucial for reproduction. Testosterone levels typically peak at around the age of 20 followed by a slow descent throughout the rest of adulthood. At their highest, testosterone levels should be anywhere between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. Once men hit their mid-thirties, testosterone levels begin declining by at least one percent per year. Testosterone in males is produced in the testicles and drives sexual development. It regulates sex drive, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. It also acts on the brain and spinal cord as an important regulator of neurological functions. Low testosterone levels are associated with depression and anxiety. Low testosterone could indicate a problem in the pituitary gland, a pea sized gland located at the base of the brain that monitors and regulates myriad bodily functions through the hormones that it produces. The age-related hormone changes in men are gradual and while they don't render male reproductive organs inoperable, the change could cause sexual complications. Unlike in women, the hormonal change does not render men infertile. Although testosterone is a hormone that drives male fertility, people with low testosterone levels can still produce healthy sperm, though sperm count and quality typically decline. And while a woman's transition happens somewhat drastically within a couple of years men experience falling testosterone annually from around the age of 40 through their senior years. Doctors will typically run a barrage of blood tests on patients presenting with these symptoms to determine what is causing the deficit in testosterone and how to treat it. For instance, low testosterone has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and fatty liver disease. Men with low testosterone may opt to start hormone replacement therapy to combat symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy comes in many forms, from topical gels to intramuscular injections. TRT helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. She is one of Australia's most famous trainers. And on Wednesday, Michelle Bridges ensured all eyes were on her as she attended marie claire's Women of the Year Awards. The former Biggest Loser trainer, 53, turned heads in a $350 Rochelle Twist strapless dress by Bec + Bridge. The author, who recently graced the screens of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, worked her angles to her advantage in the slinky ensemble. The off-the-shoulder dress not only showed off Michelle's toned arms, but plenty of flesh at the front. Michelle was all smiles as she put on a busty display in the tight dress and carried a red clutch. She went for a bronze makeup look and wore her long, highlighted tresses down over her shoulders. The celebrity trainer accessorised with a silver bracelet as well as matching silver earrings and watch. Michelle Bridges ensured all eyes were on her as she attended marie claire's Women of the Year Awards. Pictured The former Biggest Loser trainer, 53, turned heads in a $350 Rochelle Twist strapless dress by Bec + Bridge The fitness fanatic shares son Axel with her former partner Steve 'Commando' Willis. The couple split in 2020 after meeting on The Biggest Loser in 2012. It comes after Michelle returned to Australian television earlier this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! However, the trainer was the third celebrity to be eliminated, leaving the jungle after 21 days. Michelle admitted that she was disappointed to have missed out on the I'm A Celebrity final earlier this year. 'I won't lie, I am disappointed. I really would have liked to have stayed a bit longer,' she confessed in her exit interview. The author, who recently graced the screens of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, worked her angles to her advantage in the slinky ensemble Michelle recently returned to Australian television on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 'I've loved meeting new people and I have made good friendships in there, I won't lie. 'There's some really great people I've connected with and I know that I'll have that connection on the outside.' Michelle was competing for her chosen charity, Women's Community Shelters. The trainer rose to fame on The Biggest Loser in 2007, a reality television show where overweight contestants compete to lose the most weight. Michelle went on to appear on Celebrity MasterChef Australia in 2009, Dancing with the Stars in 2019, and Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2021. Louise Thompson has suffered another setback in her health after being rushed in for emergency surgery before going into septic shock. The Made In Chelsea star has been in hospital for two weeks, with her fiance, Ryan Libbey explaining how he rushed her to A&E when she suffered agonising abdomonal pain. Speaking on the couple's podcast He Said, She Said in a new episode recorded a week ago and released on Wednesday, an emotional Ryan explained why Louise was absent and heartbreakingly admitted 'I don't know how much more she can take.' Ryan said he had returned from a weekend visiting his family in Devon to find Louise 'rolling around in heaps of pain' at the London home their share with son Leo, two. Louise Thompson has suffered another setback in her health after being rushed in for emergency surgery before going into septic shock (Louise is pictured earlier this year during a previous hospital stay) Speaking on the couple's podcast He Said, She Said, an emotional Ryan explained why Louise was absent and heartbreakingly admitted 'I don't know how much more she can take' By the early hours of the morning she could take no more and Ryan rushed her to A&E 'and a few hours later she was on the operating table.' Louise underwent surgery 'in the same tummy area that she's been recovering from since earlier this year with her stoma surgery. It was completely unexpected,' Ryan told listeners. Complications arose and she went into septic shock after the operation which Ryan explained 'shows the severity of how bad things got.' Ryan reassured listeners that his fiancee is recovering, and is out of the intensive care unit, but he confessed the terrifying ordeal has taken its toll on both of them. 'I don't know how much more she can take,' he said. 'It's soul destroying, it takes the wind right out of your sails.' 'It leaves you completely dumbfounded because you don't know why someone would deserve to go through countless bouts of bad health like this.' 'I can't believe we're back in this situation. My heart beat is skipping around all over the place which is an indication of how heavy and raw it all feels. It's very unexpected and a difficult pill to swallow. It's completely broken me.' Ryan said during the recording that he hoped Louise will be home in time for their son Leo's third birthday on November 15. Louise underwent surgery 'in the same tummy area that she's been recovering from since earlier this year with her stoma surgery. It was completely unexpected,' Ryan told listeners 'She's got the mum guilt, she's worried about letting him down,' Ryan explained, revealing that whilst Louise is through the worst of her physical battle, 'now she's in this difficult mental space.' He added that for him carrying on with work has been difficult, telling fans that 'when I walked into the room to record this episode, seeing just one chair and one microphone moved me to tears.' 'I had to leave the house for a few minutes to gather my emotions, so I ran down to the florist to get a bunch of flowers for the set of the podcast. I wanted to make every effort to get this right and to keep things consistent, I wanted to do the podcast justice and make Louise proud'. Louise posted her own update from hospital later on Wednesday, sharing a photo of Ryan placing a sunshine balloon at the end of her bed as she told her followers: 'Its World kindness day. The world feels like its been a bit unkind to me again.' 'But today is a new day. And that hopefully means home,' she continued. 'I really hate to say it but Ive been back in hospital feeling very poorly (I feel like the word poorly warrants the label of an Onomatopoeia - everything about it resembles elderly, frail illnessy stuff).' 'As I say it I feel like a grandma blowing out bubbles for words. It looks and sounds sick. Like I did. Even though Im also confusingly only 34 and incredibly strong. Mentally and physically STRONG. If I do say so myself.' 'Im almost embarssed at this point. BUT there is light. Despite The Surgery The Butt drain The Catheter The Stoma The Robinsons drains Dreaded Pigtail drain Copious cannulas, damn I wish Id accepted that picc line Blood tests galore My poor poor bod. Ive felt like a bit of a zombie. There have been beacons of kindness EVERYWHERE.' Ryan said during the recording that he hopes Louise will be home in time for their son Leo's third birthday on November 15 Its been needed because oh goodness me its been quite scary seeing my body laden with so many foreign objects. Im amazed I even managed to move with all that in at one point.' 'I literally had a tail dangling out of me. Stitched in. In fact I felt like an octopus with multiple legs or tubes (turns out a cannula with different entry points is called an octopus too). Great minds. Or a great subconscious mind and memory of mine. Ahhh the joy of heavy heavy opioids for getting me through the worst of it. Thank goodness for poppies. Thank goodness for science. Thank goodness for modern medicine. Back to the important thing : kindness. There have been many many people who have been incredibly kind who have got me through. Like BEYOND KIND. Angel level of kind. The kind of people you meet and think gosh I wish I was as kind as you because you are next level kind, going out of your way to help others. You really are a superstar kind of god given gift. Louise posted her own update from hospital on Wednesday, sharing a photo of Ryan placing a balloon on her bed as she told her fans: 'The world feels like its been a bit unkind to me again' 'Im almost embarssed at this point. BUT there is light. Despite The Surgery The Butt drain The Catheter The Stoma' she told her followers Its really remarkable that there are people out there that are THIS cool. Actually I dont mean cool. I mean warm, really really warm. Because warm > cool. The world is a better place because of you. My faith in humanity is actually at an all time high right now.' Louise, the elder sister of Sam Thompson, has faced series of health issues since the birth of Leo in November 2021. She recently published her book Lucky which details her health battles over the past three years. She shared the news of having a stoma bag fitted with her Instagram followers in early April, as she bravely admitted it is 'not something she wanted to hide forever'. The television personality has previously spoken about her ongoing struggles with the bowel condition ulcerative colitis as well as the autoimmune disease lupus. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed. The condition has no cure, but can be effectively managed with time. Louise shared an Instagram post on Tuesday evening, reminiscing on the 'beautiful solo weekend with Leo' she had before she was rushed to hospital Louise, the elder sister of Sam Thompson, has faced series of health issues since the birth of Leo in November 2021 Earlier this year she spent two weeks in hospital after suffering a ulcerative colitis flare up during a holiday with Ryan and Leo. Louise shared an Instagram post on Tuesday evening, reminiscing on the 'beautiful solo weekend with Leo' she had before she was rushed to hospital. Posting alongside of happy photos of the pair, she wrote: 'Its amazing how far the words cheeky monkey coming out of your childs mouth can propel you forward during the toughest of times.' Married at First Sight star Jessika Power is known for her naughty posts. And on Wednesday the 32-year-old adult content creator risked a social media ban after sharing a very risque picture. In the saucy snap the buxom blonde can be seen striking a sultry pose wearing a red barely-there 'dental floss' bikini. The outfit featured a bra top consisting of only straps and two small patches that were just big enough to cover each nipple. The lower half of her high cut string bikini bottom was cropped out of the picture. Letting her long locks fall over her shoulders, Jessika wore a sexy red shade of lipstick for the photo shoot. Jessika's fans gushed over the post with many leaving only a 'flame' emoji. 'Hot. Very beautiful,' said one fan, while another male admirer said simply: 'Goddess'. Married at First Sight star Jessika Power is known for her naughty posts. Pictured On Wednesday, the 32-year-old adult content creator risked a social media ban after sharing a very risque image 'Such a babe,' swooned another follower. 'I licked my screen,' said another fan. It comes after Jessika Power was pictured partying on the Gold Coast to celebrate her birthday last month, weeks after her father's death. The buxom reality TV bride appeared in good spirits as she made her way to the party venue with a girlfriend by her side. She was seen sipping on margaritas at a local bar and playfully grabbing her chest as she chatted to her gal pal. Jessika recently drew ire from fans after her family called for donations to help with the costs of her father's memorial. Taking to Instagram in August she announced the heartbreaking news of her father's death. She shared a photo showing her sitting on her father's lap, embracing him tightly with a warm and loving smile. 'Doesn't feel real. We love you dad. I hope you're up there having a port with your mates and looking down on us missing you forever,' she wrote. Her brother Rhyce Power, who also briefly appeared on MAFS, then posted to his own Instagram to announce that a GoFundMe page had been set up to assist in paying for the funeral. Several were not impressed, with trolls leaving angry comments on Jessika's Instagram photos, which showed her partying in Cannes, France in July. Jessika appeared on MAFS in season 6 in 2019 Many pointed out that both Jessika and her brother appear to make a decent living on adult platform OnlyFans. 'Sorry for your loss, but at what point do you and your brother think it's okay to promote a GoFundMe when there are people who literally have no homes or food to eat and you two always brag about the money you make?' one person wrote. 'It just doesn't make any sense. If it was my dad I'd drop any amount of money I had on me especially with a bag like yours,' they added. One more wrote: 'Sorry to hear about your dad's passing but WTF why are you asking the public for money when you splurge your opulence all over social media plus your brother does OnlyFans too? Revolting.' Jessika told Daily Mail Australia her whole family were pitching in along with the fundraising campaign. 'The GoFundMe is to help pay for my fathers funeral as he passed suddenly overnight and even though the family are all donating to help, however a funeral is costly especially when it is as sudden as this,' Jessika said. 'My sisters fiance created the page also before I was aware, so there must be more payments that have been presented to him in order to make the page.' The biggest stars of 2025 have come together for Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue, which has been released three months early. A dozen of the biggest names in the industry spent two days in September shooting the 31st cover at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Sydney Sweeney led the Hollywood royalty and showed off their incredible style in designer outfits. They joined Glen Powell, who flew in from a set after only one hour's sleep because starring on the front cover has 'been on his bucket list', before flying out again. Zoe Saldana, meanwhile, juggled a house renovation and the promo tour of her film Emilia Perez as she joined Dev Patel, Josh O'Connor, Danielle Deadwyler, Jonathan Bailey, Lisa, Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard for the photoshoot. Photographed by Gordon Von Steiner and styled by George Cortina, the huge production involved 24 trunks, 50 boxes, 30 rails of clothing, 200 pairs of shoes and four security guards for the expensive jewellery. The biggest stars of 2025 have come together for Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue (L-R Glen Powell, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana, Dev Patel, Sydney Sweeney, Josh O'Connor, Danielle Deadwyler, Jonathan Bailey , Lisa, Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard) Zendaya wowed in a plunging purple suit while Nicole Kidman stunned in baby blue as they lead the Hollywood royalty alongside Glen, Zoe and Dev Each star was interviewed by the publication, with Zendaya, 28, earning a top spot after she received critical acclaim for her roles in Dune, Spider-Man and Euphoria. But the actress said there were times when her Hollywood career didn't go as planned. She said: 'I remember many years ago, there was a project I was working on that fell through. We were supposed to shoot, and then a month before, it fell apart. 'And then I got this script for Euphoria and that ended up shooting in its slot. I was like, "Oh my God, thank God that movie fell apart!" But at the time we were like, "S**t." There was really a reason for all of it. I try to go with my feelings.' Zendaya won two leading actress Emmys for her role as Rue in Euphoria and in March reprised her character in Dune. The actress has also become one of the front runners in the fashion industry. With the help of her stylist Law Roach, the Hollywood starlet's red carpet looks are almost as famous as the films she stars in. For the photoshoot, Zendaya showed off her bold sense of style as she went braless in a bold purple suit before posing in a stunning pale pink co-ord and matching shoes by Alaia, teamed with Bulgari jewellery. Sydney dazzled in a black beaded dress as she posed alongside The Crown's Josh O'Connor, Danielle and Bridgerton's Jonathan Lisa, Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard made it to the exclusive list of Hollywood's biggest stars to watch Zendaya, 28, has received critical acclaim for her roles in Dune, Spider-Man and Euphoria (pictured) in which she has won two Best Actress Emmys for The actress has also become one of the front runners in the fashion industry. With the help of her stylist Law Roach, the starlet's red carpet looks are iconic (pictured at Dune premiere) Elsewhere in the interview, Zendaya gave a rare insight into her romance with Tom Holland, 28 (pictured when they first became a couple in 2021) Elsewhere in the interview, Zendaya gave a rare insight into her romance with Tom Holland, 28. The couple began dating in 2021 after meeting on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. She said: 'I love working with him. Hes so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if hes absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. Thats how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read.' Nicole, meanwhile, shows off her age-defying figure in a strapless black velvet Schiaparelli corset which is adorned with tassels. The actress, 57, has embraced a pivotal moment in her career with her racy film Babygirl, which followed the release of The Perfect Couple. The actress stars in the erotic movie opposite The Iron Claw star Harris Dickinson, 28 and won Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. Nicole, 57, meanwhile has embraced a pivotal moment in her career with her racy film Babygirl (pictured), which followed the release of The Perfect Couple The film sees Nicole play a high-powered married company boss who falls for a kinky young intern. Of why she took on the role, she said: 'If its seen as a risk, Ill take these risks. And if theyre bold risks, then Ill take those risks'. Nicole also expressed her sadness her late mother, Janelle, couldn't see her recent success. She was forced to leave Venice Film Festival in September just hours before her Best Actress win for her role in Babygirl after getting the news of her mother's death at the age of 84. She said: 'Her essence has been pretty much the driving force through my whole life. I wish she could have seen this part of it. She was very excited to see Babygirl and she was excited to see The Perfect Couple too, but she didnt get to see either of those.' Sydney, 27, launched her own production company after starring in Euphoria, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. She spoke of embracing the Glen Powell romance rumours for Anyone But You, which was released last year, to help promote the film. A few months ago, Glen admitted he and Sydney 'leaned into' their romance rumors in order to drum up hype for the romantic comedy. In the run-up to the movie's release, Glen and Sydney were hounded by speculation that they had indulged in an on-set affair. The conjecture carried a whiff of scandal because at that time, Sydney was already engaged to her longtime love Jonathan Davino. She said: 'I dont know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it. We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that youre a b***h, so.' Inside the magazine, Sydney also candidly discussed her true feelings about the nude scenes she has performed in onscreen. 'I am always very supportive of nudity, of sexual scenes, if the story of the character warrants it,' she proudly declared. The subject arose because of her upcoming Ron Howard survival thriller Eden, in which her co-star Jude Law flashes the flesh on camera. 'For Judes character, it was such a powerful move for him to do, so I wanted to cheer for that,' Sydney said warmly. 'Whether its men or women, if its for the character its for the character, and it tells a story.' Sydney, who made the top 12 with Glen, said they leant into the romance rumours to promote their film Anyone But You Editor in chief Radhika Jones said of the exclusive issue: 'Surprise! Its the Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue, a few months earlier than you expected! For 30 years, our tentpole issue has been timed more or less to the Oscars. 'Think of this Hollywood Issue, with its new arrival date, as the beginning of a long and glorious red carpet, winding from the critics' honours and Golden Globes, through the guild and independent film awards, all the way to the industrys biggest night (and, of course, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party).' Vanity Fairs Hollywood issue is on newsstands November 26. Billy Bob Thornton hit the Landman premiere at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The 69-year-old actor from Arkansas wore a black outfit with a fedora as he posed with costars Demi Moore and Ali Larter. The 1883 star was also with his sixth wife of 10 years, Men In Black actress Connie Angland, 60. They have one child together. This comes 20 years after the Oscar winner divorced Angelina Jolie, whom he was wed to from 2000 until 2003. Before that he romanced Laura Dern. Billy Bob Thornton looked effortlessly cool while rocking a chic all-black outfit and layered chain necklaces He was accompanied by his wife of 10 years, Connie Angland Billy and Angelina are still in touch, Bill said in 2019. 'We're good friends. We've been friends for years and years and years,' Thornton said of Angelina at Tribeca TV Festival's presentation of Goliath in NYC. 'We keep up with each other. She's not in town a lot, so we don't see each other much, but we talk,' he dished to Us Weekly at the time. Angelina and the Sling Blade star married in May 2000. Their oftentimes eccentric relationship ended in June 2002 when they separated. The two divorced in May 2003. Billy Bob explained in a November 2016 interview with GQ that he 'never felt good enough for her,' saying that her humanitarian efforts did not align with his easygoing lifestyle. Of the vials of blood the pair wore on chains around their necks, the Fargo alum told The Hollywood Reporter in October 2014, 'It was a crazy time. I've never been fond of it.' He continued: 'We were apart a lot because she's off making Tomb Raider and I'm making Monster's Ball. Billy Bob and Angelina both wore leather pants to the LA premiere of Gone In 60 Seconds in the year 2000. They split in 2002 and divorced in 2003 'She thought it would be interesting and romantic if we took a little razor blade and sliced our fingers, smeared a little blood on these lockets and you wear it around your neck just like you wear your son or daughter's baby hair in one. 'From that, we were wearing quart jars of blood around our necks. And we were vampires and we lived in a dungeon.' Angelina moved on with Brad Pitt, whom she met and fell in love with on the set of Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004. They married 19 years later in August 2014 and The Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil star filed for divorce in September 2016. Meanwhile, Billy Bob secretly tied the knot with Connie Angland in October 2014. Connie, who was elegant in a black slip dress, is his sixth wife The two share one child together Demi Moore was also at the event; she posed with her Landman co-stars Paulina Chavez, Michelle Randolph, Billy Bob, Ali Larter and Jacob Lofland Thornton looked effortlessly cool while rocking a chic all-black outfit and layered chain necklaces at the Landman event. The Bad Santa star wore a fedora over a headscarf and slipped on a pair of Western boots. Landman focuses on the huge oil boom in Texas and how some of the biggest moguls in the trade will go to any means necessary to maintain their vast wealth. She was joined by her longtime husband Hayes MacArthur, 47, who she wed in 2009 The series is co-created by the man behind the Yellowstone universe Taylor Sheridan, 53, and podcaster Christian Wallace. Landman, like Yellowstone, is set in the present day and is inspired by the popular podcast Boomtown, which chronicled a 21st century oil boom in western Texas. The series logline describes it as 'an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, its reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.' Demi is set to play series regular Cami, whose husband Monty (Jon Hamm) is one of the most powerful oil men in Texas and a friend of Tommy Norris who is played by Billy Bob Thornton. Season one of Landman will premiere on Paramount+ on November 18. The cast recently returned to the United States after promoting the west Texas drama in the United Kingdom last week. The promo tour for Landman comes soon after the release of Demi's latest film project, The Substance, which also stars Margaret Qualley, 30. Landman which will premiere on Paramount+ on November 18 focuses on the huge oil boom in Texas and how some of the biggest moguls in the trade will go to any means necessary to maintain their vast wealth Demi is set to play series regular Cami, whose husband Monty (Jon Hamm) is one of the most powerful oil men in Texas and a friend of Tommy Norris who is played by Billy Bob Thornton It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, which was lauded by critics immediately, and hit theaters on September 20. The horror film centers on a former celebrity (Moore) who uses a mysterious black market drug that replicates her cells and temporarily creates a younger version of herself. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid and Hugo Diego Garcia and it was written/directed by Coralie Fargeat. The British male stars of 2025 have come together for Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue as they represented the UK in the glamorous shoot. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey and Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa led the British royalty as they wowed in striking deep blue and teal suits. The pair were also joined by The Crown star Josh OConnor and Dev Patel of Skins, as they cosied up to the likes of Nicole Kidman and Syndey Sweeney for the cover. Photographed by Gordon Von Steiner and styled by George Cortina, the portfolio features stunning solo portraits and interviews with the stars. Jonathan is currently anticipating the release of his latest film Wicked, which sees the actor, 36, star as Elphaba's love interest Fiyero Tigelaar. Jonathan Bailey and Ncuti Gatwa led the star-studded British male actors as they joined Josh O'Connor and Dev Patel in Vanity Fair's 2025 Hollywood issue Bridgerton's Jonathan wowed in a striking royal blue suit while Josh kept it cool as he wore his brown jacket over one shoulder However the star is best known for his role as heartthrob Lord Anthony in the Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton after the third series aired back in May. Earlier this week Jonathan revealed the wholesome link between both projects as he admitted he was accompanied by the exact same horse on each set. Jonathan explained he insisted the director of Wicked, Jon M. Chu, choose the same horse he had ridden in Bridgerton. He said: 'I went round to see Jon Chu [the director] before we starting filming and I said to him "I think I know who the horse is" and he was like "What do you mean?". 'And I was like "It's Jack, the horse that I had ridden in Bridgerton, who I had an amazing relationship with". 'People say don't work with kids and animals but if it's Jack, I'd say take the job. He's a legend.' Ncuti soared to fame after playing the role of the beloved Eric before he stepped into the role as the Doctor earlier this year. The star has reportedly doubled his fortune thanks to his huge role as the time lord and has apparently seen his earnings double to 1.9million, according to The Sun. Ncuti said playing the Doctor is 'surreal' and joked he had signed up for the next 10 seasons. Ncuti looked stylish in a teal ensemble as he posed beside the stars on the Holylwood cover Jonathan stars as Elphaba's love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked and plays Lord Anthony in Bridgerton (pictured) Ncuti soared to fame after playing the role of the beloved Eric before he stepped into the role as the Doctor earlier this year (pictured) The actor also had a special cameo in Barbie as one of the many Kens (pictured), and even joined Ryan Gosling on stage at the Oscars for a incredible performance of I'm Just Ken Dev most recently made his directorial debut on the vengeance-filled film, Monkey Man, which also sees the star play main character Kid Josh O'Connor was joined by his co-star Zendaya on the Vanity cover after the pair starred in hit romance Challengers earlier this year (pictured) The actor also had a special cameo in Barbie as one of the many Kens, and even joined Ryan Gosling on stage at the Oscars for a incredible performance of I'm Just Ken. The British actors were also joined by Zendaya, Glen Powell, Zoe Saldana, Danielle Deadwyler, Lisa, and Bill Skarsgard for the shoot. Meanwhile Josh O'Connor was joined by his co-star Zendaya on the Vanity cover after the pair starred in hit romance Challengers earlier this year. Speaking about the role, Josh said: 'It was an honour to be directed by Luca. The script was great, as was the cast and being able to work with Mike and Zendaya. 'To be honest, what attracted me to accepting the role of Patrick is that he is so different from me,' he continued, though the star struggled to nail down what was so different from himself. 'I dont really know, just different. Thats the beauty of being an actor,' he said. Dev Patel made his TV debut in British teen drama Skins, before landing a breakthrough role in Danny Boyles' Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. Since then the actor, 34, has won a BAFTA for his role in Lion and two Golden Globe nominations for both Lion and Personal History of David Copperfield. He most recently made his directorial debut on the vengeance-filled film, Monkey Man, which also sees Dev star as main character Kid. Ncuti Gatwa has said he 'pays no mind' to the racist and homophobic abuse he's endured since taking over the lead role in Doctor Who. The Sex Education star, 32, made his debut as the titular Time Lord last year, and has been praised by many fans for his fresh new take on the legendary character. Speaking as part of Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue, Ncuti said he's felt 'warmth and love' from many Doctor Who fans since taking on the role, but the negative reaction from some has 'affected' him. He said: 'I wouldn't be the only Black lead that's taken over a sci-fi franchise that would have received that sort of treatment. 'Unfortunately, those are voices that exist in sci-fi fandomsbut they're not the only voices. Ncuti Gatwa (second right) has said he 'pays no mind' to the racist and homophobic abuse he's endured since taking over the lead role in Doctor Who, as he grace the cover of Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue 'I just remember feeling a lot of warmth and love, being embraced into a big nerd family. When we're shooting there are fans outside the studio or on location every single time, be it at 4am, be it minus-12 degrees. 'I think that's beautiful, what the show means to them, so I concentrate on that more than anything. I don't want to invalidate the very real thing that is racism, homophobia. 'I don't act as if they don't exist or they don't affect me. They do. But I try to pay it no mind and look at the many, many positives that came from joining the Whoniverse.' Ncuti is set to reprise his role as The Doctor for the upcoming Christmas Special, and a second series has already been filmed, and will air on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ internationally next year. He is also set to star in Jay Roach's reimagining of The War of the Roses alongside Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ncuti was quick to confess he's already developed a crush on the Sherlock star. He said: 'Oh, Cumberbatch! Benedict iswhat a dream. The things I want to say about that man, I don't think are appropriate. 'What a handsome and charming, lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely man. He put me to shame. This man gets up and swims in the cold sea every morning.' A dozen of the biggest names in the industry spent two days in September shooting the 31st Vanity Fair Hollywood issue at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. The Sex Education star made his debut as the titular Time Lord last year, and has been praised by many fans for his fresh new take on the legendary character Ncuti said he's felt 'warmth and love' from many Doctor Who fans since taking on the role, but the negative reaction from some has 'affected' him Ncuti is also set to star in a reimagining of The War of the Roses with Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ncuti was quick to confess he's already developed a crush on the Sherlock star Photographed by Gordon Von Steiner and styled by George Cortina, the huge production involved 24 trunks, 50 boxes, 30 rails of clothing, 200 pairs of shoes and four security guards for the expensive jewellery. It comes amid rumours that the future of Doctor Who is in doubt and questions have been raised about whether Ncuti Gatwa will return for a third series. The future of the hit sci-fi show may not be so secure after it was revealed that there will be a gap of at least two years following the second outing of the star as the titular character next year. The extended wait may mean the Scottish actor might not return at all according to The Mirror. Insiders have told the publication that eyebrows were raised about the show after a mysterious edit was made to Graham Norton's BBC One chat show. But the comment was edited out when the episode of the chat show was aired. This latest detail comes after Doctor Who producer Russell T Davies said 'no decision' had been made yet for the line-up of series three in July. Appearing at Comic Con in San Diego alongside Ncuti and Millie Gibson, the screenwriter spoke about what was in store for the science fiction show. A dozen of the biggest names in the industry spent two days in September shooting the 31st Vanity Fair Hollywood issue at Milk Studios in Los Angeles Russell, 62, admitted decisions about who would star in series three haven't been made yet as they are still in the middle of filming the second season. The screenwriter said: 'We've shot season two, but that's only halfway through. We've got all those months of post to come. It's a long way off, so no decisions yet.' Ncuti said playing the Doctor is 'surreal' and when the host joked he had signed up for the next 10 seasons, he replied: 'Of course!'. 'I am still growing into the Doctor but season two was lovely. It felt like the suit was fully fitted. I was finding my feet in season one and having the time of my life but season two felt like a chance to flex the muscles properly,' he said, according to The Mirror. Asides from filming the second series, Ncuti is starring in a West End production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Vanity Fairs Hollywood issue is on newsstands November 26. Louise Thompson has spoken out on her terrifying rush to hospital in an emotional update, as she admits she hopes she will be home in time for her son Leo's birthday. The Made In Chelsea star has suffered another setback in her health after being rushed in for emergency surgery before going into septic shock. She has been in hospital for two weeks, with her fiance, Ryan Libbey speaking out on the ordeal during a new episode of the couple's podcast He Said, She Said. Louise has now posted an Instagram update, telling her followers: 'The world feels like its been a bit unkind to me again.' Louise Thompson has spoken out on her terrifying rush to hospital in an emotional update, as she admits she hopes she will be home in time for her son Leo's birthday The Made In Chelsea star has suffered another setback in her health after being rushed in for emergency surgery before going into septic shock (Louise is pictured earlier this year during a previous hospital stay) The star shared a photo of Ryan placing a sunshine balloon at the end of her bed as she told her followers: 'Its World kindness day. The world feels like its been a bit unkind to me again.' She added that she hopes to be home soon, especially as it her son Leo's third birthday on November 15. 'Today is a new day. And that hopefully means home,' she continued. 'I really hate to say it but Ive been back in hospital feeling very poorly (I feel like the word poorly warrants the label of an Onomatopoeia - everything about it resembles elderly, frail illnessy stuff).' 'As I say it I feel like a grandma blowing out bubbles for words. It looks and sounds sick. Like I did. Even though Im also confusingly only 34 and incredibly strong. Mentally and physically STRONG. If I do say so myself.' Louise went on to admit 'Im almost embarssed at this point. BUT there is light,' as she thanked hospital staff and her friends and family for taking care of her. 'Despite The Surgery The Butt drain The Catheter The Stoma The Robinsons drains Dreaded Pigtail drain Copious cannulas, damn I wish Id accepted that picc line Blood tests galore My poor poor bod. Ive felt like a bit of a zombie. There have been beacons of kindness EVERYWHERE.' 'Its been needed because oh goodness me its been quite scary seeing my body laden with so many foreign objects. Im amazed I even managed to move with all that in at one point.' 'I literally had a tail dangling out of me. Stitched in. In fact I felt like an octopus with multiple legs or tubes (turns out a cannula with different entry points is called an octopus too). Great minds. Or a great subconscious mind and memory of mine.' Louise has now posted an Instagram update, telling her followers: 'The world feels like its been a bit unkind to me again' 'Ahhh the joy of heavy heavy opioids for getting me through the worst of it. Thank goodness for poppies. Thank goodness for science. Thank goodness for modern medicine.' 'Back to the important thing : kindness. There have been many many people who have been incredibly kind who have got me through. Like BEYOND KIND.' 'Angel level of kind. The kind of people you meet and think gosh I wish I was as kind as you because you are next level kind, going out of your way to help others. You really are a superstar kind of god given gift.' 'Its really remarkable that there are people out there that are THIS cool. Actually I dont mean cool. I mean warm, really really warm. Because warm > cool. The world is a better place because of you.' 'My faith in humanity is actually at an all time high right now.' Louise also shared her thoughts on Ryan's solo podcast episode, admitting she found watching a clip of her emotional fiance heartbreaking. 'Just watching this 1 clip broke my heart so I won't be listening to the pod this week until I'm waaaaay recovered and feeling so far removed from this challenge.' She also appeared to criticise the decision to go ahead with the podcast in her absence, telling her followers that it 'makes me really sad and a bit confused as to why Ryan had to host a solo ep THIS early on into our pod journey, but hey go. I'm v proud of you for getting on and doing it.' Louise also shared her thoughts on Ryan's solo podcast episode, admitting she found watching a clip of her emotional fiance heartbreaking She added that she hopes to be home soon, especially as it her son Leo's third birthday on November 15. 'Today is a new day. And that hopefully means home' She has been in hospital for two weeks, with her fiance, Ryan Libbey speaking out on the ordeal during a new episode of the couple's podcast He Said, She Said Ryan explained on Wednesday's podcast episode how he rushed his partner to A&E when she suffered agonising abdomonal pain. Ryan said he had returned from a weekend visiting his family in Devon to find Louise 'rolling around in heaps of pain' at the London home their share with Leo. By the early hours of the morning she could take no more and Ryan rushed her to A&E 'and a few hours later she was on the operating table.' Louise underwent surgery 'in the same tummy area that she's been recovering from since earlier this year with her stoma surgery. It was completely unexpected,' Ryan told listeners. Complications arose and she went into septic shock after the operation which Ryan explained 'shows the severity of how bad things got.' Ryan reassured listeners that his fiancee is recovering, and is out of the intensive care unit, but he confessed the terrifying ordeal has taken its toll on both of them. Louise underwent surgery 'in the same tummy area that she's been recovering from since earlier this year with her stoma surgery 'I don't know how much more she can take,' he said. 'It's soul destroying, it takes the wind right out of your sails.' Louise, the elder sister of Sam Thompson, has faced series of health issues since the birth of Leo in November 2021. She recently published her book Lucky which details her health battles over the past three years. She shared the news of having a stoma bag fitted with her Instagram followers in early April, as she bravely admitted it is 'not something she wanted to hide forever'. The television personality has previously spoken about her ongoing struggles with the bowel condition ulcerative colitis as well as the autoimmune disease lupus. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed. The condition has no cure, but can be effectively managed with time. Skai Jackson has defended her baby daddy after a blogger shared a message he allegedly wrote about her following her pregnancy announcement. The Disney Channel alum, 22, announced on Tuesday that she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, however his identity has yet to be revealed. That same day, a man going by 'Yerkky Yerkky' allegedly posted to Facebook, 'On woop im salty i got this dumb a** Disney Chanel (sic) b***h pregnant I hate this h**.' Blogger Tasha K posted the comment to her Instagram - prompting a fiery message from Skai and her mother Kiya Cole. Skai insisted his Facebook account had been hacked, writing in the comments section: 'His page was hacked! He never said this. End of story.' Skai Jackson has defended her rumored boyfriend after a blogger posted an alleged message he shared about her pregnancy; pictured January 2024 Blogger Tasha K posted the comment to her Instagram - prompting a fiery message from Skai and her mother Kiya Cole Her mother posted: 'HE NEVER SAID THIS!!!! Stop being messy!!!' The post no longer appears on the page and photos of a pregnant Skai were shared to the account with a sweet smiling face with hearts emoji. Skai announced her pregnancy with People, with the outlet sharing photos of the star and her burgeoning baby bump. Jackson is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, whose identity is not yet known. 'Im thrilled to begin this new chapter in my life embracing motherhood and diving into new acting projects. My heart is so full!' she told the publication. In photos posted by the outlet, Skai displayed her baby bump in a lilac crop top as she enjoyed an outing with her mother Kiya Cole. It comes after Skai sparked pregnancy rumors last week while spotted in LA cradling her stomach. The pregnancy news comes several months after Skai was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery but not charged. In September it was revealed that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office declined to file charges and dropped the case against her. On August 8 the 22-year-old actress was at Universal Studios CityWalk in Los Angeles, California after an alleged altercation with her boyfriend, whose identity has yet to be revealed Jackson is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, whose identity is not yet known; pictured August She was previously arrested on August 8 at Universal Studios CityWalk in Los Angeles, California after an alleged altercation with her boyfriend. Police responded to a call from the theme park after security personnel detained Jackson for allegedly pushing her boyfriend. Deputies reviewed the surveillance footage of the alleged incident. No weapons were involved and there were no any identifiable injuries, the sheriff's department confirmed at the time. 'Skai is relieved that the investigation revealed that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding,' a representative for Jackson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. 'We appreciate that the DA determined very quickly that there should be no charges of any kind and Skai looks forward to putting this behind her,' it continued. At the time of her arrest, law enforcement sources told TMZ she told the arresting officers she was 'happily engaged and expecting a baby.' The star who avoided questions from fans in regards to her arrest did not have charges filed against her due to prosecutors finding a lack of evidence, TMZ reported. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office informed the outlet that the case will not go forward due to Jackson not having any criminal history. The alleged victim, her boyfriend, does not have any injuries and had also not been cooperating with prosecutors. Jackson is best known for her roles on Disney Channel sitcom Jessie and spin-off Bunk'd, both of which ended in 2018. There is plenty of mystery surrounding the disappearance of Gossip Girl actress Chanel Maya Banks, 36. The police claimed early on Wednesday morning that she was found in Texas, according TMZ. It was added that the TV star was 'safe and sound' with no injuries after she was not heard from for two weeks. Law enforcement told the site that they did 'not suspect foul play.' But her family has insisted that Banks has not been found and that the woman in Texas who claims to be Chanel is indeed not Chanel, but rather using the actress' expired New York ID card, according to the Los Angeles Times. The family even said the TMZ story was 'fake news.' 'I have positively identified that that is not her,' Chanel's cousin Danielle Tori-Singh said on Facebook. 'Ive known her for 31 years. I know what she looks like.' Chanel Maya Banks has been found, it was claimed early on Wednesday morning. TMZ has reported that the Gossip Girl star is 'safe and sound', but her family has said that is not true. Seen in 2012 Chanel is known for her appearances in Gossip Girl (pictured), Blue Bloods and Suits On November 8 Chanel's family revealed they were desperately searching for her after she mysteriously vanished in Los Angeles. They had also claimed that her husband was not cooperating with police as they started a GoFundMe page that raised over $3,000 to help find her. The Blue Bloods actress was last heard from on October 30, when she texted her cousin, Tori-Singh, who worked with police and led a fundraiser for her urgent return. The actress' family, including her mother Judy Singh and cousin Danielle, flew in to Southern California to help aid in the search after her husband allegedly told them 'she does not want to be found', and had been taking down missing posters. Chanel had been living at an apartment in Playa Vista with her husband of one year before her family members suddenly stopped hearing from her. Upon entering her apartment, they discovered that Banks' belongings were still at the location, including her 'emotional support' dog and car. However, her phone and laptop were not found. After not hearing from Chanel in days, her loved ones quickly grew worried due to the actress often being in communication. Danielle told ABC7 News: 'Five days without hearing from my cousin is red flags and alarm bells. 'She doesn't go more than 48 hours without speaking to me or her mom... That girl is more like a big sister to me.' She said she last heard from her cousin by text on October 30, and saw her on FaceTime on October 27. Singh has been putting up flyers in her cousin's neighborhood but revealed that Chanel's husband has been uncooperative with the family and police. 'Her husband is extremely suspicious,' she told ABC7. 'He is not willing to help LAPD. He's not willing to help me or her mom. He is removing flyers off of posts and cars.' Her loved ones looked for the actress who was last heard from on October 30 Chanel Banks, 36, went missing at the end of October, it was claimed Banks married her husband last year in November and uploaded a video of the day on her main TikTok account at the time. She was last active on the social media app in September Police told KTLA 5 at the time that they were helping with the case and carried out four welfare checks. Banks was not home on any of the occasions, they said. When the family entered the home, they found her dog. Danielle said it was unusual, as her cousin 'does not go anywhere without her dog'. It was added: 'That dog is by her side for emotional support.' Banks married her husband last year in November and uploaded a video of the day on her main TikTok account at the time. She was last active on the social media app in September. Danielle told ABC7 News that Chanel has recently been stepping away from her acting career to instead focus on writing. 'I can tell you in my soul, in my gut, something is not right...We're crossing two weeks now without a word, without a sound. Nothing.' 'We asked him where is Chanel, and all he continues to say is "she does not want to be found, she will reach out when she's ready."' Danielle said A GoFundMe page has been launched in order to help the family pay expenses for a private investigator and to help with their stay in Los Angeles The Blue Bloods actor (pictured left) had reportedly stepped away from acting in recent years Chanel attends the Cinema Society film screening of Twelce, in New York, July 2010 According to her family members, per KTLA 5, Banks moved to Los Angeles 10 years earlier to pursue an acting career. Along with Gossip Girl, Chanel - who also goes by the name of Chanel Farrell - is known for appearing in the series Blue Bloods, Suits, and the movie, Twelve. Danielle told KTLA 5: 'The last text we got from her before her phone went off the grid was Oct. 30. I'm not going to leave California until I find my cousin.' She flew from Toronto to help search for Chanel, with the actress' mother arriving from New York. Upon discovering that Banks' phone appeared to be dead, and her dog and car were still at her apartment, Danielle immediately reached out to the police. Los Angeles Police Department investigators confirmed to the outlet that they are working on the case, and have completed a welfare checks this month. In an emotional message, Danielle said to Chanel, 'We love you so much. We just want to know you're okay and that you're safe and that nobody did anything to you.' Banks' mother, Judy, asked for prayers and told KTLA, 'Pray for my daughter because at this point, we don't know exactly [what happened].' 'She would never go anywhere without telling her mom or myself. We noticed on November 10 that her husband has a busted lip and marks and scratches on his neck and arms,' Danielle said Banks is known for starring in episodes of the third season of Gossip Girl (2009) as Sawyer Bennett - one of Jenny Humphrey's friends; Taylor Momsen (Jenny) seen above in NYC in 2009 'We are hearing stuff here and there, people saying this and that, but I know that's not my daughter.' A GoFundMe page was launched in order to help the family pay expenses for a private investigator and to help with their stay in Los Angeles. Danielle penned a description which read that Chanel, 'has been married for just over a year, and her husband is being uncooperative with police.' She revealed that both she and Judy were able to gain access to the apartment on Sunday, November 10 and said, 'all of her belongings are still there' aside from her laptop and phone. 'She would NEVER go anywhere without telling her mom or myself. We noticed on November 10 that her husband has a busted lip and marks and scratches on his neck and arms.' Family claim her husband is not cooperating with police However, Danielle wrote that the police do not suspect her husband of 'foul play' and told the family that he 'has not committed any crime by with-holding information. 'There's nothing they can do until they have evidence or probable cause to arrest him.' In conclusion, she wrote, 'Chanel has no family or friends here and would NEVER go somewhere without telling her mom. Please help us find my cousin.' As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe page raised around $3,000 with the goal of $20,000. Jonathan Bailey has revealed he was very aware of his sexuality after playing a straight character in Netflix's smash hit Bridgerton. The actor, 36, who is openly gay, explained that the media attention that came with the famous show put his sexuality into the spotlight. Jonathan added that he felt very strange after his private life became part of the publicity for the show. The Wicked star contrasted his experience on Bridgerton with working on Heartstopper, which he said he found cathartic, as he played a gay character. The Crashing actor told Vanity Fair: 'Doing Bridgerton - it's funny what comes with doing a lot of press, and suddenly there's a lot that people want to know about you, and there's a lot that's asked of you that, obviously, in any other industry, you wouldn't have to talk about. Jonathan Bailey, 36, revealed he was very aware of his sexuality after playing a straight character in Netflix 's smash hit Bridgerton alongside Simone Ashley (pictured) The actor who is openly gay, explained that the media attention that came with the famous show put his sexuality into the spotlight 'So I was hyperaware of the complexities and nuances of how I felt about myself being a gay man, let alone a gay actor, and suddenly finding success in playing a straight part and talking about that.' Jonathan went on to discuss how much he loved Heartstopper and the graphic novel it's based on, revealing he 'wedged' himself in to the part. He added however that it changed his view on growing up as a gay man. He said: 'Heartstopper seems to allow people to feel catharsis and to feel a sort of melancholic sort of nostalgia for what could have been. I was feeling all of those things anyway.' Jonathan went on to say he was amazed by the cast and the way they spoke about their own experiences. He added that he wished that had been able to discuss his feelings when he was younger and that he believed everyone over the age of 40 should watch the show. The Broadchurch actor's confession comes after fans lusted over him during the Sydney premiere of the his latest film Wicked. He sent the internet into meltdown after he posed alongside his Wicked costars in Australia captivating fans across the globe with his muscular legs. Jonathan explained he was 'hyperaware of the complexities and nuances' of playing his role in the hit Netflix show as a 'gay man, let alone a gay actor' The Broadchurch actor's confession comes after fans lusted over him during the Sydney premiere of the his latest film Wicked The Bridgerton actor was in Sydney promoting the upcoming musical blockbuster with fellow cast members Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on Tuesday morning when photos quickly went viral. Dressed in tiny black shorts and a black long-sleeved shirt, Jonathan instantly drew attention to his muscled legs, while posing alongside Cynthia and Ariana who opted for green and pink gowns respectively. And fans simply couldn't take their eyes off Jonathan's bulging legs and raced to voice their thirst on social media. Taking to X, one said: 'I'll tell you what's WICKED my thoughts about Jonathan Bailey's legs. 'How do you even what workout is he doing? RIP Mike of Angelo you would have loved him.' Another wrote: 'I want, no NEED, Jonathan Bailey's legs wrapped around me.' A third added: 'Leave it to Jonathan Bailey to create a welcome, well-timed distraction from... well, everything by posing in short shorts.' 'Sorry all I see are Jonathan Bailey's legs in this picture. Oh wow!!' a fourth said. Jonathan is playing Elphaba's love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in the two-part musical prequel to the iconic Wizard of Oz (pictured with Ariana Grande) The movie is about an unlikely friendship that emerges between Elphaba (Cynthia) and Glinda (Ariana), two clashing witches in the magical land of Oz A fifth posted: 'Jonathan Bailey is cordially invited to wrap his legs around my neck like a python.' Jonathan is playing Elphaba's love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in the two-part musical prequel to the iconic Wizard of Oz. The epic fantasy film is based on the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire that was later turned into a three-time Tony Award winning Broadway musical in 2003. Directed by Jon M. Chu with an eye-popping budget of $145million, Wicked is split into two feature-length films, with the final chapter slated for November 2025. Critics are already calling Wicked: Part One a 'masterpiece' that 'pops and enchants on the big screen' as audiences are welcomed to the fantastical world of Oz. The film's leads Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play witches Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, are receiving high praise for their jaw-dropping vocals and onscreen chemistry. The movie is about an unlikely friendship that emerges between Elphaba (Cynthia) and Glinda (Ariana), two clashing witches in the magical land of Oz. Elphaba is wrongfully cast as a wicked witch as she seeks to expose the fraudulent, corrupt Wizard who rules the land. Wicked is the origin story of 'a green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch Of The West', serving as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The story delves into the former friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda many years before Dorothy's arrival. The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Peter Dinklage. Taylor Swift fans are racing to her website to purchase items from her holiday collection, featuring ornaments, festive decor, sweatshirts and cute accessories. Despite many Swifties already shelling our hundreds, or even thousands, on their tickets to see her on the Eras Tour, which wraps next month, her fandom did not miss the opportunity to support the pop star, 34, and collect some limited-edition items. There was certainty a demand for the collection, which some X users said started selling out so quickly that the products were 'sold out' while still in their online shopping carts. 'Y'all are too fast,' one tweeted as they expressed grief over losing out on the opportunity to buy a $25 cowboy hat ornament, a nod to her track Cowboy Like Me, and a $15 ghost ornament, inspired by Swift's 2022 Anti-Hero music video. Another admitted that the 'anxiety from [the] holiday drop merch' made them feel 'violently sick since it was announced' due to fear over how fast it would sell out. Taylor Swift fans are racing to her website to purchase items from her annual holiday collection, featuring ornaments, festive decor, sweatshirts and cute accessories; seen in 2019 A third even criticized Taylor Nation, Swift's official management team, for not giving fans enough notice to request time off from work to accommodate their desire to shop the collection. Some Swifties, who were victorious in purchasing everything they wanted, shared photos of their carts and receipts, which confirmed purchases from $15 to $899. ''Tis the damn season for my bank to cancel my card,' one X user joked after spending around $258.65 on the holiday collection. After indulging in some retail therapy on Swift's official store, another Swiftie used a lyric from Swift's 2020 track, The 1, off Folklore, to justify their purchase. 'In my defense, I have none,' they mused while another quipped that 'damage' had 'been done' to their bank account as they checked out with $445.60 worth of merchandise. One Taylor Swift superfan, named Molly, explained that since the Reputation tour, six years ago, that she saves money every month just to be able to afford new merch and concert tickets. 'All the new Swiftmas ornaments were secured! Cannot wait to see the Swiftmas tree grow!!!' she gushed after making her purchases. In response to backlash over spending some much money on the holiday collection, Molly reminded other social media users that there's 'literally no reason to drag someone or be mean' for buying things that make them happy. Despite many Swifties already shelling our hundreds, or even thousands, on their tickets to see her on the ever-expanding Eras Tour, which wraps next month, her fandom did not miss the opportunity to support the pop star, 34, and collect some limited-edition items Traditionally, Swift has released her Swiftmas merch on November 13, exactly one month before her birthday Last year, Swift's website crashed within minutes as her fans battled over the merchandise, which included cardigans and a highly coveted snow globe Eagle-eyed fans already began attempting to crack any potential Easter eggs that Swift or her team may have incorporated on the site or in the collection. 'Nearly every lyric from every era in this merch drop references stars and moons and literally everything has stars drawn on it, even when it doesn't really make sense,' one Reddit user noted. They continued: 'I don't know what it means, but I think we're really meant to focus on the stars, and I don't think it's just for the Holidays.' There are over 11 examples in the collection that back up the theory, which received more than 85 likes from other Reddit users. There was certainty a demand for the collection, which some X users said started selling out so quickly that the products were 'sold out' while in their online shopping carts ''Tis the damn season for my bank to cancel my card,' one X user joked after spending around $258.65 on the holiday collection Some Swifties, who were victorious in purchasing everything they wanted, shared photos of their carts and receipts, which confirmed purchases from $15 to $899 'In my defense, I have none,' they mused while another mused that 'damage' had 'been done' to their bank account as they checked out with $445.60 worth of merchandise One Taylor Swift superfan, named Molly, tweeted that she secured every ornament and has collected over '100 official Taylor ornaments' over the years One Swiftie admitted that the 'anxiety from [the] holiday drop merch' made they feel 'violently sick since it was announced.' Some described the drop as 'the cutest merch collection' before treating themselves to some early Christmas presents 'My Christmas tree is about to be more TAY awesome,' one enthusiastic fan gushed after buying $160 worth of Taylor Swift-inspired ornaments Some fans also expressed a bit of disappointment in the high price of a lot of the items, specifically the $50 butterfly tote bag from the debut collection. The price of items in the collection range from $15 to $120. On the morning of the drop, Taylor Nation shared a one-hour countdown with a message that read: 'Meet us under the mistletoe in one hour!' Traditionally, Swift has released her Swiftmas merch on November 13, exactly one month before her birthday. Last year, Swift's website crashed within minutes as her fans battled over the merchandise, which included cardigans and a highly coveted snow globe. This week Swift will be performing six shows in Toronto at Rogers Centre on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 (pictured earlier this month performing in Indianapolis) This week she will be performing six shows in Toronto at Rogers Centre on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. She'll end her two-year, record breaking Eras show with three shows in Vancouver in December. Nelly Furtado has recalled the 'abusive qualities' she endured in a past relationship - one that left her 'feeling powerless.' The 45-year-old did not disclose the identity of the other person involved, but bared her soul about their 'toxic' dynamic. She said that 'fear' and 'love' can dissuade someone from leaving a troubled relationship, as well as the fact that 'you isolate yourself' and 'don't tell your friends the truth about what's going on in your life.' Furtado also maintained that 'as women I think we tend to sacrifice our happiness sometimes' after falling 'in love' with someone. 'I went through a very difficult time where I think I accepted some things that I would never accept now, in terms of the way youre treated,' she said on Call Her Daddy. Nelly Furtado has recalled the 'abusive qualities' she endured in a past relationship - one that left her 'feeling powerless' 'You cannot see it at all when youre in it, and sometimes we just love so hard, and we love,' added the I'm Like A Bird hitmaker. 'And Im sure theres women out there too, you know, when we become mothers were quite vulnerable when we become mothers, because we want whats best for our kids and we wanna protect them,' she added. Furtado is a mother of three - she shares her daughter Nevis, 21, with her ex-boyfriend Jasper Gahunia, as well as two other children, a son and a daughter whose names she has not disclosed with the rapper Jerry aka Gerard Damien Long. In between her relationships with the fathers of her children, she was married to sound engineer Demacio Castellon from 2008 to 2016. 'And I think that in general Ill say that it can really happen to anybody, feeling powerless, you know what I mean?' said Furtado on Call Her Daddy. 'You could have all the money in the world and all the resources, but in the mind, really that is your only wealth is in your mind.' She argued that someone who 'cant feel strong enough and clear enough' might have difficulty exiting 'a situation that might be toxic for you and not the best for you, and also abusive in any way.' Furtado noted that 'it is hard when youre in a relationship that has that imbalance, I would say, and abusive qualities. It is hard to see outside of it because you isolate yourself. You stop talking to your friends. You dont tell your friends the truth about whats going on in your life. You live in a bubble.' The 45-year-old did not disclose the identity of the other person involved, but bared her soul about their 'toxic' dynamic; pictured onstage in Nova Scotia this March She explained: 'And its hard to admit that you have chosen to not say anything, right? Its hard to admit to yourself, right? And then, on top of that, the love right? Love keeps you there, because oh, you wanna and I will say that too.' Furtado argued that 'as women I think we tend to sacrifice our happiness sometimes, once were in it. Once weve fallen in love, right? We tend to we sacrifice ourselves sometimes and we think were doing the right thing.' She pointed out: 'Fear is huge too, because when you fear, when you have fear, that can be a very powerful emotion.' Furtado added: 'You can be afraid but you can, kind of like you create it in your mind. You can be afraid like: Oh, whats the person gonna do to me or say about me, or like you know, etc etc? I dont know.' She continued: 'You just, you fear that, and again its heightened, you know, when you have kids and theres whole other things to think about.' The Canadian songstress, pictured in Nova Scotia in March, also candidly discussed the process of eventually extricating herself from the relationship The Canadian songstress also candidly discussed the process of eventually extricating herself from the relationship. 'I think there were moments where I almost had the strength but again, like, something would keep me there, where I was like: Oh, this is the moment,"' said the British Columbia-born musician. 'So I think that I will say, having remarkable friends. Like Im very lucky. I have some really, really, really amazing friends, really core like childhood friends that have been there for me my whole entire life. And they just kinda knew what to say to me and knew what was too much or too little.' Furtado's advice 'to ladies out there' is that the 'people that are telling you what you dont wanna hear, those are the ones you need to keep close. Hopefully they know you well enough to not repel you with judgement or anything like that.' She clarified: 'And its not judgement if you, you can sense when its love. And I think everyone has someone, you know, maybe one person or one voice in their life that is maybe like reminding you when stuff is not okay and what your worth is and what behavior is unacceptable if you cannot see it for yourself.' The stars of Gladiator II led the red carpet arrivals at London's Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square for the hotly-anticipated UK premiere on Wednesday. Leading star Paul Mescal looked effortlessly stylish as he was joined by his co-stars Connie Nielsen, Yuval Gonen and Pedro Pascal. The Irish actor, 28, who plays the former heir to the Roman Empire Lucius Verus in the blockbuster, opted for a smart black suit with a cream satin shirt. Connie, 59, looked sensational in a baby blue pleated chiffon gown, with a semi-sheer skirt and thigh-high leg slit. The Danish actress teamed the halterneck number with a pair of matching satin heels and styled her hair into loose waves. Paul Mescal looked effortlessly stylish as he walked the red carpet at the UK premiere of Gladiator II on Wednesday Arriving at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London, the Irish actor, 28, was joined by his co-stars Connie Nielsen, Yuval Gonen and Pedro Pascal Yuval, who stars as Arishat, stunned in an elegant white gown that featured a corseted bodice. Pedro, 49, looked as fashion forward as ever in a black oversized shirt with a pair of smart trousers. Early reviews from critics have called Gladiator II the 'best movie of the year' and a 'true epic' as they hailed Paul and Denzel Washington's performances. With Russell Crowe's legendary Maximus long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Paul) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal). When walking the red-carpet, it was no surprise he admitted he blacked out when he was told he had got the part. He said: 'I was walking on Upper Street in Islington, and I screamed out loud, phoned my family and blacked out. 'I found out about two or three weeks after we had a half an hour Zoom call together. Youre nervous for every film that you make. 'And as its a Ridley Scott film, you get two takes, maximum three if its a Friday. Were in the presence of a great and one of his greatest films I think.' Paul, who plays the former heir to the Roman Empire Lucius Verus in the blockbuster, opted for a smart black suit with a cream satin shirt Connie, 59, looked sensational in a baby blue pleated chiffon gown, with a semi-sheer skirt and thigh-high leg slit She styled her hair into loose waves Yuval, who stars as Arishat, stunned in an elegant white gown that featured a corseted bodice She accessorised with a pair of odd earrings and opted for a bronzed makeup look Pedro, 49, looked as fashion forward as ever in a black oversized shirt with a pair of smart trousers Denzel Washington wore a Dolce&Gabbana suit with peak lapels styled with a Martini-fit button-down shirt and silk tie Director Ridley Scott joined Paul on the red carpet Paul has revealed the insane bet he had with Ridley Scott over one Gladiator II stunt that caused a huge argument between pair In an interview with Vanity Fair Paul told how there was a scene towards the end of the film and 'trained for f***ing months' - before Ridley changed his mind about the scene Denzel, Ridley and Paul smiled for a snap Pedro was supported by his sister Lux at the event Paul also revealed the insane bet he had with Ridley Scott over one Gladiator II stunt that caused a huge argument between pair. In a new interview with Vanity Fair Paul told how there was a scene towards the end of the film where a weary Lucius mounts a horse in hot pursuit of Macrinus. Paul was keen to do his best for the action-packed moment and the other stunts so 'trained for f***ing months' - before Ridley changed his mind about the scene. Paul told the publication: 'Two weeks before the scene, Ridley says, 'You're not f***ing doing it,' and I was like, 'What the f**k?,' and we had this argument.' Ridley had decided to cut the scene due to some equine advice he had received on another movie. Paul added of the altercation: 'I was pestering him constantly. And then the day before, he goes, 'OK, you can do the stunt, but if you come off, it's two Bentleys.' He eventually pulled the move off in just a couple of takes. The actor, who rose to fame as Connel Waldron in the BBC's lockdown smash hit Normal People, plays the son of Russell Crowe's legendary Maximus. Although the character is long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Paul) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal). Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first instalment, and features Lucius (the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa. Although he was sent to Numidia as a child, the film follows Lucius' return to Rome to reunite with his motherand coming into conflict as he does so. The film, which was 20 years in the making has been a hit with critics and fans have praised Paul's performance. Paul's sister Nell looked stunning in a champagne taffeta dress Derek Jacobi, who played Senator Gracchus in both films, wore a classic tuxedo and bow tie Gladiator II follows Lucius Verus (Paul), the former heir to the Roman Empire who is forced into slavery and eventually pushed to fight in the Colosseum in an effort to restore glory Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first instalment, and features Lucius (the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa Andrew Scott wore a blue cardigan with smart trousers and Gucci loafers Joseph Quinn wore a black leather jacket paired with a black silk shirt and black mohair trousers by Prada King Charles III made a surprise appearance Matt Lucas opted for a navy blue pinstriped suit Tim McInnerny wore a three-piece suit which included a textured waistcoat Katherine Ryan wore an elegant red velvet mini dress with an embellished neckline Myleene Klass looked incredible in a bright green sequin slip dress Kelly Brook wore a quirky gown with a matching cape Nadiya Bychkova stunned in a beaded gown Jenni Falconer wore a black mini dress with cut-out sections and bows But the star revealed on The Graham Norton Show that there was a lot of work to make him ready to play such an iconic role. Of the regime that turned him into a Roman hunk, Paul told Graham: 'I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things. I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said 'There is a canvas to work with''. 'He went to town, and I saw him every day, It was fun,' before revealing he didn't totally embrace the strict rules. 'I did everything he asked but I like to drink, and I like to smoke so I drew a line in the sand where those were concerned'. 'I was petrified that they were going to take away everything, like drinking and I smoke. Everything fun,' he said. Paul went on to say he asked his fitness trainer Tim Blakeley to help him work drinking and smoking into his rigorous training regime. 'I very earnestly was like, 'Look, Tim, I'm going to keep drinking and smoking for a little bit if I can,'' Paul recalled. 'He very kindly incorporated them, not into the workout routine, but just into my life.' Kimberley Garner put on a glamorous display in a fitted gown with a daring cut-out Una Healey dazzled in a plunging sequinned dress Arabella Chi wore a strapless metallic gown Ekin-Su Culculoglu looked stunning in a corseted lace gown Victoria Brown opted for an off-the-shoulder gold gown Angel Chanteuse turned heads in a very quirky ensemble Alex Loxton wore an elegant one-shoulder satin dress Tiffany Diaz looked amazing in a black gown with a thigh-high leg slit Ruby Redford held up a funny sign as she looked for Joseph Quinn Bella Lindsay stunned in a cut-out sequinned dress On Sunday Paul attended the premiere in his hometown of Dublin where he admitted my heartbeat is going through the f****** roof. He was joined on the red carpet by his mum, dad and sister and gushed that he was really proud to be at the cinema in the town he grew up in. Just this week, film fans began fighting over what the joint nickname for Wicked and Gladiator II should be. Dubbed the new Barbenheimer, after Barbie and Oppenheimer went head-to-head at the box office in the summer of 2023, the upcoming films will both hit the big screen on November 22. According to Deadline, Jon M. Chu's Wicked and Ridley Scott's Gladiator II are set to pull in huge takings on their opening weekends with the former expected to pull in over $80 million and the latter $65 million domestically. Kendall Jenner has never looked better, which she proved again in her new Gucci ads shared to social media on Wednesday. The 29-year-old reality TV star flashed her toned tummy in a double G-logo bra top with matching skirt for the holiday collection. On her head was an ivory toned head scarf with a gold logo and drawstring as she smiled for the camera. The sister if Kylie Jenner was holding onto a cream colored Gucci purse as she sat in an orange and off-white lounge chair in the snow in a shoot by Anthony Seklaoui. The ex of Bad Bunny also wore a puffy double G-logo down jacket that was belted. She also wore jeans and held onto a purse in front of her $150K Mercedes-Benz G-class car. Kendall Jenner has never looked better, which she proved again in her new Gucci ads shared to social media on Wednesday. The 29-year-old reality TV star flashed her toned tummy in a double G-logo bra top with matching skirt for the holiday collection On her head was an ivory toned head scarf with a gold logo and drawstring as she smiled for the camera This comes after claims she is getting IV therapy called NAD+. The drips, which cost upwards of $750 at some New York City and Los Angeles medical spas, promise tons of alleged benefits to its customers - like improving signs of aging and cognitive function, as well as possibly assisting in repairing the look of aging skin, per Health.com. It could also have 'anti-inflammatory effects,' 'increase insulin sensitivity,' and may even help to 'improve exercise performance' in older people, according to VeryWell Health. In August Kendall said modelling can be a 'very lonely' existence. The star is one of the world's best-known and best-paid models - but Kendall insists that her career has been more challenging than some people might imagine. The brunette beauty said on Emma Chamberlain's 'Anything Goes' podcast: 'I'm not gonna sit here and say that I've had the toughest journey. I think I've been extremely fortunate. 'But I also have had my own set of challenges, whether it's [being] overworked or not getting a job that I would've really loved to get.' Kendall actually confessed to 'crying [herself] to sleep' at night amid her struggles. The reality star shared: 'It is very lonely. 'I've had really dark nights where I've been in random cities and just hysterically crying myself to sleep because I haven't been home in three months and I've been pretty much alone the entire time.' Despite her fame and success, Kendall has repeatedly questioned whether the sacrifices she's made have really been worthwhile. The sister if Kylie Jenner was in an orange and off-white lounge chair in the snow in a shoot by Anthony Seklaoui The ex of bad Bunny also wore a puffy double G-logo down jacket that was belted. She also wore jeans and held onto a purse in front of her $150K Mercedes-Benz G-class car She said: 'There's been a lot of definite moments where I'm like, 'What is going on, is this all worth it?'' Meanwhile, Kendall previously admitted that she's been dealing with anxiety issues since she was a child. But the runway star also claimed that she now feels more 'stable' and 'hopeful' in her career. Kendall - who launched her own drinks brand, 818 Tequila, in 2021 - explained to Vogue magazine: 'I don't see why I shouldn't be honest about it. 'In my career right now I feel really stable, really hopeful. But I've had a tough two months. I haven't been myself, and my friends see it. I'm more sad than usual. I'm way more anxious than usual.' In October she posed Italian hosiery and swimwear brand, Calzedonia. The sexy shoot was by photographer Yulia Gorbachenko. The TV princess wore the tights with a thong leotard that gave fans plenty to take in. Kendall swapped the brand's beloved swimwear - which she's been wearing all Summer - for statement hosiery. The 5ft11in catwalk queen opted for Calzedonia's Polka Dot Sheer Tights and basic 20 Denier Sheer Tights. In October Jenner posed for Italian hosiery and swimwear brand, Calzedonia For the Autumn/Winter season, Calzedonia re-introduces its beloved polka dot tights, part of the brand's core patterned tights collection. 'In addition to this style, shoppers can also discover patterned tights in leopard print, as well as fishnet styles,' a press release shared. Calzedonia's 20 Denier Sheer Tights (6.99) are part of the brand's core basic tights collection. Across its full basic sheer tights range, Calzedonia offers a wide array of deniers, including also 8, 15, 30 and 40 Denier. The collection is available to shop in a host of basic colours, including black, white, grey, and navy, as well as skin colors, from the lightest to deepest shades. The Calzedonia Partywear 2024 Collection has prices ranging from 15.99 to 54.99. Kendall's stylist, Dani Michelle, spoke on the coolest tights trends: 'Stockings are my favorite accessory for Fall- I always feel like they elevate any outfit and polish the leg. 'Tights were big for the last two seasons and they aren't going away anytime soon! 'My favorite way to wear tights in the Fall is with a miniskirt and turtleneck. 'There's something about the covered yet exposed look that feels so crisp and confident.' Wicked fans were abuzz after Ariana Grande corrected the lyrics to a song in the musical. The Instagram account for the film posted a video of Ariana singing Popular, along with accompanying lyrics flashing on screen. However, Ariana weighed in after she noticed an inaccuracy. While the lyric video states Ariana is singing the word 'poise', the songstress stated she was actually singing 'ploys.' 'its ploys !!!!!! i love you @wickedmovie,' Ariana, who has been busy promoting the film as of late, commented along with several emojis. Wicked fans were abuzz after Ariana Grande corrected the lyrics to a song in the musical; pictured in Los Angeles last week A lyric video posted by the official Wicked Instagram account inaccurately said the lyrics stated 'poise' But Ariana clarified the lyrics truly stated 'ploys' Her correction confused several Wicked fans who initially believed the lyrics stated 'poise.' While numerous agreed with Ariana, several others were taken off guard to learn the lyric was actually 'ploys.' 'excuse me! I have been saying the wrong word for 20 years!?!' one stunned fan posted. 'wait its ploys????' one fan posted. 'omg i always thought it was poise too!' another commented. According to the official Wicked sheet music, the lyrics to the song go 'proper ploys.' The official Wicked soundtrack releases November 22. Ariana plays Glinda while Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of the iconic musical. During production, Grande and Erivo even got multiple matching tattoos to commemorate the film. Several Wicked fans were shocked to learn the lyrics were actually 'ploys' after Ariana's correction Speaking on SiriusXM Hits 1 LA with Tony Fly and Symon, the duo said their director Jon M. Chu was surprised about them getting the ink before they even finished filming. 'He was like, "We're not even done yet,"' Ariana recalled. 'I was like, "Yeah. Should we not be doing this?"' Ariana said there are some tattoos they can share publicly, but 'some are secret.' On Tuesday, Gold Derby reported that Grande 'now places among the top five most likely supporting actress contenders' for the 2025 Oscars due to her performance as The Good Witch of the South. Part one of Wicked hits US theaters November 27 followed by the second part on November 26, 2025 Part one of Wicked hits US theaters November 27 followed by the second part on November 26, 2025. The $145M-budget film also stars the former Nickelodeon child star's real-life boyfriend Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Last Friday, Ariana received three nominations - including best pop vocal album for Eternal Sunshine - at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which air February 2 on CBS. Pedro Pascal's younger sister Lux stole the show on Wednesday night, as she joined her brother at the Gladiator II premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. The actor, 49, stars in the highly-anticipated sequel as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general who trained under Russell Crowe's Maximus. And ever the supportive sister, Lux, 32, was by his side for the UK premiere, with the siblings showing their sweet bond on the red carpet. Pedro cut a typically handsome figure in a black shirt with a very low-cut V neckline, showing a glimpse of his toned chest. He added a pair of smart trousers and black dress shoes, while sporting two red pins on his collar. Pedro Pascal's younger sister Lux stole the show on Wednesday night, as she joined her brother at the Gladiator II premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square The actor, 49, stars in the highly-anticipated sequel as Marcus Acacius (pictured), a Roman general who trained under Russell Crowe's Maximus And ever the supportive sister, Lux, 32, was by his side for the UK premiere, with the siblings showing their sweet bond on the red carpet However, Lux ensured all eyes were on her instead of her famous brother, as she arrived in a show-stopping black gown, that clung to her svelte figure. The striking number boasted a very racy cut-out across her side, exposing her flat midriff and plenty of leg, while a large emerald held it together. Her dress also featured a dramatically long train, which Pedro sweetly fixed for her as she walked the carpet. Lux completed her dazzling look with diamond earrings and a flawless face of makeup to accentuate her stunning features. And fans couldn't help but comment on her captivating appearance, as they joked that she had stolen the spotlight from her brother and quipped that Pedro had been relegated to Lux's 'plus one'. They took to social media to gush: 'I don't know whether to look at Pedro or Lux... the Balmaceda Pascals are going to drive me crazy'. 'Lux Pascal!!!!! Aint nobody looking at that man; LUX PASCAL THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE; their face cards never decline huh'. 'Lux Pascal and her plus-one; THE CUTEST SISTER AND BROTHER DUO; lux pascal you will ALWAYS be famous'. Pedro cut a typically handsome figure in a black shirt with a very low-cut V neckline, showing a glimpse of his toned chest He added a pair of smart trousers and black dress shoes, while sporting two red pins on his collar However, Lux ensured all eyes were on her instead of her famous brother, as she arrived in a show-stopping black gown, that clung to her svelte figure The striking number boasted a very racy cut-out across her side, exposing her flat midriff and plenty of leg, while a large emerald held it together Her dress also featured a dramatically long train, which Pedro sweetly fixed for her as she walked the carpet Lux completed her dazzling look with diamond earrings and a flawless face of makeup to accentuate her stunning features 'the pascal genes are out of this world; OH LUX PASCAL YOU'RE SO GORGEOUS YOU'RE SLAYING IT UP EATING EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM UP'. 'if i ever met pedro irl and saw lux with him like im sorry mate i love you but im pushing you outta the way so i can shoot my shot with the absolute GODDESS that is lux pascal'. 'She ate him up; Lux Pascal with her brother at the Gladiator ll red carpet; pedro and lux pascal. thats it. thats the tweet.' Pedro and Lux share a strong bond, with the Mandalorian star previously calling her one of the 'most powerful people and personalities' he knows. Speaking to Esquire last year, he gushed: 'She is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities Ive ever known. My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.' He added that he had always felt 'parental' to Lux and his younger brother Nicolas following the death of their mother, Veronica Pascal, who tragically took her own life in February 1999, when Pedro was 24 and Lux just seven. He explained: 'They were very young kids, so much younger than me and my older sister, so even if they hadnt lost a parent, we would still feel parental toward them. 'And I didnt naively think I could fill a space like that, but I just always wanted to be like, Im here.' And fans couldn't help but comment on her captivating appearance, as they joked that she had stolen the spotlight from her brother and quipped that Pedro had been relegated to Lux's 'plus one' Like her brother, Lux is also an actress having graduated from the prestigious Julliard School in 2023, and having roles in The Prince, Invisible Heroes, and Chilean drama series Los 80. She publicly came out as transgender in 2021, appearing on the cover of Chilean magazine, Ya, where she bravely detailed her transition. Lux credited Pedro as being an 'important part' of her journey as she recalled: 'When I officially told him about my transition through FaceTime, he asked me how I felt because I remember that he was worried. 'I told him, 'I'm happy.' And his answer was: "Perfect, this is incredible".' Pedro shared a tribute to Lux when the magazine came out, sharing the cover to Instagram with the caption: 'Mi hermana, mi corazon, nuestra Lux,' which translates to: 'My sister, my heart, our Lux.' Early reviews from critics have called Gladiator II the 'best movie of the year' and a 'true epic' as they hailed Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington's performances. Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first instalment, and features Maximus' son Lucius (Paul) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa. Although he was sent to Numidia as a child, the film follows Lucius' return to Rome to reunite with his mother (Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) and coming into conflict as he does so. One Aussie actress revealed far more than she bargained for at the Marie Claire Awards on Wednesday night. Krew Boylan, best known for once playing Schapelle Corby in Nine's 2014 telemovie Schapelle, had her breasts completely visible under her skintight black dress after being caught out by a red carpet photographer's flash. The 42-year-old otherwise looked immaculate, with her brunette tresses pulled back from her striking facial features. Boylan's most recent feature film role was the lead in Seriously Red, in which she played a realtor pursuing a new career as a Dolly Parton impersonator. The actress joined such other A-listers as Jackie 'O' Henderson, Pip Edwards and Grace Tame on the 2024 Marie Claire Awards red carpet. Marie Claire have called the annual awards show 'a time to champion powerful and inspirational women.' Winning the night's Powerhouse of the Year award was Australias second female Governor-General, Sam Mostyn. Boylan spoke about her transformation into the infamous Australian drug smuggler back in 2014. Krew Boylan, best known for once playing Schapelle Corby in Nine's 2014 telemovie Schapelle, had her breasts completely visible under her skintight black dress at Wednesday's Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards The former beauty therapist was sentenced to 20 years in jail by an Indonesian court in 2005 for smuggling 4.1kg (9lb) of marijuana into Bali in a boogie board bag. 'It's certainly a role I'm not taking lightly,' Boylan told TV Week at the time. 'I'm thrilled to be playing Schapelle.' She completely transformed for the part, dying and straitening her blonde hair. The 42-year-old otherwise looked immaculate, with her brunette tresses pulled back from her striking facial features Boylan played Corby (pictured in 2005) in the Nine 2014 telemovie of her life 'My eyes are blue and Schapelle's eyes have a green fleck, so I wore contacts,' she told the Daily Telegraph. She also had her eyebrows penciled in to replicate Corby's trademark look. She added: 'Schapelle was very tanned at the time... being a girl from the Gold Coast. So they tanned me up every day. Then it was a matter of getting her mannerisms right and her voice. 'Her pitch was a lot different to mine and her accent. She has that real Queensland edge to her voice.' Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott showed off their close bond as they arrived at the London premiere of Gladiator II at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Wednesday. The actor and the director looked like the best of friends as they laughed and joked on the red carpet after Paul revealed they had a 'huge argument' during the filming. Paul, 28, plays the former heir to the Roman Empire Lucius Verus in the blockbuster directed by filmmaker Ridley, 86. As the pair posed side by side ahead of the screening, the Irish star slung his arm around Ridley's neck and chatted away with him. The conversation seemed to tickle the Alien director who chuckled at his remarks. Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott showed off their close bond as they arrived at the London premiere of Gladiator II at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Wednesday The actor and the director looked like the best of friends as they laughed and joked on the red carpet after Paul revealed they had a 'huge argument' during the filming Later on in the evening, Paul pulled a series of silly poses alongside the legendary filmmaker, pointing and putting his thumbs up while Ridley sheepishly grinned next to him. Ridley and the Normal People star were later joined by Denzel Washington and the trio posed underneath an archway in the matching black tuxedos before heading in to watch the film. Ridley was all smiles as he was joined by the stars and chatted away with the duo before standing centre stage for a full cast photo. For the London premiere, Paul looked effortlessly stylish in a black suit and an open white shirt with an undone bow collar. Ridley looked very dapper in a velvet double breasted blazer, white dress shirt and a black bow tie. Paul previously shared the insane bet he had with Ridley over one Gladiator II stunt that caused a huge argument between pair. In a new interview with Vanity Fair the actor told how there was a scene towards the end of the film where a weary Lucius mounts a horse in hot pursuit of Macrinus. Paul was keen to do his best for the action-packed moment and the other stunts so 'trained for f***ing months' - before Ridley changed his mind about the scene. As the two posed side by side ahead of the screening, Paul slung his arm around Ridley's neck and chatted away with him Ridley and the Normal People star were later joined by Denzel Washington and the trio posed underneath an archway in the matching black tuxedos before heading in to watch the film For the London premiere, Paul looked effortlessly stylish in a black suit and an open white shirt with an undone bow collar Paul told the publication: 'Two weeks before the scene, Ridley says, 'You're not f***ing doing it,' and I was like, 'What the f**k?,' and we had this argument.' Ridley had decided to cut the scene due to some equine advice he had received on another movie Paul added of the altercation: 'I was pestering him constantly. And then the day before, he goes, 'OK, you can do the stunt, but if you come off, it's two Bentleys.' He eventually pulled the move off in just a couple of takes. The actor, who rose to fame as Connel Waldron in the BBC's lockdown smash hit Normal People, plays the son of Russell Crowe's legendary Maximus. Although the character is long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Paul) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal). Paul previously shared the insane bet he had with Ridley over one Gladiator II stunt that caused a huge argument between pair In an interview with Vanity Fair the actor told how there was a scene towards the end of the film that he 'trained for f***ing months' for - before Ridley changed his mind Paul told the publication: 'Two weeks before the scene, Ridley says, 'You're not f***ing doing it,' and I was like, 'What the f**k?,' and we had this argument' Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first instalment, and features Lucius (the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa. Although he was sent to Numidia as a child, the film follows Lucius' return to Rome to reunite with his motherand coming into conflict as he does so. The film, which was 20 years in the making has been a hit with critics and fans have praised Paul's performance. Early reviews from critics have called Gladiator II the 'best movie of the year' and a 'true epic' as they hailed Paul and Denzel's performances. Jamie Lee Curtis became the latest celebrity to sever her relationship with the social media platform X in the wake of Donald Trump's presidential election victory. The 65-year-old Freaky Friday actress made the announcement on Wednesday on another social media site: Instagram. Unlike some accounts and publications that have left X which was formerly known as Twitter after Elon Musk took control of it, Curtis appears to have completely deactivated her account, rather than leaving it up while ceasing to post. The exodus from X doesn't appear to be limited to stars with liberal politics like Curtis as the competing social network Bluesky recently became the top-ranked social media app on the Apple charts. The upstart service has gained an influx of at least 700,000 new users since the US presidential election, The Guardian reported on Monday. Jamie Lee Curtis, 65, became the latest celebrity to sever her relationship with the social media platform X in the wake of Donald Trump's election victory; seen September 14 in West Hollywood X (formerly Twitter) users have been fleeing the Elon Muskowned platform in the wake of the presidential election, with Bluesky apparently being the major beneficiary; Musk pictured Wednesday in Washington, DC Curtis announced her news in an Instagram post featuring a screenshot that was apparently taken from her X account on her phone. 'Your account is deactivated,' it read, with 'Sorry to see you go. #GoodBye' in smaller text at the bottom. Curtis, who has been open about her past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, quoted the serenity prayer in her caption. 'God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference,' she wrote of giving up X. The Halloween star didn't specifically state her reasons for leaving the controversial platform, though many users leaving X have Elon Musk's closeness to Donald Trump and Trump's election victory. Curtis, who supported Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats in this month's election, reacted on Instagram after her opponent Trump was victorious. Also on Wednesday, the television journalist Don Lemon announced that he would be leaving X as well. Unlike Curtis, he issued a statement on X, though it wasn't clear if he planned to deactivate his account in the future, or if he would stop posting while leaving his archive visible for his followers. 'I've loved connecting with all of you on X, but it's time for me to leave the platform,' he began on what looked like a photocopy of The Don Lemon Show stationery. He said he no long believed that X was a 'place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech.' Lemon also attributed his decision to X's new terms of service, which are set to go into effect on Friday, November 15. The site is following the path of many corporations in forcing users who try to take it to court to have their cases heard in 'the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas or state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas.' 'As the Washington Post recently reported on X's decision to change the terms, this "ensures that such lawsuits will be heard in courthouses that are a hub for conservatives, which experts say could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics,"' Lemon continued. 'I think that speaks for itself.' He concluded his post with a list of his other social media accounts for fans to find him at, adding, 'I hope you will join me there.' Curtis shared a screenshot from her phone of her deactivation screen and included the serenity prayer in her caption She didn't provide a reason for ditching X, but many other departing figures have cited Donald Trump's election victory and owner Elon Musk's coziness with him Also on Wednesday, the television journalist Don Lemon announced that he would be leaving X as well He cited X's new terms of service to force users to move litigation to Northern District of Texas, which 'could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics'; pictured in April in NYC On Tuesday, President-elect Trump announced that X owner Elon Musk would be joining Vivek Ramaswamy to head the still-to-be-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, the 'department' may end up being just a blue-ribbon commission, as an act of Congress is required to create a new governmental agency. Lemon was set to be an employee of X earlier this year with his own news show, but Musk canceled the program after a testy sit-down with the anchor that was to serve as the show's premiere episode. Lemon subsequently sued Musk and X, claiming that he had 'incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses' to get the show ready to air. Kim Kardashian has admitted she was left 'mortified' after her son Saint shared a post promoting his Fortnite account on her Instagram - just hours after Donald Trump won the presidential election. The mother-of-four was promptly slammed for sharing such an out of touch Instagram Reel on her page - though some fans theorized at the time that her eight-year-old son was likely responsible. Speaking on the What in the Winkler? podcast this week, the 44-year-old confirmed that the post had been created and shared by her child - leaving his mother embarrassed by the incident. During a discussion with podcast host and her childhood friend, Zoe Winkler, Kim who shared she feels like a single parent was explaining how she is often reminded of the need to 'give yourself grace' as a parent. 'Like if your kid says a bad word or something where you would be mortified,' the star began. 'Like when Saint took my phone and posted and my publicist is writing me like "This is what you're posting on Election Day?'' Kim Kardashian has admitted she was left 'mortified' after her son Saint shared a post promoting his Fortnite account on her Instagram The 44-year-old confirmed that the post had been created and shared by her child just hours after Donald Trump won the presidential election The Skims founder continued: 'And I was like, "It's a kid. He has no idea".' Kim then noted how it wasn't the first time her son had caused embarrassment for her in recent weeks after she was forced to delete his YouTube account due to him sharing two posts critical of Vice President Kamala Harris. The Skkn by Kim founder continued: 'He like reposted a video, something about the election, and I took his account down just because he has to ask me before every post. 'So he's just started a Fortnite account, and I'm like you have got to give yourself grace.' When host Zoe pointed out that children are 'going to make a million mistakes', Kim agreed that she makes space for those experiences to happen. The Kardashian star explained: 'Sometimes I like when kids work it out themselves, and they figured it out themselves. Sometimes we have to intervene.' The beauty mogul added that she sometimes isn't harsh enough with her children and doesn't always 'make a big enough deal of things', but noted that she has started to 'put my foot down'. 'If I don't do this now and fight through the tears, as uncomfortable as that is, then they are always going to get their way,' the reality star noted. 'The lesson won't be learned.' Kim's Instagram had a reel that simply read: 'Please subscribe to my son's Fortnite channel on YouTube he will pick the best players to be in his clan' In the comments section, fans were shocked at the post - though some fans theorized at the time that her eight-year-old son was likely responsible The morning after the election, Kim's Instagram had a Reel that simply read: 'Please subscribe to my son's Fortnite channel on YouTube he will pick the best players to be in his clan.' In the comments section, fans were shocked at the post - even using her sister Kourtney Kardashian's famous line to her 'Kim, there's people that are dying,' - which is in reference to when she lost her diamond earrings in the ocean and Kourtney called her out for being so out of touch. Another said: 'Babes, read the room.' One Instagram user sarcastically said: 'Nah this post wins most out of touch human award lol.' One questioned her making it public her son has a page where 'people on the internet' can 'interact with your son at his age.' Many speculated that it may have been Saint putting up the Reel promoting the page - due to the ill timing and the message of the post - just one week after she 'deleted' his YouTube page for his anti-Kamala posts. The YouTube account - which was under the handle @TheGoatSaint - was 'taken down' by Kim in the wake of the politically-charged posts, according to The Daily Beast. 'This page isn't available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else,' a message from YouTube read when clicking on the page. Social media posts claimed Saint posted a meme of Kamala's picture on the bottom of a shoe worn by a cartoon character who says, 'I stepped in s***.' The ill-timed post came just one week after Kim 'deleted' her son's YouTube page for his anti-Kamala posts According to social media posts, Saint had purportedly posted a meme that depicted a picture of the Vice President in an inflammatory manner A number of X/Twitter users tied Saint's posts to his father's longstanding support for Trump. One user tagged in Kim, writing, '@KimKardashian undelete please. Saint West doing right things.' Another added a GIF of Kanye looking glum, writing, 'So, #KimKardashian deleted Saint West's #YouTube channel for posting how he felt politically, and she didn't agree. Got it.' The reality star said last month that she made Saint agree to a contract if he wanted a channel on the platform. It appeared he breached the terms of the deal just a week before Election Day. The contract, posted on September 3 on Kardashian's Instagram Stories, read: 'I, Saint West, agree to follow my moms rules in order to have a YouTube channel. I am not allowed to comment any personal family information.' When Saint launched his page Kim shared of a contract he had signed stating: 'I finally allowed Saint to have a YouTube Channel after signing an extensive contract. Please Subscribe!' Saint also agreed to not film any footage containing 'any personal information' or 'while North is recording music.' It continued: 'I must show my mom or guardian all videos before I post them. 'I give permission to any grown up if mom says to delete my video for any reason. If I dont listen to all of the rules, mom could make my page private or delete my account.' She posted an image of the contract that on her social media platform with the caption: 'I finally allowed Saint to have a YouTube Channel after signing an extensive contract. Please Subscribe!' She added that 'Saint signed a solid contract for this YouTube Channel' and 'he better not breach' the agreed-upon terms. Kim - who shares daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and sons Saint, eight, and Psalm, five, with her ex-husband, 47 - had ties to both presidential candidates amid her criminal justice reform efforts in recent years. An influencer has been called out after complaining about cancelled flights from Bali to Australia due to multiple volcanic eruptions near the popular holiday island. Australian social media star Lauren Bullen is currently living in Bali with her French boyfriend Liam and their daughter Lumae Rose. They had organised a trip to Australia this week but are now unable to travel as Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled all flights due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia. Lauren took to Instagram on Wednesday to complain about the flight cancellations and said she needed to find a flight to Brisbane to attend her friend's bachelorette party on the weekend. 'Anyone have info on flight cancellations in Bali? I have a very important weekend in Australia,' she wrote. 'I need to get to Australia by Friday for my bestie's bachelorette. So I have to just wait and reassess tonight or tomorrow and than somehow wrangle a ticket because right now prices have rocketed to $2-3K a person economy.' Lauren then revealed she may return to Australia alone and her boyfriend and their daughter will have to 'wait until after the weekend'. Fans have now slammed the influencer for her 'extremely tone deaf' post after it was reshared to the Influencer Updates AU Instagram page. Lauren Bullen has been called out after complaining about cancelled flights from Bali to Australia due to multiple volcanic eruptions near the popular holiday island 'I just find her extremely tone deaf. She is financially stable considering she has multiple properties and businesses... I don't know if she wants us to feel sorry for her but this is a her problem that doesn't really need to be shared with the world,' one person wrote. 'I mean people are literally dying in the country she lives in and she's worried about a hens party. I'm a long time follower but I've had to unfollow,' another person said. A third person directly responded to Lauren's story writing: 'Wow you're such a first world problem drama queen. Crying on the internet because one of your 40 besties bachelorette party.' 'You're a mother now maybe it's time to grow up now. Can't handle this childish behaviour, unfollow.' Lauren is living in Bali with her boyfriend Liam and their daughter Lumae. They are currently unable to travel back to Australia after Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled all flights due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia Lauren then hit back at the follower and said 'she is allowed to be upset about the idea of missing her friend's event'. 'It's her bachelorette party that we've been planning and looking forward to for over a year. I am a bridesmaid and just because I am a mother I am still allowed to attend special occasions with my closest friends,' she hit back. 'Oh and also this "childish mother" needs to get her baby to Australia as she has a very important follow up with her surgeons after the weekend. Oh and a trip to New Zealand for my bestie's wedding also. So this entire trip has importance.' Lauren then hit back at the follower and said 'she is allowed to be upset about the idea of missing her friend's event' Lauren and Liam went public with their relationship in June 2021, just months after she called it quits with fellow travel influencer Jack Morris. They welcomed their daughter in August Lauren and Liam went public with their relationship in June 2021, just months after she called it quits with fellow travel influencer Jack Morris. However the pair ended their relationship in August 2022 before rekindling their romance in May 2023. They welcomed their daughter into the world in August this year. Katie Holmes went makeup free when she was spotted dashing around New York City this week, amid her run in a Broadway revival of Our Town. The 45-year-old ex-wife of Tom Cruise looked youthful as ever as she strutted her stuff around the city that never sleeps. Although she has experimented with a nose ring a number of times in the past, she went without the adornment during her latest outing. Her current acting job sees her playing a woman in small-town New Hampshire at the dawn of the 20th century, a setting in which a nose ring would look out of place. With temperatures dropping as autumn progresses, Katie bundled up in a color-block jacket zipped over a cozy-looking off-white turtleneck. Katie Holmes went makeup free when she was spotted dashing around New York City this week, amid her run in a Broadway revival of Our Town Letting her dark hair tumble free over her shoulders, the Dawson's Creek alumna accessorized her ensemble with a gleaming pair of aviators. Katie, who has an 18-year-old daughter called Suri Cruise by Tom, modeled a voluminously baggy set of jeans and a bulging leather handbag. Her latest outing comes as she continues her run in the Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder's acclaimed 1938 play Our Town, in a cast that also features The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons and Zombieland: Double Tap actress Zoey Deutch. The revival opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre last month and was greeted with a lukewarm response from the critical fraternity. In a one-and-a-half-star review, the New York Post accused the production of 'drippy sentimentality' and argued: 'Scenes are, at once, overacted like an olde tyme park and underacted, with nary a believable or grounded moment to speak of.' However the revival was praised for its 'beauty,' its 'fine cast' and its 'swift and unsentimental direction' by the New York Times. Katie's Broadway comeback comes just after her daughter Suri began college at Carnegie Mellon, after graduating from New York's famous LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts earlier this year. The high school, which was said to have inspired the movie Fame, has churned out a formidable array of celebrities over the years. Although she has experimented with a nose ring a number of times in the past, she went without the adornment during her latest outing; pictured in July The 45-year-old ex-wife of Tom Cruise looked youthful as ever as she strutted her stuff around the city that never sleeps Letting her dark hair tumble free over her shoulders, the Dawson's Creek alumna accessorized her ensemble with a gleaming pair of aviators Katie, who has an 18-year-old daughter called Suri Cruise by Tom, modeled a voluminously baggy set of jeans and a bulging leather handbag Notable alumni range from Al Pacino and Liza Minnelli to Jennifer Aniston and Adrien Brody to newer faces like Ansel Elgort and Timothee Chalamet. Having graduated high school, Suri is now attending the prestigious college Carnegie Mellon, where she is said to be 'leaning towards' studying fashion. 'She is a smart girl, and she is turning into a very intelligent mature young woman,' an insider recently revealed to DailyMail.com. 'She has a very close group of loyal friends, and she knows exactly where she comes from.' Suri's mother on the other hand was said to be 'overwhelmed' at the prospect of Suri going off to Pittsburgh for college. 'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective,' a source shared. Katie, who shot to fame on the teen drama Dawson's Creek, started dating Tom in 2005 and got engaged to him seven weeks into the relationship. Their Scientologist wedding was held at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano in November 2006, seven months after Suri was born. The revival opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre last month and was greeted with a lukewarm response from the critical fraternity Katie's Broadway comeback comes just after her daughter Suri began college at Carnegie Mellon, after graduating from New York's famous LaGuardia high school Their Scientologist wedding was held at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano in November 2006, seven months after Suri was born Katie filed in 2012 for a divorce that was finalized just 10 days later, with Katie retaining primary custody of Suri while Tom was granted visitation, via People Katie filed in 2012 for a divorce that was finalized just 10 days later, with Katie retaining primary custody of Suri while Tom was granted visitation, via People. Ron Miscavige, father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, told the MailOnline in 2016 that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on Suri - contributed to her decision to leave Tom. The Top Gun Maverick star reportedly paid Katie $400,000 a year until Suri's 18th birthday, and will now send money for her college fees. Tom has not been pictured with his daughter in 11 years, and in 2018 it was alleged that he had created distance between himself and Suri. 'Every person is allowed to see their child if they wanted to,' an insider told Us Weekly. 'He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist.' Spirit Airlines is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection, it emerged last night - sparking fears among flyers about mass cancelations. After news broke about the bankruptcy emerged on Tuesday evening, Spirit's share price plummeted 45 percent in just seconds - erasing hundreds of millions in market value from the carrier. By Wednesday morning, it was down by 70 percent. The Florida-based low-cost airline is in final negotiations with bondholders on a restructuring plan to secure the support of key creditors, the Wall Street Journal reported this evening. It owes more than $3 billion. The airline could move forward with its bankruptcy filing within the next few weeks, sources familiar with the matter told the WSJ. Merger talks with rival Frontier Airlines - viewed as Spirits last shot at avoiding bankruptcy, broke down last month. Already this year it scaled back growth plans, furloughed staff and inked a plan to sell 23 planes. It is expected that Spirit will file for Chapter 11, a form of bankruptcy that allows it to keep operating as it bids to cut its debts. However, this could mean significant reductions in routes and staffing. If cost-cutting efforts fall short, the airline may face the prospect of a complete shutdown. Spirit airlines share price plunged 45 percent in aftermarket trading on Tuesday after news that it was set to file for bankruptcy was reported by the Wall Street Journal. The decline happened in seconds as investors rushed to sell the stock. It briefly recovered before falling back again. This graph shows the share price an hour after the news Spirit Airlines is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy following its failed merger with JetBlue Spirit Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The carrier has been losing money despite strong travel demand. A chunk of its huge $3.3billion debt is due soon - including more than $1.1billion of secured bonds that are due in less than a year. It had faced an October 21 deadline from its credit card processor to refinance or extend those notes. Last month, Spirit said it would furlough about 330 pilots on January 31 as part of its efforts to cut costs and shore up its finances. It has failed to report a profit in the last five out of six quarters, raising doubts about its ability to manage looming debt maturities. Spirit has been struggling with losses and declining revenue since the pandemic. In fact, while it may have made profits some quarters, it has not turned an annual profit since even before the pandemic. Then as travelers began to once again take to the skies, many turned to larger airlines, leaving Spirit and other budget airlines struggling to get a foothold in the market. Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines first planned to merge in 2022, then but JetBlue Airways swooped in with a higher bid. That won over Spirit's shareholders. Spirit executives saw the merger with JetBlue as a way to claw back a market share, but the Department of Justice argued that such a deal would violate anti-trust laws, and a judge agreed. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie previously said in June that the airline was not considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, instead saying he was 'encouraged' by the plan it had in place after the deal with JetBlue fell through Spirit executives saw the merger with JetBlue as a way to claw back a market share, but the Department of Justice argued that such a deal would violate anti-trust laws The judge ruled in January that the merged company would harm travelers who rely on Spirit's low fares and said it would reduce competition. As a result, JetBlue pulled out of a merger agreement. Spirit was in talks with Frontier again in October as it hoped to revive merger discussions. But Frontier walked away. Since the start of the year, its shares were down more than 86 percent. Coca-Cola has announced the return of a nostalgic soft drink brand originally founded in the 1930s. Known for its unique flavors like mandarin pineapple and fruit punch, Barrilitos was discontinued years ago to make way for other imported beverages. However, the brand is making a comeback, with the drinks initially launching in California and Texas, and then Nevada and Oklahoma. Acquired by Coca-Cola in 2008, Barrilitos is now being reintroduced with a refreshed formula. This relaunch targets Gen Z, millennials, and families who enjoy novel flavors and have a significant share of consumer spending. Barrilitos comes in four delicious flavors: Mandarin, Pineapple, Fruit Punch and Apple Younger consumers enjoy novel flavors and also have an increasing portion of consumer spending. Coca-Cola is focusing on areas with strong Hispanic communities, a rapidly growing demographic with increasing spending power. Coca-Cola believes the brand will 'appeal to people craving nostalgia.' Latinos are fueling 16 percent of growth in US pre-packed food and drinks sales like cans of soda, packets of chips and bars of chocolate, according to a recent report from Circana. 'Barrilitos is evolving to meet the needs of a new generation, without losing sight of its rich history,' Maria Correa, head of Barrilitos for Coca-Cola, said. 'We've infused Barrilitos with a refreshed brand identity while preserving the classic flavors and traditions that have made it a beloved part of Latino households,' she explained. 'This relaunch is an invitation to experience Barrilitos and celebrate its heritage in a whole new way.' As well as bringing back fan favorites, Coca-Cola has also had to axe flavors that were roundly rejected by fans. Coca-Cola is still the undisputed king of the $97 billion US soda industry The drinks giant gave up on Coca-Cola Spiced after just six months, when consumers described the taste as 'disgusting.' The introduction of Spiced was a bid to lure in more Gen Z drinkers, but it was roundly dismissed with lackluster sales and consumer backlash. Coke is still the undisputed king of the $97 billion US soda industry with more than double the market shares of any of its rivals at 19.18 percent. Dr Pepper now has 8.34 percent, clinching ahead of its rival Pepsi which controls 8.31 percent. The first shipment of American Turkey products for India left on Tuesday, marking a new phase in the bilateral trade relations between the two countries. The shipment comes over a year after India agreed to the American request to reduce high tariffs on US turkey products. US Senator from Virginia Mark Warner, who is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, said this marks a historic milestone in international trade, expanding the reach of American turkey products in global markets, and opening new doors for US turkey producers. This shipment is a tremendous opportunity for Virginia's poultry producers and a huge step forward for US-India trade, he said. As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I look forward to the ongoing cooperation between our two nations and to seeing a wealth of new opportunities open up for Virginia's poultry producers, Warner said. This shipment comes as a result of a trade agreement and tariff reduction, facilitated by a collaborative effort between the two countries. Last year, ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, Warner was joined by a number of his colleagues in urging Ambassador Katherine Tai to increase market access for US turkey and poultry products. These products previously faced significant barriers from the Indian market due to prohibitively high tariff. Our US turkey producers have long been committed to providing safe, nutritious, and versatile protein options worldwide, and we're excited to see Indian consumers experience the exceptional quality of American turkey, said Leslee Oden, CEO of the National Turkey Federation. This first shipment is a testament to the strength of US-India trade relations and a reflection of our shared commitment to expanding food diversity and quality, he said. John King, president of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative said the cooperative is excited to be part of this new market opportunity. He added that the move will help nearly 200 independent turkey grower owners. Hobey Bauhan, president of the Virginia Poultry Federation, also expressed hope of good returns, saying, Virginia turkey farmers are pleased to offer high quality, lean protein for export to India, and we are grateful for those who facilitated this opportunity. Under the trade agreement announced in September 2023, India eliminated and reduced retaliatory tariffs on US turkey products, paving the way for increased access to the nation's rapidly growing protein market. As policymakers consider future regulatory steps, the ongoing ED investigation may serve as a pivotal moment in clarifying the regulatory framework for e-commerce operations in India Reportedly, on October 7, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the offices of half a dozen sellers operating on the e-commerce platforms of Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart for alleged violations of Foreign Investment norms and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The intent behind the searches was to gather evidence on complaints that these sellers have been importing products from China but routing them through other locations to avoid paying higher import duties and longer time in getting the consignment cleared at the ports (that would be the case if the products were imported directly from China involving higher import tariff and more security-related checks). The agency also wanted to verify if the firms had indulged in under-invoicing, a practice that involves understatement of the true value of goods to save on payment of import duty. Establishing such violations will be less of a headache for the enforcement authorities although proving them in the court will remain a challenge apart from the process being long drawn. However, the big headache relates to proving violations of the norms relating to foreign direct investment (FDI). E-commerce, put simply, is the practice of buying and selling goods or services using the Internet. Amazon and Flipkart essentially operate the market-place model of e-commerce a special dispensation carved out by the Narendra Modi Government under which 100 per cent FDI is permitted. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade or DPIIT in the Ministry of Commerce and Industries issued a Press Note (PN) in 2016 detailing the guidelines in this regard. The market-place is a platform where vendors sell their products to consumers even as its owner (say, Amazon) merely acts as a facilitator. The marketplace owner books orders, raises invoices, arranges deliveries, accepts payments, handles rejections, warehousing and so on. But, he cant own and control the inventory of goods and undertake direct selling to the consumer. But, this is happening. The charge has been levelled by none other than the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. At the launch of the Pahle India Foundations report Net Impact of E-Commerce on Employment and Consumer Welfare in India on August 21, 2024, Goyal took a shot at Amazon, for selling products directly to consumers and indulging in predatory pricing. That could lead to massive growth of e-commerce capturing half of the Indian retail market ten years from now. This would adversely impact an estimated 100 million small retailers across the country. Predatory pricing involves setting prices for a product at an unrealistically low level to undercut the competition and gain market share. Generally practised by a new player, predatory pricing violates antitrust laws even as it seeks to create a monopoly. Goyal opines that Amazon is selling products on its e-commerce platform at unrealistically low prices which results in heavy losses estimated to be about a billion dollars annually. To fund these losses, it brings the money from its parent but camouflages it as FDI. Pertinently, he levelled these charges in 2020 also. Apart from the top brass in the political establishment being fully seized of the matter, it has engaged the attention of the judiciary up to the level of the countrys top court. In 2019, Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh (DVM) complained to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) alleging anti-competitive behaviour by Amazon Seller Services (ASS) and Flipkart Internet Private Limited (FIPL). It argued that ASS and FIPL had entered into exclusive sales agreements with smartphone makers to sell certain phones through a small number of preferred sellers and offering to pay for part of the discount that such sellers would offer during key sales periods such as Flipkarts big billion day and Amazons Prime Day. Prima facie, the CCI agreed with DVMs contention and ordered a probe by the Director General (DG) Investigation. ASS and FIPL went up to the Supreme Court (SC) to get the order quashed. In August 2021, dismissing their appeal, the SC ordered the CCI DG will complete the probe. In its recent findings, the CCI-DG has charged ASS and FIPL with indulging in predatory pricing and violation of antitrust laws. Has Amazon/Flipkart violated FDI norms also? To answer this let us look at the fine print. While allowing 100 per cent FDI in a market-place model of e-commerce, the PN (2016) had prescribed two main riders viz., (i) the entity cant permit more than 25 per cent of total sales on its platform from one vendor or its group companies. (ii) it cant directly or indirectly influence the sale price. The first condition didnt specify that a firm connected with the owner of market-place (say its subsidiary or its joint venture or JV with an Indian company) couldnt be a vendor. Thus, contrary to the real intent of the policy which disallowed the e-commerce platform owners from direct selling to individual consumers, the fine print permitted them to do so. Putting a cap of 25 per cent on each such entity led to a bizarre scenario whereby four JVs or subsidiaries of Amazon could control all of the sales on its platform. And, having permitted it as a direct seller, you cant prevent him from deciding/influencing the price. Thus, the second condition becomes redundant. Meanwhile, the extant policy permits FDI in business-to-business or B2B segments in physical/offline format. This has enabled Amazon and Flipkart to set up offline stores. From these stores, they sell products to sellers (many of such entities are the darlings of the duo or JVs set up in collaboration with them), who in turn, sell those products on their marketplace platform. So, it was a well-crafted policy framework intended to enable e-commerce majors to do all that is necessary to control inventory and undertake direct selling to consumers on their own marketplace platform. Meanwhile, in a note issued on December 26, 2018, the DPIIT clarified that the owner of the marketplace or its subsidiary or its JV with Indian company cant have ownership of the seller. Further, a seller on the platform cant source more than 25 per cent of its inventory from a firm connected with the latter. The above clarification has prompted e-commerce majors to rework strategies in a manner such that their links with the preferred sellers are not clearly visible. Meanwhile, the enforcement agencies are in full action mode raiding the latters premises, looking at the documents with the intent to identify and expose such links. But, this wont lead them anywhere. The government should face the facts head-on. If, its original intent was to ensure that the marketplace cant have any connection whatsoever with the seller whether by way of ownership or sourcing of the latters inventory, that should have been mentioned in the guidelines issued in 2016. Anything done subsequently even if it comes by way of a clarification will be considered a retrospective change of policy and send a wrong signal. Instead of going back, the government should clearly say 100 per cent FDI is permitted in direct selling to consumers alongside running a marketplace model. It should also allow 100 per cent FDI in retail in all forms, single-brand or multi-brand retail (MBR), online or offline sans any riders. All these distinctions should go. This will enable millions of Indian retailers to have unrestrained access to foreign capital thereby ensuring a level playing field. (The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal) The Brampton Triveni temple in Canada has cancelled a consular event after the Canadian police warned them of an "extremely high and imminent" threat level of violent protests. The Life Certificate event, organised by the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was scheduled for November 17 at the temple premises. It was part of the consulate's many camps for issuing Life Certificates for pension purposes. On Monday, the temple authorities said the event was cancelled due to "official intelligence from Peel Regional Police, stating that there is an Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level of violent protests". "...We must make the appropriate decision to cancel to ensure the safety of Brampton Triveni Mandir devotees, community visitors, and the general public," the temple authorities said in a statement. "We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada," it added. Temple authorities called on Peel Police to address the threats being circulated against the temple and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu community and the general public. The cancellation came almost a week after 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. Meanwhile, Peel Regional Police on Tuesday issued a statement clarifying not receiving threats against any place of worship. In a statement posted on X, Peel Regional Police said it is aware of community concerns, particularly at places of worship, regarding demonstrations and perceived threats. However, it wish to clarify that "we have not received any direct threats against any place of worship in the Region of Peel". "Peel Regional Police has increased our presence around places of worship to reassure the public. Additionally, we have been actively engaging with community leaders, organisations, and local stakeholders to address safety concerns and de-escalate tensions. As part of these efforts, Peel Regional Police has been in contact with the Consul General of India, as well as places of worship and community centres to work collaboratively to mitigate risks for the community. Given the current tensions in the community and a shared interest in maintaining public safety, the organisers agreed that Consular Camps be postponed to a later date to allow for tensions to ease and limit any negative impact on the community," the statement said. Last week, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was cancelling some of its scheduled consular camps after the Canadian security authorities conveyed their inability to provide minimum security protection to its organisers. After the protests at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on November 3, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi remains "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. India condemned the attack with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted". The relations between India and Canada have come under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as absurd. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was designated a terrorist by India. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. The first phase of voter turnout for the 43 Assembly Constituencies (AC) in Jharkhand recorded 64.86 per cent on Wednesday. Simultaneously, by-polls were also held peacefully in 31 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in 10 states and in Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala, where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting. Wayanad recorded 64.27 per cent voter turnout. In the previous election, the percentage was 72.92 per cent. Sporadic incidents of violence, including a crude bomb attack in Bhatpara near Naihati Assembly constituency that killed a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker, marred the West Bengal bypolls. Two Assembly constituencies in Sikkim were uncontested. According to the Election Commissions data, a voter turnout of 64.86 per cent was recorded at the polling stations in Jharkhand which has already surpassed 63.9 per cent voting in these 43 ACs in 2019. Lohardaga district topped the list with 73.21 per cent polling while Hazaribag district recorded the lowest at 59.13. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora were among the 683 candidates in fray in the first phase. Today is the first round of voting in Jharkhand Assembly elections. I urge all voters to vote with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy. On this occasion, my heartiest congratulations to all my young friends who are going to vote for the first time! Remember - first vote, then refreshment!, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar cast his vote at the ATI polling booth in Ranchi. Today is the first phase of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections. I urge all voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Remember, first vote and then refreshment! Gangwar said. Chief Minister Hemant Soren sought peoples support in the elections. In a post on X, he said, If you like our work, please support us. I promise that I will do 10 years of work in the next 5 years so that no one can stop our pace of progress. Unfazed by threats and boycott calls from Maoists, people in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas in Jharkhand turned out in impressive numbers to vote. In Budha Pahad area in Garhwa district, once considered a stronghold of extremists, long queues, and peaceful polling at Hesatu Polling station signalled the deep penetration of democratic ethos. For the first time, this polling station was set up in the Buddha Pahad area for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, allowing residents to vote in their own village. In the Manoharpur and Jagannathpur Assembly constituency of West Singhbhum district, voters chose to cast their vote in spite of boycott posters and threat calls by extremists. At polling stations in Sonapi in Jagannathpur AC and Rabangada in Manoharpur AC, security forces thwarted attempts to prevent voters from voting through boycott posters and blockades on the way. While the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led coalition is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, including Maiyan Samman Yojna, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been campaigning with its aggressive Hindutva agenda, infiltration and alleged corruption by the current dispensation. Key battles include former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who is contesting on a BJP ticket in Seraikela, facing JMMs Ganesh Mahli. Geeta Kora, wife of former CM Madhu Koda, is contesting against Congress Sona Ram Sinku in Jagannathpur.Veteran Congress leader Rameshwar Oraon is up against AJSUs Shanti Bhagat in Lohardaga, while Janata Dal (United)s Saryu Roy is facing Congress Banna Gupta in Jamshedpur (West). Meanwhile, the high profile Wayanad seat bypolls recorded 64.27 per cent voter turnout. In the previous election, the percentage was 72.92 percent. Sporadic incidents of violence, including a crude bomb attack in Bhatpara near Naihati Assembly constituency that killed a local TMC worker, marred the West Bengal bypolls, while the voter turnout across six constituencies stood at 69.29 till 5pm. The killing of local TMC worker Ashok Shaw sparked political accusations of voter intimidation during the ongoing bypolls, prompting the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) office to seek a report on the incident.The incident drew immediate political reactions, with BJP leader Arjun Singh accusing the TMC of using intimidation tactics to instil fear among voters in Naihati and other constituencies. In Rajasthan, Ramgarh witnessed the highest turnout of 71.45 per cent. An estimated 72.96 per cent of the 9.1 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the bypolls to the five Assam Assembly constituencies in Assam amid minor incidents of violence. Samaguri, which witnessed several incidents of pre-poll violence, recorded the highest polling percentage of 78.10. An estimated 76.9 per cent voters turned out in three Assembly segments of Karnataka where bypolls were held. Voter turnouts of 75.27% and 72.37%, respectively, were recorded in the bypolls to Vijaypur and Budhni Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. A voter turnout of 46.43 per cent was recorded in the bypoll to the Raipur City South Assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh. The Vav Assembly seat in Gujarats Banaskantha district recorded a provisional voter turnout of 68.01 per cent in the by-election. Dense smog blanketed Delhi for the first time this season on Wednesday pulling the visibility down to zero at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), and the lack of a strong breeze continued to prevent the dispersion of pollutants deteriorating the air quality to the top of the severe category at 418 AQI. Of the 36 monitoring stations in Delhi, 30 reported air quality in the severe category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The first smog of this winter season affected multiple flight operations leading to diversion and delays at Delhi airport as well as several airports in north India. Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has asked the Delhi government to urgently close all schools up to Class 5, as the national capital has turned into a gas chamber. According to IGI airport sources, at least 10 flights were diverted from the airport. Six flights were diverted to Jaipur and one to Lucknow at 7 am due to bad weather. Zero-metre visibility was recorded at IGI airport at 8.30 am with the Runway Visual Range varying between 125 and 500 metres at different locations, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Sources added some flights have been delayed. The Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, was unable to land in Ludhiana due to poor visibility. He was diverted to Amritsar, where he stayed for a few hours before returning. The IGI airport ranks amongst Indias most frequented aviation hubs. While the airport continued operations at Delhi, flights not compliant with Category III (CAT III) landing systems, which are designed to allow landings in low-visibility conditions, were particularly affected. Low visibility procedures were put in place, with authorities cautioning that non-CAT III aircraft could face disruptions. As the smog worsened, the airport authorities had to issue advisories regarding potential flight delays or diversions. Flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) posted on social media platform X. This navigation system helps aircraft land safely in conditions of low visibility, but without it, flight operations can be severely disrupted. Several cities in north India, including the national capital, recorded visibility below 1000 metres and 500 metres. Similar smog was reported across northwest India with zero visibility reported at Amritsar and Hindon airports. Other airports which recorded low visibility were Patna (800 metres), Varanasi (800 metres), Agra (800 metres), Chandigarh (400 metres), Gorakhpur (200 metres), Deoghar (150 metres), Palam (100 metres), Hindon (100 metres), and Amritsar (50 metres). Addressing a press conference, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Virendra Sachdeva said that both private and government schools should be shut down for the safety of children, given the alarming level of air pollution in the national capital and its adjoining regions. Meanwhile, the IMD said mostly smog prevailed across Delhi over the past two weeks. It added it was smog and not smog in the early hours of the day. An average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 361 (very poor) was recorded at 8 am which later settled at 418, compared to 334 (very poor) at 4pm on Tuesday. Only Ayanagar out of the 36 monitoring stations recorded a severe average AQI of 417 at 8am. Lodhi Road (268) and Aurobindo Marg (275) recorded poor air quality. Overall, this was the 15th consecutive day of very poor air quality. Delhi overtook Pakistans Lahore as the worlds most polluted city in Swiss group IQAirs live rankings, with an air quality index (AQI) score of more than 1,000, considered hazardous, but Indias pollution authority said the AQI was around 350. Currently, Delhi is experiencing dangerously high AQI levels, often classified as very poor or severe. This uptick in pollution is largely due to several factors, such as vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and the burning of seasonal crops in nearby states. With winters arrival, the problem worsens due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, creating dense smog. Delhi has now marked 15 consecutive days with air quality in the very poor category, which began on October 30 when the AQI hit 307. People are advised to stay updated on AQI readings daily so they can make informed choices about outdoor activities. In Delhi, vehicular emissions remain a top contributor to pollution, with an estimated share of 10% over the next two days. Delhi recorded the fourth-worst air quality in the country, trailing behind Hajipur, Chandigarh, and Patna. Prominent pollutants in Delhi were particulate matter PM10, consisting of particles 10 micrometres or less in diameter. November 13th marks World Kindness Day, a global celebration dedicated to promoting acts of generosity and compassion. Kindness as a concept is integral to human nature and entails empathising with, sharing, and alleviating the pain and suffering of one another. While the occasion encourages us to practice kindness towards ourselves and others, one often overlooked yet significant deed is showing kindness to the voiceless of our country. The condition of community dogs of India, often subject to hunger, disease, and abuse, mirrors the grave depravity and critical importance of extending our service beyond our kin. India is home to an estimated 60 to 70 million stray dogs, and yet, the choice for pedigree dogs as companions still remains perniciously popular. While individuals are entitled to their right to choose, this choice, however, is rooted in ignorance. It lacks necessary background checks and entirely disregards the abuse and extreme cruelty that the backyard breeding industry thrives on. Advocate and Animal Rights Activist Niharika Kashyap stated that countless unethical breeders force female dogs to breed more than twice a year, which in essence is rape, just to make more money. Additionally, the newborn puppies are separated from their mothers and are sold at an alarmingly young age. The reality of stray dogs similarly paints a very grim picture. There is ample evidence available on Google search for dog rape cases in India which grossly falls short to represent the actual number of such incidents in our country. Our community dogs battle for survival throughout their lives amidst traffic, worsening weather conditions, toxic waste products, scarcity of food and water, and rampant animal cruelty. Furthermore, the perception of housing societies in India is increasingly inclining towards viewing them as nuisances rather than as living and breathing creatures capable of feeling physical and mental pain. This attitude further extends to rescuers who work tirelessly to feed, rescue, and rehabilitate abandoned dogs while exposing themselves to the dangers of being at the receiving end of threats and violence. Overall, the feeling of contempt for stray dogs is leading to growing indifference and being out of touch with human qualities such as kindness, compassion, and care. Rescuing stray dogs isnt just about easing their suffering; its about creating a culture of kindness and responsibility that guarantees a positive societal impact. Developing empathy toward animals has previously been associated with increased pro-social behaviour and improved interpersonal relationships. In India, where community spirit thrives in the form of shared compassion, we have an opportunity to build and extend this sense of unity to protect the most vulnerable members of our societyour community dogs. This World Kindness Day, lets pledge not just to be kind, but to be agents of change for those who cannot speak for themselves. Lets ask ourselves, how can we create a world where these beings no longer have to cower in fear? They dont need grand gestures; they need heartfelt actions that affirm their worth- a bowl of food, a warm space, and a touch that tells them they belong. In loving an animal, we discover something deeper within ourselves, and as the saying goes, until one has loved an animal, a part of ones soul remains unawakened. The writer is a Psychologist. Views are personal. The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday struck down a 2006 law that allowed Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to be appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs). The Double Bench, led by Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin Chander Negi, declared the Himachal Pradesh Parliamentary Secretaries (Appointment, Salaries, Allowances, Powers, Privileges, and Amenities) Act, 2006 void ab initio meaning it was legally invalid from its inception. This decision has far-reaching implications, effectively annulling the appointments of six CPSs and impacting the state governments administrative framework. The High Court ruling marked a significant setback for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who had appointed six CPSs in January 2023 to support the Cabinet following his partys victory in the state elections. The nullified appointments include those of prominent Congress MLAs such as Sanjay Awasthi (Arki), Sunder Singh (Kullu), Ram Kumar (Doon), Mohan Lal Brakta (Rohru), Ashish Butail (Palampur), and Kishori Lal (Baijnath). The court order mandated the immediate withdrawal of all privileges, salaries, and allowances afforded to these CPSs, classifying their appointments as unconstitutional and their positions as usurpations of public office. Central to the courts decision is the contention that the 2006 Act violated constitutional provisions, particularly Article 164(1-A), which limits the size of the Council of Ministers. The court referred to a 2017 Supreme Court ruling in the Bimolangshu Roy case, in which a similar law in Assam was invalidated for extending ministerial-like powers to CPSs, thus violating constitutional restrictions on the executive's structure. The Himachal High Court emphasized that the CPSs, though not designated as Ministers, wielded significant governmental power, which blurred the line between CPSs and cabinet ministers. Justice Negi noted that the CPSs enjoyed privileges akin to those of Ministers, such as the right to access official files, participate in decision-making, and even fly the national flag on their vehicles. These powers, the court argued, enabled CPSs to wield influence in governance despite not being Cabinet Ministers a role that the Constitution limits. This dilution of executive responsibilities breached the principles of constitutional governance, making the CPS Act indefensible. In addition to quashing the law, the Court dismissed the protections offered by the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Members (Removal of Disqualifications) Act, 1971. The 2006 Act had sought to shield CPSs from disqualification by classifying them as outside the office of profit. However, the court clarified that these protections were equally unconstitutional, dismantling the legal foundation that had allowed CPSs to operate without threat to their MLA status. BOX Will challenge decision in SC: Himachal A-G Himachal Pradesh Advocate-General Anoop Ratna said that the State Government intends to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. He argued that Himachals CPS Act was distinct from the Assam law referenced in the judgment, noting that the powers assigned to CPSs in Himachal were supposedly more limited. Ratnas remarks underscored the governments belief that a nuanced interpretation of the CPS role may yet uphold its validity, and the move to the Supreme Court seeks to clarify this legislative prerogative. However, not all government voices are aligned. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani expressed doubts about the decision to pursue an appeal, calling it potentially unwise. Dharmani suggested that the administration should respect the High Courts ruling and avoid further legal entanglements, positing that any re-interpretation of the CPS role could destabilize the legitimacy of legislative appointments. The city witnessed an enthusiastic display of civic duty on Wednesday as prominent figures, including corporate leaders, political stalwarts, and esteemed officials, stepped out to cast their votes for the Assembly elections. Demonstrating commitment to democracy, they were seen waiting in line alongside other citizens, setting an inspiring example for residents. TV Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, made a special trip from Mumbai, accompanied by his wife Ruchi Narendran, to cast his vote at the Loyola School polling station. Clad in a navy blue T-shirt and black trousers, Narendrans casual attire and warm demeanor drew the attention of onlookers as he stood in line like any other voter. This notable sight brought a sense of pride and community spirit among fellow voters, as the corporate leader waited his turn at the polling booth. Despite the booth's VIP status, a steady stream of citizens turned up, undeterred by the presence of high-profile visitors, underscoring a collective commitment to the electoral process. Senior Congress candidate Dr. Ajoy Kumar, along with his wife Reena Arya, was among the early voters. After offering prayers at the Hanuman temple, they cast their votes at booth number 148 at Shiksha Niketan School in Telco. Addressing the media, Dr. Kumar emphasized the significance of voting as a cornerstone of democracy. He urged the people of Jamshedpur to actively participate, reminding them that voting is essential to sustaining a strong democratic foundation. "Vote first, then celebrate, he said, encouraging people to embrace the privilege and duty of casting their ballots. In another display of support for democracy, District Election Officer Ananya Mittal, who voted with his family at Loyola School, made a similar appeal to the districts residents, emphasizing that large voter turnout is essential for a thriving democratic society. Saryu Roy, the NDA candidate from Jamshedpur West, cast his vote at KMP Vocational College in Bistupur. Roy, known for his strong stance on voter participation, encouraged every eligible resident to exercise their right to vote. Only by using our franchise do we fortify democracy, he remarked, adding that the Jamshedpur West seat often sees close contests, making each vote even more crucial. Addressing campaign slogans, he highlighted that the "If the seats are divided, they will be cut" slogan has been a response to Congresss focus on uniting minority votes. He noted the slogan has seen resonance both in the state and across the country, reflecting NDAs confidence in the people's choice. Raghubar Das, Governor of Odisha, returned to his home district to vote. Accompanied by his daughter-in-law, BJP candidate Purnima Sahu, he proudly fulfilled his civic duty. "By voting, we are strengthening the democratic pillars of our society," Governor Das said. Sahu, who is contesting the Jamshedpur East seat, echoed the sentiment, noting that her vote was cast with the nations growth and democratic future in mind. She expressed her hope that her fellow citizens would prioritize voting to contribute to a stronger, more unified nation. In a testament to the global interest sparked by the Yogi Adityanath governments extensive preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025, eminent figures from around the world are set to attend the grand spiritual gathering in Uttar Pradesh. For the first time, dignitaries from countries including Israel, the United States, and France are preparing to join in the revered Ganga aarti, a ritual that highlights the spiritual essence of the event. Senior military personnel will also be present, symbolising solidarity and adding to the solemnity of the occasion. The state administration is committed to providing an unparalleled experience, blending tradition and modernity to captivate both Indian and international devotees with the sacredness and grandeur of the Maha Kumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths vision to transform Maha Kumbh into a global attraction has inspired many of these international figures to partake in one of the worlds largest spiritual congregations. Suresh Chandra, president of the Harihar Ganga Aarti Samiti in Ramghat, Prayagraj, shared that Ganga aarti in Prayagraj began in 1997, inspired by the tradition in Kashi, and has continued without interruption ever since. During the upcoming Maha Kumbh, there are plans to honour Chief Minister Yogi and distinguished saints from all over India. Bringing together saints from Indias major pilgrimage sites for this grand event promises to make the Maha Kumbh an unforgettable experience for all. He added that global interest in Chief Minister Yogi is growing rapidly among leaders from powerful nations. This is evident as prominent figures from Israel, the United States, France, Vietnam, Italy, Canada, and Myanmar are visiting India to meet him, he said. These international guests will also participate in the famous Ganga aarti, accompanied by senior Indian military officers. All of these special guests will be hosted by the Harihar Ganga Aarti Samiti. Renowned saints from Ayodhya will also contribute to making Maha Kumbh 2025 memorable by planting trees. Swami Dilip Das Tyagi, head of the Ram Vaidehi temple, shared that the saints of Ayodhya have pledged to plant 1,11,000 saplings to promote environmental cleanliness. This initiative will be completed during the Maha Kumbh. Along with Swami Dilip Das, several other prominent saints from Ayodhya are preparing to make the Maha Kumbh an unforgettable experience. The controversy over the proposed site for Haryanas new Assembly building in Chandigarh has sparked intense political outrage in Punjab. Leaders from all major political parties in the state are voicing their strong objections, accusing the Central Government of undermining Punjabs rightful claim over the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh. The issue centered on the allocation of 10 acres of land in Chandigarh for the construction of Haryanas legislative assembly. In return, Haryana has proposed to offer 12 acres of land in Panchkula to the Chandigarh Administration. United across party lines, Punjabs political leaders, however, argued that Chandigarh is historically and culturally a part of Punjab, and any move to allow Haryana to set up its legislative body in the city is an affront to the state's interests. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has strongly condemned the decision, with party spokesperson Neel Garg accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government of intentionally weakening Punjabs claim over Chandigarh. Garg pointed out that the land in Chandigarh was originally taken from Punjabs villages when the city was developed and that the Reorganization Act of 1966 clearly stated that Haryana would eventually create its own capital, which never happened. Former Minister and AAP leader Anmol Gagan Mann confirmed that the party would take legal action to contest the decision. We will not back down on this issue. We are prepared to take the matter to court and will hold protests if necessary, she said, emphasizing the state's determination to protect its rights. Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed similar concerns accusing the Central Government of undermining Punjab's rightful claims to Chandigarh. This is just another attempt to weaken Punjabs hold on its capital. We will not allow this to happen, Warring declared, reaffirming his partys commitment to oppose the move. Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka further emphasized that this was part of a continuous effort by the Central Government to encroach upon Punjabs rights. He vowed that the opposition would continue to fight this decision until it was overturned. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler condemned the move as a major assault on Punjabs rights. Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. It was developed by displacing 22 of our villages, and we cannot allow it to become the seat of another states legislature, said Kler. He also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns Government for failing to defend the states interests effectively, stating that the current government has not done enough to counter these encroachments. Making a significant appeal to the Central Government, Punjab Power and PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday urged for subsidies to support Biomass Power Projects aimed at tackling the stubble burning crisis in northern states. The Minister, speaking at the Conference of Power Ministers presided over by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, emphasized the urgent need for financial support to bolster sustainable solutions to air pollution caused by crop residue burning. He proposed a subsidy of Rs five crore per megawatt (MW) for biomass energy plants, positioning this financial backing as essential for making biomass projects viable and reducing the severe pollution impact of stubble burning in states like Punjab. With suitable subsidies, biomass plants using paddy straw could produce one megawatt of electricity per unit, bringing down the cost from Rs 7.5 to Rs five per unit, making the project financially feasible for the state, Singh stated. The Minister highlighted that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy already allocates substantial funds Rs 4,000 crore for compressed biogas (CBG) plants capable of producing 4.8 tons of CBG daily, which is closely aligned with biomass energy production through stubble. He advocated for a similar subsidy structure or Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for biomass power, aligning it with the Governments renewable energy goals while addressing Punjabs acute pollution concerns. Apart from his demands for biomass subsidies, the Minister also addressed key challenges facing Punjabs agricultural and energy sectors. He called for extension of the Prime Ministers KUSUM scheme, which currently provides a 30 percent subsidy on solar pumps up to 7.5 horsepower (HP). He urged the inclusion of pumps with capacities up to 15 HP, stating, With Punjabs declining water tables, farmers are compelled to use higher-capacity pumps. Extending subsidies to 15 HP pumps will greatly support solar energy adoption in agriculture, thus easing dependence on groundwater resources. In another critical point, the Minister urged the Union Minister to expedite the completion of two vital Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) pumping storage projects in Himachal Pradesh with a combined capacity of 4,300 MW, which are anticipated to provide significant energy support to Punjab. He also suggested reducing the seven-paisa margin per unit charged by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), stating it as an excessive cost for the states resources. Finally, the Minister tackled the high cost of coal transportation, which burdens Punjab due to the states distance from coal-producing regions. He proposed establishing Mega Power Generation Plants within coal-producing states to supply electricity to distant states like Punjab directly, thereby mitigating transportation expenses. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) CMD Baldev Singh Sran, also in attendance, expressed support for Singhs suggestions, emphasizing the need for a cooperative approach to renewable and cost-effective energy solutions. Punjabs demands Demands Rs 5-cr per MW subsidy for biomass power plants to address stubble burning and reduce pollution Proposes Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for biomass projects to make them financially viable and decrease per unit cost Calls for an extension of PM KUSUM scheme to include solar pumps up to 15 HP to aid farmers with declining groundwater levels Urges Centre to expedite completion of two BBMB pumping storage projects in HP with 4,300 MW capacity Suggests reducing 7 paise margin per unit charged by SECI to reduce costs for Punjab Proposes establishing Mega Power Generation Plants in coal-producing states to reduce freight costs for Punjab Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should remember that even if his fourth generation were to come, Muslims won't get reservations meant for SCs, STs and OBCs. A few days ago, Ulemas met the president of Congress party and said that Muslims should be given reservation, Shah said, addressing a rally for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. If reservation has to be given to Muslims, then reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs will have to be cut. Rahul Baba, not only you but even if your four generations were to come, they cannot cut the quota meant for SCs, STs and OBCs and give it to Muslims, Shah said. Shah also said Article 370 won't be restored, come what may. Even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven, Article 370 won't be restored, Shah said. On Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde's statement that he was scared during his visit to Srinagar's Lal Chowk when he was the Union home minister, Shah said, Shinde ji, go to Kashmir now along with your grandkids, no harm will come to you. During 10 years of the Sonia-Manmohan regime, terrorists used to come freely from Pakistan and trigger bomb blasts here, Shah said. Describing the opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi grouping in Maharashtra as Aurangzeb Fan Club, Shah said the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance abides by the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj and Veer Savarkar. This MVA alliance only wants to appease and Uddhav ji has forgotten the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray for the sake of power, Shah said. Uddhav Babu, you are sitting with those who opposed renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, who opposed the construction of Ram temple, who opposed the abolition of triple talaq, who opposed the abolition of Article 370, who opposed the surgical strikes and who call Hindus terrorists, Shah said. I have travelled all over Maharashtra and can say with confidence that Mahayuti will sweep the November 20 assembly polls, he said. The ladli behnas' (women) of Maharashtra are with the lotus flower and the BJP, Shah said. The Mahayuti will form the next government in Maharashtra with the highest ever number of seats, he added. The Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders are opposing all the communities, Shah said. They gave a statement against (Hindu seer) Ramgiri Maharaj. They caused riots in Sindkheda and they are promoting such people who are not good for Maharashtra and the country, he added. People in this country are troubled by the Waqf law. Recently, the Waqf Board in Karnataka decided that entire villages are Waqf property. 400-year-old temples, farmers' land and people's houses became Waqf property. We have brought a bill to amend the Waqf Act, but Rahul Baba and Pawar Sahab are opposing the bill. Rahul Gandhi, listen, PM Modi will definitely amend the Waqf Act, Shah said. Shah said Manmohan Singh left India's economy at 11th position and PM Modi took it to fifth position within 10 years. I promise you that by 2027, India's economy will be the third largest economy in the world, he said. Chinese automakers keep investing in R&D 16:39, November 13, 2024 By Xu Peiyu ( People's Daily Chinese automakers are enjoying robust growth and rising market shares, as revealed by semi-annual reports recently released by multiple automobile groups. According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), from January to September, Chinese automakers sold nearly 11.92 million passenger vehicles, up 20.5 percent from a year ago, with a market share of 63.8 percent. Notably, the market share of new energy vehicles manufactured by Chinese automakers exceeded 80 percent. Robotic arms weld car bodies in a workshop of a plant of Chinese automaker Changan in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily Online/Wang Jiaxi) Industry experts attribute the rapid rise of Chinese automotive brands to their sustained increase in R&D investment, as it gives them the ability to make technological breakthroughs and deliver innovative products. BYD is the leading car manufacturer by sales volume in China. It is also the biggest investor in R&D among Chinese automakers. According to statistics, in the first half of this year, BYD's R&D expenditures ranked first among over 5,300 A-share listed companies, amounting to 20.2 billion yuan ($2.84 billion), a 42 percent increase year on year and a record high. This figure was 6.6 billion yuan higher than BYD's net profit during the same period. New entrants in the automotive market have also shown impressive R&D investments. Li Auto invested over 6 billion yuan in R&D in the first half of the year, marking a 42 percent increase compared to the previous year, while NIO also spent over 6 billion yuan in R&D. Both companies' management teams revealed that they plan to maintain quarterly R&D investments of around 3 billion yuan. It is noteworthy that in the first half of the year, R&D investments from companies like BYD, Geely, Changan, and Seres exceeded their net profits. Since 2011, BYD's investment in R&D has surpassed the company's net profits in 13 out of the past 14 years, sometimes reaching several times the amount of net profit in the same period. To date, BYD's cumulative R&D investment has approached 150 billion yuan. Substantial investments have enabled automotive companies to develop independent R&D capabilities. A BYD Seal 06 DM-i is exhibited at the 2024 China Motor Show (Tianjin) held in north China's Tianjin municipality, Oct. 3, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Tang Ke) Currently, BYD employs over 100,000 R&D personnel, making it the carmaker with the largest R&D workforce globally. It has filed more than 48,000 patents and has over 30,000 patents granted. In the first half of this year, Seres saw a rapid increase in its patent applications and approvals. It filed 1,812 patent applications, including 1,313 invention patents and 300 utility model patents. Chinese automotive brands are constantly making technological breakthroughs. For instance, BYD's e-platform 3.0 is the world's first intelligent control platform that features a function that integrates and controls independent drive of three motors and rear-wheel steering technology. It combines the advantages of BYD's fifth-generation DM (dual mode) technology and the e-platform 3.0 Evo, enhancing driving experience for users. Through technological innovation, automotive companies have gained unique competitive advantages. BYD's blade battery marks a significant innovation in the new energy vehicle sector, known for its high safety, high energy density, and long cycle life. Seres' super range-extender system achieves thermal efficiency of 45 percent and a power-to-fuel conversion efficiency of 3.65 kilowatt-hours per liter. In the first quarter of this year, Seres' range-extenders maintained the highest industry adoption rate, and the company has reached cooperation agreements with 12 partners. The pace of new product launches has also been accelerating. This year, companies like Seres and Changan have introduced multiple new energy products to meet the diverse needs of consumers. A recent report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a think tank based in Washington, D.C., revealed that Chinese electric vehicle companies are 30 percent faster than automakers from other countries in developing and launching new models. Chinese-made vehicles are parked at the Yantai port, east China's Shandong province, waiting to be shipped overseas, Oct. 21, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Tang Ke) Chinese EV makers offer models for sale for an average of 1.3 years before they are updated or refreshed, compared with 4.2 years for foreign brands. An executive of Seres said that in the context of increasingly fierce competition in the global automotive industry, independent R&D is a key way for Chinese brands to secure core competitiveness. Driving industry innovation through technological advancement is particularly important, especially by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to guide the industry toward high-end, intelligent, and green development, the executive added. An expert said that the emphasis Chinese automakers place on R&D reflects a trend of consumption upgrading in the Chinese automotive market. Consumers are increasingly inclined to choose cost-effective and technologically advanced products manufactured by Chinese carmakers. In the future, Chinese automotive companies will continue to strengthen their R&D efforts. Currently, BYD's intelligent driving development team comprises nearly 5,000 engineers, and the company plans to invest 100 billion yuan in smart technologies, including generative AI and large models. By continually enhancing R&D and innovative technologies, Chinese automakers are driving the entire industry toward greater efficiency, environmental sustainability, and intelligence, while also contributing to the sustainable development of the global automotive industry. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) While China flaunts its cutting-edge J-35 stealth fighter, a less glamorous but equally potent weapon lurks within its arsenal: the H-6 bomber. A modernized version of a Cold War-era Soviet design, the H-6 has become a cornerstone of Chinas evolving military strategy, playing a prominent role in recent exercises around Taiwan and showcasing Beijings growing long-range strike capabilities. Get alerts: Taiwan War Games Highlight H-6s Role During the Joint-Sword 2024B exercises in October, the H-6 bomber took center stage. Taiwans Ministry of National Defense reported detecting multiple groups of H-6s engaging in simulated attack drills, underscoring the bombers significance in Chinas military posture towards the island. These exercises, involving a substantial deployment of aircraft, naval vessels, and missile forces, served as a stern warning against Taiwanese independence, according to the Chinese military. While Taiwan responded by activating its surveillance and defense systems, the H-6s presence highlighted the potential threat it poses. Modernization Transforms a Cold War Workhorse Originally based on the Soviet Tu-16 Badger, the H-6 has undergone significant modernization. No longer a simple bomber, some variants are equipped to launch nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, while others carry an array of anti-ship and land-attack missiles. Crucially, some versions possess in-flight refueling capabilities, extending their range deep into the Western Pacific, placing U.S. bases on Guam and elsewhere within striking distance. This reach directly challenges U.S. influence in the region and raises concerns about Chinas expanding power projection. A Growing Threat to Regional Stability Echoes of the B-52: A Strategic Parallel Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer and expert on the Chinese military, notes the H-6s potential involvement in island landing campaigns, including a hypothetical invasion of Taiwan. Its anticipated role includes striking critical infrastructure, such as headquarters, communication hubs, and logistics centers, along with targeting airfields, ports, and naval vessels. These attacks, likely coordinated with missile strikes, would aim to hurt defenses and pave the way for further military action. Recent Chinese state media footage depicting an H-6 launching an anti-ship missile after receiving targeting data from a surveillance drone further illustrates this integrated approach to warfare. Interestingly, Chinas continued reliance on and modernization of the H-6 mirrors the U.S. Air Forces enduring use of the B-52 Stratofortress, another Cold War-era bomber. While the U.S. ceased B-52 production decades ago, China continues to refine and deploy the H-6, demonstrating its commitment to this platform. Much like the B-52s role in projecting American power, the H-6 is increasingly utilized by China in long-range patrols, signaling its expanding reach and capability to strike distant targets. This parallel highlights a shared understanding of the strategic value of long-range bombers, even in an era of advanced fighter jets and missile technology. Expanding Operational Footprint The H-6s growing operational footprint extends beyond the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. In a noteworthy incident in July, H-6 bombers, accompanied by Russian Tu-95s, flew near Alaska, marking the first time Chinese bombers had operated so close to the U.S. mainland. While officially described as a joint patrol to enhance coordination between the Chinese and Russian air forces, the incident underscored Chinas increasing military confidence and its willingness to project power far from its shores. The event prompted a response from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), highlighting the strategic implications of the H-6s extended range. Neutralizing the Threat: A Focus on Preemptive Action Experts like retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula emphasize the importance of neutralizing the H-6 threat before these bombers can take off. Targeting these aircraft on the ground is seen as a crucial element of any effective war plan, aiming to mitigate the significant danger they pose once airborne. This preemptive approach underscores the H-6s recognized potential to disrupt operations and inflict damage if allowed to execute its mission. The H-6 bomber, once a relic of the Cold War, has emerged as a key component of Chinas modern military strategy. Its evolving capabilities, coupled with its expanding operational range, pose a significant challenge to regional stability and highlight Chinas growing military assertiveness. While the worlds attention often focuses on newer, more technologically advanced weapons systems, the H-6 serves as a potent reminder that modernized legacy platforms can still play a crucial and potentially destabilizing role in the 21st-century security landscape. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The Translink Youth Summit will make a welcome return next week in an exciting roadshow format visiting both Derry on Wednesday, November 20 and Magherafelt on Thursday, November 21. Young people throughout Northern Ireland will be given a platform to share their perspectives and ideas on the future of public transport and climate change. The annual event highlights the value placed on the voices of the next generation, with the initiative developed by members of the Translink Youth Forum in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY). Commencing on November 18, the Road to Rights Translink Youth Summit will visit Newry, Enniskillen, Derry, Magherafelt and Belfast across a five-day period, with school pupils and youth organisations among those invited to take part. This year the initiative ties in with the United Nations World Childrens Day and will introduce workshops on four topics facilitated by the NI Youth Forum team, including Safety in Transport, Zero Emissions, the UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC), and Promoting Youth Voice. Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: Young people are tomorrows leaders, and this generation is more climate-conscious than any before. More and more young people are already switching to bus and train with a 60% increase in the use of yLink over the last year this modal shift trend is vital and a simple way individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. Translink is also playing its part by working to decarbonise our business, introducing more zero-emission buses regionally and in Belfast, where soon 50% of the fleet will operate with cleaner, carbon-free vehicles. This will ensure public transport is even better for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to the city as more people get on board. For this reason, its essential that young voices are heard, and they have a say on how we can enhance our services, ensuring they enjoy the benefits while helping us build a better-connected society. Childrens Commissioner Chris Quinn said: We cant wait to welcome children and young people to our NICCY Road to Rights Bus Tour. This marks the start of our journey towards incorporating childrens rights into domestic law. Fittingly coinciding with World Childrens Day on 20 November, well be calling on Government to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into NI law. As we launch our awareness campaign as to why this is such a crucial issue, well be hosting a series of interactive events and visits, giving children and young people a platform to discuss the issues they care about the most. The journey towards incorporation starts now. READ NEXT: Magherafelt's iGen Autos wins big at Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards Translink is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operating a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040. The company also pledges to be Climate Positive by 2050, going beyond achieving net zero to create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the environment. For more information on the Translink Youth Summit CLICK HERE. To book a place for your school or youth community group in your area, email maeve.nethercott@translink.co.uk. SDLP Derry City and Strabane District Council Group Leader councillor Brian Tierney has invited Education Minister Paul Givan to visit St Brigids College in the city. The school was announced as one of 28 set to receive a new school building in 2022, but no further progress has been made. He has written to the Minister and extended an invitation on behalf of the school. Cllr Tierney said: The need for new school buildings for St Brigids College could not be greater. The school is already oversubscribed and theres a growing demand for places both in the local community and right across our city as word of the fantastic school environment, educational experience for young people and the efforts of staff has spread. READ NEXT: Derry dancer Tiernagh Canning starring in Lord of the Dance The Board of Governors and school leadership have been working for years to highlight the need for improved buildings and facilities and everyone was delighted when St Brigids was included along with other schools in the 2022 announcement. Since then there has been zero progress for St Brigids and other schools in our city while those in other parts of the North are pressing on ahead with their plans. During repeated enquiries I have been told by the Minister and his department that other schools remain ahead of St Brigids when it comes to need. I really struggle to see how that could be the case and have invited the Minister to come to St Brigids himself and see the fantastic work that goes on, the impact this school and its staff have on the lives of local young people and the need to get on with delivering the new school building project. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has been urged to intervene after a Co Tyrone man was arrested in the UAE over an online review he posted. Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, was arrested three weeks ago when he landed in Abu Dhabi for a short vacation to visit friends, and transported to Dubai. Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Mr Ballentine is facing prison because of the UAEs cybercrime laws. Radha Stirling from the organisation said the laws prohibit online criticism. Ms Stirling said the situation arose after Mr Ballentine worked as a dog groomer in Dubai for around six months. After running into difficulties in his employment, he left a negative online review of the grooming centre and his experience. Craig has been advised by local lawyers there is almost zero chance of the case against him being dropped, Ms Stirling said. The UAEs recently enacted cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners. It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell police that someone posted something offensive or rude. Ms Stirling said Mr Ballentines parents feared he had died when they had not heard from him. She said they have urged Ms ONeill, who is Mr Ballentines local MLA, to make representations on his behalf. Craig needs to get home and get to work. Its atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system, she said. We have reached out to Craigs local representative, Michelle ONeill, to implore her to make diplomatic representations to the UAEs ambassador and FCDO. We hope she can assist in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey come home. A Sinn Fein spokesperson said Ms ONeill was aware of the case and was making representations to the UAE embassy in London on behalf of Mr Ballentine. Her office remains in contact with the family to provide support and advice, the spokesperson said. Northern Irelands waste water system is at breaking point with future development in Belfast likely to be halted unless the situation is addressed, MLAs have heard. Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) chief Sara Venning issued the warning to MLAs on the Stormont Infrastructure Committee as they visited a water treatment works in Magherafelt on Wednesday. MLAs on the committee were given a tour of works and learned about actions taken to ensure drinking water abstracted from Lough Neagh continues to be safe to drink. Ms Venning said recent uncertainty of financial support and historic underfunding are having a serious impact on wastewater services. She described the system as being at breaking point. She also said that they have been asked to plan with a budget of nearly half of what is needed. A recent Audit Office report found that a lack of water infrastructure is delaying or halting proposed housing developments and called for a comprehensive review of the current funding arrangements for NI Water. In October, an NI Water report warned that Belfast Lough was exposed to raw sewage at times of heavy rainfall due to the state of water and sewage infrastructure. The report described the need for investment in drainage and wastewater treatment as critical. Speaking to MLAs on Thursday, Ms Venning said the investment shortfall impacts on the Living With Water Programme with work on the programme effectively halted. She said this has serious environmental risks for Belfast Lough and is likely to halt future development in Belfast. Put simply, pollution will get worse and we will be putting a halt to future connections to our wastewater assets across Northern Ireland, she said. The good news is that the plans are there, the background work has been done, we simply need long term investment to ensure we can carry them out. First Minister Michelle ONeill has been pressed by the trade unions over health worker pay. Ms ONeill and Junior Minister Pam Cameron attended the NIC-ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference at the Guildhall in Londonderry on Wednesday. Some 200 union delegates and guests heard speeches and debated motions including over fair pay, jobs, supporting a Northern Ireland Employment Bill, as well as challenging racism and violence against women and girls. At a time of pressure on the Stormont budget and a warning from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt that he has not been allocated enough money for pay, Ms ONeill was lobbied by Unison workers over pay. Mr Nesbitt has said he is 100 million short of the money he needs to make pay awards of at least 5.5% to all health staff. Unison spokesperson Anne Speed said: First Minister Michelle ONeill told the conference that pay for public sector workers is a responsibility for the full Executive. Those words will guide our upcoming negotiations with Health Minister Nesbitt. We will engage but the agenda has to be about how the funding can be delivered, not on how we might accept less than the full implementation of the recommended increase. Meanwhile, in his address to the conference, ICTU assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy paid tribute to the union members who took strike action over the past two years. The action culminated in an estimated 170,000 public sector workers taking part in combined strike action on January 18. Your decision to withdraw your labour on that single day demonstrated that public servants are the backbone of the economy, he said. That the services you provide are essential for every person and that the state cant function without you No bus drivers. No classroom assistants. No social workers. No physios. No trains. No radiographers. No school meals. No vets. No civil servants to assist the public. Mr Murphy told the conference that the next step for unions would be to lobby and campaign for new Northern Ireland employment legislation. There is nothing in the improvements we wish to see that is not already common in the best workplaces, and especially in those countries we are encouraged to think of as competitors, he said. Not all races have to be to the bottom. What is good enough for the most productive workers in western Europe is good enough for those you represent too. Nokia and Dixon begins manufacturing fixed broadband devices in India Dixon Electro and Nokia have officially launched the manufacturing of fixed broadband devices in India. The collaboration will focus on producing GPON, 5G FWA, and Mesh Wi-Fi devices, all capable of delivering up to one gigabit per second per home. According to Business Standard, MENAFN, and CXO Today, Dixon Electro has set up a dedicated manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 10 million devices. The new facility is expected to generate approximately 3,000 jobs, contributing to local economic growth. According to the partnership, Nokia's R&D Center in Chennai will lead the design and development of the devices, while Dixon Electro will manage large-scale manufacturing. Atul B. Lall, managing director of Dixon Technologies, stated that the partnership with Nokia marks a significant milestone in India's manufacturing sector, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant India. He emphasized that local production of advanced broadband devices reaffirms Dixon's commitment to expanding India's electronics ecosystem while driving job creation and economic growth. Sandy Motley, VP of Fixed Networks at Nokia, highlighted India's rapidly evolving broadband landscape and expressed pride in contributing to this transformation. Through the partnership, Nokia aims to support India's shift to a digitally connected future, leveraging its expertise in FTTH and FWA technologies. Tarun Chhabra, Nokia India Country Head, stated that Nokia recognizes significant opportunities in the 4G and 5G markets in India, which is a high-growth, high-data consumption region. He emphasized that by manufacturing locally, Nokia is not only supporting the Make in India initiative but also creating an environment that fosters innovation, job creation, and community empowerment. According to the latest financial results released in October, Dixon Technologies reported an impressive 133% annual growth in sales for the third quarter of 2024. Mobile manufacturing remains the largest revenue contributor for the company, with significant growth driven by India's incentive policies and the global shift in production. In addition to its success in mobile manufacturing, Dixon is diversifying into various sectors, including IT hardware and display manufacturing, expanding its market presence and further capitalizing on the country's evolving manufacturing ecosystem. Dixon Technologies and Foxconn are among the primary beneficiaries of India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, each approved under three PLI categories, including IT hardware, telecom and networking products, and IT hardware. Trump's victory raises stakes for South Korean display makers South Korea's display industry faces new uncertainties following Donald Trump's return to the US presidency. While Samsung Display and LG Display maintain their OLED technology leadership, industry watchers are closely monitoring the potential impacts of heightened US-China tensions. Market dynamics shift The medium- to long-term outlook may favor South Korean display makers. Though Samsung Display and LG Display lack a US manufacturing presence and face no direct American competition, their Chinese rivalsBOE Technology, TCL CSOT, Visionox, and Tianma Microelectronicshave been aggressively expanding their OLED capabilities. Any strengthened US restrictions on Chinese firms could particularly benefit the South Korean display makers, especially regarding BOE's aspirations to supply Apple. This scenario could provide Samsung Display and LG Display welcome relief from Chinese competitive pressure, even as they continue to compete with each other. America First challenges The reinvigorated America First policy poses several concerns for South Korean manufacturers. Given that major US tech giants like Apple and Google heavily depend on South Korean displays, the Trump administration could potentially introduce new legislation, impose additional tariffs, or mandate local US production facilities. While no immediate disruptions are expected in South Korea's materials, components, and equipment sectors, both Samsung Display and LG Display face mounting uncertainty due to their Chinese client exposure. Industry experts anticipate more assertive measures during Trump's second term, warranting increased vigilance from South Korean display makers. LCD market vulnerabilities The Chinese grip on the LCD market creates additional complexities. With Samsung Display's complete exit from LCD production and LG Display's sale of its Guangzhou LCD facility to TCL CSOT, South Korean TV manufacturers now almost exclusively rely on Chinese LCD suppliers. This dependency creates strategic challenges for Samsung and LG Electronics. The Chinese LCD monopoly not only diminishes their negotiating leverage but also leaves them vulnerable to potential US sanctions on Chinese-made materials, which could necessitate significant supply chain restructuring. Taiwan supply chains brace for Trump's upcoming wave of global tariff With Trump's imminent return to the White House threatening a new wave of global tariffs, Taiwan's tech industry is moving swiftly to fortify its supply chain strategy. At a November 12 industry forum, experts outlined a new "two enhancements, two reductions" doctrine--enhancing integration and control while reducing centralization and dependency--as critical for navigating the approaching trade turbulence that could impact manufacturing bases from Mexico to Vietnam. Industry sounds alarm on trade risks Sharon Wu, division head at the Industry, Science, and Technology International Strategy Center under the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), painted a complex picture at the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) and Institute for Information Industry (III) event. Beyond the existing challenges of US-China trade tensions and pandemic aftermath, Wu warned that Trump's return to the White House signals just one aspect of evolving global dynamics. Supply chains face mounting pressure from global powers' strategic competition, supply chain disruption risks, and the erosion of low-cost manufacturing advantages. She emphasized that supply chains must become more flexible and resilient to shield against these multiple threats, implementing the new doctrine across their operations to shield against these multitudes of threats. Investment trends shift away from China Wu presented data revealing Taiwanese investment trends: From 2002 to 2017, Taiwan focused primarily on China. However, the US-China trade war prompted companies to diversify their investments, with a significant shift toward New Southbound countries, North America, and Europe. By 2022, Taiwanese investments in New Southbound countries had exceeded those in China for the first time, a trend that continues. The region now accounts for 28.8% of Taiwan's total investments, the highest of any region. ICT sector races to realign production Taiwan's ICT industry, generating over US$800 billion in annual revenue with 75% of production overseas, faces particular pressure to adapt, according to Kevan Tsai, vice president of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA). Historically, Tsai noted, China has served as the primary overseas production base for Taiwan's ICT sector, with companies building highly integrated supply chains there over three decades. However, geopolitical tensions since 2018-2019 have prompted the exploration of alternative manufacturing sites in Southeast Asia and Mexico. Tsai cautioned that Trump's return poses significant risks, particularly his potential imposition of tariffs on countries like Vietnam and Mexico, despite their free trade agreements with the US. While production shifts are typically slow and costly, the rapidly changing international landscape demands vigilance. He noted that although Taiwan's New Southbound investments will likely continue, companies must closely monitor US market developments. Driving the future of space: emerging market players showcase technological innovations To stay aligned with global space industry trends and support Taiwan's efforts to establish a strong space industry, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs is organizing the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program as part of Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+). The program executed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to achieve three key objectives: attracting international SpaceTech startup talent to Taiwan, assisting Taiwan-based SpaceTech startups in exploring business opportunities and entering global markets, and fostering partnerships between enterprises and startups for international expansion. TAcc+ collaborates with global startup accelerators and incubators to attract international talent and select foreign startups with mature technologies to bring to Taiwan. These startups receive support through orientation, networking opportunities, and exposure to Taiwan's thriving space industry and technology exhibitions. For 2024, the program focuses on startups involved in satellite manufacturing system integration, sensing and imaging technologies, and critical rocket manufacturing and launching components. In this context, three international companiesSkyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDKwere invited to Taiwan for this year's program, where they shared their unique technological advantages and their expectations for potential collaboration with Taiwan's ICT industry. Skyroot Aerospace, based in India, provides affordable and flexible launch services through its Vikram series rockets, specializing in small satellite constellations for applications like Earth observation and communication. French company SpaceDreamS focuses on modular ground segment solutions with its NuPad platform, reducing costs for space access. Meanwhile, the Japanese startup IDDK specializes in micro-imaging technology with its compact Micro Imaging Device (MID), designed to provide cost-effective automated solutions for space biology experiments. Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited Founded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace is based in India. The company boasts a team of more than 300 people with over 2,000 years of combined experience in rocketry and aerospace engineering, specializing in propulsion systems, avionics, and systems engineering. Skyroot's mission is to democratize space access by developing affordable, reliable, and on-demand launch vehicles. Skyroot's flagship product line, the Vikram series of rockets, caters to a variety of satellite sizes and payload capacities ranging from 200 kg to 1 ton, aimed at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) missions. Their Orbit Adjust Module (OAM) enhances flexibility by offering multi-ignition capabilities for precise orbit placement, making it adaptable to a range of satellite needs. Additionally, Skyroot incorporates 3D printing in its engine designs, significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs. Skyroot Aerospace's primary competitive edge lies in its cost-effective and customizable launch services. The use of advanced 3D-printed components and rapid manufacturing techniques reduces both production costs and turnaround times. Skyroot's strategic location in India provides an economic advantage with access to diverse launch trajectories. In November 2022, Skyroot successfully launched Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, reaching suborbital space. This achievement not only showcased the reliability of their technology but also positioned Skyroot as a key player in the global space market. Skyroot Aerospace's visit to Taiwan aims to explore the local space ecosystem, seeking collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese companies in areas like technology transfer and joint development. The company intends to build strategic partnerships with satellite manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies, focusing on cooperation in launch services and satellite missions. Additionally, Skyroot plans to assess market demand for its services in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, identifying avenues for expansion. Skyroot explores space collaboration with Taiwan During its visit to Taiwan, Skyroot's interactions with various organizations and companies have left it confident about future collaborations with Taiwan's evolving space industry. The company engaged in in-depth discussions with various Taiwanese institutions. Among these was the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), with whichSkyroot explored joint opportunities in satellite and launch vehicle advancements. "TASA's ambitions for satellite and launchpad development are very impressive." Sireesh Pallikonda, Skyroot's VP of Business Development and Launch Services proposed its Vikram series of launch vehicles to meet Taiwan's satellite deployment needs, marking the potential for significant technological cooperation. He also underscored the strategic advantage of Taiwan's location for low-inclination orbit launches, positioning it as a potential regional space launch hub. In addition to TASA, Skyroot met with leading Taiwanese universities, including National Central University (NCU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), to explore partnerships. Pallikonda mentioned that Skyroot is collaborating with NCU on two upcoming satellite launches scheduled for 2025, focusing on technology demonstration and studying ionizing radiation effects in space. In terms of Taiwan's industries, they met with local companies such as LETSCOM, DSME, Rapidtek, and LUXOR THERMAL, focusing on components that are less accessible in India, like advanced solar cells, semiconductor chips, and thermal protection systems. "We are exploring partnerships where we can find synergies and support each other." SpaceDreamS SAS Established in 2021 in Paris and Toulouse, SpaceDreamS is the brainchild of Christian Canart, a former aerospace engineer at the French space agency CNES with over two decades of experience. The company currently employs a team of 20, combining seasoned professionals from Thales, the French giant of aerospace/space, and the European "NewSpace" sector. SpaceDreamS specializes in designing modular spaceport infrastructure, providing turn-key ground solutions to streamline space launches. SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing the ground segment of the space industry with its modular and interoperable platform, NuPad (Next-generation Universal Pad), which adapts to different spaceports and testing phases. This solution is designed for cost reduction, as it allows reusability of the infrastructure for multiple launches at various locations, thus reducing setup times and expenses. With support from CNES and the European Space Agency (ESA), SpaceDreamS aims to foster competitive advantages for European space actors through modular and cost-effective ground segment technologies. The spaceports have historically been monopolies with limited innovation, high costs, and inefficiencies. SpaceDreamS tries to address the issues by offering reusable and transportable ground infrastructure. The company provides a compelling alternative that significantly reduces the cost and time associated with space access. Their solutions are highly scalable and designed to support varying launch needs from commercial entities to governmental bodies. SpaceDreamS is a multiple winner of the France 2030 program, receiving support from national and European institutions. SpaceDreamS looks for strategic partnerships in Taiwan's NewSpace industry During its visit to Taiwan, SpaceDreamS would like to explore potential partnerships with local industries for manufacturing and software development and engage with universities in Taiwan for talent recruitment. They focus on establishing a presence in Taiwan by collaborating with local partners in the NewSpace sector. The company met with officials from the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and ITRI, where they introduced their advanced ground system solutions. "The professionalism and dedication within Taiwan's space industry are impressive," Maxence Bousard-Mitout, Business Development and Finance Manager at SpaceDreamS expressed appreciation for TASA's capabilities in satellite design and manufacturing. Through these initial discussions, SpaceDreamS aims to leverage Taiwanese expertise to enhance its space services. SpaceDreamS also connected with Taiwan's academic sector, including the Advanced Rocket Research Center (ARRC) of NYCU, to explore future collaboration possibilities in aerospace technology. "The ARRC team's ongoing projects in satellite telemetry are impressive, as they blend research with practical industry applications, fostering an environment of innovation," Bousard-Mitout said. SpaceDreamS also focused on identifying industry partners for specialized components and technical support. The company was particularly interested in collaborating with DarShengMechanical Engineering (DSME) and Letscom. "The flexible approach of Taiwan's industry and its willingness to work with startups like ours is remarkable," Bousard-Mitout observed. SpaceDreamS aims to secure high-quality materials and testing facilities, thereby enhancing its position in the Asian space industry by establishing partnerships with these companies. IDDK Co., Ltd Founded in 2017, the Japanese startup, IDDK, is led by a team of experts in semiconductor technologies, space industry veterans, and business strategists. Its core solution is known as the Micro Imaging Device (MID), a semiconductor-based one-chip micro-imaging technology designed for versatile environments, including space. This semiconductor-based imaging solution eliminates the need for optical lenses, making it compact, lightweight, and highly adaptable, becoming an ideal tool for conducting space biology experiments via satellite platforms. One of the major limitations of current space biology research is the reliance on the International Space Station (ISS), where experiments are costly and require long preparation times. IDDK's MID technology addresses these challenges by providing an automated, cost-effective, and frequent alternative to ISS-based research. This allows for frequent and cost-effective experiments leveraging the conditions of microgravity and space radiation, thereby driving innovations that are challenging to achieve on Earth, in areas such as drug development, regenerative medicine, and aging studies. The company's technology stands out not only for its innovative design but also for its ability to operate in unmanned satellite environments, eliminating the need for astronauts to manually adjust and monitor experiments. This opens the door to a broader range of research opportunities, making space-based biological research more accessible and scalable. Additionally, MID's patented design and its capability to perform under harsh space conditions give IDDK a strong position in the competitive landscape. IDDK's MID technology has successfully been developed and tested on Earth, setting the stage for its deployment in space. Its initial go-to-market strategy focuses on collaborating with research institutions and public agencies already engaged in space biology and providing them with a one-stop service from experiment design to execution. For the global market, IDDK plans to expand into the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetics sectors, leveraging partnerships with satellite providers and targeting markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. They just signed an MOU with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, demonstrating the commitment to global expansion and the increasing demand for space biology platforms. Oct. 9 Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop at National Central University (NCU). Professor Loren Chang from the Space Science and Engineering department (row 1, seventh from the left). Skyroot (row 2, fifth from the right), SpaceDreamS (row 2, fifth from the left), IDDK (row 2, fourth from the right). Credit: TAcc+ IDDK's examination of Taiwan's space tech ecosystem and potential collaborations For their visit to Taiwan, IDDK's team aims to explore partnership opportunities with local space and tech companies, research institutions, and potential investors, expand IDDK's presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and establish collaborations that can accelerate the adoption of their space biology platforms. They also seek to understand Taiwan's SpaceTech ecosystem and identify synergies that align with their mission to make space-based research more accessible, cost-effective, and frequent. IDDK also hopes to engage with local stakeholders to showcase the potential of MID technology and its applications in advancing space biology and related fields. Kohei Yoshioka, the Co-CEO & CFO of IDDK was impressed by Taiwan's advancements in space technology and its collaborative potential during the visit to TASA. Mr. Yoshioka from IDDK remarked that "engagement with TASA provided key insights into how government support in Taiwan fosters innovation in space technology." Through these interactions, IDDK saw how Taiwan's initiatives in satellite-based applications and microgravity research could align with its vision for microgravity experimentation, opening avenues for future collaboration. "We will continue discussions and explore how our platform can benefit Taiwan." In terms of exchanges with Taiwan's academic community, Mr. Yoshioka exchanged ideas with top researchers from National Central University (NCU) by participating in the International SpaceTech Startup Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop. "Our discussions highlighted the academic interest in utilizing space environments for biological and pharmaceutical research," he noted. Taiwan's researchers expressed a strong demand for accessible and frequent microgravity experimentation, aligning with IDDK's mission to democratize space-based research. This synergy has set the foundation for a promising partnership focused on aging and drug development research. As for the collaboration opportunities with Taiwan's industry, Mr. Yoshioka mentioned that "Taiwan's satellite manufacturing sector combined with our bio-research technology can pave the way for joint product development." Additionally, he expressed interest in collaborating with companies for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and commercializing space-based research. IDDK is looking forward to understanding more of Taiwan's ecosystem, reinforcing its interest in establishing a local presence, and deepening connections within Asia's rapidly growing space industry. Summary Skyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDK are at the forefront of reshaping the space industry. Skyroot's innovative launch vehicles cater to a wide range of satellite operators with flexible and cost-effective solutions. SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing ground infrastructure with its modular spaceport designs, while IDDK offers biological experiment platforms in low earth orbit, leveraging its proprietary MID technology. Together, these companies are driving the next generation of space services. Oct. 24th AIoT Taiwan & TAITRONICS exhibition.Deputy Director General Chia-Ying Wu from Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (seventh from the left), Lewis Chen - General Director of CIS at ITRI (eighth from the left).Skyroot (sixth from the right), SpaceDreamS (fourth from the right), IDDK (fifth from the left). Credit: TAcc+ The Government has failed renters dramatically, Labour said as it launched a renters protection plan. The party said there is an urgent need to bolster RTB powers as it also set out an ambition to see a professionalisation of the relationship between landlords and tenants. Councillor Darragh Moriarty said chronic undersupply in housing is leading to average rents of 1,950 euros nationwide. He said rents in Dublin are up 5% in the last year, adding that rates nationally are also 43% higher than pre-Covid levels. Speaking in Dublin, the councillor said: That is just shocking and it shows exactly why the runaway rents that were seeing need to be brought into line, and thats why were proposing a series of measures to try and combat that and to protect renters. Mr Moriarty, running in Dublin South Central, said Labours plan includes an NCT-style certification to enforce minimum standards on rental accommodation, a ban on no-fault evictions, end vacant possession and a curtailment on landlords evicting tenants for their own extended family. He added: We want it so that tenants can only be evicted when the home or the property is not fit for habitation. Basically, you cant evict someone just to do up the place a little bit. Mr Moriarty also said Labour would tackle rental properties being illegally used for the private short-term tourism market. He said: But it is building. It is building, building, building. It is tackling dereliction, tackling vacancies, getting lands that are sitting there doing nothing used for good. He added: (Fine Gael Minister) Paschal Donohoe said we need more landlords. We dont disagree with that but we dont need slumlords. Thats what we have to stop: Stop slumlords from being able to ride roughshod all over renters rights. Met Eireann is predicting snow for some parts of Ireland next week in their extended range forecast. Weather experts are monitoring the cold front on its way to Ireland and Met Eireann has given its first indication that the Arctic blast could result in wintry falls of hail, sleet or even snow. For next week, the Met Eireann forecast reads: "Colder than average with low pressure centred to the east dominating. Arctic maritime regime indicated with potential for wintry hazards including hail, sleet and snow. Rainfall amounts above average, especially near coasts, indicative of shower activity." The week after will bring a more Atlantic regime to Ireland but it could remain unsettled with windy weather. Met Eireann says from November 25, "high pressure looks set to be centred to the south over Iberia. This would likely lead to a milder southwesterly airflow and a potentially more mobile Atlantic regime with spells of rain and possibly windy conditions crossing the country, interspersed with drier and brighter interludes. Temperatures are projected to be slightly above average overall along with wetter than average conditions." READ NEXT: Cold snap weather forecast for Ireland with temps set to plunge to -5 degrees Meanwhile, Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has also said the risk of snow in Ireland has increased and that we could experience the coldest November week since 2010 next week. Cathal said: "Well now this is an interesting one, especially for those who have a keen interest in cold wintry conditions, adding, "this morning's weather models continue to build confidence that we may be on the cusp of experiencing the coldest November week since 2010." Cathal added: "A strong blocking anticyclone is now expected to develop late this weekend just east of Greenland with a large area of low pressure over Scandinavia resulting in a direct stream of bitterly cold Arctic air migrating south across Ireland and the UK, bringing an increased risk of snow for some. "If the weather models continue to grow in confidence then temperatures next week by day would struggle to break above 2-4 degrees Celsius, with nighttime values down as low as -5 or -6 degrees Celsius in some sheltered areas of the midlands and southeast. "The all important question however is will it snow? The answer at the moment is that the chances of snow are increasing, though with the snow falling as showers its areas of the north and northwest that would be most at risk, and possible along some exposed eastern coastal fringes." In the meantime, Met Eireann say there will be "a good deal of dry weather this week, though cloud cover will increase with patches of rain and drizzle at times. However, rainfall amounts will be minimal. Temperatures will be close to normal." Louth County Council are inviting applications for funding for Festivals to take place in 2025 There are two streams of funding open for applications: New Enhanced Louth County Council Festival Grant Initiative 2025 Applications for funding, up to a maximum grant of 8,000, are now being sought by Louth County Council under the Festival Grant Initiative 2025. This initiative is open to local and community festivals and/or events which will benefit the local economy and tourism in the County. This will be the only funding scheme available for tourism events occurring in 2025. Louth County Council Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme 2025 Applications for funding are now being sought by Louth County Council, in partnership with Failte Ireland, under the Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme 2025. This is open to festivals/events which aim to draw tourists from outside the locality and will showcase Louths culture, heritage and landscape. Read Next: Louth senator says Fine Gael to cut costs for businesses in Louth within first 100 day Application forms for both these initiatives are available to download on the Louth County Council website. Completed Application Forms must be returned to: Festival Grant Funding, Susan L Murphy, Economic Development Section, Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 W20C by 5pm on Friday, 10th January 2025 or submitted by email to tourism@louthcoco.ie. Creative Futures Academy (CFA) says it is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar featuring Adam Gibney, Academic Lead at NCAD; Oscar Diaz, Education and Operations Manager at Creative Spark in Dundalk; and Bernie McCoy, Academic Lead at CFA @NCAD. Together, they will provide an overview of the fast-paced 1-year programme, where participants will learn to design for and utilise foundational digital fabrication tools. The webinar will take place on Thursday, 14th November at 1 pm and will last 30 minutes. Creative Futures Academy is a groundbreaking partnership between three leading creative institutions the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the Institute of Art Design + Technology (IADT), and is a new approach to higher education. CFA offers short, part and full-time accredited courses in flexible, hybrid formats (online and in person) for practising artists and creative professionals looking to upskill in arts, media and design. These new, accessible programmes reflect a dynamic and rapidly-advancing industry, and draw from a deep understanding of the creative sector. CFA offers a host of highly-experienced academics, contributors and guests that are shaping the future of learning. Book your place for this webinar through this link. For more information about the Professional Diploma in Digital Making with CFA, NCAD & Creative Spark, please read more here. A Cork traditional music duo has been honoured with one of the most prestigious accolades the Rebel county can bestow. Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly have been unveiled as the November Cork Person(s) of the Month, in recognition of their significant contribution to the Sliabh Luachra tradition of Irish music over the past several decades. Mr Cranitch is a world-renowned and award-winning fiddle-player, having won several All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles, the Oireachtas Crotty Cup, the M.J Quill Irish Cultural Center Award in New York, and has been named The Fiddler of Dooney. Prolific in terms of writing, performing and composition, he is the author of 'The Irish Fiddle Book', first published in 1988 and now in its fourth edition, and has also contributed to a variety of other books on Irish traditional music. His discography includes albums with groups such as Na Fili, Any Old Time and Sliabh Notes, in addition to his solo album of slow airs entitled 'Eistigh Seal', which he considers one of his proudest works. In addition, Mr Cranitch, received a PhD in 2006 for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of this region and has taught a number of courses in Irish traditional music at University College Cork (UCC). Consultant He has also served as a long-time consultant for the Geantrai series on TG4, is a former adviser to the Irish Arts Council scheme for the traditional arts, and has served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive. Mr Daly is synonymous with the button accordion and has been described in The New York Times as probably the best accordionist in Ireland. Born in Kanturk, he grew up surrounded by the music of Sliabh Luachra, and credits Ballydesmond fiddle-player, Jim OKeeffe, and Sliabh Luachra fiddle-master, Padraig OKeeffe, as being two of the greatest influences on his early musical development. Despite primarily being an accordionist, Mr Daly has had a lifelong affinity for fiddle-music and is most well known for his highly-acclaimed albums produced alongside figures such as the late Cork-based musician Seamus Creagh, Kevin Burke, Maire OKeeffe, and, most recently, Matt Cranitch. Honoured As a multi-award winning musician, Mr Daly has been honoured with titles including the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award, the Kanturk Arts Festival Award, the M.J Quill Irish Cultural Center Award in New York, and the Patrick OKeeffe Traditional Music Festival Award. Cork Person of the Year awards organiser Manus OCallaghan said: When Matt and Jackie come together to play anything from slides and polkas to reels and airs, whether in the studio or in live performance, they display not only their immense level of musical virtuosity but also their respect, love and deep understanding of the vibrant musical tradition of Sliabh Luachra. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to keeping this worthy Cork tradition alive is commendable. This Cork Person of the Month Award is in recognition of their stellar service to Corks musical and wider cultural landscape." Mr Cranitch and Mr Daly will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person(s) of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2025. Evidence of rodent droppings and other pest activity found in the kitchen area of a northside primary school led to it being among three Cork food businesses among 16 across the country to be served with closure orders during October, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed. The closed kitchen area of O Crualaoi Butchers and Delicatessen at Scoil Mhuire Fatima in the North Monastery Primary School on Corks northside was served with a closure order on October 23 under the 1998 Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act along with the Grain and Gain Restaurant/Cafe at the Bypass Business Park in Bandon, which was served with a closure order on October 2. A closure order was also served on the Baking Emporium (foods of non-animal origin processing), located at Bridgemount House in Dunmanway on October 4. While the closure order on the northside primary school was lifted on November 2, the closure order on the Bandon premises has not yet been lifted. The closure order on the Baking Emporuim in Dunmanway was lifted on October 10. Pest control According to the report following the inspection at the northside school, the construction of the premises did not permit good food hygiene practices including against contamination, in particular, pest control. This was evidenced by pest activity which was noted in the kitchen, the report stated. Rodent droppings were noted in a press under the wash stand basin and a press under the pot wash sink. Other rodent droppings were noted in a three other presses that contained a water machine, glasses, and pots. FSAI chief executive Pamela Byrne, reiterated the need for food businesses to have adequate pest control systems in place, that they need to operate strict food safety procedures at all times, and need to be vigilant during this particularly busy time of year leading up to Christmas. A high number of the enforcement orders were associated with issues related to pests as well as failures to maintain adequate cleaning, she said. These issues are all preventable and food businesses must ensure that they always adhere to a high standard of food safety and hygiene. Rents paid by tenants living in Cork city have increased yet again in the past three months and is up more than 10% on the same period last year and the trend seems likely to continue in an upward direction. According to the latest figures provided by the property website Daft.ie, the average rent paid in Cork city at the end of the third quarter of 2024 was 2,077, up from 2,005 at the end of June this year. Hike This latest hike represents an increase of 10.4% on this time last year. Associate professor of economics in Dublins Trinity College Ronan Lyons said the latest figures indicate that the gap between the cost of renting accommodation in Dublin and elsewhere in the country is narrowing because even though the rate of increase in the capital was slowing, it was surging throughout elsewhere with double digit growth in Kilkenny, Cavan, Roscommon, and Cork City. The rate of increase in the county, at 6.4%, is lower than the national average which was 7.2%. The average rent throughout the county is 1,551. The target for the new Government has to be to give the same priority to the rental sector that has been given to owner-occupiers and to social housing over the last few years otherwise its hard to see when conditions will change, said Mr Lyons. Cork South Central Labour Party candidate Laura Harmon described the latest rent increase as soul-destroying for people trying to save for a mortgage already contending with steep and rising prices to buy homes. Protections These rent increases are also putting more people at risk of homelessness, said Ms Harmon. We need more protections for renters to stop the increased costs and to ensure we end no-fault evictions. Cork East Fine Gael candidate Mark Stanton described himself as a renter who understands the challenges faced by tenants and wants to bring this perspective to the Dail. In Government, Fine Gael introduced the renters tax credit and the party has a plan to increase to 1,500 for an individual and 3,000 for a couple, he said. Fine Gael will also maintain the rent pressure zone framework and help keep rent increases under control in high demand areas. Worrying Cork South Central Social Democrat candidate Padraig Rice described the 10% increase in rents as really worrying and proof that the governments plans for affordable housing had failed. Right now, rents in Cork are unaffordable, and house prices are far too high for people on average incomes, he said. We need far more houses to be built but not any kind of housing we need more affordable and social housing. It is the only way to end the housing crisis. Sinn Fein Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould said that his party would immediately implement a three-year rent freeze if they were elected to lead a government. Its all about supply, there are over 5,000 vacant properties, not derelict, in Cork, said Mr Gould. We would introduce a vacant property levy that would impose a massive levy on landowners not using their properties and would encourage them to get into the rental market. A car was modified for a hidden fob-controlled compartment which gardai uncovered during a search where 44,000 was worth of cocaine was found. Now at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Philip Cooley who is originally from the Riverstown, Tower, Blarney, faced sentencing for having these drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others. Detective Garda Dave Hickey said the 33-year-old was stopped in his Hyundai car after midnight on January 13, 2023. Gardai carried out a search of the car when it was removed to the compound at Togher Garda Station. Det Garda Hickey said a key fob was found in the back of vehicle and this opened a specifically manufactured compartment with a quantity of white powder. Questioned about this matter, Philip Cooley admitted he was aware the car had been modified for the provision of this compartment. He was acting as a courier. He had driven to Galway to collect the package and he was back in Cork awaiting instructions on where on the northside of Cork city he was to bring it, the detective said. He added that the accused had accrued drug debts and committed this offence in an effort to reduce the debts he owed to others. Judge Dermot Sheehan said, He was the creature of others in doing this. His role was to drive the car and await instructions. Alice Fawsitt senior counsel said that the accused man was not benefitting personally from his role other than to reduce his debt. Ms Fawsitt referred to a text on his phone from the previous day when he was asking his father for 20. Det Garda Hickey agreed that there was absolutely no sign of the defendant accruing any kind of wealth from his actions. Judge Sheehan said, Mr Cooley has done everything he can to change his life and in that regard I can look at it as a truly exceptional case. I will impose a sentence of five years and suspend that sentence. Labour Party candidate for Cork South West Evie Nevin has called for a more sustainable approach to election campaigning following the recent defacement of campaign posters in West Cork. In what Ms Nevin described as a bizarre situation, the incident saw posters of election candidates defaced from just outside Bandon to just past Clonakilty. Ms Nevin said it involved a whole lot of effort for someone to travel about 25km and use a box cutter to cut the candidates faces out of the posters along that route. Ive never seen that level of destruction in the years Ive been doing this, she told The Echo. It just seems like a lot of effort to go out and cut out the faces, it seems bizarre. Its one thing for the bigger parties who have a big machine and they have the finances but I ordered the very bare minimum amount of posters and I dont have the reserves for them to be replaced. Ms Nevin said that she does not like to use posters because of their environmental impact but said that until everyone stops using them and an alternative solution is put in place, they have a purpose in informing voters of the upcoming election. Urging local authorities and fellow candidates to consider alternative methods, she suggested a similar approach to that of France where a large noticeboard is put in town centres containing all candidate information. The other alternative would be if a cap was put on the amount of posters, she said. At the moment, they are important. People dont even know that an election is coming until they see the election posters go up, its a visual cue. Not everybody is online or is internet literate or social media literate and they have just as much of a right to be part of the democratic process so you have to make sure its inclusive. Ms Nevin said the gardai have been notified of the incident and said a line needs to be drawn under this sort of behaviour. This conversation comes up in every election and vandalism happens in every election so I think there needs to be a finality to the conversation in terms of what we can do, she said. Garda cars were deliberately rammed by a stolen seven-ton rigid truck in a confined space in a life threatening rampage that did not end until a garda fired a single shot through the windscreen as the culprit compared it to scene from Grand Theft Auto. 38-year-old Istvan Konyari who had been living at an apartment at Shandon Street later told gardai that the ramming felt like a scene from the video cops and robbers car chase game Grand Theft Auto. In that game stars indicate when a dramatic scene is at its most potentially lethal. Mr Konyari believed that it was a case of maximum stars when the member of the Armed Response Unit fired the single shot through his windscreen shortly before 11am on November 8, 2023. He came out with his hands held high. Detective Garda Peter Quinn gave evidence of the extremely dangerous and sometimes bizarre incidents that occurred in the escapade of crime carried out by the accused in a period of three days culminating in the car park of Dwyers Electrical, Forge Hill, Cork. The accused man confessed to carrying out three burglaries, stealing this truck and previously stealing a van which he used to stash the property he was stealing in various crimes. On that Wednesday morning November 8, 2023 he had alerted the suspicions of management at Kevin OLearys service station in Bandon where he was in and out of the premises without buying anything, until he eventually tried to steal two bags of coal. He threw the coal back when confronted and drove off towards Cork city and struck and damaged a wall before leaving. Gardai were alerted and various roadblocks were put in place but he kept diverting onto back roads until he ended up driving himself into a cul de sac at Dwyers car park. Rampage That was where he caused damage to three parked cars and deliberately rammed two garda cars. Sergeant Ian Scully was in one and Detective Sergeant Mick Lyons was in another. There were periods during the deliberate ramming when the officers were momentarily trapped in their vehicles. But the defendant persisted in his driving. Det Garda Peter Nolan said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that officers from the Armed Support Unit arrived at the scene and one unnamed officer gave a warning to the defendant to stop driving immediately. Gardai feared at this time, because of the presence of members of the public on foot and in vehicles and the refusal of Mr Konyari to stop, that there was a real risk of death or serious injury. A single shot was fired through the windscreen of the truck and it was only then that there was an immediate end to the defendants actions and he stepped out of the truck with his hands held over his head. Judge Helen Boyle said there was a lot to consider in the sentencing and she also acceded to an application by defence barrister Alison McCarthy to adjourn sentencing until February 17 to allow time for the preparation of a GPs report and a possible neurological report. Ms McCarthy said the defendant was seriously injured in an assault in 2021. She also said that in carrying out burglaries he was living in fear of becoming homeless and was stealing things in the hope that he could sell them. Oddly, the items that he stole in burglaries included butane gas cylinders, an antique clock and even toilet-rolls. At one garage he went to the clothes washing machines and stole the contents of one which included a nurses uniform and childrens clothing. When the owner of these clothes approached him and threatened to report him he returned them to her. He was remanded in custody for sentencing in February 2025. Earlier this year the same man was sentenced at Cork District Court for a series of burglaries in the Douglas area where he wore a distinctive Halloween mask during the crimes. A Cork-based TD has criticised comments made by opposition leader, Mary Lou McDonald, who pledged to eradicate USC rates for the average worker, if her party is successful in the upcoming election. At a Sinn Fein candidate launch event, held earlier this week, Ms McDonald publicly pledged that, if her party enters into Government, they would abolish USC rates for the first 45,000 of peoples incomes, within the first 100 days in office. We will scrap the USC on the first 45,000 of every workers income, every worker will benefit and we know workers cant wait, said Ms McDonald. We will begin implementing this relief within the first 100 days of government, ensuring the removal of the first 45,000 from the USC by January 1, 2026. This will benefit all workers and will mean up to 1,100 more a year in take-home pay from where they are today. She further pledged to focus on delivering affordable housing, childcare at 10 per child per day, abolishing the means test for carers allowance and to advance preparations for the reunification of Ireland. 'Huge burden' Ms McDonald said that her partys policy will remove a huge burden from low and middle-income families. This announcement has been met with criticism from Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke, who said that while cutting USC rates was feasible it cannot be done within such a timeframe. We would all like for that to happen, but the problem is, where do you cut services, because to pay for services, you must have finance to pay for them, said Mr Burke. When we were doing up the budget, this was carefully looked at, and we have reduced the USC charge for lower income earners, and eliminated it, but we need to do a lot more on this, and thats basically what we would hope to do over the next five years. If we reduce collection in one area, then we have to reduce services, or else we have to try and collect the tax from another source. Where exactly is the funding going to come from, what service we do we cut the choice is you either cut a service or increase taxation in another area. It is feasible over a period of time we have reduced it in all of the budgets over the last three to four years, and that will continue, but you cant just wipe it immediately. At the age of 28, back in 1957, Finbarr Ronayne founded a shipping company in Cork. Ronayne Shipping had a focus on the importation of chocolate crumb. Many years ago I remember hearing that story told during a debate about Corks shipping connections. From Ronayne Shipping came Irish Mainport Holdings, providing a wide, diverse range of shipping services from its headquarter base at Monahan Road in the city, a location where I was told about its work in far-flung places - South America, the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia and within the European Union area. Its newest development is the signing of a long- term charter with N-Sea Group for provision of a new hybrid survey ship. N-Sea are based in Dordrecht in the Netherlands. We also signed a new build contract with Neptune Construction also based in the Netherlands to construct this new 40 metre survey ship, Captain Damien OSullivan, marine operations manager at Mainport, told me. Construction period should take around 12 months. It will be a pleasant change for our technical team to oversee a new construction in Europe, as our previous new builds were in the Far East. This new ship is based on the proven design of the ship Geo Ranger which is currently owned and operated by NSea. Mainport look forward to operating this new ship for N-Sea. It will have a crew of seven, a Konsberg DP system, fitted with a Moonpool and A Frame, designed as a Hybrid Survey Vessel/ROV (remote) support vessel. Total accommodation is for 21 persons which includes our seven crew and 14 survey personnel. We are hoping for keel laying the end of this year, start of 2025. Building will be at the Neptune Shipyard in the Netherlands. All going well it will be delivered in Quarter 1 of 2026. So Cork continues to make impact in the international maritime sector. PENROSE QUAY While the city quays are no longer a major shipping location, their maritime history is an important part of Leeside which should be more known by the present generation. Cork city grew from trade prosperity through shipping. Penrose Quay from the early days of the last century - from the history brochure JCD Development. An online brochure (https://www.penrosedock.com/history) about the history of Penrose Quay and dock area and what is now called the citys Victorian Quarter has been published by JCD property development company. The area was reclaimed from marshland in the early 1800s and became the citys major shipping location with trade to the UK. The brochure has a wealth of old shipping photos of Cork and describes the founding of the original St George Steam Packet Company whose first two steamers were The Lee which operated between Cork and Liverpool and The Severn for a busy trade with Bristol. It later became the Cork Steamship Company whose first vessel was Nimrod. In 1903 it had 16 vessels. TIMBER A new berth for loading timber logs has begun operations at Tivoli Docks. BLUEFIN TUNA Following last weeks piece about Irish fishermen not being allowed by the EU to catch Bluefin Tuna which are increasingly being found in Irish waters, John Shine, a longtime contact who runs Shines Wild Irish Tuna brand has described the situation as immoral. Irish fisherman have no choice but to dump top quality bluefin tuna at sea because our government wont ask the European Union for a share of the 30,000 annual quota. Irish waters are full of bluefin tuna. Stocks are so strong the quota for EU boats has been increased by 70% over the past five years. Dumping dead top quality high-value fish at sea is immoral and soul-destroying. Each fish is worth over 1,500 and could be worth as much as 10,000, he says. OFFSHORE WINDDEVELOPMENT ANDMARITIME CONCERNS Is the Government rushing ahead with offshore wind development, while overlooking maritime concerns? The Department of the Environment (DECC) has published data to support developers involved in Irelands second offshore wind energy (ORE) auction for areas off Cork, Waterford and Wexford. The Marine Institutes Tom Crean gathered the data between July and September. While there is general agreement about the importance of ORE the fishing industry, coastal communities and other interested parties have expressed concern that the project is being rushed. Reports from UK say that existing wind farms can be deadly to birds, a threat to cetaceans and the cause of destabilised phytoplankton levels, which has consequences for marine ecosystems generally. The Swedish Government has stopped thirteen offshore wind energy developments in the Baltic Sea because, it was told by the Swedish Armed Forces, that sea-based wind power makes it more difficult to defend Sweden. More on this topic on my podcast website: https://tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie Email: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com. Cork City FC are inviting fans from around Cork and further afield to join them as they celebrate the clubs 40th anniversary. The club is hosting an event at the Clayton Hotel on Lapps Quay on Saturday, November 16, which includes live music from The Frank and Walters. The 2024 Mens and Womens Player of the Year Awards will be given out on the night and there will be on-stage interviews from the Rebel Armys players and management. Special moments Sponsorship, merchandise and events manager with Cork City FC, Matthew Coughlan said: This has been a really important year for the club as we look back at its 40 year history which has delivered so many special moments. As the year draws to a close we want to celebrate these memories with our fans and look forward to an exciting year ahead, especially as the senior mens team moves up, once again, to the premier division. The event will kick-off with a drinks reception at 6.45pm with dinner served at 8pm. Tickets are priced at 99 per person and are available at CorkCityFC.ie/40th. A general election candidate for Cork East has written to the Minister for the Office of Public Works to ask for exclusions from flood protections grants to be examined. Social Democrats councillor Liam Quaide said it is a source of great frustration and disappointment for some property owners that they are excluded from the East Cork Individual Property Protection Scheme for property owners at risk of flooding. Those excluded are clearly at risk of flooding and in some instances their neighbours in the same estate are being offered the grant, he said. In most of the cases of people who have been declined, the residents happened to be home on the day when the flood struck, and through quick-thinking and resourcefulness took action that managed to keep the waters out of their homes. Applications declined For example, The vast majority of residents of the Meadows in Mogeely have also had their applications declined, Mr Quaide said. In that estate, two houses flooded on October 18, 2023. However, it took sustained, collective efforts by a group of residents who, again, happened to be home at the time to keep much of the flood waters out of the estate and thereby save other houses from the same fate. They did so by erecting a large makeshift barrier at the entrance to the estate. Essentially, these residents referenced above are being punished for their ingenuity in responding to the October 2023 flood. These people are being encouraged to apply anyway and there are vague soundings from Cork Co. Council that they may be considered for an IPP grant at a later stage when the most at-risk properties are dealt with first, he said. However, they have already waited 13 months for this support since the last flood, and it is a clear failure of the State to not have implemented flood relief schemes to protect East Cork over many years. A spokesperson for Cork County Council told The Echo: As of November 5, 609 of the 774 applications to the Midleton and East Cork Individual Property Scheme were approved and progressed to the next stage. Eligibility criteria 13% (101) of the applicants have been deemed to not satisfy the eligibility criteria on first appraisal. Some of these property owners may be those referred to in councillor Quaides correspondence. The Midleton and East Cork Individual Property Protection scheme is designed to protect properties which are predicted to be at risk of flooding in a 1% AEP fluvial event or a 0.5% AEP tidal event meaning a river flooding event with a 1 in 100 chance of happening in any given year or a tidal flooding event with a 1 in 200 chance. The spokesperson said, It is important to note that Storm Babet was a much larger event than a 1% AEP fluvial event. In addition, where property owners have provided sufficient information/evidence to demonstrate action taken on the day which prevented internal flooding of their properties during Storm Babet, they would be deemed eligible for the scheme. Cork County Council has written to all applicants who were deemed ineligible on first appraisal to confirm this. If an applicant has been advised that they are ineligible for the scheme and are of the view that this decision is incorrect, the applicant can email ipp@corkcoco.ie; outline why their application should be reviewed. Bizarre burglaries taking place over and over at the same premises on the same day Tequila Jacks on the Boardwalk in Cork resulted in the culprit being jailed for seven months. Jonathan Murphy, aged 35, of Cork Simon Community, pleaded guilty to four charges related to burglary or attempted burglary or criminal damage at the same premises on the same day. The [burglaries] were bizarre because he came and went all day long, Judge Mary Dorgan said at Cork District Court. Sergeant Dave Delea outlined what happened at Tequila Jacks on Lapps Quay, Cork, on August 6, 2024. At 1am, he was observed gaining entry to the premises through a side fire exit door when the premises was closed, said Sgt Delea. He went behind the bar and took 200 worth of alcohol. He exited through the same point of entry. At 11am, he came back and gained entry through the same fire exit door, causing 870 worth of damage on this occasion. He went around the bar but a staff member was present completing a stocktake and the male left again with nothing. He came in by the front entrance door with another man when the premises was closed but they were escorted out by the member of staff at 11.30am. On August 19, he smashed the wing mirrors off two cars parked on Andersons Street. On the same day, he was seen shoplifting at Tesco, Paul St, Cork. Sgt Delea said the accused had 244 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary, 27 for theft, and numerous public order offences. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant was doing well in prison and that if he could continue to rehabilitate successfully he would be welcome to return to the family home in Mahon. Imposing the seven-month term, Judge Mary Dorgan wished the defendant well in his rehabilitation. Tomas Doherty The general election on November 29th will send 174 TDs to the Dail from 43 constituencies. The electoral map has changed significantly since the last election, with four extra constituencies and 14 more seats. Use the map below provided by the Electoral Commission to find out which constituency you're in and how many TDs youll be voting to elect. Type in your address or Eircode to find your constituency. Every constituency will have its own individual battle, with candidates having to respond to different local priorities and issues. On a national level, the most contentious issue for the Government will be Irelands housing crisis, which has rumbled on since the recession when investment in public services was slashed. The Governments Housing for All plan, which sets out an aim to build an average of 33,000 homes a year until 2030, has been criticised as not ambitious enough and that the share of public housing is too small. A shortage of supply has propelled house prices and rents to surge beyond average wages, while Irelands traditionally high rate of home ownership has plummeted, particularly among young people. Homeless figures have also regularly hit new record highs during the coalitions time in office. Ahead of the 2020 general election, the Governments official homelessness tally surpassed 10,000 people for the first time now, 14,760 people are homeless. The Government has argued it has overseen record levels of home building and offered two, punter-friendly, State grants to help first-time buyers afford new builds. Opposition parties argue the States housing supply both social and affordable homes needs to be greater and that Government policy has left house prices to inflate. To the Governments critics, the housing crisis appears paradoxical when set against booming public finances, with the States coffers buoyed each year by billions of euro in tax receipts from multinational giants who have set up bases in the Republic. The same argument is made when it comes to parts of the health service, such as the lengthy waits endured by children requiring spinal surgery. Hospital overcrowding is another issue that successive governments have grappled with. It often piles major pressure on the HSE during winter, but now healthcare workers say it has become a year-round problem. The Government parties say real progress has been delivered in housing and healthcare during a mandate that ends with the countrys finances in rude health. The response to the increase in migration in the last two years in Ireland is also an election issue, though some politicians have said it is less prominent on the doors now than it was earlier in the year. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since Russias invasion and the number of asylum seekers from elsewhere in the world increased dramatically post-pandemic. This has placed unprecedented strain on State accommodation provision, leading to tensions and disputes in some areas over plans to repurpose hotels and other buildings into facilities for international protection applicants. Anti-immigration protests have become more common and gardai have also had to deal with several outbreaks of far-right influenced rioting and disorder. Gardai have arrested two people in Dublin in connection with international money laundering on a "large scale". Officers said the investigation related to a number of international complaints into various forms of alleged online fraud. Suspicious activity was identified in a number of bank accounts, involving transactions from hundreds of accounts from over 15 countries across Europe, suspected to be the proceeds of crime and "money mule" transactions. Gardai said more than 3.25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized so far as part of the investigation. Other items of potential evidential value including documents and several digital devices have also been seized. An address in Blackrock, Co Dublin, was searched on Tuesday, and a man and a woman, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene. The international investigation is a joint operation between gardai in Ireland and Europol. Jessica Magee A delivery driver carrying food, bottled water and 1 million worth of cannabis in his van has been jailed for five and a half years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Daljeet Singh (52) of Oldbury, West Midlands, United Kingdom was stopped by customs officers during a routine search in Dublin Port earlier this year. He told customs officers he was taking a consignment of foodstuffs and water to Cork. Singh later pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis herb for sale or supply on April 3rd, 2021 at Dublin Port, having arrived by ferry from Holyhead. Passing sentence on Wednesday, Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years and said Singh had been caught red-handed". Judge Crowe imposed an actual sentence of six years after considering Singhs mitigation, suspending the final six months and backdating it to April 3rd. At a previous hearing, Garda Stephen Flynn told Patrick McCullough BL, prosecuting, said Singh told customs officers that he hadnt packed the van himself or looked in it. Officials checked the back of the van and found 50 bags of cannabis herb concealed in brown cardboard boxes, with an overall weight of 55kg and an estimated street value of approximately 1 million. Singh was taken to Store Street Garda Station where he was interviewed seven times. During the first five interviews, Singh maintained he was contracted to deliver groceries to an address in Cork. During the sixth interview, gardai obtained a photo from Singhs mobile phone taken from inside the van, and he accepted that he had known he was transporting cannabis. However, he said he thought it was just one bag of cannabis, not 50 bags. Singh said he was to be paid 1,000 sterling, which he was going to use to clear an overdraft. He told gardai he had been subject to a certain amount of pressure from third parties, but he didnt elaborate on this. Singh has no previous convictions and lives with his elderly parents in the UK, the court heard. He has five daughters and a number of grandchildren. Gda Flynn agreed with Garnet Orange SC, defending, that Singh had issues with alcohol and gambling which had precipitated his divorce and financial difficulties. The prosecuting Garda also agreed that Singh had been susceptible to pressure from more sinister aspects of the community to carry a load of drugs over to Ireland. Mr Orange said, although his client was initially in denial, he ultimately made full admissions and came forward on signed early pleas of guilty. Counsel said Singh has been in custody since his arrest in April and that prison is necessarily more difficult for him, as he has no connections to this country. Singh had made a catastrophic mistake, counsel said. When Deborah Blanksons mother died, she was nine years old. In that moment, she lost a home. She credits Cork with offering her a new perspective, allowing her to recover. Now, she calls Cork home. Revisiting her early childhood with her mother and three sisters, Deborah hears music. My mother was so full of life. She loved music and was always listening to the stereo. We were always surrounded by music. I remember we would put our hands on our waists, mirroring her. We would dance in our bedroom, making a line behind our mother and dancing around. Deborahs mother was also a hard-working businesswoman who distributed gold and expensive textiles to shops around Benin in Nigeria. She was a vibrant woman, she was never going to rely on a man to survive. She loved to dress up and was vivacious, bringing everyone together in the family to celebrate and socialise. She was also very protective of us girls. We lived in a four-bedroom apartment. There were always kids downstairs playing in the sand or whatever, but we were kept in, we were quite curtailed. This protected, happy life changed very quickly one Christmas. My mother had gone to get Christmas goods to distribute to shops. My dad had taken us to his mothers house for the holidays. We didnt know it then, packing up our things, but we would never come home again. Deborahs mum tragically died on that trip, on the Lagos Expressway, a notoriously dangerous stretch of road to Nigerias capital city. Two days before Christmas, my father got a phone call asking him to come and identify what would be my mothers body. That moment marked a complete shift in our lives. We would usually get new outfits for Christmas. We didnt wear them that year. We kept on hoping she would come home but nobody talked about it. There was a lot of silence. I remember that so well the silence. The road is still treacherous today, a fact that pains Deborah, now a mother to four herself. That is a painful fact for me people are still dying. The roads are still the same. 'My home and my family were gone' The family never returned to Benin, and they never lived together again as they had done. Deborahs older sisters were individually sent to different aunties, and she and her younger sister stayed with her fathers mother. My home and my family were gone. My father worked on the oil rigs so he was gone a lot and would come home and visit us all in our different homes. I had been used to having two older sisters but suddenly I became the eldest in the house, looking after my little sister who was only seven. Everything changed. My mother, when she was alive, had been busy but she was also very present. We had an older cousin who would help too, and it felt like my mother was always around. She was always available. I think thats why she worked as a distributor rather than having her own shop. Deborah (in red) with her mother and her sisters, Joan and Bawo. When we went to live with our grandma, it all changed. There were no rules any more, we could go where we wanted. I couldnt embrace the freedom of being allowed to play with loads of other kids all the time I wasnt used to it. Instead, I found escape in books. This is when I developed my love of reading. Her fathers decision for Deborah and her sister to remain in Warri related to the practicalities of culture and family in Nigeria, Deborah explains. Her mother and father were from different tribes. Before her mother died, she had been surrounded by her mothers family. Following her death, she lost ties with the family she had known, migrating to her fathers side. There is such tribalism in Nigeria. There is tension between them. That is one reason, when the accident happened, we didnt go back. Thankfully, things changed for the better when Deborah was in her fourth year of secondary school. My father married another woman, from the same tribe as my mother. She is the best, and she brought all of us back together again as a family. They had another three children together, so now we are seven. She is very different to my mother, not as bubbly. She is reserved and religious and quiet. But the caring part of her is the same. I see her as an angel. She nurtured us as my mother had once nurtured us. In that special way, they are the same. 'My body held the shock of it' Deborah reports suffering from panic attacks for a long time after the death of her mother. I had a lot of anxiety. I didnt understand any of it until I came to Cork and studied trauma at UCC. We never talked about anything when my mother died, but my body held the shock of it. I came to understand that anything could trigger an attack. She describes her move to Ireland as an extremely positive one. Deborah Blankson, who lives in Cork, said that before now she wouldnt have been able to talk about her mum and what happened to her. It was my first time going to therapy. Up until then, I didnt have the words to express how I was feeling. I know now that if I hear voices and struggle to breathe, I am having an attack. Naming it really helped. I know what I need to do now if Im in trouble. I can go to my doctor and say that Im fragile and need help. Prayer is good but we are not just spiritual we are emotional, psychological, and physical too. We must look after ourselves to heal. Deborah lived in Direct Provision when she first arrived here. When I was in Nigeria, I was busy and so I could numb myself. In Ireland, I was forced to sit with my pain. I couldnt hide it any more. As with her stepmother, she sees Cork as a blessing in her life. The universe conspires to bless you. That is what happened when I moved here. I started running; I started studying in UCC, and I became involved in the Cork Migrant Centre. Before now, I wouldnt have been able to talk about my mum and what happened to her, and to my family. I have learned the importance of honouring that part of my life and that little girl she needs to be seen and nurtured. I miss my mum, and I love her. Im comfortable to talk about that now. I wonder sometimes if she is looking after me still. I dont know, but its a nice thought. (UN Photo/Loey Felipe)The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby briefs the UN Security Council in New York on August 31, 2018. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced he will step down after facing pressure to quit over his handling of an abuse scandal. Welby made his announcement on Oct. 12, citing a report known as the Makin Review which "has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth," a prolific child abuser. "When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow," said Welby in his statement. "It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024." Welby said the exact timing of his departure would be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which he is the symbolic head. "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." The report found the police referral had not been made, but that it was "reasonable to conclude" that Welby received the assurance, the BBC reported. It also found Welby should have made further attempts to pursue the matter. The second most senior bishop in the Church, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, says he admired Welby for stepping down and that the church made "real progress" in safeguarding under his leadership, according to the BBC. A damning independent review published last week found Welby - the most senior bishop within the Church of England - and other church officers should have formally reported Smyth in 2013 to police in the UK and authorities in South Africa. ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SMYTH Smyth was accused of attacking dozens of boys, including those he met at Christian camps, in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s. The lawyer and senior member of a Christian charity then moved to Zimbabwe and later South Africa, where he abused up to 100 boys aged 13 to 17, the Makin review added. By 2013, the Church of England "knew, at the highest level" about Smyth's abuse, including Welby who took up the church's top job that year. If Welby and other church officers had reported this to police in the United Kingdom and authorities in South Africa at that time, "John Smyth could have [been] brought to justice at a much earlier point," the report said. Smyth died aged 75 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police in the UK. Welby said, "The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly 12 I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done." Smyth, a former advocate, is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual attacks across five decades in the UK and southern Africa. A petition by members of the General Synod - the Church of England's parliament - received thousands of signatures calling for Welby to step down, LBC reported. The Telegraph newspaper commented, "There have been some grisly ends down the centuries for holders of the great ecclesiastical office of Archbishop of Canterbury, not least for Thomas a Becket, Thomas Cranmer, and William Laud. Until the 20th century, most occupants died in harness, before it became usual to retire, as is now required by the age of 70. 'IGNOMINIOUS DEPARTURE' "But Justin Welby is the first to be forced out for non-ecumenical reasons since the Norman Conquest. It is an ignominious departure for a cleric whose arrival at Lambeth Palace in 2013 was greeted with some relief after the rarefied tenure of Rowan Williams." The newspaper noted that as a former oil company executive from the evangelical wing of the church, Welby was seen as "just the sort of managerial figure needed to steer it away from the rocks of controversy in a rapidly secularising world, whether it be dealing with gay marriage or female bishops." World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay said, "We commend his wisdom to take personal and institutional responsibility for the silence and inability to address the heinous abuses committed on children. "Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims and families of those abused." Pillay extended prayers that the emotional scars and wounds you have suffered over the years may find God's healing, peace and justice. "Our prayers are also with the Church of England as you go through this difficult time and transition in leadership," he said. Russia's pork exports rose in volume, value year-on-year during January-September period Between January and September 2024, Russian pork exports increased by 23% in volume and 27% in value compared to the same period of the previous year. Since the beginning of the year, companies supplied foreign markets with about 200 thousand tonnes of pork worth about $430 million. About 50% of the exported pork is frozen, 23% is fresh and chilled pork, and 27% is offal. The main export destination is Belarus, which is estimated to have increased its purchases by 14% to 65 thousand tonnes. It is the key market for fresh and chilled pork, with an almost 90% share. Vietnam is the second destination, with a volume of 59 thousand tonnes (-16%), and China ranks third. Since the Chinese market opened for three Russian pork exporting companies at the end of February 2024, almost 30 thousand tonnes of meat and offal worth $78 million have been supplied to China. In addition, Russian pork exports to Serbia and Hong Kong, China, almost doubled, and exports to Mongolia increased by 20%. Shipments to Uzbekistan, Togo, Seychelles, and Brazil also started. - Agroexport Google is conducting a test that will omit results from EU-based news publishers. The company says the time-limited trial will only affect a small portion of users in nine EU countries and will help assess how results from EU news publishers impact the search experience for our users and traffic to publishers. But given the fragile state of the news media and the companys history of threatening to pull its services in the face of news-related regulations its tempting to view it as the equivalent of a mob boss conducting a little test to see how the corner laundromat fares without its protection. Google describes the experiment (via The Verge) as a small, time-limited test to omit EU results from search, Google News and the personalized Discover feed. It will only affect one percent of users in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Those users will still see results from other websites, including non-EU news publications. The company says news results will reappear as usual once the test concludes. (It didnt list a specific timeframe.) Google stresses that the experiment wont impact the publisher payments it makes under the European Copyright Directive (EUCD), under which the company has inked deals with over 4,000 EU publishers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Google does have a history of using the potential withdrawal of its visibility as a negotiating stick in similar situations. In some cases, the tactic has helped it draw concessions. Last year, Google pulled its news links from Canada in response to Bill C-18 (the Online News Act), which required tech companies to negotiate compensation with online publishers for linked content. After months of negotiations, Google said Canada had addressed its concerns and given it a path to an exemption. Canada said it granted one to Google last month, with the company agreeing to pay $100 million annually to news organizations. In April of this year, Google briefly removed links to California news outlets in response to the proposed California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), which would require Google to pay news publishers in exchange for continuing to link to their websites. Although the bills fate is still up in the air, Google struck a deal with state lawmakers this summer, committing tens of millions of dollars to a fund supporting local news. In 2021, the company threatened to remove its entire search engine from Australia in response to a then-proposed law requiring tech companies to share royalties with news publishers. The nations then-Prime Minister stood firm. Let me be clear. Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia, Scott Morrison said. After the bill was passed and enacted, Google struck deals with Australian media companies to license content. Google says it hopes the data analysis tools it provides publishers will help them use the EU test to understand traffic patterns. "Gossip Girl" alum Chanel Banks has been missing for nearly two weeks, and her family says her husband has not been cooperating with their investigation. According to a GoFundMe set up by the actress's cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh, Banks has not been in contact with family members since Oct. 30, which they say is longer than she's ever been out of contact. Singh traveled to California from Toronto to search for her cousin, along with other family members, and they are hoping to hire a private investigator. The Los Angeles Police Department told KTLA that officers have conducted four separate welfare checks, and continue looking into Banks' disappearance. Singh said she and her aunt gained access to Banks' apartment on Nov. 10, and found the 36-year-old actress had left behind her small dog, which she always travels with, as well as her car. Her phone and laptop were missing, however. "The only items we did not locate are her phone and laptop. She also does not go anywhere without her little dog, which also has been left behind," the GoFundMe said. Banks' family told KTLA that her husband has not been cooperating or canvassing with family members. They also said that police told them there was no sign of foul play at her apartment. Banks is perhaps best known for playing Sawyer Bennett in "Gossip Girl," and also appeared in the TV drama "Blue Bloods." -- With reporting by TMX Dave Coulier, beloved for his role as Joey Gladstone on 'Full House,' has revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The actor shared his emotional journey during an appearance on 'TODAY,' describing the ordeal as a "roller coaster" on Wednesday, November 13. Coulier reflected on the shocking moment he received his diagnosis, saying, "[I was] feeling like I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else." His first sign of trouble came when he discovered a lump in his groin, prompting further testing that left him "on pins and needles" as he awaited news about whether the cancer had spread to vital organs, blood, or bones. During this uncertain time, Coulier shared a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Melissa. "I'm OK with whatever the news [is] going to be no matter how devastating," he told her. "I've had an incredible life. I've had the most amazing people in my life. This has been an extraordinary journey, and I'm OK if this is the end of the journey." Doctors confirmed the cancer had not moved beyond his lymphatic system. Now undergoing chemotherapy, Coulier admitted the treatment has been a challenge. "There [are] days where I feel unbelievable," he shared. "Then there's other days where ... I'm just going to lay down and let this be what it's going to be." His course of treatment consists of six rounds of chemotherapy over three-week intervals, which he is expected to complete by February 2025. Despite the initial grim diagnosis, Coulier expressed hope, noting that the cancer has a high curability rate. Married to Melissa since 2014, Coulier also has a 33-year-old son, Luc, from his previous marriage to Jane Modean. My heart is broken. I love you, Bob. Your forever brother, Dave. Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) January 10, 2022 Coulier's diagnosis comes nearly three years after the death of his 'Full House' co-star Bob Saget in 2022. Coulier honored his late friend with a touching tweet, saying, "My heart is broken. I love you, Bob. Your forever brother, Dave." Fans now rally around Coulier as he faces his own health battle with strength and determination. Bernice Burgos appears to be tweaking her story when it comes to just how much money she previously made as a bartender in New York City. It seems the 44-year-old socialite was mixing up drinks and numbers, as she recently appeared on the 'Joe Budden Podcast' hiking up her bartending income from $8,000 to later claiming she made a whopping $70,000 on special occasions. After making the inconsistent claim, an older video clip resurfaced of Burgos on 'The Breakfast Club' morning show, admitting that her "good night" was $8K. "It's how you carry yourself, it's who you are," she claimed. The social media influencer and entrepreneur admitted that this wasn't typical for a mixologist, however, she "was smart" and played her cards right. During the recent Joe Budden interview, the former Starlets employee changed that $8K figure, telling hosts that her "best night" was her birthday, where she raked in $70K. She also explained that on a "slow" night, she made $30K. "I'm gonna hustle," the model explained to the hosts. "You don't gotta' tip me you don't gotta give me the money right there, you tip me later down the line, like throwing money. So I was smart," she added. "Oh, on my birthday, I made like 60...65, 70. And I don't do too much," she explained. "I used to be covered the whole body suit on," she concluded. Budden responded jokingly, saying: "I ain't gone hold you Bernice made the worst drinks." Fans were clocking her story in the comment section of the resurfaced 'Breakfast Club' interview where she originally admitted to making a mere $8K, teasing, "We knew her math was off lmao. Lying reliving your prime." "Screaming [laughing emojis] I told y'all she was lying," a second poked. "People stay lying for no reason. Who are they trying to impress, me or yourself?" a third laughed. "Yall know the longer it is, the more exaggerated the story gets lmao. When she's 65 she's going to be telling us she made 115k on a Wednesday," another fan taunted. Bernice Burgos, 44, is a Bronx-born model known for being a Fashion Nova brand ambassador, in addition to starting her clothing line Bold & Beautiful. The buzzing socialite has also appeared in several music videos with popular artists including Rick Ross. After Meek Mill distanced himself away from Sean "Diddy" Combs in a recent video with a fan, Diddy's son Justin Combs has responded. Meek Mill appeared to be in the streets of New York City when a fan approached him recording on his phone, prompting the Philly native to use the opportunity to further separate himself from disgraced musician. The "Dreams and Nightmares" emcee real name Robert Rihmeek Williams was spotted wearing a black snapback, a textured bomber jacket, a black tee, and blue jeans, alongside the fan who appeared to be happy to catch the rapper by surprise. "We outside," the fan teased the viewers in the video. "You already know how we playing out [here], this real life," Mill, 37, said to the camera. "Yeah, no Diddy gang Meek Milly in real life, don't ever disrespect me, you heard?" the rapper stated. The "Ima Boss" rapper popped his collar one time before turning around and heading towards the back of his vehicle which appears to be the same two-tone Mercedes Maybach he flaunted alongside Gillie Da' Kid months back. Justin hopped in the comment section of 'The Shade Room' video, writing, "Smh" with a face palm emoji. Fans don't forget a thing on the internet, as it seems they simply aren't buying the musician's sudden anti-Diddy rhetoric, with one asking: "Ok but wasn't you just daddy's baby?? Oooh Ok!!" "Dont back track now meek.. you let that grown man call you 'daddy' multiple times," another fan poked. "How you turn on yo man that quick? He only been locked up for 2 or 3 months! Sheesh!!" a third asked. "Lmfaooooooo the way he mentions diddy is wild," another teased regarding the fact that nobody even asked. 'ENSTARZ' reported when Meek Mill posted a cryptic tweet following Diddy's arrest in September, essentially letting fans know he's staying out of the way. "In other news.... I bought a farm the other day," he stated simply via Twitter, now X, one day after Diddy, 55, was arrested. In other news. I bought a farm the other day MeekMill (@MeekMill) September 18, 2024 Fans claim his attempt to stay out of the mess comes after Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones' lawsuit against Diddy, where Rod alleged that Diddy, had an intimate relationship with "a Philadelphia rapper who dated Nicki Minaj." Don Lemon, former CNN anchor and journalist, has announced his departure from X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in addition to Jamie Lee Curtis. Lemon's decision comes ahead of a significant change in the platform's terms of service, which will require all legal disputes with the company to be handled in Texas courts starting Nov. 15. Lemon, who sued Elon Musk and X in August, shared his reasons for leaving the platform in a post on Wednesday, November 13. My statement on leaving Twitter pic.twitter.com/9tYcfqHhhC Don Lemon (@donlemon) November 13, 2024 "I've loved connecting with all of you on X, but it's time for me to leave the platform," he wrote. "I once believed it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose." Lemon's lawsuit accuses Musk, 53, and X of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, misappropriation of his name and likeness, and breach of an express contract. The journalist also highlighted concerns about the new terms of service. Lemon, 58, cited 'The Washington Post's' reporting on the issue, writing, "As the Washington Post recently reported on X's decision to change the terms, this 'ensures that such lawsuits will be heard in courthouses that are a hub for conservatives, which experts say could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics.'" Directing his followers to his accounts on other platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, Lemon invited them to continue the conversation elsewhere. His relationship with Musk and X had already soured earlier this year when Musk abruptly canceled a $1.5 million content partnership deal via text, according to Lemon's lawsuit. Musk claimed Lemon made "insane demands," while Lemon alleged the fallout stemmed from a tense interview with Musk. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared on Wednesday, November 13, a screenshot of her X account being deactivated. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference," the 65-year-old captioned the post. Although the 'Halloween' star did not specify why she deactivated her account, like Lemon, the move did come shortly after Musk was named to lead a new government initiative. President-elect Donald Trump announced the SpaceX founder, who acquired Twitter in 2022, and Vivek Ramaswamy will partner on an initiative titled Department of Government Efficiency aimed at restructuring bureaucracy. Zendaya isn't riding high on allegations she's been the one holding up production on 'Euphoria' Season 3. Speaking to 'Vanity Fair,' the 28-year-old responded to showrunner Sam Levinson's previous claims she held back the latest crop of 'Euphoria' episodes by pursuing other projects. Acknowledging that 'Euphoria' has been a "delayed spot" as she's been working on other endeavors, Zendaya didn't directly address any bad blood between herself and Levinson in the interview. "I will say, I have been off for a couple years, so not delayed because of my schedule," the star told the publication. "I've been open, just waiting." Zendaya starred in two major films this year, including 'Challengers' and the upcoming 'Dune: Part Two.' Despite their 2024 debut, however, she actually filmed both two years ago in 2022. She's been taking a bit of a break since then. "I'm actually going to start filming a project soon before 'Euphoria,' and I'm like, man, I'm rusty. I haven't been on a set in, like, two years almost. I'm a little bit terrified. I'm like, 'Can I even do this anymore?' I don't know," she revealed. The 'Challengers' star added that 'Euphoria' is slated for early 2025, but she hasn't "read anything yet," opting to skirt the question of "where she stands" with Levinson entirely. "I'm excited to see what everyone has been working on, and what the future looks like for 'Euphoria,' " she stated. "I don't really have much of an answer except for right now it's set to start shooting in January. My most important thing is to do justice by the people who love and care about Rue, and make sure that she's looked after as a character. I think that's my number one duty." Previously, 'The Hollywood Reporter' asserted that Zendaya was "frustrated" with Levinson after he seemingly neglected any 'Euphoria' duties to work on HBO's music industry-focused drama 'The Idol.' That reportedly led to a rift in the pair's friendship. A source close to the matter told 'THR' that Levinson had been frustrated as it was "all about her," speaking of Zendaya heading off to work on other projects while waiting for 'Euphoria.' That left a two-year gap without the project moving forward. This news comes as HBO confirmed that, during an HBO/Max press event, that 'Euphoria' is indeed returning and that rumors of a scrapped third season had been greatly exaggerated. "We are shooting Euphoria," he said. As for when the series is expected to start filming again, Bloys shared, "I think we have a start date, mid to late January. Nothing's changed." Sydney Sweeney is calling foul on the "fake" veneer of "women empowering other women" in Hollywood. "This entire industry, all people say is 'Women empowering other women.' None of it's happening," Sweeney said in an interview with Vanity Fair published on Wednesday. "All of it is fake and a front for all the other s**t that they say behind everyone's back." Sweeney, 27, said it's "very disheartening to see women tear other women down." "Especially when women who are successful in other avenues of their industry see younger talent working really hard hoping to achieve whatever dreams that they may have and then trying to bash and discredit any work that they've done," she said. The "Euphoria" star made her comments in response to a reference to Hollywood producer Carol Baum earlier this year publicly criticizing Sweeney's acting ability and physical appearance. At the time, a rep for the actress called the comments "sad" and "shameful." "I mean, there's so many studies and different opinions on the reasoning behind it," Sweeney told Vanity Fair. "I've read that our entire lives, we were raised and it's a generational problem to believe only one woman can be at the top. There's one woman who can get the man. There's one woman who can be, I don't know, anything. So then all the others feel like they have to fight each other or take that one woman down instead of being like, Let's all lift each other up." Sweeney told the magazine that she's "still trying to figure it out." "I'm just trying my best over here," she said. "Why am I getting attacked?" -- With reporting by TMX 1 Mas de un centenar de personas atendidas tras una mascleta en la Plaza del Ayuntamiento con asistencia masiva Defra has pledged 50m for internal drainage boards (IDBs) to help protect farmers from future flooding, while confirming that the delayed Farming Recovery Fund payments - worth 60m - will soon be issued. The government said today (13 November) it was 'bolstering' Englands resilience to flooding through new financial support for rural communities. It also confirmed that farmers would receive 60m in Farming Recovery Fund payments from next week, following a series of delays in issuing the much-needed funds. The new 50m investment will be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), the public bodies responsible for managing water levels for agricultural needs in a particular area. The investment will put IDBs on a 'firm footing' to deliver their role in flood and water management for 'years to come', Defra explained. IDBs that submit successful bids will be able to spend the 50 million on projects over the next two years. This will benefit projects that will improve, repair or replace IDB assets including flood barriers, embankments and maintenance of watercourses. Defra said the funding would support projects which reduced risks and impacts from flooding to farmer and rural communities. The Environment Agency has begun work with IDBs to distribute the funding from today, the department confirmed. Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: More intense weather events are destroying homes, businesses and livelihoods across the country, with farming communities facing the heaviest consequences. That is why this government is reforming how flood funds are distributed to protect businesses, rural and coastal communities." Meanwhile, flooding payments will finally be issued to farmers impacted by last years severe weather, via the delayed Farming Recovery Fund. A total of 60 million - 10m more than expected - will be distributed to 13,000 farmers via recovery payments of between 2,895 and 25,000. The funding was first announced in January and the industry worked with Defra to help develop the offer, which included feeding in examples of the challenges faced by farmers. Defra confirmed today that it expected payments to land in farmers accounts from Thursday 21 November. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: I have asked for these payments to land with farmers affected by the severe wet weather last winter as quickly as possible. The 60 million fund is 10 million more than agreed by the previous government and means farmers can get the support they need to recover their land." A consultation will also be launched in the new year which will include a review of the existing formula for allocating money to proposed flood defences. It aims to ensure that the challenges facing businesses and rural communities are adequately taken into account when delivering flood protection. Amazon's Jeff Bezos has announced he will award a 7.3m grant to help a UK-based project to slash cattle emissions with the use of a potential new vaccine. The project seeks to use biotechnology to figure out the mechanism by which a vaccine could cut livestock methane emissions by more than 30%. The Pirbright Institute and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are behind it, and have been supported by a Bezos Earth Fund grant. The fund, launched in 2020 by Mr Bezos, has a portfolio of grants looking to reduce emissions through low-methane genetics, improved feed, and better farm management practices. However, scientists say a vaccine could offer a universal solution which is both scalable and cost effective, integrating into existing farm management systems. Dr Andrew Steer, president of the Bezos Earth Fund, said: "Vaccines have proven to be incredibly effective in global health, and if we can apply this approach to cattle, the potential for reducing emissions is immense. "The Bezos Earth Fund is committed to high-risk, high-reward projects like this, which have the power to transform our efforts against climate change." The project comprises two key components, each tackling different aspects of the challenge. The first one will see researchers at the Royal Veterinary College study how and when methane-producing microbes colonise the digestive tract of calves and how the immune system responds. The second will see scientists from the Pirbright Institute hoping to identify and characterise specific antibodies needed to target these microbes effectively. "We're not developing a methane vaccine per se, but rather defining what a successful vaccine needs to achieve," explained Professor John Hammond, of the Pirbright Institute. "By understanding the precise antibody responses required, we can provide a clear path forward for vaccine development. "This approach reduces the trial-and-error aspect and focuses on targeted, high-resolution immunology." The SNP has slammed the UK government's restrictions on agricultural property relief (APR) as a 'hammer blow' to Scotland's family farms. The party's Defra spokesperson, Seamus Logan MP said tenant farmers would be particularly affected by the tax changes, announced recently in the budget. He said the inheritance tax change - a 20% charge on farms worth more than 1m - would force many to pay 'huge penalties' in order to pass down land used for farming. Mr Logan also warned that Scottish tenant farmers were now faced with what could be a significant level of land disposals from private estates. It comes as the Tenants Farmers Association (TFA) recently said that without changes, the tenanted farming sector could see the 'loss of many small family farms'. The body's chief executive, George Dunn stated that the government's changes announced to APR 'leave us with huge concerns.' But the SNP said this would be particularly felt in Scotland, where there is a proportionally larger farming sector and around a quarter of farms are tenanted. The country is also home to more than 20,000 crofts, with three quarters of those let. Prior to the budget, the SNP's Defra spokesperson had written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for APR to be protected. Now, with the 'emerging threat' to Scottish farmers, the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP has written again demanding action. "Your budget has been an attack on Scottish farmers and a disaster for rural Scotland," his letter to the chancellor says. "In one fell swoop you have has scythed away support for small Scottish farms and now we know Scottish tenant farmers may face a hammer blow with significant land disposals by larger estates looming. "This is a savage attack on family farms with the consequences being realised in the destruction of Scotlands farming tradition and in higher food prices." Scotlands Rural College (SRUC) has been hailed for its commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusivity with a Bronze level Athena Swan award. SRUCs award, which is valid until November 2029, was called a 'significant milestone' for the land-based college by principal Wayne Powell. The Athena Swan Charter is a framework used across the world to support gender equality within higher education and research. It was established in 2005 to recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine employment. The charter is used to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. Mr Powell, who is also SRUC's chief executive, said: This fantastic achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff and students across SRUC who engaged in this journey at all levels." He added that it was 'important to remember that this is just the beginning' for the college, which offers numerous agricultural-based courses. "Addressing gender equality and broader EDI [equality, diversity and inclusion] matters is an ongoing, developmental effort," Mr Powell explained. Collectively, we will continue to work to make SRUC a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable institution for all. Louise Baggott, EDI Lead at SRUC, said: Our focus throughout the process of developing our Athena Swan submission has been to produce an evidence-based action plan that will deliver measurable change for SRUCs community. "Its fantastic that this approach has resulted in achieving our first Bronze award and I look forward to delivering on our vision with colleagues and students. People with high pain thresholds are more likely to be psychopaths. A high pain threshold is a sign of a psychopath Scientists have found that those who are able to tolerate high levels of pain are more likely to have psychopathic tendencies. This is because they are less able to learn from painful experiences as trials conducted on the general public showed that individuals with psychopathic traits failed to change their behaviour even when hurt by painful electric shocks. Dr. Dimana Atanassova, the lead author of the research at Radboud University in the Netherlands, told PsyPost: "The exploitative, antisocial behaviour of those with high psychopathic traits has often been looked at through the prism of callousness or lack of remorse - in a sense, that they simply don't care about the consequences. "But this study's findings suggest that the problem might be, partially, explained with a deficit in how they learn about consequences." Brittany Cartwright had endured the "hardest year" of her life. Brittany Cartwright has opened up about her struggles The 35-year-old star split from husband Jax Taylor earlier this year and although it's been a very difficult time for her, Brittany hopes her honesty will help other women to "find their strength". In response to her recent appearance on the 'Hot Mic' podcast, Brittany wrote on Instagram: "This has been the hardest year of my life and this is just part of my story. At the end of the day I am learning as I go and trying to be a strong as I possibly can for my son. I hope I can help other women who go through things like I have gone through, to find their strength because it's no where near as easy as it looks. (sic)" Brittany hopes that by sharing her experience, she can help other women who are going through similar troubles. In her podcast appearance, Brittany claimed that Jax didn't change "at all" during his spell in rehab. The 45-year-old reality star spent time at a mental health facility earlier this year, but Brittany doesn't feel it's had any impact on him and she doubts whether he even has the capacity to change. Brittany - who has Cruz, three, with her estranged husband - said on the 'Hot Mic' podcast: "I dont feel like he changed at all in those 30 days. And the reason, I mean, Im sure itll be on the show as well, but, you know, a lot of rage texting and stuff was still going on the entire time that he was in rehab. "So, for me, I was just noticing like, this is just going to be constant. Like, if youre in therapy seven hours a day, and youre still finding time to call me names and cuss me out? And send me rage texts? Then youre obviously not ever gonna change." Chris Evans would love to become a dad one day. Chris Evans wants to become a dad The 43-year-old actor married actress Alba Baptista in 2023 and Chris has now admitted that he wants to start a family with the brunette beauty. Asked if he'll become a "superhero" dad one day, like his 'Red One' co-star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Chris told 'Access Hollywood': "Yeah, I hope so. Yeah, absolutely. The title of dad is an exciting one." The Hollywood star has previously spoken about his desire to become a dad one day, admitting that "building a family" is one of his long-term ambitions. Speaking to PEOPLE, Chris shared: "That's absolutely something I want. "Wife, kids, building a family. When you read about most of the best artists, whether it's actors, painters, writers, most of them [admit] it wasn't the work they made [that they are most proud of], it was about the relationships, the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared." Chris has enjoyed huge success in Hollywood, but he's ultimately determined to make his family life his number one priority. The actor explained: "Those things are the most important. I love the idea of tradition and ceremony, I had a lot of that in my life so the idea of creating that, I can't think of anything better." Chris and Alba, 27, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Boston-area home in September 2023. The loved-up couple were first linked to each other back in late 2022, when an insider revealed that they'd been dating "for over a year and it's serious". The source said at the time: "They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her." Mia McKenna-Bruce will join Letitia Wright and Will Sharpe on the jury panel for the 2025 EE Rising Star Award at the EE BAFTA Film Awards. Mia McKenna-Bruce will join Letitia Wright and Will Sharpe on the jury panel for the 2025 EE Rising Star Award at the EE BAFTA Film Awards The 27-year-old actress received the award herself in 2023 and has now proclaimed that it is an "incredible honour" to be helping the prestigious awards body decide who else should be recognised for their potential in the prize's 20th anniversary year. Mia said: Winning the 2024 EE Rising Star Award was an incredible honour, and to have my work recognised amongst such a talented group of actors meant so much. Im very grateful to everyone who voted for me. Now, being part of the 2025 judging panel is a privilege, and I feel lucky to be able to play a role in celebrating the next wave of brilliant creatives. The actress was given the award at last year's ceremony following her leading role in the coming-of-age drama 'How to Have Sex', whilst Letita, 31, received the honor shortly after she starred in 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Black Panther' as Shuri in 2018. Letitia said: "As someone whos been in their shoes, its an absolute joy to help select the nominees for this years EE Rising Star Award. The talent pool was incredible, making it a tough decision, but Im confident weve chosen five truly exceptional actors who deserve this recognition. It feels like just yesterday I was getting my first big break, and its so fulfilling to now be in a position to spotlight these emerging stars who are on the brink of something amazing in their careers. I cant wait to see who wins the award next year." Meanwhile, Will Sharpe, 38, was nominated for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer after the release of his film 'Black Pond' in 2012 and then won Best Supporting Actor at the 2020 BAFTA Television Awards for his role in 'Giri/Haji'. He said: "I am thrilled to join the jury panel for the EE Rising Star Award. It's a really important award that highlights and celebrates the emerging talent in our industry, giving the public a chance to recognise the stars of tomorrow. "These are the people who are keeping the industry on its toes and will help define its future. I've watched so much brilliant work and have been frankly blown away by them all." EE Rising Star Award jury chair and BAFTA Chair of the Film Committee, Anna Higgs, said: At BAFTA, our mission is to celebrate, support and inspire talent at all stages of their careers. We are thrilled to continue our work with EE on the Rising Star Award, which is so special as the only category in the Film Awards chosen by the public. We have an outstanding group of nominees this year, and I'm looking forward to seeing their work captivate audiences on the big screen leading up to the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony. It will also be wonderful to witness their careers continue to flourish, like so many of our Rising Stars before them, creating a veritable constellation of EE Rising Stars thanks to an extraordinary twenty years of partnership. The nominations for the EE BAFTA Film Awards will be announced on 15 January 2025, with the ceremony held the following month on Sunday 16 February 2025 As per a notice sent on behalf of Dr Mondal, represented by legal advisor Nripendra Krishna Roy, claims that The Great Indian Kapil Show allegedly disparages the legacy of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and risks offending cultural and religious sentiments. While rumours have been circulating about Salman Khan's production house, receiving a legal notice, the companys representative has issued a clear statement denying any association with the show which is aired on Netflix.In the statement - Salman Khans representative clarifies that, "we have no association with The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix. Certain sections of the media are reporting that Salman Khan / SKTV have also received the notice, which is incorrect as we are not associated with The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix."The statement from Salman Khan's team clarifies that the production house is no longer associated with any operations of the show aired on Netflix and is not affected by the legal notice in any way. Rana Daggubati is coming up with his new talk show - The Rana Daggubati Show. The unscripted Telugu original series will feature popular celebrities across eight episodes engaging in unfiltered conversations and exciting activities. It features an exciting lineup of actors including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Sree Leela, Nani, S.S. Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Verma among others as they indulge in entertaining conversations peppered with intimate repartee and engaging activities that bring out a never-seen-before side of them.The Rana Daggubati Show presents a refreshing take on the celebrity talk show format, as Rana and his guests unmask their fun side and reveal insights into their personal lives that are unknown to their fans and unheard of by the world while partaking in exciting activities and passionate hobbies that go beyond the silver screen."The Rana Daggubati Show is an unconventional take on talk shows, going beyond surface-level exchanges to explore engaging conversations and intriguing activities that Rana and his guests fully immerse themselves in. The mystique surrounding some of the industry's biggest names piques the interest of audiences and fans, and Rana creates a warm, inviting atmosphere on the show, encouraging guests to shed their inhibitions and connect authentically with their fans, said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India.Rana Daggubati, host, creator, and executive producer of the show said, For too long, talk shows have just scratched the surface when it comes to getting to know our favourite celebs. But were flipping the script! Our show is a backstage pass into the real lives of these starsmany of whom are my buddies and colleagues. Think chill vibes, no filters, and a whole lot of unexpected moments. Its like hanging out with your favourite icons as they spill the tea, share wild stories, and dive headfirst into the stuff they absolutely love. Im excited! Soon fans in over 240 countries will get to kick back and experience this fun ride with us on Prime Video starting November 23! Get ready for all the feels, the laughs, and moments youll be texting your friends aboutbecause this is as real and up-close as it gets!The Rana Daggubati Show premieres on November 23, with new episodes dropping every Saturday, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or the "Company") (TSXV:TLT)(OTCQB:TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and/or drug-activated small molecules and their formulations, intended for the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, is pleased to announce that the Company proposes to extend the expiry date of 1,000,000 share purchase warrants ("Warrants") from November 17, 2024 to November 17, 2027. The Warrants were issued on November 17, 2022, pursuant to a private placement involving the issuance of 1,000,000 units of the Company. The Warrants are exercisable at $0.35 per share. All other terms and conditions of the Warrants will remain unchanged. The warrant expiry date extension is subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Theralase Technologies Inc.: Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and/or drug-activated small molecule compounds, their associated drug formulations and the light systems that activate them, with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses. Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedarplus.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include; but, are not limited to statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to small molecules and their drug formulations. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions; including, statements related to the current expectations of Company's management for future research, development and commercialization of the Company's small molecules and their drug formulations, preclinical research, clinical studies and regulatory approvals. These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, the ability of the Company to fund and secure the regulatory approvals to successfully complete various clinical studies in a timely fashion and implement its development plans. Other risks include: the ability of the Company to successfully commercialize its small molecule and drug formulations, the risk that access to sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations may not be available on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company or at all, the risk that the Company's small molecule and drug formulations may not be effective against the diseases tested in its clinical studies, the risk that the Company's fails to comply with the terms of license agreements with third parties and as a result loses the right to use key intellectual property in its business, the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, the timing and success of submission, acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Readers should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements. For investor information on the Company, please feel to reach out Investor Inquiries - Theralase Technologies. For More Information: 1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273) 416.699.LASE (5273) www.theralase.com Kristina Hachey, CPA Chief Financial Officer X 224 khachey@theralase.com SOURCE: Theralase Technologies, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - TAG Immobilien AG plans to propose a dividend payment for the 2024 financial year at the next Annual General Meeting in May 2025, following the suspension of dividends in the previous two years. The proposed dividend will be based on a payout ratio of 40% of FFO I, which is expected to amount to 0.40 euros per share.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 12, 2024) - CENTR Brands Corp. (CSE: CNTR) (FSE: 303) (OTCQB: CNTRF) ("CENTR" or the "Company"), announces that it intends to consolidate its common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Shares") on a ten (10) for one (1) basis (the "Share Consolidation"). The Company currently has 116,233,800 Shares issued and outstanding. Following the proposed Share Consolidation, the Company will have approximately 11,623,380 Shares issued and outstanding. The Share Consolidation was approved by the board of directors of the Company but remains subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Company will issue a further news release to announce the effective date of the Share Consolidation. About CENTR Brands Corp. CENTR Brands Corp. is one of North America's leading functional wellness beverage companies dedicated to promoting holistic well-being. With a commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences, CENTR offers a range of functional wellness beverages that support individuals in their pursuit of balanced and healthy lifestyles. By leveraging innovative technology and embracing consumer-centric strategies, CENTR empowers customers to prioritize their well-being and discover the benefits of wellness beverages. The Company produces CENTR Enhanced, a family of refreshing, ZERO calorie, non-CBD, nootropic and adaptogen sparkling waters incorporating a variety of science-backed ingredients. The Company recently discontinued 2 product lines, CENTR CBD and CENTR Instant, facilitating the exit of the company within the CBD category. The Company's ethos revolves around functional efficacy, exceptional flavor, and a visual design that resonates with consumers seeking a well-rounded approach to wellness. On behalf of the Board, CENTR BRANDS CORP. /s/ Campbell Becher Campbell Becher, Chief Executive Officer Forward-Looking Information This press release may contain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward- looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the closing of the Share Consolidation and the Company obtaining all necessary approvals, including that of the CSE. 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. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229758 SOURCE: CENTR Brands Corp. TOKYO, Nov 13, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has received an order for a next-generation supercomputer system from Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), under the National Research and Development Agency, and the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), part of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences under the Inter-University Research Institute Corporation. The new supercomputer system is scheduled to be operational from July 2025.The next-generation supercomputer system will feature multi-architecture with the latest CPUs and GPUs and will consist of large storage capacity and a high-speed network. This system is expected to be used for various research and development in the field of fusion science research. Specifically, the system will be used for precise prediction of experiments and creation of operation scenarios in the ITER project, which is being promoted as an international project, and the Satellite Tokamak (JT-60SA) project, which is being promoted as a Broader Approach activity, and for design of DEMO reactors. The DEMO project promotes large-scale numerical calculations for DEMO design and R&D to accelerate the realization of a DEMO reactor that contributes to carbon neutrality. In addition, NIFS will conduct numerical simulation research using the supercomputer for multi-scale and multi-physics systems, including fusion plasmas, to broadly accelerate research on the science and applications of fusion plasmas, and as an Inter-University Research Institute, will provide universities and research institutes nationwide with opportunities for collaborative research using the state-of-the-art supercomputer.The new system consists mainly of 360 NEC LX 204Bin-3s (with a total of 720 Intel Xeon 6900Ps) and 70 NEC LX 401Bax-3GAs (with a total of 280 AMD Instinct MI300As), with total theoretical performance of 40.4 petaflops of computing power. Theoretical computing performance will be approximately 2.7 times higher than the combined performance of the two supercomputers installed separately at QST and NIFS. The NEC LX 204Bin-3 is equipped with MRDIMMs, which have high performance in HPC programs.The supercomputer system consists mainly of the "LX series," which was developed by combining the high-density packaging technology and high-efficiency cooling technology that NEC has developed over many years in the development of supercomputers. The Intel "CPU Xeon6900P," "MRDIMM," and AMD's -Instinct MI300A" GPUs installed in these server groups are the first introduction of its kind in Japan. In addition, the network environment uses "InfiniBand" with the NVIDIA "QM9700," "Altair PBS Professional" software, and a scheduler optimized for AMD's Instinct MI300A. In addition, as a storage environment, a DDN "ES400NVX2" will be deployed with a total capacity of 42.2 petabytes with a Lustre parallel file system "EXAScaler." NEC will integrate these components along with software optimization.NEC will continue to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies by promoting the development of next-generation high-performance servers as a foundation for utilization in industrial applications and AI/Big Data domains, as well as the conventional application areas of supercomputers. NEC will also support research activities in the academic domain by providing academic research information infrastructure with HPC solutions at its core as one of its BluStellar offerings."Intel is proud to partner with NEC to power a system at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and National Institute for Fusion Science. By integrating the Intel Xeon 6900P Series, the first server CPU to support MRDIMMs, and the first in Japan, we're delivering a leap in memory performance and bandwidth, an ideal choice for complex calculations and simulations required in fusion research."- Ogi Brkic, Vice President & General Manager, Go-To-Market Builders & Technology Acceleration Office, Sales & Marketing Group, Intel"We are very pleased that NEC has chosen to partner with AMD to power the next generation supercomputers ordered by both the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and the National Institute for Fusion Science in Japan. We appreciate that NEC has selected AMD's Instinct MI300A and this choice is further proof that AMD's MI300 Series GPUs offer a compelling supercomputer accelerator solution. We believe that AMD innovation, together with NEC's advanced technological capabilities, will continue to make a significant contribution to research conducted at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, and the National Institute for Fusion Science."-Jon Robottom, Corporate Vice President, Representative Director & General Manager, AMD Japan"DDN is honored to continue to support cutting-edge fusion research at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and the National Institute for Fusion Science through our strong collaboration with NEC. The combination of DDN's high-performance storage solution and NEC's superior technology will provide stable performance and fast processing of large data sets to power complex simulations and advanced analytics in fusion science research. We are confident that through this collaboration, we will be able to accelerate innovative discoveries and technology development."-Robert Triendl, SVP Sales, International, DataDirect Networks, Inc. (DDN)"With our specialized solutions, Giga Computing is proud to support the missions of both the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and the National Institute for Fusion Science in advancing scientific discovery. For this cluster, our technology is incorporated into the NEC LX series servers with one of our models equipped with Intel Xeon 6900P series processors and MRDIMM technology, while the other uses the AMD Instinct MI300A GPU. This high-performance solution uses efficient liquid cooling to deliver remarkable processing speeds for nuclear fusion and complex plasma simulations. Consequently, it enables the institutes to achieve faster, more accurate results in the field of advanced nuclear fusion research."-Freya Yu, Sales Director, Giga Computing"We are very pleased to collaborate with NEC in the selection of Altair PBS Professional for the next-generation supercomputer system at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and the National Institute for Fusion Science. We are confident that Altair PBS Professional is the industry's most advanced workload management and job scheduling software for HPC and high-throughput computing, and that it will contribute to improving the productivity of the supercomputer system and optimizing its utilization and efficiency. We will continue to work with NEC to help our customers solve their challenges."-Eiichi Kazono, President and Representative Director, Altair Engineering, Inc."We are very pleased to have been able to support the construction of a networking environment in partnership with NEC Corporation. The NVIDIA QM9700 is a networking switch that uses high-speed interconnect technology and is optimized for large-scale computing environments, especially for AI and academic research. It demonstrates its true value in data transfer for numerical analysis and simulations that require massive data processing. We are confident that this will further accelerate the research and development projects at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and the National Institute for Fusion Science and support the technological foundation for more innovative results. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with NEC on networking products to accelerate the progress of our customers' research."-Yukihiro Tsujii, General Manager, Solution Business Division, Ryoyo Electro Co.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 12, 2024) - The Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders of Golden Horse Minerals Limited (TSXV: GHML) (the "Company") was held at 4:00pm (Vancouver time) on November 12, 2024 at the offices of Stikeman Elliott LLP, Suite 1700, 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2X8 (the "Meeting"). The Company confirms that all resolutions put to shareholders at the Meeting were passed. For further details on the resolutions approved by shareholders, please see the Company's management information circular for the Meeting dated October 7, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For and on behalf of the Board Nicholas Anderson Managing Director & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229763 SOURCE: Golden Horse Minerals Limited Invest in China: Global eye care giant shares Chinese vision for brighter life Xinhua) 16:48, November 13, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Major international eye care and eyewear provider, EssilorLuxottica, has a clear vision for long-term development in China as the country's growing pursuit of high-quality and healthy lifestyles points to a rosy future for this sector. "China's economy is transitioning to high-quality development, with new quality productive forces starting to drive economic growth. The consumer market is also in a crucial period of transformation, with significant untapped potential," Lim Kok Leong, head of professional solutions for Greater China at EssilorLuxottica, told Xinhua. "Consumer demands are shifting towards higher quality, comfort and adaptability for different lifestyles," Lim said. "Consumers need not just clear sight but also better sight. Their demands for eye care and eyewear become more specialized, diverse and lifestyle-oriented." China has a large population with myopia. In 2022, the overall myopia rate among children and adolescents across the country was 51.9 percent, according to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. China has since the 1980s introduced national plans and policies related to blindness prevention and eye health, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of diseases such as trachoma, cataracts and myopia in children and adolescents to enhance the overall eye health of its population. Since entering the Chinese market in 1995, EssilorLuxottica has seen steady business growth and has continued to expand its local presence. In China, the group provides a complete range of myopia management solutions for children and adolescents in a way that suits their different lifestyles and wearing habits. The group currently operates 10 production bases and two R&D centers in China -- in its quest to meet eye health needs across the full life cycle. Manufacturing advantages in China, including efficient manufacturing infrastructure and state-of-the-art production technologies, create significant impact and opportunities for EssilorLuxottica, Lim said, while adding that the Chinese market plays an important role in the group's global R&D layout. "For the optical industry, new quality productive forces point the direction for next stage development," Lim noted. With presbyopia sufferers over the age of 40 in mind, the company recently took the step of pioneering the use of digital twinning in progressive lens design, which is aimed at providing a sharper visual experience. At the 7th China International Import Expo held in Shanghai last week, EssilorLuxottica signed up for advanced manufacturing projects involving two Chinese local governments to introduce innovative and digital technology in the process of lens manufacturing, with the aim of expanding production efficiency and capacity. "We are very optimistic about the future of China's optical industry," Lim said. "In the future, we hope to accelerate the pace of introducing global innovative products into China." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, Nov 13, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - SoftBank Corp. (1) ("SoftBank") and Fujitsu Limited (2) ("Fujitsu") signed a memorandum of understanding on October 25, 2024, to strengthen their partnership toward realizing the commercialization of "AI-RAN" (3), a new architecture that integrates AI and RAN (Radio Access Network), targeted for 2026 and beyond. In accordance with this agreement, the two companies will commence joint research and development of software to maximize RAN performance and enhance communication quality through AI on the "AI-RAN", and in addition, will establish a verification lab at Fujitsu's site in Dallas, Texas, USA.SoftBank and Fujitsu ("the companies") are already collaborating on an outdoor proof-of-concept for AI-RAN conducted by SoftBank that commenced in October 2024. Fujitsu is providing vRAN (virtual Radio Access Network) software and Radio Units (RUs) for this proof-of-concept, which support Layer 1 software developed based on the "NVIDIA AI Aerial platform" that runs on the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip, and the companies have confirmed their ability to manage high-quality simultaneous communication for up to 20 cells per server.To accelerate the realization of AI-RAN commercialization, the companies will jointly commence the following initiatives:1. Establish a Verification Lab to Accelerate AI-RAN CommercializationA verification lab will be jointly established in Dallas, Texas, USA, where Fujitsu is located. The lab will serve as a site for validating hardware, software, and applications that constitute AI-RAN, as well as a venue for new business creation. With this lab, the companies will not only conduct technical verification but also promote the understanding and ecosystem of AI-RAN, aiming to advance the practical application of AI-RAN in the global market.2. Research and Development of vRAN Software to Promote "AI for RAN" (4)Joint research and development will be carried out to develop software that leverages AI to maximize RAN performance. Utilizing the insights gained from the outdoor proof-of-concept, efforts will focus on applying AI to enhance communication performance in real-world environments, to advance the commercialization of AI-RAN.The companies aim not only to significantly improve investment efficiency on mobile infrastructure by enhancing and refining RAN features and performance through AI, but also drive new services and bring about various innovations in society and industry by improving communication quality for users even during times of mobility and congestion, and enable real-time response and analysis.Comments from Key ExecutivesHideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President & CTO, SoftBank Corp.:"We are excited to take a step forward toward the commercialization of AI-RAN through this strengthened partnership. We anticipate further advancements in RAN efficiency and sophistication through AI, which will accelerate the practical application of AI-RAN."Shingo Mizuno, Corporate Executive Officer EVP, Vice Head of System Platform (in charge of Network Business), Fujitsu Limited comments:"Fujitsu has been engaged in the development of high-performance vRAN software utilizing GPUs for a number of years. By strengthening our partnership with SoftBank, Fujitsu aims to accelerate the creation of new business through combining the technologies and practical knowledge of both companies at a higher level, and provide increased value to customers and society."(1) SoftBank Corp. :Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Junichi Miyakawa(2) Fujitsu Limited :Headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Takahito Tokita(3) AI-RAN :A technology to achieve next-generation mobile networks through the fusion of AI and RAN.(4) AI for RAN :A concept promoted by SoftBank to maximize RAN performance through the application of AI/ML in AI-RAN.*SoftBank, the SoftBank name, and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.*Other company, product, and service names in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries (www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/presscontacts/form/index.html)Source: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 12, 2024) - ADavenue Media PL is thrilled to announce new shopper-centric features for its flagship discount codes brand The Bargain Avenue. Originally established in 2008, The Bargain Avenue is one of Australia's oldest coupon websites and held the No. 1 position as a promo codes site from 2012 to 2018. With a recent rebranding and fresh look, The Bargain Avenue continues to serve shoppers and customers looking for legitimate promo codes with an even more robust platform. "Today's shoppers often encounter fake codes and misleading offers, leading to frustration and wastage of time. With these new enhanced features, The Bargain Avenue is committed to providing an enhanced user experience, offering a comprehensive range of up-to-date, legitimate and working discount codes across various categories," said Katt Srinivasan, Founder. As part of these new offerings, The Bargain Avenue now lists coupon codes with verified dates marked by its team, ensuring that users can trust the codes they find such as Spotlight promo codes. Additionally it has also introduced a Google Chrome add-on that helps coupon-hunters find legitimate promo codes for the stores they are currently browsing. This tool streamlines the shopping experience, allowing users to easily access valid coupons while shopping online, and further reducing the chances of encountering fake codes. The platform now also features hidden codes not available on retailers' websites, offering shoppers exclusive savings opportunities, e.g. Catch coupon. These updates solidify The Bargain Avenue's position as a trustworthy source for online coupons. "In the wake of Google's latest spam update on May 5th 2024, targeting media websites running coupons, there will be a significant shift towards prioritising user experience and satisfaction in the digital coupon industry. This means coupon websites must now ensure a seamless and trustworthy browsing experience for users to stay in good standing with Google." Since its inception in 2008, The Bargain Avenue has earned the trust and loyalty of millions of coupon-hunters and deal-seekers, as well as the endorsement of thousands of brands, underscoring our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. The brand's promo codes were prominently featured this year on TV on Channel 9's Today show during the Easter weekend and again over the King's Birthday long weekend, reaffirming its dedication to delivering trustworthy discounts to coupon-hunters and deal-seekers. Over the course of 2024, The Bargain Avenue plans to continue adding new features to the website alongside regular updates, reaffirming its commitment to offering reliable discounts for its diverse shopping audience, looking for legitimate discount codes. For more information about The Bargain Avenue please, please visit TheBargainAvenue.com.au. About ADavenue Media and The Bargain Avenue ADavenue Media is a performance marketing company that partners with top retailers and brands to promote online discounts, deals, and promotions to savvy shoppers. With a track record of driving over $300 million in ecommerce sales revenue through more than 1.5 million transactions for thousands of partnered brands, it has also helped shoppers save millions of dollars. The Bargain Avenue, established in 2008, stands as one of Australia's oldest coupon and promo code websites. It has been at the forefront of Australia's coupon and promo code scene, holding the No. 1 position for many years from 2012 to 2018 and earning its place as one of the country's pioneering platforms in the realm of discounts codes. It has partnered exclusively with renowned brands. Over the years, The Bargain Avenue and its deals have been featured across various news, TV, and media publications. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229752 SOURCE: ADavenue Media Pty Ltd Scranton, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - November 12, 2024) - House Buying Solutions is proud to announce the launch of its new subsidiary, Lyon Builds LLC, focusing on building and renovating affordable housing in Northeast Pennsylvania. Lyon Builds aims to address the increasing demand for quality homes in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas by creating affordable housing opportunities, especially for those needing significant renovations. Jake Arnold, founder of House Buying Solutions, has partnered with Luxe Homes agent Thomas Zapotocky to bring Lyon Builds LLC to life. This new venture leverages both partners' deep real estate experience and shared passion for revitalizing local communities. Lyon Builds will primarily focus on acquiring and renovating homes that require major repairs, as well as building new housing, transforming these properties into affordable, move-in-ready homes for local residents. "We see a growing need for affordable, quality housing across Northeast Pennsylvania, and Lyon Builds is here to help meet that demand," said Jake Arnold. "Our approach is straightforward-find homes that need significant repair, transform them with quality workmanship, and provide local families and individuals the opportunity to own a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to live." Lyon Builds LLC will be an essential addition to House Buying Solutions' suite of real estate services. While House Buying Solutions remains dedicated to purchasing homes for cash and offering homeowners hassle-free alternatives to traditional real estate transactions, Lyon Builds adds a focus on building new homes and renovating existing ones, ensuring that communities in Northeast Pennsylvania continue to thrive. With a strong focus on Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Lyon Builds aims to improve neighborhoods, stabilize communities, and make homeownership more accessible to more people. By turning neglected properties into revitalized homes, Lyon Builds helps create a positive cycle that benefits residents and raises the overall quality of living in these areas. The partnership with licensed agents ensures our commitment to our customers' ease of process and compliance with regulatory needs, while bringing valuable construction expertise. Lyon Builds aims to ensure that each project meets high standards in craftsmanship while keeping costs low. Lyon Builds is committed to supporting the community's long-term growth by providing housing solutions that families can depend on, as well as adding value to local neighborhoods. "We're excited as our teams build momentum into 2025," said Thomas Zapotocky, agent at Luxe Homes and newly appointed partner of Lyon Builds. "We believe that quality housing shouldn't be out of reach for the average family. By using our combined expertise and passion for building, we can help transform communities for the better." About Lyon Builds LLC Lyon Builds LLC is a subsidiary of House Buying Solutions, dedicated to building and renovating affordable housing in Northeast Pennsylvania. Focusing primarily on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas, Lyon Builds aims to improve the quality of housing and make homeownership accessible to more people by revitalizing neglected properties. About House Buying Solutions House Buying Solutions provides hassle-free alternatives to traditional real estate transactions, offering cash for homes as-is. Serving areas across Pennsylvania, House Buying Solutions focuses on providing homeowners with fast, stress-free solutions while enhancing communities through quality home renovations. For more information about Lyon Builds LLC, visit our website at https://housebuyingsolutionspa.com/ and https://osmenic.com/ to see our available apartments and current projects. SOURCE: House Buying Solutions To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229765 SOURCE: Ed Cal Media Summary: Nepa Vending LLC has launched LED vape vending machines, which are available to bars, casinos, hotels, and business owners interested in generating additional revenue without upfront costs. West Palm Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Nepa Vending LLC is happy to announce the launch of its new LED vape vending machines. The new units feature LED lighting and better product displays to encourage people to buy vape products. The improved vending machines also provide around-the-clock access to vape products, contactless transactions, and safety features such as age verification systems. Additionally, with the new LED Vape Vending Machines for Sale, business owners can tap into the growing vape industry while growing revenue from their business. Having vape products on-site means customers can stay on the premises rather than seeking products elsewhere. Nepa Vending LLC helps businesses choose suitable vape vending machines. Before recommending a unit, the team checks a range of factors, including foot traffic, the type of business a client runs, local product demand, and restocking frequency. In addition to installing units, Nepa Vending LLC maintains and restocks the machines free of charge. This means business owners have the time to concentrate on what matters most: growing their businesses. Even after handling the often tedious operational tasks, the company offers some of the best revenue share in the market. Nepa Vending LLC's vending machines are regularly stocked with popular brands like HQD, Fume, and Elfbar. Since this is a relatively new market with interesting new products and changing customer preferences, the company regularly analyzes trends and stocks its vending machines with more high-quality and on-demand products. This proactiveness gives businesses a competitive edge and allows them to cater to a diverse customer base. In addition to constantly innovating and offering premium vaping products and machines, Nepa Vending LLC is a family-owned business that prioritizes relationships with clients. The team is always ready to listen to their clients, advise them, and suggest better ways of attracting customers. Business owners are required to obtain licenses to sell vaping products via vending machines. To make it easier for them and save them time, Nepa Vending LLC ensures each machine has its own tobacco/nicotine license. The company also offers educational content through its website, https://nepavending.com/vape-vending-machines/. The blogs address some commonly asked questions, such as regulations business owners should be aware of and where they can place a vape vending machine in a bar. The blogs help business owners make the right decisions and fill the knowledge gaps, especially if they are new to vape vending machines. About Nepa Vending LLC: Nepa Vending LLC provides vending machines and vaping products. The company installs vape vending machines in bars, hotels, casinos, and venues with high foot traffic. In addition to helping them generate additional income through revenue share from the vending units, businesses benefit in other ways, such as keeping customers on their premises. Company Name: Nepa Vending LLC Contact Person: Andrew Phone: (561) 220-5955 Address: 3346 45th St. City: West Palm Beach State: Florida Postal Code: 33407 Country: United States Website: https://nepavending.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229766 SOURCE: Nepa Vending LLC Milestone of 30 heart transplants post Aeson support, passed Strong interest in Aeson from the medical community: more than 100 European experts will share their experience at the first 'Aeson European User Meeting' at the end of November Regulatory News: CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR), designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure (the "Company" or "CARMAT"), provides an update on Aeson artificial heart's uptake as a bridge to transplant in Europe. Growing adoption of Aeson as a bridge-to-transplant solution in Europe By the end of October 2024, 30 patients had successfully undergone heart transplant after being supported by the Aeson artificial heart, confirming the ability of the device to provide physiological support tailored to each patient, enabling them to approach heart transplant in optimal physical condition when a human graft becomes available. Out of these 30 transplants carried out in 7 different countries1 (including 16 in France and 5 in Germany), 16 have been performed since the beginning of 2024, demonstrating a clear acceleration in the adoption of Aeson as a bridge-to-transplant solution in Europe. These 30 patients benefited from Aeson support for an average of 156 days before transplant (the maximum duration recorded being 308 days). As a reminder, the Aeson artificial heart is CE marked for the "bridge to transplant" indication. It can therefore be marketed in Europe (and in other countries recognizing the CE marking) for this indication, and more specifically in patients suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure (Intermacs classes 1-4) who cannot benefit from maximal medical therapy or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and who are likely to receive a heart transplant within 180 days of implantation. Strong interest in Aeson from the medical community At the end of November 2024, CARMAT organizes the first 'Aeson European User Meeting'. This event will enable more than 100 European leaders in the field of cardiology to share their experience with the Aeson artificial heart. The event will focus on case studies and feedback from the various stakeholders managing patients (cardiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, etc.), with a view to better identifying patients who could benefit from Aeson, and enhancing the level of expertise of the centres. It will thus mark an important step towards wider adoption of the device, and better management of patients suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure. This event is part of the intensification, over the course of 2024, of the information and training effort around Aeson, including in particular CARMAT's participation in about ten key conferences attended by several hundred participants. This testifies to the growing interest shown by healthcare professionals in this innovative device, and to the critical need for effective solutions to treat patients who frequently find themselves at a therapeutic standstill. Ultimate goal: Get the 'destination therapy' indication Building on its growing and extremely encouraging experience in the bridge-to-transplant indication, CARMAT continues to ultimately aim for the 'destination therapy' ('DT') indication, which would enable patients to live sustainably under Aeson support without subsequent heart transplant. To this end, CARMAT confirms that it plans to resume its PIVOTAL study in Europe in the second half of 2025, on a cohort of patients not eligible to transplant. Approval in 'DT' would be decisive in meeting the critical challenge of the graft shortage, given that only 5% of patients in need of a transplant can currently benefit from it. As such, the DT indication represents the largest addressable market opportunity in cardiology. CARMAT estimates that obtaining this indication could take a few years. Stephane Piat, Chief Executive Officer of CARMAT, comments: "The growing success of our Aeson artificial heart as a bridge to transplant solution demonstrates the impact of this innovation on the lives of patients suffering from advanced heart failure. With 30 patients successfully bridged to transplant thanks to Aeson, including 16 since the beginning of the year, our device continues to prove that it has the potential to become a first-line solution to save patients at the ultimate stage of the disease. As we look ahead to the first Aeson user meeting, which will bring together over 100 European experts, we are proud to see the medical community becoming increasingly committed to the adoption of our technology. Together, we can make Aeson a new benchmark in the treatment of advanced biventricular heart failure." About CARMAT CARMAT is a French MedTech that designs, manufactures and markets the Aeson artificial heart. The Company's ambition is to make Aeson the first alternative to a heart transplant, and thus provide a therapeutic solution to people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, who are facing a well-known shortfall in available human grafts. The world's first physiological artificial heart that is highly hemocompatible, pulsatile and self-regulated, Aeson could save, every year, the lives of thousands of patients waiting for a heart transplant. The device offers patients quality of life and mobility thanks to its ergonomic and portable external power supply system that is continuously connected to the implanted prosthesis. Aeson is commercially available as a bridge to transplant in the European Union and other countries that recognize CE marking. Aeson is also currently being assessed within the framework of an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) in the United States. Founded in 2008, CARMAT is based in the Paris region, with its head offices located in Velizy-Villacoublay and its production site in Bois-d'Arcy. The Company can rely on the talent and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of circa 200 highly specialized people. CARMAT is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (Ticker: ALCAR ISIN code: FR0010907956). For more information, please go to www.carmatsa.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Name: CARMAT ISIN code: FR0010907956 Ticker: ALCAR Disclaimer This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, CARMAT shares in any country. This press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on the current estimates and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to risk factors and uncertainties, including those described in its universal registration document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) under number D.24-0374, as updated by an amendment to the 2023 universal registration document filed with the AMF on 17 September 2024 under number D. 24-0374-A01 (together the '2023 Universal Registration Document'), and available on CARMAT's website. Readers' attention is particularly drawn to the fact that the Company's current financing horizon is limited to the beginning of 2025 and that, given its financing requirements and the dilutive instruments in circulation, the Company's shareholders are likely to experience significant dilution of their stake in the Company in the short term. The Company is also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as the Company's ability to implement its strategy, the pace of development of CARMAT's production and sales, the pace and results of ongoing or planned clinical trials, technological developments, changes in the competitive environment, regulatory developments, industrial risks and all risks associated with managing the Company's growth. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release may not be achieved as a result of these factors or other unknown risks and uncertainties or factors that the Company does not currently consider material and specific. Aeson is an active implantable medical device commercially available in the European Union and other countries recognising the CE mark. The Aeson total artificial heart is intended to replace the ventricles of the native heart and is indicated as a bridge to transplant in patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure (Intermacs classes 1-4) who cannot benefit from maximal medical therapy or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and who are likely to benefit from a heart transplant within 180 days of implantation. The decision to implant and the surgical procedure must be carried out by healthcare professionals trained by the manufacturer. The documentation (clinician's manual, patient's manual and alarm booklet) must be read carefully to learn about the characteristics of Aeson and the information required for patient selection and proper use (contraindications, precautions, side effects) of Aeson. In the United States, Aeson is currently only available as part of a feasibility clinical trial approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA). 1 France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, USA and Kazakhstan View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112076354/en/ Contacts: CARMAT Stephane Piat Chief Executive Officer Pascale d'Arbonneau Chief Financial Officer Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50 contact@carmatsas.com Alize RP Press Relations Caroline Carmagnol Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59 carmat@alizerp.com NewCap Financial Communication & Investor Relations Dusan Oresansky Jeremy Digel Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 92 carmat@newcap.eu CHICAGO, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cashco, a provider of highly-engineered pressure management solutions such as regulators, control valves, and tank safety equipment, today announced that it has been acquired by May River Capital ("May River"), a Midwest-based private equity firm focused on helping high-caliber industrial businesses grow and prosper. Founded in 1920, Cashco is a well-established and trusted provider of efficiency- and safety-focused flow control products. Headquartered in Ellsworth, Kansas, with operations in Houston, Texas, and outside Berlin, Germany, Cashco is known for its deep application experience, breadth of product offerings, heightened product quality, and aftermarket service offerings. Cashco has strong relationships with blue-chip end-users, value-added representatives, distributors, and engineering, procurement, and construction firms globally. Cashco's products offer customers mission-critical accuracy, reliability and safety in process flow control in diverse industries, including industrial gas, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, semiconductor, alternative fuels, and petrochemicals, among others. Under the leadership of President Clint Rogers, Cashco has achieved impressive growth over the past several years and is well-positioned to benefit from industry tailwinds in the diverse industries it serves. Rogers and the entire Cashco leadership team will continue to lead the organization in their current roles. "We are proud of our heritage, brand, and values at Cashco, and are excited to partner with May River as we embark on the next phase of growth," Rogers said. "May River has significant industrial sector focus along with deep financial and operational resources, which will allow us to continue to support our customers globally." Rahul Deshmukh, May River's operating executive, will transition to CEO and executive chairman of Cashco. "Cashco represents a high-quality business to serve as a growth platform for May River," Deshmukh said. "We are delighted to partner with Clint Rogers and his experienced leadership team to drive growth and innovation in the business. We are committed to significant investment to build out this platform in the coming years, both organically and through M&A activity." Phil Ramsbottom, Principal at May River, said, "This strategy represents our fourth platform in the flow control sector, our deepest area of experience. Cashco's leadership has built a tremendous foundation from which we plan to grow through further investments in new products, new markets, and complementary add-ons. We are excited to partner with Rahul, Clint, and the balance of the team to better serve Cashco's loyal base of global customers." Paul Hastings LLP and BMO Capital Markets served as legal counsel and financial advisor to May River, respectively. Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to Cashco. BMO Harris Bank provided debt financing in support of the acquisition. About Cashco Cashco is a well-established designer, manufacturer, and servicer of a broad line of industrial control products. Products include regulators, control valves, controllers, pressure/vacuum relief vents, and flame and detonation arrestors. Cashco services customers in industries including industrial gas, chemicals, terminal storage, electronics, and food and pharmaceuticals, through a worldwide network of offices and representatives. For more information, please visit www.cashco.com. About May River Capital May River Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on partnering with lower middle-market, industrial growth businesses. May River invests in high-performing companies in such sectors as advanced manufacturing, engineered products and instrumentation, specialized industrial services, and value-added industrial distribution services. For more information, please visit www.mayrivercapital.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256500/May_River_Capital_LLC_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/may-river-capital-acquires-cashco-as-its-first-investment-in-a-new-flow-control-solutions-platform-302301734.html HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, Nov 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - analytica Vietnam, the largest international exhibition for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology, and diagnostics in Vietnam, will hold its 8th edition from April 2 to 4, 2025. The show is set to expand significantly with the addition of Hall A2 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), bringing the total exhibition area to 8,000 square meters nearly doubling the space of the 2023 edition.The expansion is supported by major governmental and scientific organizations, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, National Agency for Science and Technology Information (NASATI), Center for Science and Technology Information (CESTI), Vietnam Association of Testing Laboratories (VINALAB), and VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS), all of which solidify analytica Vietnam's position as Vietnam's leading platform for advancing laboratory technology and science.Expanded Space and Record Exhibitor LineupFor the first time, Hall A1 reached full capacity six months ahead of the event, driven by strong interest from international exhibitors eager to explore Vietnam's rapidly growing laboratory and biotechnology markets. The addition of Hall A2 will not only accommodate more exhibitors but also enhance the event's capacity for networking and knowledge exchange, solidifying analytica Vietnam 2025 as the region's most comprehensive industry platform.LECO Corporation, a key returning exhibitor, expressed strong support for this expansion: "It is a fantastic idea for expanding the exhibition space for analytica Vietnam 2025. This increased space will provide LECO and our customers with more opportunities to meet, exchange information, and share experiences. Additionally, it will allow LECO to showcase our services and products to a wider range of consumers in a more efficient and visually appealing manner. Expanding analytica Vietnam is essential, and we fully support this initiative."The upcoming edition is expected to welcome over 350 exhibitors and brands from various countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, the USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. These exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions to more than 6,000 professional visitors from Vietnam and the ASEAN region. Confirmed exhibitors include industry leaders such as ITS Vietnam, DKSH Vietnam, HTI Scientific, Shimadzu, Merck, Anton Paar, FUJIFILM Wako, Waters, Hoa Viet, Kimteco, 2H Instrument, Oriental Giken, Metrohm, LECO, Mettler Toledo, ESCO, Labware, Yamato Scientific, Azenta Life Sciences, METHOD, and Asciotech.Hoa Viet, another returning exhibitor, commented on the expansion:"We're excited about the additional space, which will allow us to present our latest technology products and core solutions to a broader audience. This expansion is a great opportunity for us to increase our visibility and connect with more customers in Vietnam's fast-growing laboratory market."Comprehensive Supporting ProgramsBeyond the exhibition, analytica Vietnam 2025 will offer a range of supporting programs to foster meaningful engagement and professional development. These include an Academic Conference featuring thought leaders discussing the latest research and trends in laboratory sciences. The Exhibitor Forum will provide a platform for exhibitors to share insights on industry developments, while a series of seminars will address key challenges and emerging technologies in the laboratory sector. Additionally, a Business Matching Area will facilitate targeted networking opportunities, and the Hosted Buyer Programme will connect high-level decision-makers from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other ASEAN countries with exhibitors, fostering strategic partnerships.A Vital Platform for Growth and InnovationAs Vietnam's laboratory market continues its rapid growth, analytica Vietnam 2025 will serve as a critical platform for companies seeking to tap into this burgeoning industry. The expanded exhibition space, coupled with new features and global participation, ensures that this year's event will be a pivotal moment for professionals in the laboratory, biotechnology, and diagnostic sectors. Attendees can expect unparalleled opportunities to discover the latest innovations, forge international partnerships, and gain insights into market trends. Whether you're an exhibitor or a visitor, analytica Vietnam 2025 will offer a transformative experience, providing the tools, connections, and knowledge to navigate the future of the industry.For more information, please visit www.analyticavietnam.com or contact our team at analyticavietnam@mmiasia.com.sgAbout analytica Vietnamanalytica Vietnam is the premier trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, and biotechnology in Southeast Asia. Organized by Messe Munchen, the event brings together industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to showcase the latest technologies, exchange knowledge, and foster business collaborations. analytica Vietnam features an exhibition, conference, pre-event laboratory tours, buyer-seller programs, and networking opportunities, providing a comprehensive platform for the laboratory and biotechnology industries in the region. The upcoming edition is set to take place from April 2 to 4, 2025 at the SECC - Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center. More details can be found here (www.analyticavietnam.com/).About analytica worldwideMesse Munchen is the world's leading trade fair organizer for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology. The international network of exhibitions includes analytica, analytica China, analytica Anacon India & India Lab Expo, analytica Vietnam and analytica Lab Africa. Additional information about these exhibitions and their programs of events is available at www.analytica.de.About MMI Asia Pte LtdEstablished in 1992, MMI Asia is the wholly owned subsidiary and the regional headquarters of Messe Munchen GMBH (MMG) and is one of the world largest and leading exhibition organizers. MMI Asia-s portfolio of events include editions of worldleading trade fairs from Munich - transport logistic & air cargo, analytica, ceramitec; as well as industry-specific events such as Glasstech and Fenestration Asia, Asia Climate Forum, and Singapore International Water Week. MMI Asia also provides consultancy in professional trade fair and conference management to government bodies, international trade and promotion organizations, and trade associations. For more information, please visit www.mmiasia.com.About Messe MunchenAs one of the world's leading trade fair organizers, Messe Munchen presents the world of tomorrow at its about 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve of the world's leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, electronica, and ISPO. Messe Munchen's portfolio comprises trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, as well as for new technologies. Together with its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the U.S. With a network of more than 15 affiliated companies and almost 70 representations worldwide, Messe Munchen is active in more than 130 countries. The more than 150 events held annually attract around 50,000 exhibitors and around three million visitors in Germany and abroad.Exhibition Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Daniel ShiExhibition Directordaniel@mmiasia.com.sgPress Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Joey NgSenior Exhibition Executivejoey@mmiasia.com.sgSource: MMI Asia Pte Ltd (MMI)Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. STOCKHOLM, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SciBase Holding AB ("SciBase") (STO: SCIB), a leading developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions for skin is excited to announce the publication of a case study highlighting the use of Nevisense as a skin barrier assessment device in monitoring treatment outcomes in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The study, conducted by a team of researchers at Koc University in Istanbul, demonstrates the potential of Nevisense to revolutionize the way AD patients are treated and monitored. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal skin barrier dysfunction and altered immune response, affecting an estimated 7% of adults and up to 20% of children globally. The findings of this study show that Nevisense, which utilizes electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to assess skin barrier integrity, can effectively track changes in skin barrier function in response to treatment with dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 activity. The case study followed the progress of an 8-year-old girl with severe AD over a period of 6 months, measuring improvements in skin barrier integrity using Nevisense. The results were extremely positive, with the patient's SCORAD improving from 96 to 37 by the end of the treatment period. The correlation between SCORAD and Nevisense output (EIS) was significant, highlighting the potential for Nevisense to be used as a non-invasive tool to evaluate treatment efficacy in AD patients. "These findings are truly groundbreaking in the field of dermatology, as they demonstrate the importance of maintaining skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis," Pia Renaudin, CEO of SciBase. "Nevisense has the potential to improve the standard of care for millions of AD patients around the world by allowing healthcare providers to monitor treatment outcomes more effectively." With the growing prevalence of atopic dermatitis and the increasing demand for innovative treatment options, the market for skin barrier assessment devices is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. By being at the forefront of this emerging market, SciBase is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced diagnostic tools in dermatology. The full article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.24953/turkjpediatr.2024.4902 For additional information, please contact: Pia Renaudin, CEO, tel. +46732069802, e-mail: pia.renaudin@scibase.com Certified Advisor (CA): Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ) Phone: +46 (0)73 856 42 65 E-mail: certifiedadviser@carnegie.se About SciBase SciBase is a global medical technology company, specializing in early detection and prevention in dermatology. SciBase develops and commercializes Nevisense, a unique point-of-care platform that combines AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced EIS technology to enhance diagnostic accuracy, ensuring proactive skin health management. Our commitment is to minimize patient suffering, allowing clinicians to improve and save lives through timely detection and intervention and reduce healthcare costs. Built on more than 20 years of research at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, SciBase is a leader in dermatological advancements. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/scibase/r/scibase-announces-positive-findings-in-case-study-monitoring-treatment-outcomes-in-atopic-dermatitis,c4065465 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/12371/4065465/3110323.pdf Turkey Barrier Press release - Final https://news.cision.com/scibase/i/koc-case-study-8-year-old,c3351274 Koc case study 8 year old View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/scibase-announces-positive-findings-in-case-study-monitoring-treatment-outcomes-in-atopic-dermatitis-patient-302303787.html Guillaume Rouaud will cease to be CEO on December 1 st , 2024, to pursue new projects Charlie Evrard, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, will again combine the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Regulatory News: Mon Courtier Energie Groupe (ISIN code: FR001400H3A0 Ticker: ALMCE), a B2B energy brokerage company, today announces a change in the Group's management. Guillaume Rouaud has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since January 8, to devote himself to new projects. His departure will be effective from December 1, 2024. He will remain a member of the Board of Directors of Mon Courtier Energie Groupe. Guillaume Rouaud had joined Mon Courtier Energie Groupe as Sales Director in 2019, and then successively held the positions of Deputy CEO and CEO. From December 1, 2024, Charlie Evrard, Chairman of the Board and founder of the Group, will again combine the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, as he did until January 8. Guillaume Rouaud says: "After five particularly productive years with Mon Courtier Energie Groupe, I have decided to embark on a new chapter in my professional life. I would like to thank Charlie Evrard and all the staff who make up the strength and wealth of the group." Charlie Evrard, Founder and Chairman of Mon Courtier Energie Groupe, comments: "I would like to express my deep gratitude to Guillaume Rouaud for his commitment and contribution to the growth of Mon Courtier Energie Groupe. We wish him all the best in his future professional and personal endeavours and look forward to continuing to benefit from his expertise in the energy sector as a member of the Board of Directors." About Mon Courtier Energie Groupe Founded in Bordeaux in 2017, in just a few years Mon Courtier Energie Groupe has become a major player in energy brokerage and the leading French network on the B2B market. The Group's mission is to help companies with the global management of their energy budget in order to reduce or optimise their gas and/or electricity bill. Mon Courtier Energie Groupe service offer comprises brokerage and advice regarding energy purchasing, the management and optimisation of contracts and energy transition guidance. Mon Courtier Energie Groupe draws on the expertise of around 212 employees split between the head office in Bordeaux, licensed agencies in the regions and internationally in Spain and Belgium. For further information, please go to www.moncourtierenergie.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112609780/en/ Contacts: Mon Courtier Energie Groupe Charlie Evrard Chairman of the Board investisseurs@moncourtierenergie.com NewCap Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky Investor Relations mce@newcap.eu Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations mce@newcap.eu Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 PARIS (dpa-AFX) - RTL Group (AUO.F), a Luxembourgian media conglomerate, reported that its group revenue from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2024 declined 5.5 percent to 1.338 billion euros from the prior year, mainly due to lower content revenue at Fremantle and lower advertising revenue.RTL Group now expects its full-year 2024 revenue to be approximately 6.3 billion euros, lower than the previous guidance of around 6.6 billion euros. This revision is attributed to weaker-than-expected advertising revenue in Germany and a decline in global content production revenue.RTL Group expects its Adjusted EBITA for 2024 to be around 750 million euros, with a variance of plus/minus 50 million euros. Due to the persistent weakness of the German economy and TV advertising market, RTL Group now expects its Adjusted EBITA to come in at the lower end of the range.RTL Group's dividend policy remains unchanged. RTL Group plans to pay out at least 80 per cent of the adjusted full-year net result.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. PERTH (SCOTLAND) (dpa-AFX) - Energy company SSE plc (SSE.L) Wednesday reported Wednesday that its first-half profit before tax climbed 37.5 percent to 845.9 million pounds from last year's 615.3 million pounds.Earnings per share grew 55.4 percent to 47.7 pence from 30.7 pence a year ago.Adjusted profit before tax was 714.5 million pounds, compared to 565.2 million pounds a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were 49.8 pence, compared to 37.0 pence last year.Operating profit grew 40.1 percent year-over-year to 902.8 million pounds, and adjusted operating profit improved 24.1 percent to 860.2 million pounds.Revenue, meanwhile, dropped to 4.46 billion pounds from prior year's 4.79 billion pounds.The company further declared an interim dividend of 21.2 pence, reflecting an increase of 6 percent on prior year.Looking ahead, SSE said its expectations remain unchanged for full year adjusted operating profits.The company will provide adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2025 later in the financial year.Further, SSE said it remains on track to deliver 2027 adjusted earnings per share of between 175 - 200p.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BUCHAREST (dpa-AFX) - Romania's industrial output continued to decline in September, data from the National Institute of Statistics showed on Wednesday.Industrial production logged a seasonally and working-day adjusted decrease of 3.6 percent year-over-year in September, maintaining the same pace as the previous month.Manufacturing output contracted 3.7 percent annually in September. Output in the energy sector fell 2.8 percent, and mining and quarrying production dropped 4.1 percent.On an unadjusted basis, industrial production declined 3.7 percent from last year.Month-on-month, industrial production fell slightly by 0.1 percent in September.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. OSLO, Norway, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO) today reported Hexvix/Cysview revenues of NOK 120.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2023: NOK 107.3 million), and EBITDA of NOK 5.0 million (NOK 3.3 million) for the Company. Photocure reiterates its 2024 financial guidance and continues to expect consolidated product revenue growth of 6% to 9% in constant currency and positive EBITDA excluding business development expenses. "We delivered solid performance in the third quarter, generating 12% Hexvix/Cysview revenue growth and NOK 5.0 million in EBITDA. Year-to-date, we have reported 9% growth in product revenues. Our business segments in North American and Europe both generated positive contributions during the quarter, and we made progress on key initiatives that we are pursuing to accelerate our growth going forward,"says Dan Schneider, President & Chief Executive Officer of Photocure. Photocure reported total group revenues of NOK 120.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 (NOK 107.5 million), and EBITDA* of NOK 5.0 million (NOK 3.3 million), driven by revenue growth in North America and Europe. Hexvix/Cysview revenues ended at NOK 120.1 million in the quarter (Q3 2023: NOK 107.3 million). The EBIT was NOK -2.2 million (NOK -3.9 million) and the cash balance at the end of the period was NOK 291.1 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2024, the installed base of rigid BLC systems in the U.S. was 387, up 13% since Q3 2023. This includes 18 mobile towers owned by ForTec Medical. Photocure estimates that 25 flexible BLC towers remain in the U.S. market. Photocure also entered into a strategic agreement with Richard Wolf GmbH to develop and commercialize a next-generation flexible blue light cystoscope based on Richard Wolf's system blue technology with the goal to reintroduce and grow the use of BLC with Cysview/Hexvix in the surveillance setting. "We are also positioning for the future with our Richard Wolf partnership to develop and commercialize a state-of-the-art flexible high-definition blue light system. This partnership is focused on ensuring that physicians and patients have reliable access to high quality BLC equipment in the surveillance setting. The development project is well underway, with the goal to bring a new flexible BLC system to patients globally as soon as possible. Additionally, the Karl Storz' Citizen's Petition to have BLC equipment reclassified in the U.S. from Class 3 to Class 2 is another significant opportunity that we continue to monitor and pro-actively support,"Schneider adds. Photocure believes that the benefits of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Hexvix/Cysview offering superior detection and management of bladder cancer will continue to be adopted and become the standard of care. Photocure reiterates its 2024 guidance and continues to expect consolidated product revenue growth of 6% to 9% in constant currency, positive EBITDA excluding business development expenses, and new and upgraded Saphira installations in the U.S. in the range of 55 to 70 towers. "With our business continuing to show steady growth, industry trends in our favor, and a number of initiatives underway that can enable Hexvix/Cysview to grow faster, I believe that Photocure is well-positioned to deliver value to patients and our shareholders in the coming quarters," Schneider concludes. Please find the full financial report and presentation enclosed. EBITDA* and other alternative performance measures (APMs) are defined and reconciled to the IFRS financial statements as a part of the APM section of the third quarter 2024 financial report on page 23. The quarterly report and presentation will be published at 08:00 CET and will be publicly available at www.photocure.com. Dan Schneider, CEO and Erik Dahl, CFO, will host a live webcast at 14:00 CET. The presentation will be held in English and questions can be submitted throughout the event. The streaming event is available through https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20241113_5/ The presentation is scheduled to conclude at 14:45 CET. For further information, please contact: Dan Schneider President and CEO Photocure ASA Email: ds@photocure.com Erik Dahl Chief Financial Officer Email: ed@photocure.no David Moskowitz Vice President of Investor Relations Tel: +1 202 280 0888 Email: david.moskowitz@photocure.com Media and IR enquiries: Geir Bjrlo Corporate Communications (Norway) Tel: +47 91540000 Email: geir.bjorlo@corpcom.no About Photocure ASA Photocure: The Bladder Cancer Company delivers transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. Our unique technology, making cancer cells glow bright pink, has led to better health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). For more information, please visit us at www.photocure.com, www.hexvix.com, www.cysview.com All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA. This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Tolv Hillestad, Group Controller, Photocure ASA, on 13 November 2024 at 08:00 CET. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/photocure/r/photocure-asa--results-for-the-third-quarter-of-2024,c4065543 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/17498/4065543/3110583.pdf Release https://mb.cision.com/Public/17498/4065543/860ae291097f5799.pdf PHO Q3 2024 REPORT https://mb.cision.com/Public/17498/4065543/9430740bef4cf21b.pdf PHO Q3 2024 PRESENTATION View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/photocure-asa-results-for-the-third-quarter-of-2024-302303824.html Recognizing Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and Bronson Methodist Hospital for excellence in Physician and Hospital Groups LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT) a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, announced the 2023 winners of the Clarivate Healthcare Business Insights annual Revenue Cycle Awards. Now in its 12th year, the Revenue Cycle Awards recognize U.S.-based healthcare organizations for exceptional performance on revenue cycle KPIs, based on data from their most recent and preceding full fiscal years. The 2023 recipients include Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Physician Group) - SC; Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group) - OH; Bronson Methodist Hospital - MI; and Roper St. Francis Healthcare - SC. The Clarivate Healthcare Business Insights Revenue Cycle Awards honor healthcare organizations demonstrating excellence in KPIs critical to fiscal health. This year's winners achieved top decile performance across diverse metrics and implemented forward-looking initiatives to address key challenges in the healthcare landscape. Brad Cording, Vice President, Product Management, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Clarivate, said: "We are honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year's Revenue Cycle Award recipients, whose commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for the healthcare industry. By demonstrating innovation and resilience in the face of today's complex challenges, these organizations underscore the importance of effective revenue cycle management in fostering financial health and enhancing patient care. We are proud to support and celebrate their successes within the healthcare community." In addition to financial outcomes, recipients were selected based on effective revenue cycle operations, including initial denial percentages across revenue cycle areas that reveal insights into root causes and workflow accuracy. Entrants also highlighted initiatives focused on revenue cycle data analytics, process optimization, and payer management. While all winners share high-performing revenue cycles, they represent varied segments within the healthcare landscape, as defined by annual net revenue. The 2023 Healthcare Business Insights Revenue Cycle Awards winners are: Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Physician Group) - 2023 Revenue Cycle Award Winner: $250 Million or Less Net Revenue Roper St. Francis Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with locations throughout South Carolina. Roper St. Francis Healthcare generated approximately $160 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Key achievements: Top decile performance on cash collections as a percentage of net revenue: 108.3% Top decile performance on overall appeal success rate: 98.7% Roper St. Francis Healthcare, through its partnership with Ensemble Health Partners, utilizes various revenue cycle analytics reporting packages and uses proprietary automation and AI software to improve revenue cycle processes and financial outcomes. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with locations throughout South Carolina. Roper St. Francis Healthcare generated approximately $160 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Key achievements: Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group) - 2023 Revenue Cycle Award Winner: $250 Million to $500 Million Net Revenue Bon Secours Mercy Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group) generated approximately $333 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group). Key achievements: Bon Secours Mercy Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group) generated approximately $333 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Bon Secours Mercy Health (Physician Group). Key achievements: Top decile year-over-year improvement on cash collections as a percentage of net revenue: 13.2% improvement Top decile performance on percentage of dollars initially denied by payers due to coding errors: 1.6% Bon Secours Mercy Health has implemented initiatives to hold payers accountable when performance is not meeting contractual obligations and to address inappropriate claim delays and denials. Bronson Methodist Hospital - 2023 Revenue Cycle Award Winner - $500 Million to $1 Billion Net Revenue Bronson Methodist Hospital is regional medical center and children's hospital in Michigan and is part of Bronson Healthcare. It generated approximately $915 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Key achievements: Top decile year-over-year improvement on initial denials due to patient access errors: 26.8% improvement Top decile year-over-year improvement on initial denials due to coding errors: 6.7% improvement Bronson Methodist Hospital has a revenue cycle business analytics department that uses data to help improve performance, implemented an internal staff development program, developed a metric to help identify the impact of payer denials on actual cash yield versus expected, and more. Bronson Methodist Hospital is regional medical center and children's hospital in Michigan and is part of Bronson Healthcare. It generated approximately $915 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Key achievements: Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Hospital Group) - 2023 Revenue Cycle Award Winner: $1 Billion+ Net Revenue Roper St. Francis Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with locations throughout South Carolina. Roper St. Francis Healthcare generated approximately $160 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Key achievements: Top decile year-over-year improvement on net A/R days: 0.4 day improvement Top decile performance on initial denials due to patient access errors: 19.7% Roper St. Francis Healthcare, through its partnership with Ensemble Health Partners, utilizes various revenue cycle analytics reporting packages and uses proprietary automation and AI software to improve revenue cycle processes and financial outcomes. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with locations throughout South Carolina. Roper St. Francis Healthcare generated approximately $160 million annual net revenue in 2023 and is a first-time Revenue Cycle Award winner. Ensemble Health Partners manages revenue cycle operations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Key achievements: Clarivate Healthcare Business Insights proudly partners with over 1,900 hospitals and health systems across the United States, supporting healthcare leaders in optimizing performance, enhancing employee engagement and retention strategies, and navigating an evolving market-all with a focus on putting patients first. Through the Revenue Cycle Awards program, Clarivate Healthcare Business Insights not only highlights the achievements reflected in the metrics but also showcases the initiatives behind them with exclusive content, fostering connections between leaders from award-winning organizations and the broader healthcare community. To learn more about Clarivate Healthcare Business Insights, visit www.clarivate.com/products/healthcare-business-insights/. About Clarivate Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com. Media Contact Catherine Daniel Director, External Communications, Life Sciences & Healthcare newsroom@clarivate.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1159266/Clarivate_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clarivate-healthcare-business-insights-unveils-2023-revenue-cycle-award-winners-302301637.html LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RiverFort Global Capital Ltd. ("RiverFort") is pleased to announce a US$5,000,000 Strategic Project Financing agreement with Ariana Resources plc (AAU.LN), the AIM-listed gold exploration, development and production company. This financing will drive Ariana's development of the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe and support its other project interests ahead of an ASX dual listing. RiverFort has funded US$2,000,000 upfront and has agreed to cornerstone no less than A$350k in equity (up to A$500k) in their planned ASX dual listing. Ariana envisages that funds will be repaid from operational cashflow over the 18 month term, but the company retains at its option to settle the payments in shares to preserve capital runway as the board elects. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 13, 2024at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conferencein Baku today, directly addressing the key conference themes of climate finance and adaptation. In his address to COP 29 delegates, Hon. Asterio Appi, Nauru's Minister for Climate Change and National Resilience, presented the innovative financing initiative as an opportunity for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific. Minister Appi highlighted the program's broader impact: "Nauru, like many South Pacific nations, plays an outsized role in protecting globally significant biodiversity. Our ecosystems support more rare, endangered, and threatened species than those anywhere else on Earth. Yet we stand on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, intensifying storm surges, and accelerating biodiversity loss. The consequences of global warming are rendering Pacific Island states increasingly uninhabitable. By choosing Nauru's citizenship program, investors aren't merely securing their own future - they're investing in the future of our planet." The UN has repeatedly stressed that access to finance, and in particular climate finance, is a critical enablerto help Small Island Developing Statesand urgently require access to external financial support to build resilience in the social, economic, and natural systems on which they, and the rest of the world, depend. However, the current climate and development finance architecture is exceedingly complex and ill-equipped to operate efficiently, fairly, and at the speed and scale needed to meet SIDS's needs. Secure global mobility and contribute to a sustainable future Speaking at the program's launch event in Baku, newly appointed Director of Compliance of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program Office, Isa Seow, pointed out that as the world's smallest independent republic and third-smallest country, "Nauru is a testament to resilience and innovation, pioneering a unique approach to citizenship that combines economic growth with environmental stewardship." Seow explained that the program offers a streamlined path to citizenship, with processing times of just three to four months. Investors can secure Nauruan citizenship through a contribution to the national Treasury Fund, starting at USD 105,000 for a single applicant. This investment unlocks benefits for international investors including visa-free access to 89 destinations, unrestricted dual citizenship, and the ability to extend citizenship to family members. He underscored the program's commitment to integrity: "We've implemented rigorous due diligence processes and robust governance structures to ensure that only individuals of the highest caliber participate in shaping Nauru's future. This program isn't just about acquiring another passport; it's about joining a community dedicated to pioneering solutions for global challenges." Sovereign equity instead of sovereign debt Nauru's government has mandated leading international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partnersto design, set up, and run the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program. The firm's Government Advisory practice has assisted the governments of over 20 jurisdictions and countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania in designing, setting up, operating, and promoting investment-related residence and citizenship programs and has raised more than USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment. His Excellency David Adeang, President of the Republic of Nauru, says, "Investment migration has emerged as a powerful mechanism for mitigating sustainability risks and enhancing climate resilience. Nauru's program sets a new standard in this realm, channeling investments directly into projects that safeguard the nation's future and contribute to global environmental preservation. Nauru's innovative approach offers a tangible example of how nations can leverage private investment to address pressing environmental challenges." Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says, "What sets residence and citizenship by investment programs apart from debt-driven financing approaches is that they enhance the sovereign equity of the nations that host them. They do not require compromising or sacrificing one strategic objective to achieve another. Investment migration is a true win-win, long-term, sustainable solution for all stakeholders, whether they are investors or nation states and their citizens. More and more governments are seeing the benefits of residence and citizenship programs as a mechanism to mitigate sustainability risks by financing development initiatives." Notes to Editors: About the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program offers a straightforward pathway to citizenship through a direct contribution to the Treasury Fund of Nauru. Main applicant requirements: A minimum age of 18 years A clean personal background Proof of the source of funds Contribution USD 105,000 for a single applicant USD 110,000 for a family of two-four members USD 115,000 for a family of five or more members USD 15,000 for each additional sibling of the main applicant or their spouse Application fee USD 25,000 for a single applicant USD 27,500 for a family of two-four members USD 30,000 for a family of five or more members Due diligence fee USD 10,000 for the main applicant USD 7,500 per additional family member aged 16 or older (spouse, sibling, child, or qualifying adult dependent) Passport fee USD 500 per passport, to be paid to the Nauru Government Applicants undergo thorough due diligence checks and are required to attend an interview. Upon approval, applicants make the required contribution, take the Oath of Allegiance to Nauru, and receive their certificate of citizenship and Nauruan passport. www.ecrcp.gov.nr Media Contact For further information, please contact: Lyall Mercer Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program Office Email: media@nr.prgoff.com Mobile: +61 413 749 830 ZURICH, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EF Education First (EF), a global provider of culturally immersive education, released the 2024 edition of its EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) - the largest international survey of English skills by countries, capital cities and regions, published annually since 2011. For the sixth consecutive year, the Netherlands retained the top spot, Norway came in second, followed by Singapore. Overall, the 2024 index, calculated from the test results of 2.1 million non-native English speakers, aged 18+, in 116 countries and regions, reports an ongoing softening of worldwide English proficiency where men remain more proficient than women, and young professionals more proficient than students and adults over 40. "The global landscape of English proficiency is constantly evolving," said EF EPI author Kate Bell. "While the Middle East and Africa have improved this year, on the whole, we see a slow but persistent decline in the level of English among adults elsewhere. This trend supports the impression that in 2024, the expectation in many countries is that everyone speaks English, regardless of the reality, leading to a loss of focus on improving English proficiency in both the education system and the private sector." Key findings: Declining global proficiency: 60 percent of countries are scoring somewhat lower this year than last. On the positive side, the long downward youth proficiency trend in the 18 - 20 cohort halted this year. 60 percent of countries are scoring somewhat lower this year than last. On the positive side, the long downward in the 18 - 20 cohort halted this year. Persistent gender gap: Since last year, women's English proficiency remained stable while men's declined, which has narrowed the gender gap. However, in 40 countries, men's English proficiency is still significantly higher than women's. Africa remains the exception, as the only continent where women have consistently better English skills than men, and women's proficiency improved the most. Worldwide, the gender gap is widest among the youngest cohort and narrows progressively over time. Since last year, women's English proficiency remained stable while men's declined, which has narrowed the gender gap. However, in 40 countries, men's English proficiency is still significantly higher than women's. remains the exception, as the only continent where women have consistently better English skills than men, and women's proficiency improved the most. Worldwide, the gender gap is widest among the and narrows progressively over time. Regional developments: Asia's English proficiency declined more than any other region compared to last year, mainly driven by India and, to a lesser extent, China. English proficiency in Europe also declined slightly, with a larger decline within the EU versus outside of it. After years of rising proficiency, Latin America's regional average remained stable, with regional differences. In the Middle East, English proficiency continues to improve slowly, particularly in Saudia Arabia. The EF EPI trend report is available for download. EF Education First provides culturally immersive education through language, travel, cultural exchange, and academic programs in over 100 countries. Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF's mission is opening the world through education. Media contact: Sonja Hildebrandt. Email: mediainquiry@ef.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2554082/EF_English_Proficiency_Index_2024.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2554081/EF_Education_First_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worldwide-english-proficiency-index-reports-persistent-global-decline-with-weaker-skills-in-women-and-young-adults-302301817.html London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Bradda Head Lithium Ltd. (AIM: BHL), the North America-focused lithium development group, is pleased to confirm the Company will be participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment London event, taking place on the 14 and 15 November 2024. Company Chairman Ian Stalker will be attending 121 meetings on behalf of the Company throughout the course of the event. Ian Stalker will also be presenting at the Proactive One2One Investor Forum on 14 November 2024 at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, with the event taking place from 5:30pm. The accompanying presentation will be available on the Company website following the conclusion of the event. Ian Stalker, Executive Chairman, commented: "Participation in these events reflects our commitment to engage with capital markets, particularly important as we renew our focus on our London-listing, but also holds importance as we approach a pivotal moment in the Company's trajectory with the Metallurgical Scoping Study on the San Domingo spodumene bearing pegmatites. Ensuring the market understands the potential behind this innovative study, which we believe will accelerate the process to achieving a mineable resource at San Domingo, is imperative as we ready ourselves to be at the front of the curve as demand for U.S. lithium increases exponentially." To register for the event, please use the following link: https://www.weare121.com/121mininginvestment-london/register-investor/ For further information please visit the Company's website: www.braddaheadltd.com. ENDS Contact: Bradda Head Lithium Limited +44 (0) 1624 639 396 Ian Stalker, Executive Chair Denham Eke, Finance Director Beaumont Cornish (Nomad) James Biddle / Roland Cornish +44 20 7628 3396 Panmure Liberum (Joint Broker) +44 20 7886 2500 Kieron Hodgson / Rauf Munir Shard Capital (Joint Broker) +44 207 186 9927 Damon Heath / Isabella Pierre Tavistock (PR) + 44 20 7920 3150 Nick Elwes / Josephine Clerkin braddahead@tavistock.co.uk About Bradda Head Lithium Ltd. Bradda Head Lithium Ltd. is a North America-focused lithium development group. The Company currently has interests in a variety of projects, the most advanced of which are in Central and Western Arizona: The Basin Project (Basin East Project, and the Basin West Project) and the Wikieup Project. The Basin East Project has a Measured Mineral Resource of 20 Mt at an average grade of 929 ppm Li for a total of 99 kt LCE and an Indicated Mineral Resource of 122 Mt at an average grade of 860 ppm Li and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 499 Mt at an average grade of 810 ppm Li for a total of 2.81 Mt LCE. The Group intends to continue to develop its three phase one projects in Arizona, whilst endeavouring to unlock value at its other prospective pegmatite and brine assets in Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. All of Bradda Head's licences are held on a 100% equity basis and are in close proximity to the required infrastructure. Bradda Head is quoted on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of BHL. Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229774 SOURCE: 121 Mining Investment Conference Commerzbank AG - Pre-Stabilisation notice PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 13 November 13, 2024 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. Commerzbank AG EUR Green Tier 2 Fixed-to-Fixed Resettable Green Subordinated Note due 2037 Pre-Stabilisation Notice Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Commerzbank AG Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500,000,000 Description: EUR Green Tier 2 Fixed-to-Fixed resettable Notes due 2037 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: maturity 20 February 2037, reset date 20 Feb 2032, denoms 100k/100k, payment date 20 Nov 2024 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG Danske Bank Deutsche Bank HSBC ING Stabilisation period expected to start on: 13th November 2024 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Frankfurt SE, regulated market In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. END The report uncovers a 21% year-over-year increase in fraud attempts New York, Nov. 13, 2024, a global identity verification and authentication platform, offers some early findings from its 2025 Identity Fraud Report. It shows a 21% increase in fraud attempts and unveils new industry-specific threats and global fraud trends. From financial services to e-commerce, identity fraud continues to evolve, taking on unique forms in different industries and regions worldwide. These early insights underscore the necessity of dynamic, layered defenses to keep pace with the emerging fraud landscape. "Fraudsters leverage new technologies and have refined their tactics to evade detection. They share their insights in their communities, unlike the businesses in the IDV industry, although we fight the common enemy - fraud online. Sharing knowledge and expertise in our fraud report is a step towards raising awareness and building an anti-fraud community," said Kaarel Kotkas, CEO and founder of Veriff. Early insights from the report: Fraud hotspots. This year, financial services and e-commerce were hit hardest by online fraud, with authorized fraud in e-commerce surging to over 18 times the global average. The ease of unauthorized access and high rewards in these sectors make them prime targets for fraudsters. This year, financial services and e-commerce were hit hardest by online fraud, with authorized fraud in e-commerce surging to over 18 times the global average. The ease of unauthorized access and high rewards in these sectors make them prime targets for fraudsters. Regional variability. While the global threat of identity fraud remains high, certain regions experience distinct fraud patterns in 2024. This variation highlights the importance of region-specific defenses and the need for businesses to stay vigilant in monitoring local fraud trends. While the global threat of identity fraud remains high, certain regions experience distinct fraud patterns in 2024. This variation highlights the importance of region-specific defenses and the need for businesses to stay vigilant in monitoring local fraud trends. Emerging fraud tactics. Impersonation attacks accounted for more than 82% of the fraud attempts Veriff intercepted, while sophisticated adversary-in-the-middle* attacks surged by 46% compared to last year, highlighting an increase in the complexity of fraudsters' tactics. Based on a comprehensive analysis of fraud patterns across industries, regions, and emerging tech, the report captures an in-depth picture of online fraud and shares the predictions by fraud experts for combating it. Looking ahead to 2025, Veriff's report offers predictions, including the impact of artificial intelligence advancements on the fraud landscape. To learn more, join the waitlistto be among the first to receive the Veriff Identity Fraud Report 2025, launching soon. *a type of cyberattack where cybercriminals intercept, relay or alter the communication between two parties without their knowledge while giving the impression of direct communication. About Veriff Veriffis the preferred identity verification and authentication platform partner for the world's most innovative growth-driven organizations, including online marketplaces, financial services, crypto, gaming and mobility companies, and other sectors. Veriff provides advanced technology that combines AI-powered automation with reinforced learning from human feedback, deep insights, and expertise. Veriff is the partner of choice for organizations that need to rapidly and conveniently verify and safeguard users anywhere in the world. TOKYO, Nov 13, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) published its integrated report, MHI REPORT 2024, on the 13th. The contents of the report have been revamped and enhanced with the launch of the 2024 Medium-Term Business Plan (MTBP), which was announced in May 2024.In a message from the President and CEO at the beginning, CEO Seiji Izumisawa discusses the Group's core value and raison d'etre, "leveraging our manufacturing expertise to address changing societal issues, we will help realize a safe, secure, and sustainable society," sharing personal anecdotes. Next, in a message from the CFO, CFO Hisato Kozawa provides an outline of financial strategies and targets, as well as the new dividend policy under the 2024 MTBP.Two feature articles are included. The first feature covers the 2024 MTBP. In addition to explains the contents of the 2024 MTBP, centering on the strategy to strengthen portfolio management, the feature explores the position and aims of the 2024 MTBP through a conversation between CSO Masayuki Suematsu, who is responsible for formulating the business plan, and Masatoshi Fujiwara, Professor at Hitotsubashi University's Graduate School of Business Administration. The second feature provides an update on last year's coverage of MISSION NET ZERO, the MHI Group's plan to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2040. Details include the basic strategy to achieve net zero emissions and progress on this strategy, decarbonization technology that is contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, and initiatives by GX Solutions, a new business domain, which was established in April 2024. The feature also explains the initiatives at Mihara Machinery Works, as a pilot plant in an advanced project to realize Carbon Neutrality. The plant has been renamed Carbon Neutral Transition Hub Mihara, where the Group will actively consolidate and implement decarbonization solutions and utilize it as a hub for ongoing initiatives for co-creation with many stakeholders. There are pages providing an overview of each of the Group's businesses and explaining the business environment, key strategies in the medium to long term, and major projects of the Group's four reporting segments: Energy Systems, Plants & Infrastructure Systems, Logistics, Thermal & Drive Systems, and Aircraft, Defense & Space.The latter half of the report explains elements such as the basic principles and systems of the corporate governance supporting sustainable growth of the Group, as well as sustainability initiatives. In messages from outside directors, two of the Company's outside directors, Mitsuhiro Furusawa and Masako Ii, discuss topics such as the Company's governance and their views on the 2024 MTBP. There is also content on sustainability, covering policies and implementation systems of sustainability management, human rights and biodiversity initiatives, Company-wide SDG-linked Material Issues and metrics for monitoring progress (KPIs), and the Company's response to risks and opportunities caused by climate change (disclosures in line with the TCFD* recommendations). With regards to human capital, an article titled MHI Group's HR Strategy: Launching the Future provides details on HR strategies to realize management strategy of MHI Group.Going forward, MHI Group will continue issuing integrated reports outlining how the Group is contributing to resolving societal issues as it simultaneously pursues sustainable business growth and ongoing enhancement of its corporate value, presented with a careful balance of financial and non-financial information and in a format easily digestible by shareholders, investors, and all other stakeholders.*The TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) is a framework established at the request of the Financial Stability Board, comprising central banks and financial authorities around the world along with international bodies and calling for disclosures of initiatives and information related to climate change. Recommendations for disclosures cover four categories: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) (FSE: DTC) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing radiopharmaceuticals and ADC products using its proprietary platform and drug delivery technologies in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines, is pleased to announce that Dr. Svetlana Selivanova has joined the board of directors, effective immediately. Dr. Svetlana Selivanova is radiochemist with more than 20 years of experience in the development of radiopharmaceuticals from early R&D to first-in-human clinical trials. She holds MSc in chemistry and PhD in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and radiobiology. Currently, she is Section Head for Radiochemistry and Medical Applications at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and adjunct professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite Laval. Before joining CNL, she held senior positions, both in research and management, at CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Sherbrooke University Hospital, and at the Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH Zurich (Switzerland). Dr. Selivanova is an active member of several professional societies, currently serving as Executive Member of the Canadian Association of Radiopharmaceutical Scientists, President of the SNMMI Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Council, and member of the SNMMI Committee on Radiopharmaceuticals. Internationally, she serves as expert-consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Research Council. Dr. Selivanova research interests are in the development and translation of novel radiopharmaceuticals from bench to clinics and in nuclear imaging as a tool for studying biochemical pathways in vivo. Among major accomplishments are her contribution to R&D and translation effort for the production of technetium-99m with cyclotron, and implementation of investigational prostate cancer radiopharmaceutical targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen. "We are proud that Dr. Svetlana Selivanova is joining our board of directors. She is a very strong addition to our Company. Defence's strategy is to develop radio-immuno-conjugates using our Accum platform. Dr. Selivanova has extensive knowledge and experience in this field and will strengthen and accelerate our radiopharmaceuticals programs," mentioned Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Founder of Defence Therapeutics. "I am honored to join Defence Therapeutics board of directors. I believe that Defence's Accum technology platform has a great potential for the development of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies," mentioned Dr. Svetlana Selivanova. The Company has granted 100,000 incentive stock options to Svetlana Selivanova, in accordance with the terms and conditions of Defence's stock option plan. Each stock option vests immediately and is exercisable at a price of 60 cents per share for a period of three years from the grant date. The company would also like to mention that Dr. Raimar Lobenberg is stepping down from the board of directors. The company would like to thank Dr. Lobenberg for its valuable contributions to the board of directors. About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and engineering the next generation of radio-immuno-conjugate and ADC products using its proprietary platform in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM technology, which enables precision delivery of radio-immuno-conjugates or ADCs in their intact form to target cells, and vaccine antigens. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229721 SOURCE: Defence Therapeutics Inc. Pre-Tax IRR 59.5% and NPV C$948 M at US$2,000/oz Au Average Annual production of 124,000 oz Au, for years 1 to 5 over a 10-year LOM Cumulative Undiscounted Pre-Tax Cash Flow of C$1,333 M Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of the NI 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") for its wholly-owned Perron gold project (the "Project"), located near the town of Normetal in the province of Quebec, Canada. The PEA was prepared in collaboration with independent engineering and geological firms Evomine, Bumigeme, Alphard, GoldMinds and Laurentia Exploration. PEA Technical Presentation details In connection with this news release, AMEX will hold a conference call and audio webcast on November 13, 2024, at 10 am EDT, followed by a question-and-answer session. To access the call please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Yr91YVLSOeYZJKt1Fbmpg#/registration You may also access the conference call on a listen-only basis via webcast at our website www.amexexploration.com. The audio webcast will be archived on www.amexexploration.com. All dollar ($) amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollar ($) unless otherwise indicated. Perron Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights: The following assumes a gold price of US$2,000/ounce ("oz") and a C$/US$ exchange rate of 1.35:1. 1,750 tonnes per day ("tpd") production rate with a Life-Of-Mine ("LOM") of 10 years; Average diluted grades for gold ("Au") at 5.26 grams per tonne ("gpt"); Years 1 to 5: average diluted grade at 6.49 gpt Au. Average annual production of 101,000 oz Au, or 1,014,000 million oz Au over LOM; Years 1 to 5: average annual production of 124,000 oz Au (620,000 oz Au). LOM All-in sustaining cash costs ("AISC") of US$807/oz Au; Years 1 to 5: AISC of US$739/oz Au. Initial Capital Expenditure ("Capex") of $229 million; LOM Sustaining Capex of $230 million; Pre-tax IRR of 59.5% and After-tax IRR of 40.2%; Pre-tax NPV of $948 million and After-tax NPV of $525 million; Cumulative Pre-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $1,333 million and Cumulative After-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $767 million; and Pre-tax payback period of 1.5 years and After-tax payback period of 1.8. CEO Commentary: "This PEA marks an important milestone for AMEX and reaffirms our view that our fully owned Perron Project is a high-quality asset and has the potential of being a highly profitable stand-alone mining operation with minimal environmental impact" said Victor Cantore, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMEX Exploration. "The Project represents a strong combination of high-margin production and modest capital requirements, with the opportunity for significant resource growth in the future." "This PEA demonstrates Perron's early potential based on a database close date of June 30th, 2024. Since the closing of the database, drilling has continued at depth and laterally and has already shown excellent high-grade intercepts beyond the currently defined mineral resource. This successful additional drilling demonstrates the continuation of mineralization and the upside potential for further resource and mine life additions in the future as we progress exploration." Table 1: PEA Study Economic Analysis Highlights ECONOMIC ANALYSIS HIGHLIGHTS Base Case Spot Gold Price US$/Au oz 2,000 2,600 Exchange Rate C$/US$ 1.35 1.39 Pre-Tax Free Cash Flow CA$M 1,333 2,242 Pre-Tax NPV (5%) CA$M 948 1,625 Pre-Tax IRR % 59.5 87.5 Pre-Tax Payback Period Years 1.5 0.5 Ratio Pre-Tax NPV (5%) to CAPEX CA$M/CA$M 4.1 7.8 After-Tax Free Cash Flow CA$M 767 1,289 After-Tax NPV (5%) CA$M 525 914 After-Tax IRR % 40.2 59.7 After-Tax Payback Period Years 1.8 1.2 Ratio After-Tax NPV (5%) to CAPEX CA$M/CA$M 2.3 4.4 Table 2: PEA Physical Highlights PHYSICAL HIGHLIGHTS Annual Production - First 5 Years Average Oz/year 124,000 Annual Production - Life-of-mine Average Oz/year 101,000 Life-of-Mine Production Oz 1,014,000 Mill Processing Rate tpd 1,750 Life-of-Mine Tonnes Processed kt 6,316 Average Grade Processed - First 5 years Au gpt 6.49 Average Grade Processed - Life-of-Mine Au gpt 5.26 Mine Life Years 10 Average Processing Recovery Rate % 95.0 Table 3: PEA Study Financial Highlights FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Average Operating Cost US$/Au oz 633 Average All-in Sustaining Cost ("AISC") US$/Au oz 807 Total Initial Capital Expendituresx CA$M 229 Total Sustaining Capital Expenditures CA$M 238 *Inclusive of gold sales net of royalty ($62M) in pre-production period The PEA is preliminary in nature and is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too geologically speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the economic forecasts on which the PEA is based will be realized. The economic analysis of the project was carried out using a discounted cash flow approach on a pre-tax and after-tax basis with a discount rate of 5%. Revenue was based on a long-term gold price of $2,000/oz in USD. Cost estimates were prepared in C$. An exchange rate of 0.74 USD per 1.00 CAD was assumed. Underpinned by world class infrastructure, the Perron PEA demonstrates a top-tier high margin gold mining operation in the stable jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada. The Project is located within the prolific Abitibi region, one of the most prolific gold belts in the world. The PEA results confirm that Perron has the potential to be a stand-alone and highly profitable operation with an excellent internal rate of return (IRR) and after-tax net present value (NPV) at a range of gold prices. The PEA shows that Perron has the potential to be a mine with limited environmental impact, utilizing the mined out open pits to store tailings and therefore avoiding the construction of a tailings management facility. Mining The mine will be operated as a mechanized underground operation, which will be complemented by open pit production. The mine will have an overall average production rate of 1,750 tpd of mineralized material over a 10-year production period that is preceded by a 2-year pre-production period. The selected underground mining method is longitudinal longhole stoping with cemented rockfill. Stope dimensions average 17.5 m in length, 25 m in height, and 5.7 m in width (LOM average) with a minimum mining width of 3.0 m. The different sectors of the mine will be accessed via ramps and drifts to allow the efficient circulation of mobile mining equipment and to satisfy ventilation and emergency egress requirements. Mineralized material will be extracted using a fleet of owner-operated equipment that includes 10 tonne LHDs and 42 tonne haul trucks. Five open pits are included in the mine plan and utilize conventional truck and shovel mining that will be executed by a contractor. The pits will begin to be mined in the preproduction period, with material completely extracted by year 4 as they are sequenced such that they can be used to manage all tailings generated by the mill. Figure 1: Mine Design To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_002full.jpg Table 4: Mine Physicals Total Yr -2 Yr -1 Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Yr 7 Yr 8 Yr 9 Yr 10 Mineralized material mined - Underground kt 5,653 8 181 492 343 503 462 653 656 653 651 654 398 Waste rock mined - Underground kt 2,948 151 336 302 290 261 320 299 264 253 203 224 45 Subtotal - Underground kt 8,601 159 517 794 633 764 782 952 920 906 855 878 443 Mineralized material mined - Open pit kt 663 85 85 118 33 148 193 0 0 0 0 0 0 Waste rock mined - Open pit kt 6,271 868 1,302 672 868 1,461 1,101 0 0 0 0 0 0 Overburden mined - Open pit kt 2,878 691 409 789 924 65 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Subtotal - Open pit kt 9,812 1,644 1,796 1,579 1,825 1,673 1,295 0 0 0 0 0 0 Strip ratio - Open pit - 13.8 18.3 20.1 12.3 53.9 10.3 5.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total mining kt 18,413 1,803 2,313 2,373 2,458 2,438 2,077 952 920 906 855 878 443 Processing A total of 1,750 tpd of material will be processed in a plant that consists of primary crushing, followed by a grinding circuit consisting of a semi-autogenous grinding mill of 5.5 m diameter x 1.8 m long in an opened circuit and a ball mill of 4.0 m diameter x 6.7 m long in a closed circuit with cyclones - SABC circuit. A gravity circuit followed by leaching will recover coarse gold from the cyclone underflow, while the cyclone overflow, at a P80=74 microns, is treated in a six (6) tank carbon-in-leach circuit, followed by SO2/air cyanide destruction. Gold will be recovered in an adsorption-desorption-recovery circuit and electrowinning cells, with gold room recovery and production of bullion bars. The CIL tailings after the cyanide destruction will be pumped to a high-rate thickener to increase the slurry density to 62-64 % solid and pumped to empty pits. The process plant gold recovery is estimated to average 95.0% over the LOM. The process plant building will include a laboratory, mill offices, a dry and an electrical and mechanical shop. Figure 2: Flowsheet To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_003full.jpg Table 5: Gold Production by Source Pre-production Production Total Yr -2 Yr -1 Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Yr 7 Yr 8 Yr 9 Yr 10 Stockpiles (OP & UG) Mill Feed kt 531 - 46 113 250 4 1 - 2 4 - 112 Grade Au gpt 3.00 - 4.73 3.92 1.83 1.51 2.02 6.68 - 5.95 5.28 - 3.87 Gold recovered Au koz 49 - 7 13 14 - 1 - 13 Open pit Mill Feed kt 340 - - 1 28 133 178 - - - - - - Grade Au gpt 1.91 - - 2.13 1.27 1.72 2.16 - - - - - - Gold recovered Au koz 20 - - 0 1 7 12 - - - - - - Underground Mill Feed kt 5,445 - 75 486 343 503 461 638 639 638 635 639 389 Grade Au gpt 5.68 - 7.39 7.44 11.48 6.20 7.88 7.03 5.54 3.07 3.92 3.76 3.16 Gold recovered Au koz 945 - 17 110 120 95 111 137 108 60 76 73 38 Combined Mill Feed kt 6,316 - 121 599 621 641 639 639 639 641 639 639 501 Grade Au gpt 5.26 - 6.38 6.77 7.13 5.24 6.29 7.03 5.54 3.08 3.92 3.76 3.32 Gold recovered Au koz 1,014 - 24 124 135 103 123 137 108 60 77 73 51 Figure 3: Gold Production To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_004full.jpg Infrastructure The Project is approximately 5 kilometers from the town of Normetal, Quebec and is accessible via a well-maintained forestry road. The Project will require construction of the following supporting infrastructure items: 1,750 tpd process plant complex, offices, dry, maintenance shop and warehouse; gatehouse; 5 kilometers of 120kV transmission lines; 120 kV main substation; final effluent water treatment plant; surface water management facility, including ditches, pond and pumping stations; service and haulage roads; potable water and sewage systems; underground mine portal, mine ventilation systems (intake and exhaust) and waste dump and overburden storage facilities. No camp will be required considering the nearby qualified labor pool. Figure 4: Suggested Infrastructures Arrangement To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_005full.jpg Figure 5: General site arrangement To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_006full.jpg Workforce During the 18-month construction period of the mine, the workforce will peak at approximately 250 people, this is in addition to employees who would be required for open pit and underground mining and G&A. During steady state operations, the average number of employees (mine, process plant and G&A) is estimated at 164 people, excluding contractors (open-pit mining, contract services, etc.). Tailings The tailings storage plan will take advantage of open pits that will be mined in the first half of the mine life. Process plant rejects will be thickened and pumped to the mined-out pits sequentially for permanent storage. Tailings will then consolidate over time and excess water will either be used for processing requirements or discharged to the environment once quality conditions are met. This concept aims to limit the environmental impact of the Perron Project, to limit the risks related to traditional Tailings Management Facility (TMF) stability, to simplify short-term and long-term monitoring and to greatly reduce the capital and operating costs related to tailings management. Figure 6: Visual of in-pit tailings disposal To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_007full.jpg Capital Expenditure The total initial construction capital expenditure ("CAPEX") is forecasted at $229M after accounting for $62M in gold sales revenues (pre-production credits). Capitalized mine development prior to commercial production is expected to be approximately $112M, comprised of $38M related to open pit mining and $74M related to underground mining. The majority of the capitalized open pit mining is driven by the strategic decision to complete the mining of a small open pit in the pre-production period in order to be able to start disposing tailings at the commissioning of the process plant. The construction capital accounts for the site development, water treatment and infrastructure area including a truck shop, warehouse and an administration facility. Additionally, the capital estimate includes $15.1M of EPCM and indirect costs and a contingency of $25M. Quotations from reputable suppliers were obtained for most of the large and high-cost equipment required for the plant, mine and site infrastructure. For other equipment and supplies, cost estimates were based on comparable projects, historical data or derived through consultants' in-house databases. Table 6: Capital Expenditure Item CA$M Site Preparation & Infrastructures 16.6 Power & Electrical 11.2 Water & Tailings Management 10.3 Process Plant 58.0 EPCM / Indirects 15.1 Contingency 25.0 Subtotal 136.2 Preproduction, Startup & Commissioning 131.3 Mobile Equipment (*quotations received) 23.3 Subtotal 290.8 Less: Pre-Prod. Credit (Gold Sales) net of TC/RX & Royalties -62.1 Total 228.7 The sustaining capex ("SUSEX") is estimated to be $238M, including $8M of closure and rehabilitation costs. Underground mining SUSEX is earmarked for mining development, additional equipment, replacement units, and major repairs. Other sustaining capex captures in-pits tailings storage, infrastructures and G&A. Table 7: Sustaining Capital Expenditure Item LOM Total (CA$M) Avg. LOM (US$/Au oz) Underground & Others 229.8 167.8 Closure and Rehabilitation 7.8 5.7 Total 237.6 173.6 Operating Costs Life of Mine (LOM) total operating cost is estimated at US$633 per ounce of gold produced, as summarized below. The LOM total AISC is estimated to be US$807 per ounce of gold produced based on average annual gold production of 101,000 ounces over the 10 years of mine life. This cost structure places the Project in the bottom quartile of the global gold cost curve, which is mostly due to the high-grade nature of the mineralized material and to the simplicity of mining. Table 8: Operating Costs Item LOM Total (CA$M) Avg. LOM (CA$/t milled) Avg. LOM (US$/Au oz) Mining Costs (Open pit + underground) 536.7 84.97 394 Processing 163.0 25.81 120 General & Administration 116.7 18.47 86 Offsite Costs 5.5 0.87 4 Royalty (1.5%) 39.8 6.31 29 Total Operating Costs 861.7 136.42 633 Sustaining Capital Expenditure 237.6 37.62 174 All-in Sustaining Capital ("AISC") 1,099.3 174.04 807 Financial Analysis At base case gold price of US$2,000/oz and exchange rate of 1.35, the Project generates after-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of $525M using 5% discount rate and an after-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 40.2% with a payback period of 1.8 years from the commencement of commercial production. The Project generates cumulative free cash flow of $767M and average annual free cash flow of $100M over the 10 years production period. Total taxes payable over LOM at the base case gold price is $566M. Figure 7: After-Tax FCF To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_008full.jpg The PEA financial economic analysis is significantly influenced by gold prices. At spot prices of US$2,600/Au oz and exchange rate of 1.39, the Project generates an after-tax NPV of $914M and an after-tax IRR of 59.7% with a payback period of 1.2 years. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the gold price, CAPEX, overall OPEX and exchange rate. Table 9 & 10: Sensitivity Analysis on NPV (5%) and IRR Gold Price After-Tax NPV (5%) (CA$M) Initial CAPEX Total OPEX FX US$/Au oz Base Case -20% +20% -20% +20% -20% +20% 1,500 231 286 175 300 157 43 407 1,750 379 432 325 447 310 171 582 2,000 525 576 473 591 457 290 755 2,250 669 719 619 735 603 408 927 2,500 813 861 764 877 747 525 1,097 2,750 956 1,002 908 1,020 891 641 1,267 3,000 1,098 1,143 1,052 1,161 1,034 756 1,437 Gold Price After-Tax IRR Initial CAPEX Total OPEX FX US$/Au oz Base Case -20% +20% -20% +20% -20% +20% 1,500 22.8% 30.6% 16.9% 26.8% 18.1% 8.9% 33.7% 1,750 32.0% 40.7% 25.5% 35.4% 28.3% 18.7% 43.3% 2,000 40.2% 49.7% 33.1% 43.2% 37.0% 26.6% 52.1% 2,250 47.8% 58.0% 40.1% 50.5% 44.9% 33.7% 60.3% 2,500 54.9% 65.8% 46.7% 57.4% 52.3% 40.2% 68.1% 2,750 61.7% 73.2% 53.0% 64.0% 59.3% 46.3% 75.6% 3,000 68.2% 80.4% 59.0% 70.4% 65.9% 52.1% 82.9% Permitting and Environment The opening and operation of a mine that has a production capacity equal to or less than 2,000 tonnes per day is not subjected to an environmental impact assessment ("EIA") according to chapter Q-2 of the Environmental Quality Act ("EQA") for the emission of a ministerial decree. As modelled in the PEA, the Perron Project would therefore not submit to processes of and EIA and to the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement ('BAPE'), as per current regulation, as the estimated production of 1,750 tonnes per day is below the threshold. However, an application for a ministerial authorization will need to be submitted to the Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs ('MELCCFP'). Studies will be required as part of this application including, hydrological studies, hydrogeological and geochemical analysis, soil quality analysis, surface water, groundwater and sediment quality, characterization of the natural environment, including water bodies, wetlands, species with special status and wildlife inventories for certain species. The acquisition of baseline environmental knowledge on the Perron property began several years ago and is still ongoing today. An environmental scoping study has been carried out, and to date, no major environmental issues have been identified in the work undertaken. Additional environmental work is planned to be carried out in 2025 such as a geochemical characterization program, various environmental inventories and social engagement with the local stakeholders. Stakeholder Engagement The aboriginal community concerned by Amex's activities is the Abitibiwinni First Nation which is an Algonquin First Nation residing primarily in the community of Pikogan in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region. The Pikogan community, also called Abitibiwinni, is located three (3) kilometers from the town of Amos on the west bank of the Harricana River. The Perron project is located on a part of the ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. A relationship of trust and respect has been built with the Abitibiwinni First Nation Council over the years by demonstrating transparency and consideration. With respect to local communities near the project, Normetal, Valcanton and Saint-Lambert are the main municipalities surrounding the Perron project. Amex has always prioritized engaging stakeholders and implementing communication and consultation plans. Communication plans include a summary of the work completed on the property every six months as well as the company's orientations for the coming months. Active participation in the communities through sponsorship, investment, etc. is part of AMEX's core values and aids in fostering good long-term relationships. AMEX will continue consulting, supporting and informing all stakeholders at all stages of the project development. Exploration Update The PEA was based upon the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for which the drill database was closed on June 30, 2024 (please see press release dated September 5, 2024). Since this date, Amex has drilled approximately a further 28,000 m on the Perron Property. This drilling has been demonstrating the growth potential that exists across several zones at Perron. The Company has displayed in recent months that the High Grade Zone ("HGZ") is open not only at depth but also remains open in certain areas close to surface. The Denise Zone has fantastic potential for expansion in multiple directions, which is significant given its proximity to the HGZ. The latest press release (dated November 6, 2024) showed the growth potential of several zones and that exceptionally high-grade gold can be found across the entirety of the Perron Property. Since obtaining the MRE, the Amex Exploration team has been optimizing drill planning to target expansion of the open pit and underground stope shapes identified in the resource. Numerous areas across the project have been outlined for expansion due to a lack of drilling. With the PEA now in hand, drill planning will be further refined to prioritize the growth of economic ounces and importantly identify where additional tonnage can be added to the earlier years of the mine life to further enhance the mine's optimization. Figure 8: Example (from the HGZ) to display that drilling completed after the database cutoff of June 30, 2024 has the potential to add economic stopes to the existing resource (Assays from PE-24-797 fall outside current PEA stopes) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_009full.jpg Figure 9: Additional example of high-grade gold intercepted in drilling completed after the database cutoff that holds the potential to significantly expand upon the existing defined resource (from CPZ-Grey Cat-Gratien area) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/229753_180e0785949a581c_010full.jpg Mineral Resource Estimate The Perron Project hosts mineral resources as detailed in the NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate with an effective date of September 5, 2024, which can be found on SEDAR+. The mineral resources that have flowed to the mine plan are contained within five different zones (High Grade, Denise, Gratien, Grey Cat and Team) over a strike length of 2,900 meters and span from surface to a depth of approximately 1,400 meters. Each zone is characterized by multiple tabular panels, which mainly trend ENE and dip vertically to sub-vertically. Table 11: Summary of Mineral Resources All Zones Open Pit Constrained UG stopes Total COG 0.42 Au g/t COG 1.29 Au g/t Tonnes Au gpt Au oz. Tonnes Au gpt Au oz. Tonnes Au gpt Au oz. Measured 131,240 1.40 5,890 445,250 6.60 94,530 576,490 5.42 100,420 Indicated 706,600 1.80 40,780 3,030,600 4.65 452,930 3,737,200 4.11 493,710 Indicated+Measured 837,840 1.73 46,670 3,475,850 4.90 547,460 4,313,690 4.28 594,130 Inferred 996,470 2.01 64,420 7 597 280 4.03 985,240 8,593,750 3.80 1,049,660 The mineral resource estimate is compliant with CIM 2019 standards and guidelines for reporting mineral resources and reserves. Resources are presented undiluted and in situ and are considered to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The resources at surface are constrained by pit optimization surfaces and the underground resources are constrained by mineable shapes. The database comprised a total of 1,533 drill holes for 547,361 metres of drilling (which includes historical drilling completed by previous operators) in the extent of the mineral resource, of which (312,051.20 metres) 264,462 samples were assayed as of June 30th, 2024, grid spacing are variable (The Genesis file is Amex_24 Aout 2024_MR.gnft and where the database file is BD_AMEX_08 Jul 2024_MR.accdb). All NQ core assays reported by AMEX were obtained by analytical methods described below under "QA&QC". Geological interpretation of the deposits was based on lithologies, mineralized zones orientation and the mineral observations. Each zone has its own characteristic of mineral occurrence and amount of free gold. Interpretation was initially made from cross-sections at intervals, and then completed in GENESIS, a modelling software, where selections of mineralization intervals were combined to generate mineralization wireframes. Envelopes are generally subvertical with various plunges. The mineral resource estimate encompasses a total of 189 envelopes, sub-vertical gold-bearing envelopes/domains each defined by individual wireframes with a minimum true thickness of 2.0 metres. Samples were composited within the mineralization envelopes into 1.0 metre length composites. A value of zero grade was applied in cases of core not assayed. High grade capping was done on composite data and established using a statistical analysis on a per-zone basis for gold. Capping varied from 5 g/t Au to 200 g/t Au and was applied on composites within each specific envelope. Density values were applied on the different mineralized zones (t/m3) varied from 2.67 to 2.83 from core measurement. Inverse distance squared grade estimation is used. The trial of Ordinary Kriging (OK) was rejected due to smearing and non-effective representation of high-grade areas. Most of the estimates are based on a block dimension of 2m North, 2m East and 2m height and estimation parameters determined by variography. The High-Grade zone has blocks of 2.5m East x 5m Z (Elevation) x 0.5m North. Estimates use metric units (metres, tonnes and g/t). Metal contents are presented in troy ounces (metric tonne x grade / 31.10348). GoldMinds is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or marketing issues, or any other relevant issue not reported in the technical report, that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate. Qualified Persons The qualified persons independent of the issuer, responsible for the technical information in this Press Release are Stephen Coates, P.Eng. of Evomine, Alexandre Burelle, P.Eng. of Evomine, Florent Baril, P.Eng. of Bumigeme, Claude Bissonnette, PMP, P.Eng. of Alphard, Pascale Pierre, Ph.D., P.Eng. of Alphard, Claude Duplessis P.Eng. of GoldMinds, Merouane Rachidi, Ph.D., P.Geo. of GoldMinds, and Jerome Augustin, Ph.D., P.Geo. of Laurentia Exploration. They declare that they have read this press release and that the scientific and technical information relating to the resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment presented therein are correct. Disclosure Non-GAAP financial measures The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this document. These financial measures are not defined under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation. The Company believes that these financial measures, together with financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The inclusion of these financial measures is meant to provide additional information and should not be used as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures are not necessarily standard and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. All-in sustaining cost All in sustaining cost is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated based on guidance published by the World Gold Council ("WGC"). The WGC is a market development organization for the gold industry and is an association whose membership comprises leading gold mining companies. Although the WGC is not a mining industry regulatory organization, it worked closely with its member companies to develop these metrics. Adoption of the all-in sustaining cost metric is voluntary and not necessarily standard, and therefore, this measure presented by the Company may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that the all-in sustaining cost measure complements existing measures and ratios reported. All-in sustaining cost includes both operating and capital costs required to sustain gold production on an ongoing basis. Sustaining operating costs represent expenditures expected to be incurred that are considered necessary to maintain production. Sustaining capital represents expected capital expenditures comprising mine development costs, including capitalized waste, and ongoing replacement of mine equipment and other capital facilities, and does not include expected capital expenditures for major growth projects or enhancement capital for significant infrastructure improvements. About Amex Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant gold discoveries on its 100% owned high-grade Perron Gold Project located ~110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, consisting of 117 contiguous claims covering 4,518 hectares. The project is well-serviced by existing infrastructure, on a year-round road, 10 minutes from an airport and just outside the town of Normetal (~8 km). In addition, the project is in close proximity to a number of major gold producers' milling operations. The project host both bulk tonnage and a high-grade gold style mineralization. Since January 2019, Amex has intersected significant gold mineralization in multiple gold zones and discovered copper-rich VMS zones. For further information please contact: Victor Cantore President and Chief Executive Officer Amex Exploration: +1-514-866-8209 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, the planned exploration program on the HGZ and Denise Zone, the expected positive exploration results, the extension of the mineralized zones, the timing of the exploration results, the ability of the Company to continue with the exploration program, the availability of the required funds to continue with the exploration and the potential mineralization or potential mineral resources are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks as well as those risks identified in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229753 SOURCE: Amex Exploration Inc. LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trenitalia, Italy's state-owned rail operator, and Rail Europe, the leading distributor of European train tickets, are proud to reaffirm their long-standing partnership at the World Travel Market fair in London, by enhancing accessibility to premium high-speed rail travel in Italy for international travellers. With shared goals for the future, Trenitalia and Rail Europe are focusing on a balanced approach: maintaining strong growth in established markets while expanding access to high-speed trains in Italy for travellers from rapidly growing regions, particularly India and South America. The companies recognise India as a key source market, driven by an increasing demand for luxurious, sustainable travel experiences. They aim to reinforce Frecciarossa's seamless booking and high-speed services in the region. Similarly, with the anticipated influx of South American visitors to Italy for the Jubilee in Rome, 2025 represents a key opportunity to provide a world-class rail experience to travellers eager to explore Rome, its surroundings, or the entire country. "The partnership between Trenitalia and Rail Europe has been a transformative force in making high-speed travel an accessible luxury for international travellers," said Pietro Diamantini, Head of High Speed Division at Trenitalia. "With Frecciarossa, we are delivering the best of Italian rail to the world - a service that marries comfort with efficiency. We're excited to expand our reach in regions like India and South America, where interest in premium and greener transportation modes is on the rise." Frecciarossa is widely recognized for its excellence, providing a range of classes to ensure all travellers can experience Italian elegance and efficiency in a breeze. Features like spacious reclining seats, air conditioning, plug sockets for each seat, LED lighting, ample luggage space, screens in all carriages with continually updated travel information and news, FRECCE Portal accessible via the on-board Wi-Fi network, designated spaces equipped for disabled passengers travelling in wheelchairs and companions, and a baby changing table, make Frecciarossa a standout choice for both short and long journeys. "Frecciarossa is the perfect example of the heights rail travel can reach, and Rail Europe's mission is to make this exceptional service available to travellers across the globe," said Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe. "Through our partnership with Trenitalia, we're providing a premium travel experience and supporting a shift towards sustainable, high-quality rail options. Our shared vision for 2025 focuses on a strong presence in core regions and strategically reinforces high-speed rail to key audiences in India and South America, thanks to our strong global reach and partners." With a firm commitment to quality and accessibility, Trenitalia and Rail Europe are setting a new standard in rail travel, making high-speed rail the preferred choice for travellers seeking luxury, convenience, and sustainability, while experiencing the beauty of Italy, one of the most visited countries in Europe, if not the world. About Rail Europe Rail Europe is the global reference brand for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail expert teams provide technology solutions and customer care services to 25,000+ partners in more than 70 countries. International travellers who want to travel by train, easily, throughout Europe can also book their travel directly through our state-of-the-art train booking website and app. Our catalogue of products focuses on 200 rail providers, such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, OBB, SNCB, Regiojet, iryo, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and rail passes, including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. We sell around 5 million European train tickets every year. Our offices are around the globe, and we are headquartered in Paris. About Trenitalia Trenitalia is the railway transport company of the FS Italiane Group. Trenitalia ensures the mobility of people for regional and medium- and long-distance connections. There are over 7,000 Trenitalia trains that travel every day on the Italian railway network. Committed to meeting people's needs, Trenitalia guarantees the highest safety standards and implements development plans in compliance with social and environmental sustainability. Press Contact Trisha Aswani press@raileurope.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556408/Trenitalia_RailEurope_WTM_London.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556407/Rail_Europe_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trenitalia-and-rail-europe-strengthen-partnership-to-expand-high-speed-rail-reach-to-new-markets-302303892.html BERLIN and PARIS, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- While Generative AI is creating a buzz across industries and remains in the early stages of the hype cycle, AI in radiology is no longer just a vision for the future. mediaire's proven AI value is already happening in over 350 hospitals and clinics across Europe, where the German radiology innovator's AI portfolio is transforming how radiologists work. With this success, mediaire has secured a 12 million European-led financing round, headed by lead investor LBO France with participation from IBB Ventures and the Swiss family office Wille Finance. It highlights the importance of demonstrating that AI technology truly works in clinical practice. The oversubscribed financing round included continued support from existing investors HTGF, LIFTT, and Gateway Ventures. By seamlessly integrating AI into daily diagnostics, mediaire is lifting the burden of routine analysis off the shoulders of radiologists, reducing medical workload, and improving patient outcomes. Thanks to the recent investment mediaire is set to expand its AI portfolio beyond brain, prostate, and knee diagnostics in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This next wave of innovation will tackle even more AI solutions, bringing AI-driven accuracy and efficiency to doctors globally. The funding marks a new phase in the company's growth. "Our AI solutions are not a futuristic dream. We have already created a reality that is helping doctors make better decisions and giving patients faster answers," says Dr. Andreas Lemke, CEO, and co-founder of mediaire. "We are seeing the impact on thousands of radiologists every day in hundreds of hospitals and radiology practices across Europe that are utilizing our AI solutions. With this investment, we will be able to scale these benefits to even more healthcare providers." "We believe in the power of technology to improve lives," said Matthes Seeling, LBO France's Investment Director. "mediaire's focus aligns perfectly with our firm belief in the transformative power of healthcare technology to the benefit of all professionals and patients. The dedicated team meets a crucial need in the healthcare sector considering the increasing global demand for fast, accurate and affordable diagnostics. With this investment, we will actively sustain mediaire's growth to achieve its ambitious objectives and consolidate its position as a leader in radiology AI in Europe." Integral to mediaire's success story are partnerships with renowned university hospitals and industry leaders such as Bayer/Calantic, Sectra, deepc, as well as radiology chains like Med360, Evidia, Starvision, and RIMED/UNILABS. About mediaire mediaire develops AI-powered diagnostic solutions for MRI imaging, focusing on the seamless integration of AI into clinical workflows to enhance radiologists' efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. The company's AI solutions, including mdbrain, mdprostate, and mdknee, provide automated decision support that improves the quality of diagnostics while optimizing workflow efficiency. With a strong international presence and new products in development, mediaire is positioned to lead the future of MRI AI in radiology. For more information: https://mediaire.ai/en/. Images-Download-Link: mediaire - Financing Round Image rights: mediaire, Leander von Thien Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555156/mediaire_Invest_Team.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2553833/Mediaire_Logo.jpg Press contact: Natalie Erdmann press@mediaire.de +49 30 286 490 67 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mediaire-transforms-radiology-with-ai-securing-a-european-12-million-investment-to-fuel-global-growth-302303889.html VIENNA, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ImageBiopsy Lab, a leading provider of AI-powered musculoskeletal imaging solutions, has launched IB Lab FROG. This AI module, CE-cleared under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) standards, offers a comprehensive suite of automated measurements on X-rays, designed for radiological and orthopedic foot assessments. IB Lab FROG covers key foot pathologies and delivers clinicians accurate, standardized data for diagnosing and managing foot disorders. Foot pathologies are prevalent in 61%-79% of the population, with rates increasing with age[1]. Accurate radiographic measurements are essential in assessing various conditions, yet there is currently no gold standard for these measurements. Traditional manual methods can be inconsistent and time-consuming, leading to variability that impacts treatment decisions and patient outcomes. IB Lab FROG addresses these challenges by covering the five most common use cases in foot assessment on dorsal-plantar and lateral X-ray images. Its automated measurements are based on radiological and orthopedic standards, significantly enhancing consistency, standardization, and precision in foot diagnostics. The results are presented in a format that allows easy review by healthcare professionals. The comprehensive report can be accessed through any certified medical DICOM viewer, allowing seamless integration into existing clinical workflows. "IB Lab FROG surpasses currently available algorithms by offering a comprehensive set of 17 measurements across five use cases, transforming the way clinicians assess foot conditions," said Richard Ljuhar, CEO & Co-Founder of ImageBiopsy Lab. "With standardized and quantifiable data, IB Lab FROG streamlines workflows and supports informed treatment decisions." The launch of IB Lab FROG further expands ImageBiopsy Lab's AI portfolio to now 6 CE-cleared MSK-AI modules, supporting healthcare professionals in providing high-quality musculoskeletal care. Designed for seamless integration, IB Lab FROG reinforces the company's dedication to advancing musculoskeletal diagnostics through innovative AI solutions. About ImageBiopsy Lab ImageBiopsy Lab develops award-winning AI-driven solutions to digitize musculoskeletal diagnostics on radiographs and CTs, offering radiologists and orthopedists fast, quantitative, and standardized reports for disease-relevant findings. The company's suite of tools includes solutions for knee, hip, hand, leg, foot and spine assessments, as well as fracture detection, solidifying its role as a leader in orthopedic AI. Contact: Annalisa Blaha, marketing@imagebiopsy.com, +43 1905 12061104 [1] Lopez-Lopez, D., Perez-Rios, M., Ruano-Ravina, A., Losa-Iglesias, M. E., Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R., Romero-Morales, C., ... & Navarro-Flores, E. (2021). Impact of quality of life related to foot problems: A case-control study. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 14515. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2553995/ImageBiopsyLab_FROG.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2129308/ImageBiopsy_lab_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/imagebiopsy-lab-launches-ib-lab-frog-ai-powered-foot-measurements-for-orthopedic-insights-302302695.html Positions as "Europe's No.1 eCommerce Technology and Services provider" DUBLIN, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Luzern eCommerce, Europe's leading eCommerce Accelerator, today announced the acquisition of Tambo Marketplaces Limited (Tambo), the UK based award-winning technology and services provider renowned for helping brands gain a competitive edge on Amazon and beyond through innovative AMC (Amazon Marketing Cloud), advertising and retail optimisation solutions. A key aspect of this acquisition is the combined strengths of both companies' capabilities, now delivering a game-changing 1P/3P solution-uniquely combining Tambo's 1P expert solutions with Luzern's robust 3P capabilities. By adding Tambo's advanced consultancy, analytics, and Amazon Marketing Cloud expertise, Luzern eCommerce now delivers a powerful end-to-end solution. The combination of cutting-edge technology and expert managed services, empowers brands to connect with and convert more buyers through solutions delivered at every stage of the value journey: Targeted Advertising : Driving impactful customer engagement and conversions through sophisticated, data-powered insights. : Driving impactful customer engagement and conversions through sophisticated, data-powered insights. Strategic Content and Optimised Listings : Engaging customers with content designed to boost visibility and conversion, crafted from in-depth industry expertise. : Engaging customers with content designed to boost visibility and conversion, crafted from in-depth industry expertise. Automated Pricing Solutions : Leveraging intelligent pricing strategies to maximise sales, protect brand positioning, and maintain margins that drive profitability. : Leveraging intelligent pricing strategies to maximise sales, protect brand positioning, and maintain margins that drive profitability. AI-Driven Demand Forecasting : Enabling brands to anticipate stock needs, adapt supply strategies, and stay ahead of real-time market shifts. : Enabling brands to anticipate stock needs, adapt supply strategies, and stay ahead of real-time market shifts. Streamlined Inventory and Fulfilment: Supporting brand growth with adaptive logistics and responsive inventory management to meet demand across channels. Luzern eCommerce is a leader in driving profitable growth for brands, continually advancing market-leading innovations. The latest release of the company's Channel Optimizer platform also introduces an enhanced Margin Optimizer. Powered by breakthrough Generative AI, this tool dynamically adjusts prices based on real-time market conditions, maximising both competitiveness and profitability. Unlike conventional repricers that often trigger a "race to the bottom" in pricing, our Margin Optimizer strategically maintains brand positioning and automates optimal price adjustments, granting brands exceptional control over their pricing. Commenting on the announcement, Feargal Mooney, Executive Chair of Luzern eCommerce Group, said, "We're delighted to announce the acquisition of Tambo. This acquisition reinforces our position as Europe's No.1 eCommerce technology and services provider, enabling us to provide unmatched support to clients. With Tambo on board, we're enabling brands to unlock new growth, optimise their Amazon strategies, and scale profitably across channels". Paul Adams, Tambo CEO, added, "Joining forces with Luzern eCommerce enables us to provide brands with an unmatched, all-encompassing eCommerce solution. Together, we're giving brands everything they need to succeed on Amazon and beyond, from strategy and execution to measurable growth." The integration of Tambo's expertise in Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) analytics with Luzern's proprietary technology delivers advanced, multi-dimensional insights into customer acquisition. Through AMC, customer behaviour can be tracked and visualised across Amazon touchpoints, refining campaign strategies to boost ad spend efficiency. This enhanced capability supports a higher return on ad spend (ROAS) through precisely targeted engagement, setting a new standard for performance optimisation in eCommerce. Pat Sherlock, Luzern eCommerce Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, added: "With the combined power of Luzern's Channel Optimizer and Tambo's market leading eCommerce technology platform, Tambo Compass, brands now benefit from a single destination for tech-enabled services that deliver the insights and strategic tools needed to elevate performance and scale profitably." With this acquisition and a continued focus on innovation, Luzern eCommerce is reinforcing its position as the leading eCommerce accelerator for ambitious brands aiming to drive profitable growth in eCommerce. Luzern's powerful combination of advanced technology, deep expertise, and strategic insight empowers brands to achieve sustainable success across Amazon, marketplaces, and direct-to-consumer channels. About Tambo Headquartered in London, Tambo is an eCommerce technology and services provider that helps ambitious brands outpace their competition on Amazon and other marketplaces in the UK and internationally. We offer a range of services, including consultancy, managed service (1P & 3P), content optimisation, advertising, and analytics. Our services are powered by Tambo Compass, a market-leading data, insight, and activation tool. Tambo is an Advanced Amazon Partner, AMC co-developer, and multiple award winner, most recently winning Gold at the Global Amazon Advertising Award. About Luzern eCommerce As Europe's leading eCommerce Accelerator, Luzern eCommerce optimises sales, margins, and inventory across channels and geographies for brands worldwide. Through our proprietary technology, Channel Optimizer, and deep domain expertise, we help brands connect with and convert customers on their channel of choice-whether that's Amazon, other marketplaces, or direct-to-consumer (D2C) webstores. Renowned for excellence in execution, Luzern eCommerce brings speed and agility to ensure rapid time-to-value for our clients. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Luzern eCommerce is trusted by brands such as Philips, Fossil, Petsafe, HTC, and Nestle, and has a proven record of dramatically growing online revenues. For media inquiries, please contact: Lisa Perry TechComms lperry@techcomms.co.uk Avani Gill TechComms agill@techcomms.co.uk Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555765/Tambo_Luzern.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/luzern-ecommerce-announces-strategic-acquisition-of-tambo-302303326.html -Using blockchain technology to bring much needed transparency and simplification to the US real estate market, helping to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency through secure and immutable transactions -Title customers can save up to 25%* on average on closing costs LONDON and WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- R3, the financial markets digital solutions provider, and Radian (NYSE: RDN), the data-driven, tech-enabled mortgage and real estate services family of companies, have collaborated to modernize and improve the title insurance, closing, and settlement services process. Titlegenius, provided by Radian Settlement Services Inc., utilizes R3's Corda platform to help the real estate market by providing a simple, transparent, and secure way to order title and closing services online. Titlegenius by Radian is a workflow management tool and system of record that provides real-time status updates to buyers and their agents. By leveraging R3's Corda for secure document storage and data transfer, titlegenius helps simplify and speed the execution of property title transfers, increasing visibility of the transaction life cycle using cutting-edge blockchain technology. Customers can save an average of 25%* on closing costs compared to other providers. Corda is R3's open, permissioned technology platform, powering the tokenization of assets and currencies. The Corda platform delivers token issuance, collateral mobility, and settlement across markets, with the largest number of in-production solutions. Importantly, Corda transfers information and assets in a controlled environment to support privacy, security, sovereignty, and compliance. Corda helps speed and simplify the title insurance, closing, and settlement services process by putting the entire transaction management on blockchain, providing a secure, transparent record of ownership and transfer, accessible via titlegenius's secure portal. Kate Karimson, Chief Commercial Officer at R3 said, "We are excited to announce this collaboration with Radian. Titlegenius illustrates the advantages of moving title data onto an open, permissioned ledger. This integration on Corda brings better transparency, data control, and smart contract execution, offering time and cost savings to Radian customers. With the most live, in-production use cases of any DLT platform, Corda's peer-to-peer structure continues to lead in privacy, security, and scalability for regulated markets." Steven Stipetich, Radian's Senior Vice President of Title said, "The title transfer process is notoriously slow and complex, and we are excited to collaborate with R3 to make this process simpler and more efficient for our clients. There are many valuable use cases for DLT in the property space like bulk refinancing - already supported by the titlegenius platform. We look forward to continued collaboration with R3 in our mission to transform residential real estate transactions through cutting-edge technology." * Potential savings may vary. Florida: Radian Instant Rebate is consistent with the Butler Rebate as permitted in the Florida Supreme Court decision Chicago Title Insurance Co. v. Butler, 770 So. 2d 1210, 1221, 2000 Fla. LEXIS 2034, *32. All other states: National averages of competitor standard rates for purchase transactions as of September 2024. Annual Premium for basic policy; coverage and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states and situations. Savings estimates are based on total costs including closing costs and fees, not on premiums alone. Media Enquiries Eterna Partners for R3 Rashi Iyer - Radian About R3 R3 is the leader in digital currency, digital assets and interoperability solutions. R3 supports Central Banks, Corporates and FMIs by providing them with solutions to progress financial markets digitization. Corda is an open, permissioned DLT platform powering the tokenization of assets and currencies connecting global markets. Corda enables tokenization with control, security and privacy, providing asset mobility in a permissioned, trusted environment. R3 is committed to progressing financial markets and to enabling an open, trusted and advanced digital economy. For further information, please visit www.r3.com. About the Radian family of companies Radian Group Inc.. Title insurance is provided and underwritten by Radian Title Insurance Inc. Title Services offered through mytitlegenius.com are provided by Radian Title Insurance Inc. and Radian Settlement Services Inc. JP Jenkins Ltd Eresos Holdings PLC Shares soon to be trading on JP Jenkins 13-Nov-2024 / 09:25 GMT/BST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 13th Nov 2024 ERS:JPJ Eresos Holdings PLC ("Eresos" or "the Company") Shares soon to be trading on JP Jenkins London, UK, 13th Nov 2024 - Eresos Holdings PLC (ERS:JPJ), today announces its shares are soon to be admitted to trade on JP Jenkins share dealing platform. The Company's registered address is 85 Great Portland Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 7LT and company number is 14747069. Eresos is a company that makes CBD-infused products for health and wellbeing, including cosmetics, skincare, and nutraceuticals. The proposed plan is to go live for trading on the 2nd Dec 2024. JP Jenkins provides a share trading venue for unlisted or unquoted assets in companies, enabling shareholders and prospective investors to buy and sell equity on a matched bargain basis. JP Jenkins is a trading name of InfinitX Limited and Appointed Representative of Prosper Capital LLP (FRN453007). The indicative pricing for the ordinary shares as well as the transaction history, will be available on the JP Jenkins website at https://jpjenkins.com/company/eresos-holdings-plc/). For further information, please contact: Eresos Holdings PLC Investor Relations JP Jenkins Ltd Veronika Oswald / Mason Doick Tel. +44 (0) 204 525 5314 Tel. +44 (0) 207 469 0937 Email: info@eresos.co.uk Email: info@jpjenkins.com ENDS Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Joint Study Agreement with Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan signed on sidelines of COP29 in Baku New 1GW wind farm in Mingbulak will create 1,000 jobs and deliver clean energy to 300,000 homes in the region Agreement marks first phase of broader strategy to develop 2GW of new wind projects in Uzbekistan BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar, the UAE's clean energy powerhouse, and the Ministry of Energy Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to develop a 1-gigawatt (GW) wind farm in the Mingbulak region of the country. This new wind farm will create 1,000 jobs during construction and 60 jobs during operation. Once completed, it will deliver clean energy to 300,000 homes in the region. The agreement further strengthens Masdar's strategic partnership with Uzbekistan and marks the first phase of a broader strategy to establish three wind farms in the country. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, witnessed by H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and COP28 President, and H.E. Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan Minister of Energy. The agreement was signed by Jakhongir Obidjonov, Chairman of Uzenergosotish, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. In 2023 Masdar signed an Implementation Agreement to develop 2GW of new wind projects in Uzbekistan. In addition to the Mingbulak wind farm announced today, these will span two further sites including Akpetki in the country's Karakalpakstan region and Buzaubay in its Navoiy region. H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and COP28 President, said: "The long-standing relationship between the UAE and Uzbekistan underscores the scale and ambition needed to accelerate climate action and drive clean energy capacity growth. Developing a 1GW wind farm is another example of our commitment to deliver maximum energy with fewer emissions. Agreements like these further propel us towards our shared goals of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in the historic UAE Consensus, and driving low-carbon socioeconomic progress." H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: "The UAE and Uzbekistan share a vision of sustainable development and renewable energy. We are pleased to see this partnership advancing clean, emissions-free energy in Uzbekistan and abroad. The UAE commends Uzbekistan's climate leadership as we progress together in advancing the energy transition towards a new era of sustainable prosperity." H.E. Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan Minister of Energy, said: "In such challenging circumstances, under the wise leadership of our President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has set the transition to a "green" economy and the goal of carbon neutrality as its main strategic direction. Today, we are taking decisive steps towards the rapid development of renewable energy sources, adapting to climate change, and progressing towards sustainable growth. "The Mingbulak Wind Power Plant marks a new phase in our partnership, offering us opportunities to enhance energy security, generate new jobs, and drive economic growth. We have strong confidence in Masdar's projects in Uzbekistan and believe in their continued success. "In alignment with the UAE's "Triple Renewable Energy Capacity" initiative, we join the global movement to combat climate change. Uzbekistan, in turn, reaffirms its commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and aims to expand international cooperation in the renewable energy sector." Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: "Uzbekistan is a key strategic partner for Masdar, and we are working together to achieve the country's ambitious renewable energy goals by delivering renewable energy projects that will power the country's homes and businesses - and sustainable growth - while successfully cutting emissions. Masdar is proud to support Uzbekistan as it works to transform its energy landscape, and we look forward to continuing our shared journey toward a more sustainable future." The new wind project will contribute to Uzbekistan's growing renewable energy portfolio and complement Masdar's existing projects in the country, which include six utility-scale solar power plants. These initiatives are designed to enhance energy security, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth in Uzbekistan, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with Masdar's commitment to support Uzbekistan's goal of generating 40 percent of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Masdar has been an early mover in Uzbekistan's renewable energy market, with landmark projects that include the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm, that will provide enough electricity to power more than 150,000 homes when fully operational. Masdar also developed the 100MW utility-scale Nur Navoi photovoltaic (PV) solar plant, which has been operational since 2021. These projects underscore Masdar's commitment to delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy solutions to Uzbekistan. Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE's vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030 and to become a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. About Masdar Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 31.5 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future. Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. For more information please visit: http://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556508/Masdar.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2514011/4930165/MASDAR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/masdar-signs-agreement-to-develop-1gw-mingbulak-wind-farm-in-uzbekistan-302303940.html LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Solusent, a digital transformation consultancy is launching a ground-breaking new partnership with Free Free - an ecosystem of change that works for the physical, emotional and financial freedom of girls and women. The new partnership revolutionises Free Free's digital presence by the creation of a new accessible app platform for a global community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and impact creators. The partnership also includes the creation of the new tech pledge platform 'We Are One Alliance' for the global conscious business community. The Free Free ecosystem has already achieved over $70 million worth of impact, engaged over 50,000 women and girls globally, engages with over 2 million people monthly and works with over 70 partners including Harvard University, Gucci, Google, Pepsico, Unilever and L'Oreal. Launched in 2019 by Yasmine McDougall Sterea, a Brazilian Editor, Free Free's work includes support, education and encouragement of girls at school, University and women, through workshops and campaigns all around the world. The Free Free Foundation is a charitable entity that brings solutions to vulnerable communities and the Free Free Club, is aimed at women, with the goal of encouraging female leadership and raising awareness among young women about issues related to self-esteem, career, financial freedom, emotional health, and abusive situations. Charlie Crook, Solusent Co-Founder, said: "Our new partnership with Free Free is about creating technological accessibility to accelerate crucial social change. The new app will enable change-makers to connect, collaborate and create impact for women at scale. Our combined mission is about accessibility and empowerment, making conscious leadership available to anyone with a smartphone. The launch marks a long-term partnership between Solusent and Free Free, developing and enhancing the platform as the ecosystem grows." The Free Free app is available for download on iOS and Android. For more information, visit www.freefreeworld.org or www.solusent.com. Images of the launch of the partnership with Free Free Founder and Solusent's Founders can be downloaded here with a caption: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ugf7f22ishr26hcyd3dw6/AKg7uPV2XoDFiqpxkHlwobg?rlkey=jkip4q1er7hc9lcq3ihb9l4v6&dl=0 About Solusent Solusent is a digital transformation consultancy bridging the tech gender gap through accessible, premium digital solutions. Established in 2020, the company specialises in creating future-proofed apps and websites that prioritise user experience and meaningful human connections. Their mission is to make enterprise-level digital solutions accessible to all innovators, particularly in femtech and purpose-driven sectors where transformation can create lasting imp View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solusent-and-free-free-partnership-aims-to-scale-70m-female-impact-movement-302303945.html Agility Robotics, creator of the leading bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) Digit, today announced during an appearance at global technology conference Web Summit that Schaeffler has made a minority investment in the company. In addition to the investment, the companies have signed an agreement in which Schaeffler, the motion technology company, intends to purchase humanoid robots from Agility Robotics for use across the whole global Schaeffler plant network. Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer of Schaeffler AG, said: "In disruptive times, implementing innovative manufacturing solutions is crucial to be successful. Here, humanoids play an important role. We, at Schaeffler, will integrate this technology into our operations and see the potential to deploy a significant number of humanoids in our global network of 100 plants by 2030. We look forward to the collaboration with Agility Robotics which will accelerate our activities in this field." Earlier this year Agility became the first company to formally commercially deploy humanoid robots after signing a multi-year agreement with GXO, the world's largest pure-play contract logistics provider, to deploy Digit in GXO's logistics operations. That agreement also became the industry's first Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) deployment of humanoid robots. "We are excited to welcome Schaeffler as a customer and investor, and look forward to delivering value in their operations with Digit," said Peggy Johnson, Agility Robotics CEO. "While our technology is helping companies like Schaeffler transform their manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing businesses, scaling the use of humanoid robots will require them to work cooperatively with humans and outside of the safety cages they are in today. I am confident that in the next 24 months, Agility will be the first company to deliver a safe humanoid robot that will be able to work alongside people." About Agility Robotics Headquartered in Salem, Oregon, with offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Palo Alto, California, Agility Robotics' mission is to build robot partners that augment the human workforce, ultimately enabling humans to be more human. Agility's groundbreaking bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) Digit is the first multi-purpose, human-centric robot that is made for work View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113295142/en/ Contacts: Press Contact: Tim Smith for Agility Robotics 415-350-3019 media@agilityrobotics.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor and Army veteran, to be the United States' new Defense Secretary.A political commentator for Fox News, he was the former head of two advocacy groups for military veterans - Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America.Hegseth has a decorated military career, which includes deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as a platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay.'Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First,' Trump said in a statement released by his campaign. 'With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.''Nobody fights harder for the Troops and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our 'Peace through Strength' policy,' he added.Trump made a number of other nominations to key posts in his administration Tuesday.Former acting Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe is appointed director of national intelligence and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security.Trump named former presidential candidate, Fox News host and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel.Meanwhile, Trump will meet President Joe Biden at the Oval Office at 11 AM ET Wednesday. The President-elect visiting the outgoing president is a traditional part of the transfer of power in the U.S.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. Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT), inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, provides an update on its recent developments amid high volatility of its stock on Euronext Growth. The company has made significant progress in the area of food intolerances since the UEG Week 2024, receiving a substantial number of expressions of interest from professionals. Since then, it has participated in other conferences, including the DGVS Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Gastroenterologie (German Society for Gastroenterology), where it received similarly enthusiastic feedback. The company has also officially launched its CellTolerance program at a renowned clinic in Paris, where it has trained nutritionists to implement the program. In the United States, the prestigious Stanford University has acquired a Cellvizio dedicated to the CellTolerance program and has begun enrolling patients. These centers aim to enroll a significant number of patients in the coming weeks. Mauna Kea reaffirms its short-term objective and its commitment to strengthen its financial structure to enable the company to mobilize the necessary resources to consolidate its core activity in gastrointestinal endoscopy and accelerate the commercialization of its innovative CellTolerance program for food intolerances. The size of the targeted markets represents a significant potential lever for value creation. Management is actively working with its financial advisors to explore and implement sustainable solutions that support the company's long-term growth objectives. Additionally, based on its current cash position, combined with a rigorous cost reduction program, the company is confident in its ability to meet its operational needs until the first quarter of 2025 (from February to the end of March 2025, depending on the achievement of 2024 budget targets). The company's management is continuing discussions with strategic partners and potential investors to extend this cash horizon. With over 24 years of existence, Mauna Kea Technologies has demonstrated its resilience by overcoming similar challenges in the past. The company will continue to provide regular updates on the progress of financial initiatives, any strategic decisions that result, as well as on its commercial activities. About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements about Mauna Kea Technologies and its business. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Mauna Kea Technologies' financial condition, business, strategies, plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 2 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2023 Annual Report filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 30, 2024, which is available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as the risks associated with changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for, shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be restricted in certain jurisdictions by local law. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to comply with all local regulations applicable to this document. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113872397/en/ Contacts: Mauna Kea Technologies investors@maunakeatech.com NewCap Investor Relations Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 maunakea@newcap.eu Available in two distinct models, DeepL Voice is the company's first voice translation solution for real-time spoken interactions New tools launch at the company's inaugural flagship event, DeepL Dialogues COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DeepL, a leading global Language AI company, today announced the launch of its first voice translation solution DeepL Voice, with the first two products unveiled: Voice for Meetings and Voice for Conversations. DeepL Voice makes it possible to conduct virtual meetings across several languages as well as real-time translation for in-person conversations. "Bringing the quality and security that DeepL is known for to real-time speech translation was the next frontier for us as a business and we're excited to finally unveil our first products. Building on the expertise and models we've developed since our launch in 2017, we've been working closely with customers as part of a beta program to ensure that we're delivering a solution that solves real-life challenges businesses face," said Jarek Kutylowski, CEO and Founder at DeepL. "DeepL is already a leader in written translation, but real time speech translation is an entirely different story. When translating speech as it happens, you're dealing with incomplete input, pronunciation issues, latency and more, all of which can lead to inaccurate translations and poor user experience. These are the same challenges that are oftentimes faced in human conversation that can lead to misunderstandings, so we built a solution that would take these into account from the offset and enable businesses to break down language barriers by enabling them to communicate in multiple languages as required," Kutylowski continued. The launch of DeepL Voice marks the company's first foray into speech-based translations, bringing DeepL's industry leading translation quality and security to spoken communication with two powerful products: DeepL Voice for Meetings eliminates language barriers from virtual meetings. It enables every meeting participant to speak in their preferred language, while other participants receive translated captions in real-time so they can engage and communicate in their native language thus increasing engagement through clearer communication and allowing people to communicate where it was previously not possible. eliminates language barriers from virtual meetings. It enables every meeting participant to speak in their preferred language, while other participants receive translated captions in real-time so they can engage and communicate in their native language thus increasing engagement through clearer communication and allowing people to communicate where it was previously not possible. DeepL Voice for Conversations works on mobile devices to enable one-on-one, in-person conversations across languages thanks to translated captions. It provides two convenient viewing modes to ensure each person can follow translations easily on one device. DeepL Voice expands the company's suite of robust language and communication tools available via the DeepL Language AI platform, which is trusted by 100,000 businesses and governments worldwide for its accuracy and security. To ensure that it achieves the high levels of quality and accuracy required for business usage that DeepL is known for, this new Voice technology is powered by AI models trained on diverse data sets that take into account different accents and environments. DeepL Voice is now available to businesses worldwide and supports the following spoken languages at launch, with more to follow in the future: English, German, Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Dutch, French, Turkish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Italian, with translated captions available in all 33 DeepL Translator supported languages. The launch of DeepL Voice was the pinnacle of DeepL's first flagship conference, DeepL Dialogues, hosted in Berlin on November 13. Audience members in attendance were able to see a live-demo, hear from beta customers and see how the solutions can enable them to break down language barriers across their business communication. Christine Aubry, Internationalisation Coordinator from Brioche Pasquier, a beta customer of DeepL Voice who also attended DeepL Dialogues, added: "Before DeepL Voice, our main challenge was maintaining the inclusion of our international sites in Company projects. The experience was great, DeepL Voice for Meetings really brought our teams together - bridging the gap between our sites and opening the door to collaboration and teamwork. I have tested other tools which generally only support one language in the meeting, but there is nothing like this; DeepL Voice is by far the most complete tool I have used." The launch of DeepL Voice culminates a year of innovation and growth for DeepL. From the launch of DeepL Write Pro in the first half of the year, as well as updates to its Glossary feature and the unveiling of its next-generation large language model (LLM), which outperforms GPT-4, Google, and Microsoft for translation quality. DeepL also was recently named to Forbes' 2024 Cloud 100 list, and raised $300M of new investment at a $2B valuation in May, led by renowned late-stage investment firm Index Ventures. About DeepL DeepL is on a mission to break down language barriers for businesses everywhere. Over 100,000 businesses and governments and millions of individuals across 228 global markets trust DeepL's Language AI platform for human-like translation in both written and spoken formats, as well as natural, improved writing. Designed with enterprise security in mind, companies around the world leverage DeepL's AI solutions that are specifically tuned for language to transform business communications, expand markets, and improve productivity. Founded in 2017 by CEO Jaroslaw (Jarek) Kutylowski, DeepL today has over 1,000 passionate employees and is supported by world-renowned investors including Benchmark, IVP, and Index Ventures. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555589/V2_meetings_iPad_screenshot.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2447716/DeepL_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/deepl-unveils-next-frontier-for-language-ai-with-voice-translation-solution-deepl-voice-302303658.html Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it is working with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, through its SelectUSA program, to conduct a study aimed at identifying the optimal site for Aclara's planned separation facility in the United States (the "Location Study"). The SelectUSA program fosters business investment that supports economic development and job creation in the United States. To date, SelectUSA has facilitated over $250 billion in investments, creating or retaining more than 230,000 jobs across the country. Location Study overview The objective of the Location Study is to identify an optimal site for Aclara's Separation facility, with a focus on maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing both costs and project execution timeline. Key criteria under consideration includes: (i) financial and investment incentives; (ii) permitting and regulatory environment; (iii) commercial and fiscal landscape; (iv) industrial site readiness; (v) infrastructure and services; (vi) supply of key materials required for the process; (vii) climate suitability; (viii) qualified workforce; among others. Aclara's Chief Financial Officer, Francois Motte, commented: "We are very pleased to receive the support from the U.S. Government to find the location of our rare earth separation facility in the United States. Aclara believes that it can contribute towards securing a resilient and independent supply chain for rare earths, which are critical materials for electromobility and other key high-tech sectors of the U.S. economy." For further details regarding the proposed separation facility, refer to the press release "Aclara Announces Update on its Rare Earths Separation Project", dated October 15, 2024. About Acara Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company's rare earth mineral resource development projects include the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile and the Carina Module in the State of Goias, Brazil. Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. Circular mineral harvesting does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings and eliminates the need for a tailing's storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer main reagent, ammonium sulfate. In addition to the development of the Penco Module and the Carina Module, the Company will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths through greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company's current concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Aclara has decided to vertically integrate its rare earths concentrate production towards the manufacturing of rare earths alloys. The Company has established a U.S.-based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc., which will focus on developing technologies for rare earth separation, metals and alloys. Additionally, the Company is advancing its metals and alloys business through a joint venture with CAP S.A., leveraging CAP's extensive expertise in metal refining and special ferro-alloyed steels. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the Company's corporate strategy; expectations as to activities conducted in connection with its separation project, operational efficiency, costs and project execution timeline , effect or outcomes resulting therefrom; the development of a separation facility and the related studies in relation thereto; the Company's vertical integration strategy; and plans as to expenditures, investments, and use of capital and financial resources in the near and long term. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024, filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Ramon Barua Costa Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@aclara-re.com SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Falcon property ("Falcon") target generation efforts. In September 17 and October 10, 2024, news releases, the Company summarized work being done at its West Bear and Falcon properties with emphasis on Zones 1 and 2 at Falcon. This news release summarizes targeting efforts being undertaken in Zone 3 at Falcon (Figure 1). FALCON TARGET GENERATION Falcon is located approximately 30 kilometres east of the active Key Lake uranium mill and former mine at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Between 1983 and 2002 the Key Lake Mine produced a total of 209.9 million lbs. of U3O8 at an average grade of over 2.0%1. The uranium discovery potential at Falcon is significant and includes shallow basement-hosted unconformity-style and pegmatite-hosted mineralization. As reported on May 16, 2024, the Company discovered near-surface uranium mineralization at two drill targets, P03 and P08 in Zone 1 (Figure 1). To date, North Shore has identified 36 uranium targets at Falcon with nine of these being in Zone 3 (Figure 1). Most of Zone 3 consists of four claims that are 100%-owned by the Company. The targets are associated with electromagnetic ("EM") conductor anomalies and have been selected based on the analysis of multiple datasets utilizing interpretation by Condor North Consulting LLC ("Condor"), Earthfield Technologies Inc.("Earthfield"), and North Shore. There are three documented uranium occurrences in Zone 3, the D Zone showing (Target FA025), the Big Sandy Boulder Fan and the Geike River Boulder Fan (Sakatchewan SMDI 2455, 2020 and 2456 respectively)(Figure 1). At the D Zone, one sample from a mineralized vein returned 1.26% uranium ("U") and 0.8% molybdenum ("Mo"). Located approximately six kilometres southwest of the D Zone and discovered in 1980, the Geike River Boulder Fan is a 500 m long, 30 to 100 m wide fan consisting of 19 boulders that are 30 to 200 cm diameter. One boulder returned 0.969% U, 215 ppm copper ("Cu") and 472 ppm Mo, another 0.531% U, 1380 ppm Cu and 2,120 ppm Mo. The Big Sandy radioactive boulder field consists of 37 boulders along a 2 km trend, samples from three boulders averaged 1520 ppm U, 425 ppm thorium and 8,670 ppm Mo. In 1980, three holes were drilled by AGIP Canada Ltd. ("AGIP") associated with the D Zone. Also in 1980, AGIP drilled nine shallow holes totaling 810 m approx. one kilometre northeast of the Big Sandy boulder field. One radioactive interval between 18 and 22 m in one of the nine holes returned a maximum of 87 ppm U. Examples of three target areas that are being considered for future work in Zone 3 are FA025, FA029/FA024 and FA026 (Figure 1). Mr. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "We have a pipeline of uranium targets to choose from for our next drill program at Falcon. Zone 3, like Zones 1 and 2, has attracted uranium explorers in the past. We believe there is potential to make a significant uranium discovery at Falcon using new data and interpretation. With the world's attention increasingly focused on nuclear power and uranium, we look forward to advancing our top targets." 1 Source: Government of Saskatchewan - Mineral Deposit Query (https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1130). There is no guarantee that a uranium deposit similar to Key Lake will be discovered on the Falcon Property. Geologic information from the Saskatchewan database, EM conductors from Saskatchewan database and North Shore interpretation, targets from North Shore interpretation. Figure 1: Map showing Falcon exploration targets and priority zones with emphasis on Zone 3. FA025 Target FA025 includes the D Zone showing and a complex and isolated approximately one kilometre long anomalous EM response defined by variable conductor strength that is in part, coincident with a magnetic low feature (Figure 2). The D Zone showing was discovered in 1978 by field inspection of an anomaly identified from an EM survey flown by AGIP in 1978 that was interpreted to be a graphitic conductor. The D Showing and associated work programs are described in Saskatchewan Assessment files 74A14-0034 and 74A14-0035. The showing is described as a uraniferous vein with associated molybdenite and pyrite; a breccia zone was also sampled. The best sample returned 1.26% U and 0.8% Mo. AGIP reported four additional samples from the D Zone area with greater than 1000 ppm U. The area around the showing was mapped in detail and a ground EM survey was completed. In 1978 a lake sediment sample collected from a small lake 800 m northwest of the D Showing returned 38 ppm U (Figure 2). In 1980 three shallow holes with a cumulative depth of 350 m were drilled by AGIP. One metre sample intervals in zones of anomalous radioactivity in core from two drill holes were analyzed. One of the intervals returned 54 ppm U, the other 36 ppm. Minor hematite, chlorite and kaolinite alteration was encountered throughout the core. In 2022, a North Shore crew identified elevated radioactivity in one outcrop area coincident with the D Zone location, but the vein was not located. The Company intends to model the EM conductors at FA025 and integrate these models with the shallow historic drilling and geologic mapping and determine if the drilling of additional and deeper holes is warranted. Overall, the isolated EM conductor on land that is coincident with a magnetic low response and proximal to a known uranium showing is a highly prospective target. EM and structural interpretation by Condor; single- and double-peaked responses picked from airborne survey profiles. Figure 2. Summary of FA025 Area FA024 and FA029 Targets FA024 and FA029 are associated with a 6.5 km long, northeast-trending EM response associated with northeast-southwest-trending magnetic gradients that is interpreted to represent a sub-vertical conductor (Figure 3). Along the southern portion of the feature, the conductor is offset by approximately 400 m at target FA024. FA029, a priority uranium target selected by Condor and Earthfield, was identified at the northeastern end of this system where the conductor is intersected by an interpreted northwest-trending fault. Coincident with this fault-conductor intersection is a gravity low anomaly. Gravity lows can be indicative of hydrothermal alteration related to uranium mineralization. Possible near-term work prior to drilling could include detailed 3-D modeling of the conductor system, prospecting and mapping at FA029 where the conductor is entirely on land, and ground geophysics. FA026 Target FA026 is represented by strong isolated EM responses that are entirely on land (Figure 4). There is a strong magnetic gradient on the west side of the target. A prospecting and mapping program is currently planned for FA026. NEXT STEPS North Shore will continue prioritizing targets at Falcon in pursuit of maximizing the chances of encountering uranium mineralization in its next drill program. As currently planned, that drill program would have two components; follow-up in areas with previous drilling including the 3.0 km trend within Zone 1 where North Shore discovered near-surface uranium mineralization in early 2024, and the potential testing of new targets identified in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Additional updates on the Company's target prioritization efforts will be provided on an ongoing basis. Structural and EM interpretation by Condor; single- and double-peaked responses picked from airborne survey profiles. Figure 3. Targets FA024 and FA029 EM interpretation by Condor; single- and double-peaked responses picked from airborne survey profiles. Figure 4. Target FA026, Zone 3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Falcon consists of 15 mineral claims; four of the claims comprising 12,791 hectares are 100 percent-owned by the Company and the remaining 11 claims totaling 42,908 hectares are subject to an option agreement with Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Under the terms of the option agreement, North Shore has the option to earn up to a 100% interest in the 11 claims by completing certain payments, exploration work and other commitments by October 2026. ABOUT NORTH SHORE URANIUM The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable. The near-term business objective of North Shore Uranium is to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits at the eastern margin of Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, a tier-one jurisdiction for discovering new mineable high-grade uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by conducting exploration programs at its Falcon and West Bear properties and by evaluating opportunities to complement its portfolio of uranium properties. The Company went public in November 2023 and its experienced team includes uranium experts and mining industry professionals. QUALIFIED PERSON Mr. Brooke Clements, MSc, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the President and CEO of North Shore, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information: Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: 604.536.2711 Email: b.clements@northshoreuranium.com www.northshoreuranium.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "project", "appear", "interpret", "coincident", "potential", "confirm", "suggest", "evaluate", "encourage", "likely", "anomaly", "continuous" and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "should", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current and planned exploration activities including the potential for the definition of a mineral deposit of potential economic value within Falcon; that drilling results, geophysical survey results and/or interpretations thereof are defining potentially mineralized corridors; results from future exploration programs including drilling; interpretation and meaning of completed and future geophysical surveys; conclusions of future economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; possible variations in grades of mineralization and/or future actual recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: North Shore Uranium Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Recent Study Indicates Favorable Rare Earth Elements Mix at Lemhi Pass - Abundant Concentrations of Magnet and Heavy REEs Relative to Many Current and Proposed REE Mines Globally Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE American:IDR) ("IDR" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its extensive Idaho-based rare earth elements (REE) landholdings, including its plans for the 2025 REE exploration field season focusing on the Company's Lemhi Pass project. To recap, on November 15th, 2023 IDR announced impressive results from analysis of sampling at two prospects within its Lemhi Pass project ( Idaho Strategic's Lemhi Trenching Returns Up to 5% Total Rare Earths - Including Magnet REE Concentrations in Excess of 70% ). And as previously stated, the distribution of rare earth elements analyzed was 58% Nd, 8% Pr, 8% Sm, and 2% Dy, with these four elements combined to account for up to 76% of the total rare earth elements percentage. Idaho Strategic's geologists, among others, speculate the favorable mix of REEs may be due to the substitution of lanthanum (a common lower value REE) for a greater concentration of neodymium as illustrated in many Lemhi Pass samples analyzed to date. While much more work is required (and planned) the Company's initial findings support the potential for favorable project economics moving forward. As part of its ongoing analysis, and ahead of the 2025 work season, the company contracted Alpha Geologic for further study of samples from its Mineral Hill, Diamond Creek and Lemhi Pass projects. The two charts below depict the percentages of valuable rare earth oxides in samples obtained from the Company's Sparky and In-Trust (IT) prospects at Lemhi Pass. Along with additional samples obtained from Diamond Creek (DC) and Mineral Hill (MH) in order to provide early-stage comparisons to the reported percentage of valuable rare earth elements in other globally significant projects; including the producing Mountain Pass (California), Mt. Weld (Australia), and Bayan Obo (China) REE mines. Chart #1 measures the ratio of neodymium ("Nd"), praseodymium ("Pr"), dysprosium ("Dy"), terbium ("Tb"), and Yttrium ("Y") compared to the total rare earth oxides for each respective project Chart #2 measures the ratio of samarium ("Sm"), Europium ("Eu"), and Gadolinium ("Gd") compared to the total rare earth oxides for each respective project In 2025 the Company has plans for a considerably larger trenching and low-impact air rotary drilling program at Lemhi Pass in comparison to past efforts. Spanning over 12,000 acres, the Company's Lemhi Pass project is expansive and exploring it thoroughly will take time. Using a combination of trenching and air rotary drilling is the best and lowest cost method for quick, larger scale exploration to aid in the eventual planning for a core drilling program and future resource definition. Idaho Strategic's President and CEO, John Swallow commented, "We are understandably pleased with the results coming out of our Lemhi Pass project, especially in comparison to other well-known deposits across the globe, and just as domestic sourcing of REEs and mining in Idaho is receiving increased attention. It is also important to note that in concert with planned and ongoing REE exploration, we are also working with multiple national laboratories and independent companies to advance our understanding of the minerology of Idaho's REE projects, and to investigate various separation and processing technologies. Given the specific nature of processing and separating REEs, we felt it necessary to supply REE samples from our projects for the development of innovative processing and separation technologies, which could inevitably result in those solutions/technologies being tailored to the minerology of our projects." Qualified person IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Robert John Morgan, PG, PLS is a qualified person as such term is defined under S-K 1300 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release. About Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. Idaho Strategic Resources (IDR) is an Idaho-based gold producer which also owns the largest rare earth elements land package in the United States. The Company's business plan was established in anticipation of today's volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. IDR finds itself in a unique position as the only publicly traded company with growing gold production and significant blue-sky potential for rare earth elements exploration and development in one Company. For more information on Idaho Strategic Resources, visit https://idahostrategic.com/presentation/ , go to www.idahostrategic.com or call: Travis Swallow, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Email: tswallow@idahostrategic.com Phone: (208) 625-9001 Forward Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by forward-looking words such as "intends", "potential", "believe", "plans", "expects", "may", "goal', "assume", "estimate", "anticipate", and "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, assumptions, intentions, or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information includes, but are not limited to, The potential operational and economic viability of REEs at Lemhi Pass, the potential for REE exploration to take place in 2025, the potential for additional discoveries from drilling and trenching, the potential for trenching and air rotary drilling to be quick and low cost, and the potential for Lemhi Pass' REE mineralization to continue to display results similar to the two charts included in this press release. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of Idaho Strategic Resources as of the date such information is provided and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of IDR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Investors should note that IDR's claim as the largest rare earth elements landholder in the U.S. is based on the Company's internal review of publicly available information regarding the rare earth landholdings of select companies within the U.S., which IDR is aware of. Investors are encouraged not to rely on IDR's claim as the largest rare earth elements landholder in the U.S. while making investment decisions. The forward-looking statement information above, and those following are applicable to both this press release, as well as the links contained within this press release. With respect to the business of Idaho Strategic Resources, these risks and uncertainties include risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreaks; interpretations or reinterpretations of geologic information; the accuracy of historic estimates; unfavorable exploration results; inability to obtain permits required for future exploration, development or production; general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; fluctuating mineral and commodity prices; the ability to obtain necessary future financing on acceptable terms; the ability to operate the Company's projects; and risks associated with the mining industry such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, and energy prices), ground conditions, failure of plant, equipment, processes and transportation services to operate as anticipated, environmental risks, government regulation, actual results of current exploration and production activities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, permitting timelines, capital and construction expenditures, reclamation activities. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from this forward-looking information is available in Idaho Strategic Resources filings with the SEC on EDGAR. IDR does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. SOURCE: Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Elevate Uranium Ltd (ASX: EL8) (OTCQX: ELVUF) is pleased to announce the company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London. Murray Hill of Elevate Uranium Ltd will be presenting about the Company's recent and future planned activities. Held on November 14-15, 121 Mining Investment London will host over 150 mining companies and more than 500 investors for two days of pre-arranged, targeted 1-2-1 meetings. Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here. About 121 Mining Investment The 121 Mining Investment global event series connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups and family offices with mining company management teams for 1-2-1, private in-person meetings. 121 Mining Investment has an ever-expanding global portfolio, currently covering London, New York, Cape Town, Dubai and Singapore, as well as online editions throughout the year. About Elevate Uranium Ltd Elevate Uranium is a uranium development company focused on the exploration and development of uranium deposits in Namibia and Australia. With a globally significant uranium resource base exceeding 160 million pounds of U3O, Elevate Uranium is committed to becoming a globally significant uranium producer. The Company's flagship asset is the Koppies Uranium Project in Namibia, a near-surface deposit with a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource of 66.1 million pounds of U3O. Elevate Uranium aims to advance the Koppies project towards production, leveraging its proprietary U-pgrade beneficiation process which has been proven to reduce capital and operating costs by as much as ~50%, compared to conventional processes. The company is well-funded to execute its development and exploration plans. This includes the next phase of development at the Koppies Uranium Project with the construction and operation of an U-pgrade demonstration plant and commencement of technical studies. Learn more about Elevate Uranium and the Company's plans to accelerate the next phase of development here. SOURCE: 121 Mining Investment Conference FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. ("FLYHT") (TSX-V: FLY)(OTCQX: FLYLF) today announced that it received an order from WestJet Airlines, Ltd. to install the Company's TSO approved AFIRS 228S satcom solution on WestJet's fleet of Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft. "As we execute on our fleet growth and modernization plan, FLYHT's Iridium satcom solution provides us with the long-range data and voice communications that we require, while enabling us to maintain fleet commonality across our aircraft types," said Gandeephan Ganeshalingam, WestJet Vice-President Technical operations. "We are pleased with FLYHT's solutions on our 737 MAX-8 and 737NG aircraft, and are confident to utilize the product following the delivery of our Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft." "WestJet's order of the AFIRS 228S TSO for their fleet of Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft expands our long-standing and valued relationship and is the latest demonstration of the strength of our AFIRS 228 product line," commented Darrel Deane, Chief Revenue Officer at FLYHT. "The solution enables WestJet and other airlines with MAX-10 aircraft on order to install and activate the AFIRS 228S TSO for safety services functions immediately after delivery. This contract deepens our relationship with WestJet and opens up additional growth potential for FLYHT." This increase to the contract previously announced in 2020 is valued at approximately US$900,000, provided that all products and services are delivered over the contract term. About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. FLYHT provides airlines with Actionable Intelligence to transform operational insight into immediate, quantifiable action, and delivers industry leading solutions to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and profitability. This unique capability is driven by a suite of patented aircraft certified hardware products, AFIRS. Solutions include an aircraft satcom/interface device that enables cockpit voice communications, the transmission of aircraft data both inflight via satellite and post-flight via 5G, real-time aircraft state and fleet status analysis, and preventative maintenance solutions. FLYHT's hardware products can also be interfaced with FLYHT's proprietary relative humidity sensors to deliver airborne weather and humidity data in real-time. FLYHT is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and is an AS9100 Quality registered company. For more information, visit www.flyht.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to projected revenues and related matters. Although FLYHT believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. FLYHT cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are founded on the basis of expectations, assumptions and hypotheses made by the Company, including, but not limited to projected revenues. Such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to global economic conditions; industry conditions, and supply chain delays. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. FLYHT undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Contact Information: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. Alana Forbes Chief Financial Officer 403.291.7437 investors@flyht.com FNK IR LLC Matt Chesler, CFA Investor Relations 646.809.2183 flyht@fnkir.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com $70,000 Prize fund will reward innovation and research that addresses challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought Submissions will close on November 22nd with winners announced in special UNCCD COP16 Ceremony RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD COP16 Presidency, the Kingdom has launched the Young Researchers Award at the COP16 Science Pavillion. The prestigious competition, with a total prize pool of $70,000, aims to accelerate groundbreaking research and innovative solutions addressing land degradation, drought and desertification and is open to students and young researchers from across the world. A total of seven awards of $10,000 each will be given to early-career researchers (up to age 35) who can demonstrate impactful contributions to key areas including sustainable land management, drought resilience, and land restoration. The seven award categories are land restoration, sustainable agri-food systems, equitable land governance, community and youth engagement, science, technology and innovation, resilience and climate adaptation, and finance and sustainable land investments. The awards will be presented at a high-profile event during UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. Nominees will be flown to Saudi Arabia and provided five days of accommodation. Winners will also be given a unique opportunity to be mentored by leading experts. "Land degradation, drought and desertification are leading causes of many of the issues impacting people around the world, be it food insecurity, water insecurity or forced migration. COP16 in Riyadh is an opportunity to find urgent solutions, and help turn the tide on these global crises," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. The awards seek to accelerate research, innovation and technology that can help tackle land degradation, drought and desertification, and enhance global land restoration and drought resilience efforts. The international competition encourages applicants to demonstrate innovative approaches, long-term sustainability and scalability, and focus on how their work can benefit the Middle East. Submissions are open until November 22nd and will be evaluated by a dedicated scientific committee that includes leading experts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The awards come as Saudi Arabia seeks to accelerate global action on desertification, land degradation, and drought, which affect 3.2 billion people worldwide. With 40% of land already degraded according to the UNCCD, Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD Presidency is seeking to mobilize the international community at COP16 in Riyadh to deliver multilateral action on a range of pressing issues, including land restoration and drought resilience. The awards are part of a packed agenda taking place at the COP16 Science Pavilion, a hub aimed at showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Pavilion will be part of the first ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP. Researchers and innovators are encouraged to submit their work through the official award website at https://www.unccdcop16.org/Scientific-Excellence-Awards ABOUT COP16 RIYADH The UNCCD COP16 conference will take place from December 2-13, 2024, next to Boulevard Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The conference, themed Our Land. Our Future, will mark the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and aims to secure multilateral action on critical issues such as drought resilience, land tenure, and sand and dust storms. Journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via the UNCCD's?Online Registration System?(ORS).?? Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556588/UNCCD_COP16__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saudi-arabia-launches-landmark-young-researchers-awards-at-the-unccd-cop16-science-pavillion-302304068.html Chinese manufacturer UtmoLight has unveiled a new 450 W perovskite solar module, with a 16. 1% efficiency rating. It claims that the panel is currently the largest perovskite PV module available. China's UtmoLight has launched a 450 W perovskite solar panel with a power conversion efficiency of 16. 1%. "The panel is currently the largest perovskite photovoltaic module available on the market," Wang Xuege, vice president of UtmoLight, told pv magazine. The Wuxi-based company said the new product features an open-circuit voltage of 190. 7 V, a short-circuit current of 3. 19, and a fill factor of ... 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. New data reveals AI will be indispensable in financial services over the next 5 years, as it helps to provide more personalised customer experiences A new study from Seismic, the global leader in enablement, has found that almost all (92%) financial services leaders plan to invest in new technologies, predicting a 31% increase in their enablement tech stack budget over the next year. Moreover, 2 in 5 (40%) respondents expect a 40% revenue increase over the next five years by integrating AI into their Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. More than 330 financial services industry professionals working in Wealth Management, Insurance, Asset Management, and Banking across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia were surveyed to understand how AI advancements are transforming client-facing teams such as advisors, bankers, relationship managers, and wholesalers. Enablement's responsibilities and tech investments are on the rise While the majority (94%) of financial services industry leaders already use enablement technology at work, nearly all (97%) respondents said AI advancements and the ways they can bolster enablement efforts are a major driving force behind their increased tech spending. The study found that: Companies that are ramping up their tech investment are doing so to bolster key business functions, such as managing rapid organisational change (60%) and adapting to evolving customer expectations (57%). Nearly all (97%) financial services leaders said AI advancements are a major driving force behind the increase in their tech investment. 95% said their ability to use AI tools at work for enablement tasks, non-enablement tasks, or both is another major factor in investing in new technologies. 92% believe that AI will be indispensable in providing personalised customer experiences in the next 5 years. "Changing client expectations and preferences, coupled with the promise of newer technologies such as generative AI, are reshaping the ways financial services companies operate," said Kerry Ryan, CPWA, Senior Director of Financial Services Industry Marketing, Seismic. "Our new study highlights the undeniable impact that the fusion of AI and go-to-market strategy has on boosting the bottom line. Adopting the right solutions empowers client-facing teams to adapt to evolving client demands, ensuring they can foster the deep, lasting relationships our industry is known for." Companies are adapting to better support AI adoption The survey also revealed that the rise of AI offers more than just day-to-day changes within the sector. As part of this transformation, AI is expected to optimise key industry functions across sales (61%), marketing (61%), and strategy and operations (49%). More importantly, 85% recognise AI literacy as an essential skill for client-facing professionals. As a result, this has prompted firms to focus on developing AI skill sets across their teams: Over two-thirds (69%) of financial services leaders have updated or enhanced/expanded training. More specifically, 91% of financial services leaders are prioritising their own AI literacy to motivate others in their team to use AI and 89% are prioritising the AI literacy of their team. To ensure they have the right people for the job, 40% have evolved their hiring needs to allow for AI-driven transformation. Technology buy-in is an uphill battle However, despite concerted efforts to lay the foundation for the success of new technologies, most (92%) GTM financial services leaders continue to experience barriers to adoption: Two-thirds (66%) of GTM financial services leaders have experienced significant barriers to AI adoption, with 42% citing financial resource constraints as a primary obstacle. Over half (56%) said it is difficult to get the necessary buy-in from their team to implement new technologies at their company, with a misunderstanding of the purposes of AI from an executive (39%) and management level (51%). 67% believe generational differences in leadership make it more challenging to get buy-in to implement new technologies at their company, and Gen Zers were 19% more likely than average to say this. For more findings from Revenue Enablement in Financial Services: 2024 Global Findings Insights, head to the Seismic Blog or download the full report here. Learn more about how Seismic works with 400+ financial services firms by visiting our website. METHODOLOGY Seismic conducted the 'Revenue Enablement in Financial Services: 2024 Global Findings Insights' survey online between July 23 and August 9, 2024. The study reflects the opinions of 330 full-time employees working in the financial services industry, including in Wealth Management, Insurance, Asset Management, and Banking in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia. The survey was conducted at 95% confidence with a +/- 10% margin of error. About Seismic Seismic is the global leader in enablement, helping organisations engage customers, enable teams, and ignite revenue growth. The Seismic Enablement CloudTM is the most powerful, unified enablement platform that equips customer-facing teams with the right skills, content, tools, and insights to grow and win. From the world's largest enterprises to startups and small businesses, more than 2,000 organisations around the globe trust Seismic for their enablement needs. Seismic is headquartered in San Diego with offices across North America, Europe, and Australia. To learn more, visit Seismic.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113261366/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Red Lorry Yellow Lorry for Seismic SeismicEMEA@rlyl.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce planning of a winter 2025 drill program at the Deux Orignaux prospect, and that Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") has provided Notice (as defined below), pursuant to the Venture Agreement between Newmont and the Company dated September 4, 2024 (the "Venture Agreement"), to enter Phase 2 of the earn-in agreement to potentially earn an additional 29% participating interest (the "Phase 2 Earn-In") in the Chebistuan project (the "Project"), located in Quebec. Winter 2025 Drill Program Planning The current winter 2025 drill program, approved by Newmont, will include up to 3,500m of drilling at the Deux Orignaux target area. This second phase of drilling, follow-up to the initial program completed in early 2023, will test lateral and down-dip extents of the mineralised syenite intersected in drill hole 23DODD005, which returned 157.20m at 0.41 g/t Au including 20.61m at 0.97 g/t Au (see press release dated June 27, 2023). The program will also test additional targets, identified as potential syenite plugs based on geophysical characteristics. The drill program is currently expected to commence in Q1 2025, and Kenorland remains operator of the Project. Figure 1. Plan map of Deux Orignaux drilling highlights (previously reported) and planned drill hole locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/229738_c6e2725e3451188e_001full.jpg About Deux Orignaux Target Area The Deux Orignaux target area is a grassroots prospect under an earn-in agreement with Newmont. Systematic, property wide geochemical surveys completed in 2020 covering the 159,690 hectare project and detailed till geochemical surveys in 2021 defined the target area containing anomalous gold and multi-element geochemistry, and gold grains in glacial overburden. The defined target area was followed up with a detailed airborne magnetics survey, and an induced polarization (IP) survey in 2022 ahead of drill targeting. The mineralised intrusion at Deux Orignaux, defined by coincident resistivity, chargeability, and magnetic anomalies, was intersected along the regional contact between a clastic sedimentary basin (Opemiska Group) and volcanic rocks, marked by a first order basin bounding structure and Timiskaming type polymictic conglomerates. The intrusion is mineralised throughout with minor disseminated pyrite and trace sphalerite associated with pervasive potassic and albite alteration (Kspar-albite-quartz-hematite-carbonate-sericite alteration assemblage). Figure 2. Cross section of Deux Orignaux drilling (geology and previously reported assays, looking east) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/229738_c6e2725e3451188e_002full.jpg Phase 2 Earn-in In order to complete the Phase 2 Earn-In, Newmont has to: Pay Kenorland a one-time cash payment in the amount of C$200,000 within 30 days of the Phase 2 Election Notice (the "Notice"), of which the Company confirms receipt; and, incur additional qualifying expenditures on the Project by defining a 1,500,000 gold ounces resource through a pre-feasibility stage study inline with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within 6 years of the effective date of the Venture Agreement. Upon completion of the Phase 2 Earn-In, Newmont's participating interest will increase from 51% to 80%, and Kenorland's corresponding participating interest will decrease from 49% to 20%, and the parties may continue to explore and develop the Project through a joint venture or, in the case of a construction decision, Kenorland can elect for Newmont to finance its portion of mine development costs. About the Chebistuan Project The Chebistuan Project was acquired by Kenorland through map staking in December 2019 and was optioned to Newmont in July, 2020. The property covers approximately 100 kilometers of a major east-west trending deformation zone which may represent the continuation of the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone; host to major gold deposits such as Detour Lake (Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.) and Fenelon (Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd.). The Chibougamau and Chapais mining camps, which have produced over 6.5Moz of gold and 1.6 billion pounds of copper historically, are located directly to the east of the Chebistuan property. The Project is largely covered with glacial till and is accessed through a network of logging roads and by helicopter. The Project is under an exploration agreement dated July 17, 2020 (the "Exploration Agreement") with a venture option (the "Joint Venture") with Newmont. The Exploration Agreement is currently in the Phase 2 stage since Newmont has completed all requirements to earn a 51% interest in the Project within the initial phase of the Exploration Agreement. Within the Phase 1 earn-in stage, approximately 6,250 B-horizon soils (glacial till substrate) and 190 HMC till samples were collected during property wide to target definition surveys, geophysical surveys and an initial drill test at the Deux Orignaux target, was completed between 2020-2023. Newmont currently has the option to earn an additional 29% interest for a cumulative 80% interest (the "Phase Two Earn-in") in the Project over six years by defining a 1.5Moz Au resource through a pre-feasibility stage study inline with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, as well as making certain cash payments to Kenorland. The parties may continue to explore and develop the property through an 80% Newmont, 20% Kenorland Joint Venture or, in the case of a construction decision, Kenorland can elect for Newmont to finance its portion of mine development cost. If Newmont elects not to continue with the Phase Two Earn-in, ownership interest in the Project can switch to 51% Kenorland and 49% Newmont. Qualified Person Cedric Mayer, M.Sc., P.Geo. (OGQ #02385), "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. About Kenorland Minerals Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Zach Flood President, CEO & Director Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229738 SOURCE: Kenorland Minerals Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Atomic Minerals Corp. (TSXV: ATOM) ("Atomic" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a corporate update on its current projects, including significant progress in Northern Saskatchewan, as well as the Bleasdell Lake, Harts Point, Dolores Anticline, and 10 Mile Anticline uranium projects. Atomic remains focused on advancing its robust portfolio of uranium exploration projects across North American regions known for large scale historical uranium discoveries. Clive Massey, CEO of Atomic Minerals Corp., commented, "This year has been an incredible year of growth and strategic advancement for Atomic Minerals, as we continue to make significant progress on our projects in both Canada and the United States. In Canada, we're thrilled by the potential of our Northern Saskatchewan projects, where we are on track to move forward with targeted drilling and exploration that align with our ambitious growth objectives. In the United States, we're particularly encouraged by the potential for regulatory reforms and streamlined permitting processes anticipated with the incoming Republican Administration. Any positive steps toward deregulation would have a direct and beneficial impact on our U.S.-based projects, allowing us to accelerate our exploration and development timelines. We're proud of all we've achieved in 2024 and look forward to an exceptional 2025, as we continue to unlock value across our robust portfolio of uranium projects." Northern Saskatchewan Canada Uranium Exploration Projects Atomic Minerals holds six promising uranium projects covering 6,495 hectares in Northern Saskatchewan, with 5 in Canada's prolific Athabasca Basin, and its key Bleadell Lake project to the SE. This region is globally recognized for its high-grade uranium deposits, and the Company's properties strategically position it to leverage this potential. Initial groundwork and reconnaissance surveys have shown positive signs, laying the foundation for a thorough exploration program across these projects in 2025. Bleasdell Lake Project, Saskatchewan, Canada At the Bleasdell Lake Project ("Bleasdell Lake"), located approximately 95 kilometers southwest of Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Atomic Minerals is advancing toward obtaining a multi-year permit for ground-based geophysics and up to 4,000 meters of diamond drilling. The exploration program will focus on three newly identified uranium target zones in addition to the historically drilled Horn and Jackpine zones. These areas are known for uranium-bearing pegmatite dykes. Historic trenching returned 91m averaging 0.12% U3O8 over 2.56m and 33.5m averaging 0.62% U3O8 over 1.21m. Drilling beneath the trenching identified a 1957 historic resource of 620,700 pounds of U3O8 (triuranium octoxide), identified within the Horn and Jackpine zones. This historic estimate was originally reported in a shareholder report for Columbia Metals Exploration Co. Ltd. dated Nov. 9, 1957. The estimate, which was calculated using the standards of the time, is based on data from closely spaced shallow drill holes and more widely spaced deeper drill holes. While the historic resource is considered relevant to the potential of the Bleasdell Lake property, there is no technical report, and the calculations, methods and parameters used were not disclosed in the shareholder report. Consequently, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The Company acknowledges that, to upgrade or verify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, significant twinning of the historic drill holes will be necessary. As such, Atomic is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource at this time. Permitting is pending, and once completed, Atomic Minerals plans to initiate on-ground exploration by March 2025, targeting a comprehensive assessment of both the historic and new zones. Geological Significance and Historical Findings Bleasdell Lake is characterized by metasedimentary gneisses forming a dome-like structure with a core of massive granodiorite. The gneisses are interlayered with white or grey plagioclase-bearing pegmatite, all cut by pink granitic pegmatite and aplite. Major northwest-trending faults, including the Lamke Bay and Zaleschuk faults, intersected by the Bleasdell Lake fault, appear to control these target zones. Historical exploration identified several noteworthy features: Horn and Jackpine Showings: Exposed coarse-grained grey pegmatite with biotite, apatite, and radioactive minerals, primarily uraninite. Diamond drilling indicated elusive, lens-like radioactive zones due to remnants of biotite-rich country rock. Exposed coarse-grained grey pegmatite with biotite, apatite, and radioactive minerals, primarily uraninite. Diamond drilling indicated elusive, lens-like radioactive zones due to remnants of biotite-rich country rock. Magnetic Low Anomalies: All target zones, including the historic ore deposits, lie within a magnetic low, suggesting potential additional mineralization at depth. Atomic Minerals is optimistic about the potential of Bleasdell Lake, and the initial review of historic follow-up 1969 exploration results is promising, and the Company is committed to advancing the project through detailed ground surveys and geological mapping. Survey Methods and Results The historical report by D. L. Surjik and Associates Ltd. from November 27, 1969, provided a comprehensive airborne spectrometer survey, surface water geochemical sampling, and geological reconnaissance: Airborne Spectrometer Survey: Covered 150-line miles using a single-channel spectrometer, identifying total count anomalies and uranium-thorium peaks. Covered 150-line miles using a single-channel spectrometer, identifying total count anomalies and uranium-thorium peaks. Total Count and Uranium-Thorium Survey: Identified multiple anomalies, including significant readings from the Horn and Jackpine zones, with isolated anomalies pointing to promising areas for further exploration. Airborne Spectrometer Survey From August 30 to September 7, 1969, an airborne spectrometer survey was conducted, covering 150-line miles (241-line km). The survey, utilizing a Model SC-1 single channel spectrometer, identified several significant radiometric anomalies. These anomalies are primarily associated with grey and pink pegmatite bodies, indicating the presence of uranium-rich zones. Total Count Survey The total count survey revealed gamma radiation anomalies with values ranging from 120 to 160 counts per second, with isolated cases exceeding 300 cps. Notably, the highest anomalies correspond to the Horn showing, indicating dispersed radioactive material. Location Total Count (cps) Description Horn Showing 300 Highest anomaly, likely due to dispersed radioactive material General Area 120-160 Median values indicating pegmatite-rich horizons Uranium and Thorium Survey A detailed uranium and thorium survey was conducted, showing isolated peaks with significant uranium components. The Horn and Jackpine showings exhibited the highest anomalies, with other notable peaks suggesting additional prospective zones. Anomaly Location Uranium (cps) Thorium (cps) Description Horn Showing 50 17 High uranium content with low thorium, indicating favorable pegmatite General Area 12-20 10-14 Median values suggesting varied mineralization The 1969 conclusions of the exploration results indicated several prospective zones for uranium mineralization. The company plans to conduct detailed ground surveys and geological mapping to further delineate these targets. The southwest corner of the property, exhibiting isolated uranium anomalies without thorium highs, will be a focus area for future exploration. Colorado Plateau USA Uranium Exploration Projects Harts Point Project, United States Atomic Minerals' Harts Point Project ("Harts Point"), located in Utah's Colorado Plateau, sits in a region with a long history of uranium mining, where over 597 million pounds of U3O have been produced. Atomic Minerals, in partnership with Kraken Energy Corp., has completed an initial two-hole drill program at the Harts Point. The Phase I drilling tested two targets 5 kilometers (3.12 miles) apart, aiming to confirm uranium mineralization indicated by radiometric anomalies in three historic oil wells on the property. Kraken's technical team reported that drilling successfully encountered the basal Moss Back sandstone member of the Triassic Chinle Formation. Gamma ray logs showed elevated counts over downhole lengths of 12.9 meters in one hole and 16.2 meters in the other, with a peak reading of 2,162 counts per second. Results are pending, and Atomic Minerals expects to secure permits for further exploration soon. The August 2024 permit application for Atomic Minerals' Harts Point has been reviewed by the Monticello Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), and comments have been provided to Kraken. The partners are currently addressing these comments. Kraken aims to conduct exploratory drilling at fifteen (15) proposed sites targeting the basal Moss Back member of the Chinle formation for uranium mineralization at depths exceeding 1,500 feet (457 meters). Dolores Anticline Project, United States The Dolores Anticline Project ("Dolores Anticline") is another high-priority target for Atomic Minerals. Situated within a geologically favorable region, the Dolores Anticline has demonstrated historical uranium occurrences, making it an exciting opportunity for the Company's exploration team. Atomic Minerals analyzed the stratigraphic logs or stratigraphic estimates in conjunction with the gamma ray logs from historic oil and gas holes drilled throughout the Dolores Anticline to zero in on the favorable Moss Back member of the Chinle formation. The Moss Back hosts the bulk of the Triassic uranium mineralization within the salt anticlines throughout the Paradox Basin within the Colorado Plateau, America's premier uranium mining district. The Chinle formation has produced 120 million pounds of U3O8 to date.1 A total of 93 Colorado oil and gas hole locations were found in the database and were analyzed: 21 holes were permitted but never drilled, 31 holes either did not have a gamma log or were cased through the Chinle, 1 was collared below the base of the Chinle and 1 was lost before intersecting the Chinle. Of the remaining 39 holes, 19 recorded anomalous gamma ray values associated with the suspected base of the Chinle formation, a success rate of almost 50%. A review of the plan map of the western arcuate belt of the Lisbon Valley Anticline, the type of location for the Chinle uranium deposits, shows the uranium occurred in distinct deposits along the 17 km long belt, some clustered and others widespread, most notedly with barren gaps within the deposit clusters.2 Atomic plans to conduct additional geological surveys and sampling programs to identify potential drill targets within the project area. 10 Mile Anticline Project, United States Also located in Utah, the 10 Mile Anticline Project ("10 Mile") is characterized by similar geological features to the Dolores Anticline. The project benefits from historical data that indicate uranium potential in this underexplored area. Atomic Minerals plans to leverage this data with advanced geological and geophysical methods to identify priority targets for drilling in 2025. This project adds strategic value to Atomic Minerals' portfolio on the Colorado Plateau. For more information on Atomic Minerals Corporation and the Bleasdell Lake Project, please visit Atomic Minerals Corp. Northern Saskatchewan Projects. Please download the Atomic Minerals Corporate Presentation Technical Information The exploration and drilling results referenced in this release are based on historical data, which Atomic Minerals is utilizing as a foundation for its current and future exploration strategies. The Company has not independently verified the sampling or analysis of this historical data. Planned exploration and drilling at Bleasdell Lake are expected to validate these historical findings and enhance Atomic Minerals' understanding of the uranium potential at the site. Qualified Person Mr. R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), an advisor to the Company, is the "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein. About the Company Atomic Minerals Corp. is a publicly listed exploration company on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol ATOM, led by a highly skilled management and technical team with a proven track record in the junior mining sector. Atomic Minerals' objective is to identify exploration opportunities in regions that have been previously overlooked but are geologically similar to those with previous uranium discoveries. These underexplored areas hold immense potential and are in stable geopolitical and economic environments. Atomic Minerals' property portfolio contains uranium projects in three locations within North America, all of which have significant technical merit and or are known for hosting uranium production in the past. Three of the properties are located on the Colorado Plateau, an area that has previously produced 597 million pounds of U3O8; three others are in the prolific Athabasca basin region and nine uranium projects are located Northern Saskatchewan, encompassing a total exploration area of 6,495 hectares. For additional information about the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.atomicminerals.ca ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Clive Massey" Clive H. Massey President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains 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. Although Atomic Minerals Corporation believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Atomic Minerals Corporation management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Atomic Minerals Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. ### 1 Sourced: Hall, S.M.; Van Gosen, B.S. and Zielinski, R.R. (2023). Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits of the Colorado Plateau, USA. Ore Geology Reviews 155. 39p. 2 Sourced: DahlKamp, F.J. (2010) Uranium Deposits of the World - USA and Latin America. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 499p. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229749 SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corp. News summary: Newly built 45,000 sq ft facility houses engineering and skilled manufacturing employees at Longbridge Business Park, a specialized hub for science and technology. Waters triples manufacturing footprint while increasing precision machining and metrology capacity to support future growth. New facility was constructed to BREEAM Very Good standard and achieved the highest Energy Performance Certificate rating. LONGBRIDGE, England, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) announced the official opening of its new 45,000 square foot manufacturing facility at the Longbridge Business Park in the West Midlands. The new facility more than triples existing operations and enhances the company's machining capacity to produce critical components for products developed and manufactured at Waters Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence in Wilmslow, UK and in Wexford, Ireland. The new Waters facility at Longbridge represents a significant investment in the region, underscoring the company's commitment to maintaining and growing its local manufacturing capabilities and capacity. "The opening of our Longbridge facility is an important next step for Waters and our employees with a modern, fit-for-purpose space to support their innovative and important work," said Chris Ross, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Waters. "This state-of-the-art precision engineering center expands our manufacturing footprint in the region and also provides a highly desirable working environment to support future growth and the potential for additional skilled jobs." "The UK Government is delighted that Waters Corporation is opening a new site at Longbridge. This investment brings new jobs and innovative new technology in precision engineering into the West Midlands - an area that has long welcomed industrial innovation," said David Clay, British Consul General to New England. "The fact that a leading company like Waters has chosen the UK for this investment is also a great endorsement of the UK talent available in this sector, and we look forward to seeing the new facility have a long-term positive effect in the West Midlands Region." Products manufactured at the new site in Longbridge are essential components used in Waters mass spectrometry systems - scientific instruments used by tens of thousands of chemists and analytical scientists worldwide in support of the life, food, environmental, and materials sciences. The Longbridge facility is a testament to Waters dedication to sustainability. The building, developed by St. Modwen with internal fit-out completed by Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services, was constructed to BREEAM Very Good standard and achieved an Energy Performance Certificate rating of "A." Key building features include the heating and hot water systems designed to consume zero natural gas and the temperature-controlled production environment allows manufacturing to sub-micron accuracy. About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com) Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT), a global leader in analytical instruments and software, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for more than 65 years. With approximately 7,500 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries. Waters is a trademark of Waters Technologies Corporation. CONTACT: Janice Foley Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Waters Corporation janice_foley@waters.com +1-617-823-5555 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555847/Waters_site_in_Longbridge.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2071755/5016200/Waters_Corporation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/waters-corporation-opens-state-of-the-art-precision-manufacturing-facility-in-longbridge-uk-302303203.html VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company" or "Lithium South") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (FRANKFURT: OGPQ) is pleased to provide an update regarding progress at the 100% owned Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project), located in Salta Province, Argentina. Bulk Sample of Concentrated Lithium Brine On site, 10 pilot evaporation ponds have been concentrating since December 2022. The technical team are now harvesting the concentrated brine for removal to Salta. The process will involve the use of Geotanks for each sample of interest, with approximately 19 cubic meters of brine per Geotank. The brine samples will be used for further test work with the objective of process validation. The brine program is being completed under the direct supervision of Mr. William Feyerabend, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under N.I. 43-101. Evaporative extraction was selected by the Company as an industry standard, low risk process for lithium production, as outlined in the Preliminary Economic Assessment filed April 30, 2024, on SEDAR. Corporate Update The Company is continuing discussions with interested parties for the potential to cooperate in the development of the HMN Li Project. A site visit is planned for December with one of the interested parties. Company President and CEO, Adrian F. C. Hobkirk is quoted: "With a solid lithium resource and industry leading brine chemistry, recent M and A activity within the lithium industry underscores the value proposition of the HMN Li Project. With the recent completion of a Phase One Environmental Baseline Study, the Company is hoping to advance the project to a Definitive Feasibility Study. Lithium South is funded well into 2025." About Lithium South Lithium South owns 100% of the HMN Li Project located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina, in the heart of the lithium triangle. The Salar del Hombre Muerto has a history of lithium production, with Arcadium Lithium (as a result of the Alkem and Livent merger) in operation for over twenty-five years, in an area just south of the HMN Li Project. The HMN Li Project is surrounded by a US$4 billion lithium development under construction by POSCO (Korea) and the Sal de Vida Project under development by Arcadium. Exploration work to date has delineated a NI 43-101 compliant 1,583,200 tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") Resource (See Note 1 below) on the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo claim blocks, three of five non-contiguous blocks that make up the HMN Li Project. A recent Preliminary Economic Assessment published April 30, 2024, delineates potential to develop a 15,600 tonne per year lithium carbonate project. A bulk sample of evaporated brine from the project site is now being harvested for further test work in Salta, Argentina. On behalf of the Board of Directors Adrian F. C. Hobkirk President and Chief Executive Officer Investors / Shareholders call 855-415-8100 / website: www.lithiumsouth.com Mr. William Feyerabend, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 participated in the production of this news release and approves of the technical and scientific disclosure contained herein. Note 1: A report titled, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate - Hombre Muerto North Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Catamarca and Salta, Argentina, Mark King, PhD, PGeo, Peter Ehren, M.Sc, MAusIMM, September 5th, 2023. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1815015/Lithium_South_Development_Corporation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bulk-brine-sample-testing--corporate-update-302303567.html BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Currently, there are two pain points in the transportation of medical materials: slow response to urgent medical needs and unbalanced medical resource allocation. According to statistics, three people in the world need a blood transfusion every second. In China, more than 6 million patients need blood transfusions every year. Limited by traffic conditions, traditional blood transportation usually takes a long period of time. Additionally, medical resources are unevenly distributed in urban and rural areas, making it difficult for patients from rural areas to seek medical treatments in urban hospitals, especially for those with mobility impairments. For example, residents in Hongtong Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province had to spend several hours on taking medical checks in the Second People's Hospital of Yuhang District. To address this issue, A third-class hospital in Zhejiang cooperated with Hangzhou Antwork Network Technology Co., Ltd. to transport blood with UAVs. By carrying out numerous tests, verifications, and test flights, they have accumulated extensive experience and successfully established a channel in air for blood transportation. UAVs are flexible, fast, autonomous, and not affected by road conditions, demonstrating great significance in the field of medical emergencies. The success of the three parties marks the use of the first regular UAV route for emergent blood delivery in China. Currently, Hangzhou has established multiple blood delivery routes, creating the world's first city-level regular blood delivery system. To further combine the flexible and efficient advantages of UAVs with medical services, China Telecom has proposed the world's first super air-ground convergence technology. The air-ground integrated smart beamforming technology is used to support integrated beam coordination and ground-to-air coverage, achieving 3.5 GHz low-altitude coverage in urban areas. New large-angle smart antennas that support power sharing are used to realize low-altitude coverage in suburban areas based on the wide coverage of 2.1 GHz bandwidth. The world's first super air-ground convergence technology was released during MWC Shanghai 2024. This technology forms an efficient ground-to-air private network, achieving continuous coverage at low altitudes. In addition, sensing application services (AS), sensing functions (SF), and base station sensing devices form a high-precision medical sensing network. The network supports functions such as complex UAV trajectory analysis, geo-fence, and multi-object detection at the precision within one meter, escorting medical channels in air in real time. Using these innovative technologies and devices, the low-altitude network features high bandwidth and low latency and meets the 4K HD video backhaul requirements of UAVs. Medical resource delivery with UAVs is fast, flexible, and will not be affected by ground traffic conditions or weather conditions (scale-5 wind resistance). The transportation efficiency is improved by 60%, ensuring 24-hour instant response to urgent blood requests. The actual flight data indicates that the blood volume delivered per flight can meet the emergency use of one or two patients, while the transportation time per flight is just half of ground transportation under the same conditions, ensuring both "emergency blood use" and "planned blood replenishment." These technologies have also established more UAV highways from towns to towns, building a bridge between the central hospital of the medical consortium and the grassroots healthcare centers, and providing great support for the implementation of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system. For example, a patient can leave a blood sample in a community hospital, which will be delivered to the detection center through the UAV. In dozens of minutes, the detection result will be available. This greatly improves the efficiency of medical treatments for the public. According to Antwork, its UAV logistics scheduling system has been fully integrated with the smart medical platform of several large third-class hospitals in Zhejiang. This integration not only forms a closed service loop, but also provides technical assurance for blood transportation, making it one of the most advanced medical practices with UAVs in the world. The cooperation between China Telecom, Antwork, and the hospital is a historic milestone, as it signifies the recognition of UAV technology in clinical healthcare. The dedicated UAV route will provide more assurance for emergency rescue and save more patients' lives. Delivering medical resources with UAVs is gaining recognition in the healthcare industry. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556424/A_Builds_a_Dedicated_Air_Bridge_Smart_Healthcare.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556425/image_5032577_27268449.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556426/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556427/2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/5g-a-builds-a-dedicated-air-bridge-for-smart-healthcare-302304135.html CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mestag Therapeutics ("Mestag"), a biotech company harnessing new insights into fibroblast-immune interactions, today announced that it has expanded its leadership team with the appointments of Jan Endell, PhD, as Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Development, and Alison Hood as General Counsel. "I am thrilled to welcome Jan and Alison to Mestag's leadership team," said Susan Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Mestag. "As we approach our first clinical trial initiation, Jan's experience across all stages of preclinical and early clinical development, together with Alison's global leadership experience and extensive legal expertise, will further empower team Mestag to progress our impactful new antibody therapies to patients as efficiently as possible." Jan Endell, PhD, SVP, Head of Development, noted, "Mestag is leading the way in the highly innovative area of fibroblast immunology. With MST-0300 poised to enter the clinic to induce TLS in solid tumors and M402 following closely behind in inflammatory diseases, I'm excited to be joining Mestag at a such a consequential stage in the development of its leading-edge therapies." Alison Hood, General Counsel, remarked, "I am delighted to be joining Mestag during this period of significant momentum. Mestag has a promising pipeline of drug candidates and the RAFT platform fuelling new opportunities for internal development and external collaborations. I look forward to working with the Mestag team towards our mission of delivering impactful therapeutics to patients with inflammatory diseases and cancer." Jan Endell, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Dr. Endell brings over 15 years of expertise in drug development and strategic leadership with a successful track record in advancing drugs from early stages to clinical development and commercialization. Throughout his career, he has held key positions in private and public biotech companies, with a particular expertise in cancer and autoimmune disease drug development. Before joining Mestag, Dr. Endell served as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Veraxa Biotech, where he led Veraxa's transformation into a development company. During his tenure, he also drove the conceptualization of the discovery strategy for complex ADC and CD3 bispecifics approaches. Previously serving as Vice President of Preclinical Development at Affimed, Jan oversaw non-clinical development and discovery programs of CD16A engagers, including concepts for multispecifics platforms combining different agonist biologies. During his preceding 12-year tenure at Morphosys, most recently leading clinical biomarkers and companion diagnostics, he supported the company's transition into a commercial stage company, driving preclinical development and translational science for antibody-based programs in oncology and autoimmune diseases across all development phases. Notably, he led the translational and pharmacology efforts for the anti-CD19 antibody tafasitamab (MONJUVI), contributing to its approval in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Endell obtained a PhD from LMU Munich, where he specialized in viral gene therapy aimed at addressing pre-existing immunity to adeno-associated viral vectors, and his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Munster. Alison Hood, General Counsel Ms. Hood is an experienced general counsel in the biotech and pharma sector. She was previously VP & Head of Legal, International at Aimmune Therapeutics, a position she retained following the acquisition of Aimmune by Nestle Health Science in 2020. With responsibility for all legal activities outside the U.S. and a member of the executive team, Ms. Hood led the legal function supporting the clinical, regulatory and commercial teams through approval and launch of Palforzia across Europe, and the expansion of the business from its original UK base to include offices in Ireland, Germany, France, and Switzerland. After Aimmune became a Nestle Health Science company, Ms. Hood led legal operations in Europe and was closely involved in the integration of Aimmune into Nestle. Prior to this, Ms. Hood was General Counsel at Vernalis plc, and Associate General Counsel at Celltech plc where she was primary counsel for the R&D team. She also worked in private practice at Theodore Goddard and Freshfields as a solicitor specializing in IP and technology. She began her career as the Research Assistant to the Dean of Dentistry at Sydney University. Ms. Hood holds a BSC Hons in Biochemistry from the University of London and an MSc in Intellectual Property from Queen Mary, University of London. About Mestag Therapeutics Mestag harnesses new insights into fibroblast immunology to develop impactful treatments for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. We are progressing a pipeline of sophisticated first-in-class antibodies designed to direct and drive the immune system using known and emerging fibroblast-immune biology for a distinctly differentiated class of therapeutics. Our pipeline includes the bispecific antibody MST-0300, which leverages a new understanding of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in solid tumors and their role in driving improved patient outcomes; the M402 program, targeting a stromal checkpoint to dampen down the activation of specific immune cell subsets in inflammatory disease; and earlier programs in discovery stage. Separately, we are also identifying novel targets for future therapies through the application of our RAFT Platform. In 2024, we established a license and research collaboration with MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) to identify novel targets for inflammatory diseases. In 2021, we entered into a target discovery collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Our founding investigators comprise global experts in inflammatory disease, cancer, computational biology and fibroblast biology from the University of Oxford, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. We are supported by leading life science investors SV Health Investors, Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc., Forbion, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Northpond Ventures. Mestag is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and in 2021 was recognized on the Fierce 15 list of innovative biotechnology companies. For further information please visit our website www.mestagtherapeutics.com For enquiries, please contact: Dexerials Corporation (TOKYO:4980) (Head office: Shimotsuke city, Tochigi Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Yoshihisa Shinya; hereinafter the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has invested in and entered into a capital and business alliance with SemsoTec Group (hereinafter "SemsoTec"), a corporate group centered around the German automotive design house SemsoTec Holding GmbH (Head office: Garching bei Munich, Germany; Founder and Managing Director: Jochen Semmelbauer), with a view toward the establishment of a stronger partnership and business collaboration with the Company. As of October 1, 2024, the Company has completed its investment of eight million euros (approximately 1.3 billion yen) in two subsidiaries under SemsoTec Holding GmbH, and the two companies have become equity method affiliates. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113771762/en/ Dexerials Corporation: Kentaro Oshima, Executive Officer, Automotive Solutions Business Unit Head (Photo: Business Wire) The Company, which began operating in 2012*1 develops, manufactures, and distributes electronic components, adhesive materials, optical materials, and other functional materials that are indispensable in smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices, as well as in automobiles, which are increasingly becoming electronic. The Company operates eight manufacturing and sales locations in Japan (including those of its subsidiaries) and twelve overseas. SemsoTec is a display and touch oriented engineering, development and integration provider for complex HMI*2 (Human Machine Interface) units for a variety of industries such as the automotive, smart home and high-end consumer goods industries. It has an extensive customer base, mainly in Europe. The two companies began communicating in 2017, and since the start of their collaboration in October 2020,*3 SemsoTec has been considering incorporating our optical elastic resin (SVR) into suitable designs, mostly in-vehicle displays, and SemsoTec has proposed material and technical solutions to automakers and customers working on in-vehicle displays. In addition, in October 2023, the Company introduced coating and lamination equipment for large, curved, and irregularly shaped displays, a new trend in in-vehicle displays, at SemsoTec's Optical Solutions Center,*4 and have been working with multiple customers to prototype, evaluate, and consider products using our materials and this equipment. Through SemsoTec, the Company has steadily increased its presence in Germany, the source of automotive design trends. The purpose of this capital and business alliance is to deepen the partnership and business collaboration between the two companies and accelerate the growth of business. In "Expanding business in the growth domain," one of the basic policies of the Mid-term Management Plan*5 announced in May 2024, the Company sets a sales target of 30 billion yen for the automotive business in fiscal 2028, more than double the current level, and is working to expand its sales network in overseas markets as one of our key priorities. With support from the Company, SemsoTec will work to extend and strengthen its marketing function and production system to expand its business. Through the strong relationship between the two companies, Dexerials will increase our presence in the European automotive industry, and by utilizing SemsoTec's large customer base, mainly in Europe, the Company will jointly carry out design-in*6 activities for OEM manufacturers and propose materials and solutions to tier 1 manufacturers. Furthermore, by jointly carrying out spec-in activities*7 for the display manufacturers of major second-tier suppliers in Asia, we aim to create new business opportunities not only in Europe but also in the Asian market. The Company aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, achieve sustainable growth and increase its corporate value by establishing stronger and smoother collaboration with SemsoTec, which has deep knowledge and a network in the European industrial and automotive business, and by providing high-value-added products, technologies and solutions that are essential for the evolution of digital technology that helps resolve social issues. *1 The Company was formerly Sony Chemical Information Device Corporation and changed its name to Dexerials Corporation in 2012. *2 Human Machine Interface. A general term for the means by which humans and machines exchange information, as well as the devices and software for that purpose. *3 Collaboration between the SemsoTec Group, German, and Dexerials Corporation Building an Automotive Display Technology Support System *4 Establishment of an Optical Solution Center for Next generation In-Vehicle HMIs with SemsoTec Group in Cham, Germany *5 Regarding the Formulation of Mid-term Management Plan 2028 "Achieving Evolution" and Purpose *6 Identify hidden issues through dialogue with end customers and propose optimal solutions. *7 An activity in which the Company visits direct customers in the supply chain and works together with them to find appropriate solutions to their technical challenges. 1. Overview of this capital and business alliance Partner company: SemsoTec Holding GmbH Investee companies: (1) SemsoTec GmbH, (2) SemsoTec Engineering Services and Product GmbH Contract date: October 1, 2024 Amount invested: 8,000,000 euros 2. Contents of the capital and business alliance The purpose of this transaction is to deepen the partnership and business collaboration between the two companies and accelerate the growth of business. The two companies aim to achieve greater growth in the automotive business and the non-Automotive business and expand our business in Europe. Combine SemsoTec's cutting-edge display design and integration capabilities for automobiles with Dexerials' materials and process integration using process technology to create reliable and quality proven solutions. Establish a collaboration that contributes to the growth of both companies' businesses. Leverage SemsoTec's strong customer base, mainly in Europe, to jointly provide design-in activities to OEM manufacturers, as well as, proposing materials and solutions to tier 1 manufacturers. Create new business opportunities not only in Europe but also in the Asian market by carrying out spec-in activities for the display manufacturers of major second-tier suppliers in Asia 3. Statement from a representative Dexerials Corporation Kentaro Oshima, Executive Officer, Automotive Solutions Business Unit Head Dexerials and SemsoTec began communicating in 2017 and began collaborating on automotive-related business in 2020. Amid the significant technological trend towards the electrification of vehicles and advancement of autonomous vehicles, Dexerials and SemsoTec have been actively proposing Dexerials' materials and technical solutions, primarily to European customers. Through this capital and business alliance, we aim not only to expand our automotive business by leveraging each other's strengths but also to support human resources and expand new businesses, thereby ensuring the sustainable growth of both companies without limiting each other's growth potential. Dexerials handles high-quality functional materials backed by unique technology and aims to solve social issues through materials innovation and the provision of solutions. Dexerials will continue to provide in-vehicle display and sensing solutions globally, contributing to the evolution of automobiles. SemsoTec Group Jochen Semmelbauer, Founder and Managing Director SemsoTec is known among its customers for independent and technically mature consulting in the field of modern HMI systems. In the automotive segment in particular, but also in the smart home application, medical and marine monitor, and EV charging segments, SemsoTec has been relying on a particularly wide range of materials, processes and technologies for many years. The focus is always on efficient, high-quality solutions that are ideally tailored to the specific end application, ranging from component selection to serial production. The company believes that one of the most important criteria for quality is the local availability of the latest verified technologies. In 2023, the new Optical Solutions Center was established at the production site in Cham, Germany in cooperation with Dexerials. Here, special solutions for touch display requirements, such as the need for displaces to be curved or have a special shape or use FOG bonding, can now be implemented using bonding materials and technologies that have been used successfully for many years. At the same time, this also provides opportunities to extensively test and verify the materials used. Small batches, special samples and -if desired- customer processes for serial production can also be implemented here. The cooperation between Dexerials and SemsoTec is therefore a valuable and solid partnership for both companies and both companies hope not only to establish new markets from it, but also increase customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. 4. Company Profile Dexerials Corporation Dexerials develops, manufactures, and distributes electronic parts, adhesive materials, optical materials, and other functional materials that are indispensable in smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices, as well as in automobiles, which are increasingly becoming electronic. As a starting point for fostering growth and achieving a sustainable society, Dexerials established its new five-year Mid-term Management Plan in May 2024, under its Purpose, Empower Evolution. Connect People and Technology, as explained in the relevant section of its website (Corporate Philosophy, Vision and Purpose). Company name: Dexerials Corporation Head office: 1724 Shimotsuboyama, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi Representative: Yoshihisa Shinya, Representative Director and President Established: June 20, 2012 Official website: https://www.dexerials.jp/en/ Mid-Term Management Plan: https://www.dexerials.jp/en/ir/management/plan.html SemsoTec Group SemsoTec Group, centered around SemsoTec Holding GmbH, is a corporate group engaged in the research and development of HMI and display solutions, specializing in the design of in-vehicle displays installed in automobile dashboards and creating concepts for the entire driver's seat. With extensive knowledge of the improvement of visibility, the company is involved in the development of display production process technologies and sample sales. [Core Company] Company Name: SemsoTec Holding GmbH Headquarters: Garching bei Munich Schleiheimer, Germany Strae 91a, D-85748 Representative: Jochen Semmelbauer Established: 2009 Official website: https://semsotec.de/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113771762/en/ Contacts: Dexerials Corporation press@dexerials.com Woburn, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - SinglePoint Inc (OTC Pink: SING) ("SinglePoint" or "the Company") subsidiary Boston Solar, a proud partner of the Boston Red Sox and a leading provider of solar energy solutions, is proud to announce the completion of a major solar project for global project development and construction company's Northeast headquarters in Waltham, MA. This project marks a significant milestone for Boston Solar as it continues to expand its footprint in the Massachusetts solar market. The comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services provided by Boston Solar encompassed the installation of two solar energy systems. The primary system is a 113.98kW DC solar array featuring a total of 235 Hanwha 485 solar panels. Accompanying this is a secondary 22.31kW DC system, collectively reducing the carbon footprint of the client's operations significantly. With a combined estimated year 1 production of 169,958kWh, Boston Solar's innovative approach to renewable energy solutions will not only help the civil construction company reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources but also contribute to environmental sustainability efforts in the Waltham community through their partnership with this high "We are excited to have been chosen to serve such a highly reputable company implement their sustainability initiatives," said Michael Morlino, President of Boston Solar. "By leveraging our expertise in solar energy solutions, we aim to not only meet but exceed the energy needs of our clients while driving positive change towards a more sustainable future." The project, which recently received permission to operate (PTO), underscores Boston Solar's commitment to delivering tailored solar solutions that meet the unique requirements of commercial clients. For more information about Boston Solar and its services, please visit www.bostonsolar.us. About Boston Solar Boston Solar is a subsidiary of SinglePoint Inc. (OTC Pink: SING). Since its founding in 2011, Boston Solar has installed more than 6,000 residential and commercial solar arrays, powering thousands of homes and businesses in New England, primarily in Massachusetts. The mission of Boston Solar is to provide superior clean energy products, exceptional customer service, and the highest-quality artistry in residential and commercial installations. Boston Solar has accumulated several distinctions of recognition of the company's outstanding triumphs: Honored with Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality, the award acknowledged how Boston Solar demonstrated exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. Named a Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World magazine for five consecutive years. Recognized by the Boston Business Journal's "Largest Clean Energy Companies in Massachusetts" list. Boston Solar is a Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE) member. The company is headquartered at 12 Gill St. Suite - 5650 Woburn, MA 01801. Learn more at: www.bostonsolar.us About SinglePoint Inc. SinglePoint Inc. is a renewable energy and sustainable lifestyle company focused on providing environmentally friendly energy efficiencies and healthy living solutions. SinglePoint is initially focused on building the largest network of renewable energy solutions and modernizing the traditional solar and energy storage model. The Company is also actively exploring future growth opportunities in air purification, electric vehicle charging, solar as a subscription service, and additional energy efficiencies that enhance sustainability and a healthier life. For more information, visit the Company's website (www.singlepoint.com). Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential plans and objectives of the Company, the use of proceeds, anticipated growth and future expansion, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229751 SOURCE: Hawk Point Media Group. MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Self-taught first-time designer and serial entrepreneur Lennie Moreno has just made his long-awaited debut collection of luxury fashion brand Place of Elms available for purchase all across North America on Nordstrom.com. PLACE OF ELMS X NORDSTROM PLACE OF ELMS X NORDSTROM PRESS RELEASE This highly-anticipated drop comes on the heels of the brand's two-month launch anniversary, positioning Place of Elms as a rapidly growing force within the luxury fashion space. Nordstrom's firm commitment to the highest standards and exceptional eye for cutting-edge fashion made the decision to partner with the leading fashion retailer the obvious next step for Place of Elms, a forward-thinking brand that weaves its values of luxury and integrity into every aspect of its products and business model. Nordstrom's built-in brand loyalty and Place of Elms' commitment to producing luxury items that embody values people are proud to unite behind makes this partnership easy to get behind; it is evidence of the necessary and undeniable movement toward a more value-based economy. "It's encouraging to see some of the major players in the industry embracing our quality and our vision. Today, the concept of a value-based economy in the luxury space is only at its infancy stage, but as our collective consciousness gradually elevates and our connection to nature deepens, I strongly believe that we will start seeing a positive shift in the fashion industry," Moreno says. With its strong foundation and determination to elevate humanity through fashion, Place of Elms' future looks promising and the debut collection is proof of that. Expect luxurious knits, charming leathers, boxy silhouettes, a high attention to details and the brand's iconic monogram-serving as a reminder of the brand's ethos: luxury with integrity. Visit Place of Elms website Visit the Place of Elms page on Nordstrom.com Follow Place of Elms on Instagram Contact Information: Rob French COO rob@placeofelms.com 1-438-308-3783 SOURCE: Place of Elms Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSXV:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to release the Company's 2024 Independent Reserves report on its two newly drilled and producing 13-14-049-01W4 well and the undeveloped well location 15-14-049-01W4 (the "Wells") from its reserves evaluator. The preliminary report was completed by Petrotech & Associates, an independent qualified reserves evaluator based in Calgary, Alberta, and was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (COGE Handbook) and National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101). The reserves evaluation was conducted using the Sproule June 30, 2024 price forecast for heavy crude oil (12 API) at www.sproule.com, adjusted for location and quality. The disclosures contained in this reserves report represent information compiled, related to the Company's reserves, future net revenue, and discounted value of future net revenue, and discounted value of future net cash flows as of June 30, 2024. NI 51-101 CRUDE OIL RESERVES REPORT ON THE 13-14 and 15-14 LLOYDMINSTER MULTILATERAL WELLS Heavy Crude Oil Reserves (@ June 30, 2024) 100% Heavy Crude Oil Mbbl Company Gross(1) Heavy Crude Oil Mbbl Company Net(2) Heavy Crude Oil Mbbl 0% NPV MM$ 10% NPV MM$ 20% NPV MM$ Proved Developed Producing 306.5 57.5 52.5 3,107.1 2,249.1 1,753.4 Total Proved 504.6 94.6 87.8 4,879.8 3,497.3 2,675.3 Probable 74.8 14.0 11.6 729.9 397.7 248.9 Total Proved plus Probable 579.4 108.6 99.4 5,607.6 3,895.1 2,924.2 (1) "Gross Reserves" are the Company's working interest reserves before the deduction of royalties (2) "Net Reserves" are the Company's working interest reserves after deductions of royalty obligations, plus the Company's royalty interests. Commented Tim Coupland, "The June 30, 2024 year end NI 51-101 Reserve report is indicating a very long life, for our two- revenue producing multilateral wells drilled this year. These wells, drilled under our newly adopted Multi-lateral well drilling strategy, are providing new revenues for the Company, and providing much needed additional capital, to deploy future drilling opportunities and land acquisitions in 2025. Our production increases combined with recent land and lease acquisitions, and multilateral drilling success, strengthen our newly adopted strategic business model, drilling and developing multilateral wells. The Company currently have a potential 18.75% working interest opportunity to participate in drilling 2 or 3 additional multilateral wells in 2025 with Croverro, subject to permitting. The new U.S. Election results have now produced, a more energy friendly environment, south of the border, the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion has brought an end to transportation bottlenecks for years which has prevented the Canadian oil industry's ability to grow, and assisted in a new ability to ship more barrels out of Western Canada's oil producing region. This industry success, will in turn will allow the Company to actively pursue and finance additional drilling opportunities and pursue new Canadian oil and gas drilling opportunities and acquisitions both domestically and abroad in 2025." The Company continues to explore additional exploration drilling opportunities in Canada and the United States, and abroad. ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Tim Coupland, President and CEO Trans Canada Gold Corp. Tel: (604) 681-3131 astar@telus.com www.transcanadagold.com or Christian Timmins, Director Trans Canada Gold Corp. Tel: (403) 597-3410 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSXV:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(PINKSHEETS:MWSNF) announces Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("Southern Cross Gold" or "SXG") has released results from five navigational diamond drill holes (SDDSC050W1, 050W2, 092W1, 092W2 and 092W3) at the Rising Sun prospect, at the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Victoria (Figure 5). Highlights: The NAVI drill program successfully demonstrated: Predictability of structure: mineralised vein sets were intercepted as planned. Predictability of grade : The Coefficient of Variation ("CV") maintained a consistently low value before and after detailed drilling in each vein set, providing confidence in the geological model and consistency of grade within the model. Additional gold-antimony mineralised vein sets were discovered by the detailed drilling. The successful execution of the detailed drill program demonstrated it will be a key method during future infill drill programs. SDDSC050W2 successfully confirmed geological and grade continuity of four high-grade vein sets. Selected highlights include: 1.3 m @ 52.6 g/t AuEq (52.6 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 730.0 m 0.1 m @ 173.0 g/t AuEq (173.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 739.1 m SDDSC092W3 intercepted extensive untested mineralisation as well as confirming geological continuity at 15 m to 30 m separation from mineralisation defined in the parent hole. Selected highlights include: 0.6 m @ 10.1 g/t AuEq (6.3 g/t Au, 2.0% Sb) from 636.1 m, including: 0.5 m @ 11.4 g/t AuEq (7.3 g/t Au, 2.1% Sb) from 636.1 m 0.2 m @ 29.8 g/t AuEq (9.1 g/t Au, 11.0% Sb) from 663.1 m 3.4 m @ 3.1 g/t AuEq (0.9 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 666.9 m, including: 0.7 m @ 13.9 g/t AuEq (4.0 g/t Au, 5.3% Sb) from 669.6 m 0.3 m @ 81.4 g/t AuEq (62.2 g/t Au, 10.2% Sb) from 674.3 m 8.5 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (0.6 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 683.8 m 1.7 m @ 4.6 g/t AuEq (1.7 g/t Au, 1.5% Sb) from 696.3 m, including: 0.4 m @ 15.8 g/t AuEq (3.8 g/t Au, 6.4% Sb) from 697.6 m Ongoing Exploration: 60 km of diamond drilling is planned at Sunday Creek over the next year. Twelve holes are currently being processed and analysed with an additional five holes in progress. Five rigs are operating, and a sixth rig is due late November 2024. Mawson owns 96,590,910 shares of SXG (48.7%), valuing its stake at A$296.5 million (C$270.2 million) based on SXG's closing price on November 12, 2024 AEDT. Michael Hudson, Mawson Interim CEO and Executive Chairman, states: "Understanding grade continuity is crucial for high-grade gold deposits. The NAVI drill program demonstrated predictability of mineralised structures and showed the CV maintained a consistently low value (~1.6) before and after the detailed NAVI drilling. Low variability or low CV lowers geological risk and reduces the cost of capital, requiring less drilling to provide more confidence in the geological model. "Additionally, the discovery of new gold-antimony mineralised vein sets intersected by the detailed drill spacing where earlier broader spaced drilling had not previously tested augurs well for discovery of further mineralisation with increased drilling density. "SXG continues to expand and derisk this globally significant gold discovery with 12 holes currently being processed and analysed, and five holes in progress as part of an ongoing 60 km drill program, that is set to more than double the drill metres into the Sunday Creek project over the next year." Drill Hole Discussion SXG commenced the detailed drilling program in June 2024 and announces results from five navigational ("NAVI") diamond drill holes (SDDSC050W1, 050W2, 092W1, 092W2 and 092W3) (Figures 1 to 3). NAVI drilling is a specialised drilling application utilising down hole motors to make alterations to the direction of a diamond core drill hole. Detailed drilling was undertaken around high-grade areas with the aim to build further confidence of grade continuity between high-grade intersections by drilling branch holes off an already drilled 'parent hole'. NAVI drilling also has the advantage of saving drill metres by utilising an existing parent hole. Five navigational "daughter" holes were drilled at the Rising Sun prospect from existing parent holes (SDDSC050 and SDDSC092). All holes were considered successful in their goal of proving continuity of geology and grade in close spacing (12 m - 25 m) and additionally intercepted grade in previously untested areas. The NAVI drill program successfully demonstrated: Predictability of intercepting mineralised veins sets at interpreted positions. The CV maintained a consistent low value (average of 1.63 (pre NAVI drilling) to 1.65 (post NAVI drilling)) for all of the six veins intersected by the NAVI program (based on uncut, sample composites). This provides confidence in both continuity at all grades and the robustness of the geological model. It also suggests the current broader drill spacing across the Sunday Creek deposit supports the geological/resource modelling assumptions and methodology. Additional gold-antimony mineralised vein sets were intersected by the detailed drill spacing provided by the NAVI drilling in areas where earlier broader spaced drilling had not previously tested. This augurs well for the discovery of further mineralisation with increased drilling. The successful execution of the NAVI drill program demonstrated it will be a key method during future infill drill programs. Holes SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC092W3 were drilled to test up dip extension of mineralisation on the margins of the Golden Orb Fault. SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 drilled through the Golden Orb Fault earlier than predicted and therefore failed to test the Rising Sun mineralisation. However, the holes intercepted high grade gold and antimony mineralisation in a previously undrilled zone before the Rising Sun target area. Drill hole SDDSC092W3, drilled below the Golden Orb Fault, also intercepted the untested mineralisation as well as confirming geological continuity at 15 m to 30 m separation from mineralisation defined in the parent hole. SDDSC092W1 was collared at 610.1 m and core drilling commenced at 647 m. The drillhole intercepted previously untested mineralisation higher in the hole before intersecting the Golden Orb Fault. Highlights include: 4.0 m @ 6.9 g/t AuEq (5.3 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 648.5 m, including: 1.7 m @ 14.5 g/t AuEq (12.0 g/t Au, 1.3% Sb) from 650.4 m SDDSC092W2 was collared at 613.5 m down SDDSC092 and core drilling commenced at 648.6 m. This drillhole intercepted untested mineralisation between known vein surfaces and confirmed continuity on the RS90 vein set, 22 m from the parent hole. Highlights include: 1.5 m @ 7.3 g/t AuEq (1.6 g/t Au, 3.0% Sb) from 648.6 m, including: 1.1 m @ 8.8 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 3.7% Sb) from 648.6 m 0.2 m @ 31.0 g/t AuEq (31.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 701.3 m 4.7 m @ 0.8 g/t AuEq (0.8 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 712.3 m SDDSC092W3 was collared at 613.5 m and core drilling commenced at 636.1 m. This drillhole intercepted extensive untested mineralisation before the RS80 vein set as well as confirming geological continuity at 15 m to 30 m separation from the parent hole on the RS80 and RS90 vein sets. Highlights include: 0.6 m @ 10.1 g/t AuEq (6.3 g/t Au, 2.0% Sb) from 636.1 m, including: 0.5 m @ 11.4 g/t AuEq (7.3 g/t Au, 2.1% Sb) from 636.1 m 2.0 m @ 1.9 g/t AuEq (0.9 g/t Au, 0.5% Sb) from 658.0 m 0.2 m @ 29.8 g/t AuEq (9.1 g/t Au, 11.0% Sb) from 663.1 m 3.4 m @ 3.1 g/t AuEq (0.9 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 666.9 m, including: 0.7 m @ 13.9 g/t AuEq (4.0 g/t Au, 5.3% Sb) from 669.6 m 0.3 m @ 81.4 g/t AuEq (62.2 g/t Au, 10.2% Sb) from 674.3 m 8.5 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (0.6 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 683.8 m 1.7 m @ 4.6 g/t AuEq (1.7 g/t Au, 1.5% Sb) from 696.3 m, including: 0.4 m @ 15.8 g/t AuEq (3.8 g/t Au, 6.4% Sb) from 697.6 m - RS80 Drillholes SDDSC050W1 and SDDSC050W2 were drilled to confirm geological and grade continuity of four high-grade vein sets. SDDSC050W2 was collared 602 m down SDDSC050 and core return commenced at 657.4 m. This drillhole intercepted four mineralised vein sets at a separation of 29 m to 56 m from the parent hole. Three of the vein sets are high-grade intercepts and all confirm geological and grade continuity. Highlights include: 0.5 m @ 9.1 g/t AuEq (8.7 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 694.1 m - RS80 2.0 m @ 2.5 g/t AuEq (1.4 g/t Au, 0.6% Sb) from 702.0 m 1.3 m @ 52.6 g/t AuEq (52.6 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 730.0 m - RS90 0.1 m @ 173.0 g/t AuEq (173.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 739.1 m - RS100 1.0 m @ 4.2 g/t AuEq (4.2 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 743.0 m SDDSC050W1 was collared 626 m down SDDSC050 and core return commenced at 675.3 m. This drillhole intersected each vein set at lower grades from 12 m, 18 m, 20 m and 28 m of separation from the parent hole on the RS80, RS90, RS100 and RS110L vein sets, respectively, confirming geological continuity. Highlights included 1.2 m @ 1.8 g/t AuEq (1.7 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 736.8 m from vein set RS80. Pending Results and Update Twelve holes (SDDSC129, 133, 136, 139-146, 146W1) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC120W1, 147, 148, 149, 150) in progress (Figure 1 and 2). Further Information No upper gold grade cut is applied in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. However, during future Mineral Resource studies, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed. The Company notes that due to rounding of assay results to one significant figure, minor variations in calculated composite grades may occur. Figures 1 to 5 show project location, plan and longitudinal views of drill results reported here and Tables 1 to 3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralised intervals reported individually as estimated true widths ("ETW"), otherwise they are interpreted to be approximately 25% to 50% of the sampled thickness for other reported holes. Lower grades were cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum width of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 1 m width unless specified unless otherwise* specified to demonstrate higher grade assays. About Sunday Creek The Sunday Creek epizonal-style gold project is located 60 km north of Melbourne within 19,365 hectares of granted exploration tenements. SXG is also the freehold landholder of 133.29 hectares that form the key portion in and around the main drilled area at the Sunday Creek Project. Gold and antimony form in a relay of vein sets that cut across a steeply dipping zone of intensely altered rocks (the "host"). When observed from above, the host resembles the side rails of a ladder, where the sub-vertical mineralised vein sets are the rungs that extend from surface to depth. At Apollo and Rising Sun these individual 'rungs' have been defined over 600 m depth extent from surface to 1,100 m below surface, are 2.5 m to 3.5 m wide (median widths) (and up to 10 m), and 20 m to 100 m in strike. Cumulatively, 146 drill holes for 63,913.89 m have been reported by SXG (and Mawson Gold Ltd) from Sunday Creek since late 2020. An additional 12 holes for 582.55 m from Sunday Creek were abandoned due to deviation or hole conditions. Fourteen drillholes for 2,383 m have been reported regionally outside of the main Sunday Creek drill area. A total of 64 historic drill holes for 5,599 m were completed from the late 1960s to 2008. The project now contains a total of forty-seven (47) >100 g/t AuEq x m and fifty-five (55) >50 to 100 g/t AuEq x m drill holes by applying a 2 m @ 1 g/t lower cut. Our systematic drill program is strategically targeting these significant vein formations, initially these have been defined over 1,350 m strike of the host from Christina to Apollo prospects, of which approximately 620 m has been more intensively drill tested (Rising Sun to Apollo). At least 64 'rungs' have been defined to date, defined by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) along with lower grade edges. Ongoing step-out drilling is aiming to uncover the potential extent of this mineralised system. Geologically, the project is located within the Melbourne Structural Zone in the Lachlan Fold Belt. The regional host to the Sunday Creek mineralisation is an interbedded turbidite sequence of siltstones and minor sandstones metamorphosed to sub-greenschist facies and folded into a set of open north-west trending folds. Further Information Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek project by Southern Cross Gold is available on the SXG website at www.southerncrossgold.com.au. Critical Metal Epizonal Gold-Antimony Deposits Sunday Creek is an epizonal gold-antimony deposit formed in the late Devonian (like Fosterville, Costerfield and Redcastle), 60 million years later than mesozonal gold systems formed in Victoria (for example Ballarat and Bendigo). Epizonal deposits are a form of orogenic gold deposit classified according to their depth of formation: epizonal (<6 km), mesozonal (6-12 km) and hypozonal (>12 km). Epizonal deposits in Victoria often have associated high levels of the critical metal, antimony, and Sunday Creek is no exception. China claims a 56 per cent share of global mined supplies of antimony, according to a 2023 European Union study. Antimony features highly on the critical minerals lists of many countries including Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Union. Australia ranks seventh for antimony production despite all production coming from a single mine at Costerfield in Victoria, located nearby to all SXG projects. Antimony alloys with lead and tin which results in improved properties for solders, munitions, bearings and batteries. Antimony is a prominent additive for halogen-containing flame retardants. Adequate supplies of antimony are critical to the world's energy transition, and to the high-tech industry, especially the semi-conductor and defence sectors where it is a critical additive to primers in munitions. In August 2024, the Chinese government announced it will place export limits on antimony and antimony products. This will put pressure on Western defence supply chains and negatively affect the supply of the metal and push up pricing given China's dominance of the supply of the metal in the global markets. This is positive for SXG as we are likely to have one of the very few large and high-quality projects of antimony in the western world that can feed western demand into the future. Antimony represents approximately 20% in situ recoverable value of Sunday Creek at an AuEq of 1.88. Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman and a director of Mawson Gold, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. MAW considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation ("AuEq") have reasonable potential to be recovered at Sunday Creek, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. Historically, ore from Sunday Creek was treated onsite or shipped to the Costerfield mine, located 54 km to the northwest of the project, for processing during WW1. The Costerfield mine corridor, now owned by Mandalay Resources Ltd contains two million ounces of equivalent gold (Mandalay Q3 2021 Results), and in 2020 was the sixth highest-grade global underground mine and a top 5 global producer of antimony. MAW considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its Mandalay Technical Report, 2024 dated March 28, 2024. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using Costerfield's 2023 production costs, using a gold price of US$1,900 per ounce, an antimony price of US$12,000 per tonne and 2023 total year metal recoveries of 94% for gold and 89% for antimony, and is as follows: ???????? = ???? (??/??) + 1.88 ???? (%). Based on the latest Costerfield calculation and given the similar geological styles and historic toll treatment of Sunday Creek mineralization at Costerfield, SXG considers that a ???????? = ???? (??/??) + 1.88 ???? (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Sunday Creek. About Mawson Gold Limited (TSXV:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold Limited has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic exploration company. Over the last decades, the team behind Mawson has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in the Nordics and Australia. Mawson holds the Skelleftea North gold discovery and a portfolio of historic uranium resources in Sweden. Mawson also holds 48.7% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd. (ASX:SXG) which owns or controls two high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields in Victoria, Australia, including the exciting Sunday Creek Au-Sb discovery. About Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) Southern Cross Gold holds the 100%-owned Sunday Creek and Redcastle projects in Victoria and Mt Isa project in Queensland, Australia, and a strategic 6.7% holding in ASX-listed Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX:NAG) which grants SXG a Right of First Refusal over a 3,300 square kilometer tenement package held by NAG in Victoria. On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson" Michael Hudson, Interim CEO and Executive Chairman Further Information www.mawsongold.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary +1 (604) 685 9316 info@mawsongold.com Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, Mawson's expectations regarding its ownership interest in Southern Cross Gold, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, changes in world metal markets, changes in equity markets, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on the Company's business, risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; exploration potential being conceptual in nature, there being insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on the Australian-projects owned by SXG, and uncertainty if further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations, delays in obtaining results, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, local community relations, dealings with non-governmental organizations, delays in operations due to permit grants, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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. Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected results from holes SDDSC050W1, SDDSC050W2, SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC092W3 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected prior reported drill holes and pending holes. Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal section across A-B in the plane of the dyke breccia/altered sediment host looking towards the north (striking 236 degrees) showing mineralised veins sets. Showing holes SDDSC050W1, SDDSC050W2, SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC92W3 reported here (blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected intersections and prior reported drill holes. The vertical extents of the vein sets are limited by proximity to drill hole pierce points. For location refer to Figure 1. Figure 3: Cropped long section C-D looking toward 341 with mineralised vein sets. Showing holes reported here SDDSC050W1, SDDSC050W2, SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC092W3 (blue highlighted box, black trace). Figure 4: Sunday Creek regional plan view showing soil sampling, structural framework, regional historic epizonal gold mining areas and broad regional areas tested by 12 holes for 2,383 m drill program. The regional drill areas are at Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan located 4,000-7,500 m along strike from the main drill area at Golden Dyke- Apollo. Figure 5: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with the 100% owned Redcastle gold-antimony project and simplified geology. Table 1: Drill collar summary table for recent drill holes in progress. Hole-ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94_Z55 North GDA94_Z55 Elevation Azimuth Plunge SDDSC050W1 797.1 Rising Sun 330539 5867885 295 77 -63 SDDSC050W2 789.4 Rising Sun 330539 5867885 295 77 -63 SDDSC092W1 767.5 Rising Sun 330537 5867883 296 82 -61 SDDSC092W2 739.3 Rising Sun 330537 5867883 296 82 -61 SDDSC092W3 799.5 Rising Sun 330537 5867883 296 82 -61 SDDSC120W1 In progress plan 1050 m Rising Sun 331108 5867977 319 267 -55 SDDSC129 1269.8 Rising Sun 330339 5867860 277 77 -58 SDDSC133 347.2 Apollo East 331376 5867742 335 8 -42 SDDSC136 349 Apollo East 331375 5867742 335 329 -41 SDDSC139 469.2 Apollo East 331464 5867865 333 267 -38 SDDSC140 352.9 Christina 330075 5867612 274 9 -70 SDDSC141 935.3 Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 272 -53 SDDSC142 500.67 Christina 330075 5867612 274 292 -70 SDDSC143 667.6 Apollo 331464 5867865 333 270 -39 SDDSC144 800.7 Rising Sun 330338 5867860 277 76 -56 SDDSC145 941 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 264 -40 SDDSC146 245.7 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC146W1 461.2 Christina 330073 5867612 274 273 -42 SDDSC147 In progress plan 1000 m Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 278 -57 SDDSC148 In progress plan 500 m Christina 330073 5867611 274 278 -57.2 SDDSC149 In progress plan 970 m Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC150 In progress plan 630 m Christina 330340 5867865 277 244 -65 Table 2: Table of mineralised drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC050W1, SDDSC050W2, SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC092W3 using two cutoff criteria. Lower grades cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m. Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Sb% AuEq g/t SDDSC050W1 736.8 738.0 1.2 1.7 0.1 1.8 SDDSC050W2 694.1 694.6 0.5 8.7 0.2 9.1 SDDSC050W2 702.0 704.0 2.0 1.4 0.6 2.5 SDDSC050W2 730.0 731.3 1.3 52.6 0.0 52.6 SDDSC050W2 739.1 739.2 0.1 173.0 0.0 173.0 SDDSC050W2 743.0 744.0 1.0 4.2 0.0 4.2 SDDSC092W1 648.5 652.5 4.0 5.3 0.8 6.9 Including 650.4 652.1 1.7 12.0 1.3 14.5 SDDSC092W2 648.6 650.1 1.5 1.6 3.0 7.3 Including 648.6 649.7 1.1 1.8 3.7 8.8 SDDSC092W2 701.3 701.5 0.2 31.0 0.0 31.0 SDDSC092W2 712.3 717.0 4.7 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC092W3 636.1 636.7 0.6 6.3 2.0 10.1 Including 636.1 636.6 0.5 7.3 2.1 11.4 SDDSC092W3 658.0 660.0 2.0 0.9 0.5 1.9 SDDSC092W3 663.1 663.3 0.2 9.1 11.0 29.8 SDDSC092W3 666.9 670.3 3.4 0.9 1.2 3.1 Including 669.6 670.3 0.7 4.0 5.3 13.9 SDDSC092W3 674.3 674.6 0.3 62.2 10.2 81.4 SDDSC092W3 683.8 692.3 8.5 0.6 0.4 1.4 SDDSC092W3 696.3 698.0 1.7 1.7 1.5 4.6 Including 697.6 698.0 0.4 3.8 6.4 15.8 Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC050W1, SDDSC050W2, SDDSC092W1, SDDSC092W2 and SDDSC092W3 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq. Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au ppm Sb% AuEq (g/t) SDDSC050W1 703.7 704.0 0.3 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC050W1 730.0 731.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W1 732.3 733.1 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W1 735.2 736.0 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W1 736.8 738.1 1.2 1.7 0.1 1.8 SDDSC050W1 740.4 740.5 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W1 741.6 741.9 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.7 SDDSC050W1 744.8 745.6 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W1 746.2 746.9 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W1 747.4 747.7 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC050W1 747.7 748.4 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC050W1 757.4 757.7 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W1 757.7 757.9 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.8 SDDSC050W1 757.9 758.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W1 758.1 758.4 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC050W1 758.4 758.9 0.5 1.4 0.0 1.4 SDDSC050W1 758.9 759.3 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W1 759.3 759.9 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W1 759.9 760.3 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W1 767.0 768.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W1 768.0 768.6 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC050W1 768.6 769.1 0.5 1.6 0.0 1.7 SDDSC050W1 769.1 769.7 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W1 769.7 770.1 0.4 1.6 0.0 1.6 SDDSC050W1 770.1 770.3 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC050W1 770.8 771.2 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W1 771.2 771.9 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC050W1 771.9 772.2 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC050W1 772.8 773.1 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC050W1 776.0 777.0 1.0 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC050W2 674.0 674.5 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 694.1 694.4 0.3 1.0 0.3 1.6 SDDSC050W2 694.4 694.6 0.2 19.1 0.0 19.2 SDDSC050W2 702.0 702.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 2.3 SDDSC050W2 702.9 703.4 0.5 1.3 0.2 1.7 SDDSC050W2 703.4 703.6 0.2 5.6 0.9 7.3 SDDSC050W2 703.6 704.0 0.4 0.6 0.5 1.5 SDDSC050W2 704.0 704.6 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.9 SDDSC050W2 704.6 705.6 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC050W2 705.6 706.6 1.0 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC050W2 706.6 707.7 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 707.7 708.2 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.2 SDDSC050W2 708.2 709.1 0.9 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 709.1 709.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC050W2 709.3 709.6 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 709.6 710.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 710.1 711.2 1.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 714.0 714.5 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 716.9 717.5 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 724.5 724.8 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 725.3 725.6 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 725.6 726.3 0.7 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 726.3 726.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 726.6 727.3 0.7 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC050W2 727.3 727.5 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W2 727.5 727.7 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 727.7 728.3 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC050W2 728.3 728.6 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 728.6 728.8 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 728.8 729.4 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 729.4 729.7 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 729.7 730.0 0.3 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC050W2 730.0 730.2 0.2 315.0 0.0 315.0 SDDSC050W2 730.2 730.9 0.8 1.9 0.0 1.9 SDDSC050W2 730.9 731.3 0.4 29.5 0.0 29.5 SDDSC050W2 736.8 737.6 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 737.6 738.4 0.7 0.8 0.0 0.9 SDDSC050W2 738.4 738.9 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 739.1 739.2 0.1 173.0 0.0 173.0 SDDSC050W2 739.2 739.4 0.2 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC050W2 740.3 741.0 0.7 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC050W2 742.0 743.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 743.0 744.0 1.0 4.2 0.0 4.2 SDDSC050W2 746.7 747.4 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 748.0 748.9 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W2 748.9 749.1 0.2 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC050W2 749.1 749.4 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC050W2 749.4 749.6 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC050W2 749.6 749.9 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 750.4 750.5 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 751.2 751.7 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 753.1 753.6 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 753.6 754.1 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 756.0 757.0 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 757.0 758.1 1.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC050W2 760.9 761.9 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W2 761.9 762.5 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC050W2 762.5 762.7 0.2 1.2 0.0 1.2 SDDSC050W2 762.7 763.8 1.1 1.5 0.0 1.5 SDDSC050W2 763.8 764.2 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC050W2 764.2 764.4 0.3 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC092W1 648.5 648.6 0.2 1.4 5.2 11.2 SDDSC092W1 650.2 650.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 650.4 650.7 0.3 23.2 2.2 27.3 SDDSC092W1 650.7 650.9 0.2 3.0 0.6 4.1 SDDSC092W1 650.9 651.0 0.1 2.0 0.8 3.5 SDDSC092W1 651.0 652.2 1.1 11.9 1.3 14.3 SDDSC092W1 652.2 652.4 0.3 1.1 0.3 1.7 SDDSC092W1 652.4 653.3 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W1 653.3 653.9 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W1 653.9 655.0 1.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 655.0 655.6 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 655.6 656.4 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 656.4 657.5 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W1 657.8 659.0 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 659.0 660.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W1 664.0 664.5 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W1 664.5 664.9 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 664.9 666.0 1.1 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W1 666.0 667.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W1 667.0 668.0 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W1 668.0 669.3 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 669.3 669.7 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 669.7 670.2 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W1 670.2 670.7 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W1 673.6 674.0 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W1 674.1 674.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W1 674.5 675.2 0.7 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC092W2 618.4 618.7 0.3 0.7 0.3 1.3 SDDSC092W2 619.2 619.8 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC092W2 619.8 620.5 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 648.6 649.3 0.7 1.5 4.8 10.5 SDDSC092W2 649.3 649.7 0.4 2.4 1.7 5.7 SDDSC092W2 649.7 650.1 0.4 1.0 0.9 2.6 SDDSC092W2 650.1 650.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.7 SDDSC092W2 654.6 655.2 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.8 SDDSC092W2 661.9 662.1 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.2 SDDSC092W2 662.1 662.7 0.5 1.9 0.0 1.9 SDDSC092W2 662.7 663.3 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 663.3 664.6 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W2 664.6 665.2 0.6 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC092W2 665.2 665.5 0.2 1.5 0.0 1.5 SDDSC092W2 665.5 666.8 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 669.8 671.1 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 689.0 690.2 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 691.1 691.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 692.8 693.6 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 697.0 697.5 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 697.5 697.9 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 697.9 698.5 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 698.5 699.4 0.9 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W2 699.8 700.4 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 701.2 701.3 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 701.3 701.5 0.2 31.0 0.0 31.0 SDDSC092W2 701.5 702.7 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 703.8 704.3 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 704.3 705.6 1.3 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC092W2 705.6 706.0 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 706.0 706.9 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 706.9 707.7 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 707.7 708.9 1.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 708.9 709.8 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 709.8 710.5 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 710.5 711.1 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W2 711.1 711.7 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 711.7 712.3 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W2 712.3 712.9 0.6 1.3 0.0 1.3 SDDSC092W2 712.9 713.2 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 713.2 713.9 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 713.9 714.3 0.4 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC092W2 715.0 715.8 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 715.8 716.9 1.1 1.8 0.0 1.8 SDDSC092W2 716.9 717.7 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC092W2 717.7 718.7 1.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 718.7 720.0 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 720.0 721.3 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 721.3 722.2 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 722.2 723.0 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 723.0 723.9 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 725.2 726.4 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 726.4 726.9 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 726.9 728.2 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 728.2 729.5 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 729.5 730.1 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W2 730.1 730.9 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W2 732.8 733.8 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W2 733.8 734.3 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC092W2 734.3 734.8 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 636.1 636.6 0.5 7.3 2.1 11.4 SDDSC092W3 636.6 636.7 0.1 1.2 1.4 3.8 SDDSC092W3 640.1 640.8 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 644.4 644.9 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 648.0 648.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 1.3 SDDSC092W3 648.4 648.8 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.8 SDDSC092W3 650.7 650.8 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 650.8 651.6 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 652.6 652.7 0.2 2.1 0.0 2.1 SDDSC092W3 652.7 654.0 1.3 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC092W3 654.8 655.3 0.5 0.7 0.3 1.3 SDDSC092W3 655.3 656.1 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 658.0 659.0 1.0 1.1 0.8 2.6 SDDSC092W3 659.0 660.0 1.0 0.8 0.3 1.3 SDDSC092W3 661.0 662.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 662.6 663.1 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.5 SDDSC092W3 663.1 663.3 0.2 9.1 11.0 29.8 SDDSC092W3 663.3 664.0 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC092W3 666.0 666.9 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W3 666.9 667.6 0.7 0.3 0.4 1.1 SDDSC092W3 669.6 670.3 0.7 4.0 5.3 13.9 SDDSC092W3 671.0 672.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 674.3 674.6 0.3 62.2 10.2 81.4 SDDSC092W3 674.6 675.4 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 675.4 676.2 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC092W3 676.2 676.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W3 682.5 683.1 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 683.3 683.8 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.6 SDDSC092W3 683.8 684.7 0.9 1.2 0.5 2.1 SDDSC092W3 685.3 686.0 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.7 SDDSC092W3 686.0 686.3 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W3 686.3 686.5 0.2 2.2 1.2 4.5 SDDSC092W3 686.5 687.4 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.7 SDDSC092W3 687.4 687.6 0.2 0.6 0.8 2.2 SDDSC092W3 687.6 688.5 0.9 0.2 0.2 0.5 SDDSC092W3 688.5 689.5 1.0 1.2 0.7 2.4 SDDSC092W3 689.5 690.1 0.6 0.2 0.5 1.1 SDDSC092W3 690.1 691.1 1.0 0.5 0.9 2.2 SDDSC092W3 691.1 691.7 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.8 SDDSC092W3 691.7 692.3 0.6 1.2 0.4 1.9 SDDSC092W3 692.3 692.7 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.5 SDDSC092W3 692.7 693.2 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W3 693.2 694.0 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 694.0 695.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC092W3 695.0 696.0 1.0 0.8 0.1 0.9 SDDSC092W3 696.0 696.3 0.3 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC092W3 696.3 696.9 0.6 1.2 0.0 1.2 SDDSC092W3 696.9 697.6 0.7 1.0 0.0 1.0 SDDSC092W3 697.6 698.0 0.4 3.8 6.4 15.8 SDDSC092W3 698.0 698.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC092W3 698.3 698.4 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 740.6 741.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 741.5 742.2 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 742.2 742.4 0.2 1.1 0.5 2.1 SDDSC092W3 742.4 742.9 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.5 SDDSC092W3 742.9 743.0 0.2 0.1 0.6 1.3 SDDSC092W3 743.0 744.0 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.4 SDDSC092W3 744.0 744.8 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 744.8 745.2 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC092W3 745.2 745.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC092W3 749.2 749.4 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC092W3 749.4 750.4 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC092W3 752.5 753.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com With Renewals+ , PAPL achieves 30% higher repeat business than industry standards Leveraging advanced data analytics & personalized customer engagement, Renewals+ is expected to drive substantial revenue growth and shareholder value Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) proudly introduces Renewals+, an innovative addition to its PineappleONE platform, purpose-built to optimize mortgage renewals and elevate customer loyalty. By integrating cutting-edge data analytics and personalization tools, Renewals+ has positioned Pineapple as a leader in Canada's $300 billion mortgage renewal market, driving a 20% increase in annual renewals and achieving a repeat business rate that surpasses industry norms by 30%. Pineapple Financial anticipates significant revenue growth through its new Renewals+ platform. By targeting Canada's lucrative mortgage renewal market, currently valued at $300 billion annually, Renewals+ is strategically positioned to capture substantial market share. With its ability to drive a 30% higher-than-industry-standard repeat business rate, Renewals+ is expected to convert a large volume of renewals into high-margin, recurring revenue streams. This, paired with Pineapple's data-driven approach, sets an impactful trajectory for revenue growth, delivering both near- and long-term value for shareholders. Amid a record-high wave of mortgage renewals, Renewals+ capitalizes on the opportunity to deepen client relationships through a unique, proactive servicing model. This approach, powered by predictive analytics, has enabled Pineapple to reach new heights in customer retention, while also generating a high-margin revenue stream, reinforcing Pineapple's value proposition to investors. "Renewals+ represents a major evolution in how we engage with our customers," said Shubha Dasgupta, CEO of Pineapple Financial. "Our focus on data-driven personalization has enabled us to secure a loyal customer base, driving consistent revenue growth while setting Pineapple apart in the competitive mortgage landscape. We're delivering a customer experience that translates directly into sustained revenue and investor value." Key Features and Benefits of Renewals+: Predictive Analytics and Data-Driven Retention : The platform uses real-time data insights to anticipate renewal cycles, enabling brokers to proactively engage with clients before renewal deadlines. This feature has already led to a 20% increase in renewals , resulting in improved client retention and long-term revenue potential. Tailored Client Servicing and Communication Tools : Renewals+ offers personalized communication and engagement options, ensuring clients feel valued and informed throughout the renewal process. With automated reminders, custom renewal offers, and streamlined touchpoints, brokers can maintain an efficient, client-centric approach. Higher Than Average Repeat Business : Thanks to Pineapple's customer-first strategy, the company has achieved a repeat business rate 30% above industry standards , solidifying its role as a customer loyalty leader. Renewals+ builds on this success, creating a strong, predictable revenue stream and increasing lifetime customer value. Revenue Impact and Investor Growth Potential: By transforming mortgage renewals into a highly personalized, revenue-driving process, Renewals+ aligns with Pineapple's strategic goals of investor value creation and market share expansion. The robust repeat business from Renewals+ bolsters Pineapple's position within the rapidly growing renewal sector of the Canadian mortgage market. Pineapple's Renewals+ not only amplifies customer satisfaction but also creates a dependable growth avenue for investors, leveraging advanced analytics and innovative servicing models to capture substantial market share. As Canada's mortgage renewal wave surges, Renewals+ is primed to drive Pineapple's long-term profitability, setting a new standard in customer retention and investor returns. About Pineapple Pineapple is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage SOURCE: Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL), Nanos Research Report Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. It encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229750 SOURCE: Pineapple Financial Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation (TSXV: SDCU) ("SDCU' or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has initiated its Brazilian asset strategy through the incorporation of a new Brazilian subsidiary and has also made an initial application to the Agencia Nacional de Mineracao (ANM) to directly acquire new copper exploration concessions in Pernambuco, Brazil. The application comprises seven new concessions located in the municipality of Afranio/Pernambuco and Casa Nova/Bahia, and covers an area of 10,084.81 hectares. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5386/229781_4f6309dde481e86e_001full.jpg The Company's technical staff in Brazil are currently preparing a preliminary report on the area as part of an initial mineral prospecting program for copper. ABOUT SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation is focused on securing, developing and monetizing materials assets and technologies to build shareholder value. FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229781 SOURCE: Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation 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. Next-generation Willingness-to-Pay capabilities and continued investment in PROS Real-Time Dynamic Pricing and Group Sales Optimizer to produce optimized offers that fuel modern airline retailing PROS Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PRO), a leading provider of AI-powered SaaS pricing, CPQ, revenue management and digital offer marketing solutions, today announced that TAP Air Portugal will expand its use of PROS market-leading revenue management and pricing tools to create optimized offers and fuel its path to modern airline retailing. By adopting PROS latest innovation in revenue management capabilities, as well as expanding its use of PROS Real-Time Dynamic Pricing and Group Sales Optimizer, TAP will create more optimal offers that increase booking conversions, improve customer satisfaction and react more quickly to changing market dynamics. PROS Revenue Management with Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) enables TAP to leverage PROS most advanced AI-powered solution to forecast the relationship between price and demand, optimizing class availability based on price sensitivity. This helps TAP tailor offers by customer segment without alienating budget-conscious travelers. Understanding WTP also allows TAP to price strategically in their markets, maximizing revenue while remaining attractive to specific customer segments. Mario Cruz, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of TAP Air Portugal says of the expansion, "Providing our customers with exceptional experiences is at the heart of TAP's commercial commitment. By adopting the most advanced revenue management and airline pricing solutions from a trusted market leader, we will deliver more personalized and dynamic offers that customers find truly desirable and valuable leading to greater conversion rates, customer loyalty and incremental revenue to power our future." TAP continues to leverage PROS Real-Time Dynamic Pricing (RTDP) to compute seat availability in real-time, protecting against inventory spoilage and increasing conversions to capture demand during the shopping process. PROS RTDP ensures accurate, scalable pricing across all channels with minimal analyst intervention, allowing TAP to adjust prices in real-time and react to market changes, providing the best offers to convert more shoppers. TAP also continues to use PROS Group Sales Optimizer to manage group bookings more effectively and efficiently, optimizing revenue by dynamically pricing group offers and reducing costly GDS fees. "Modern airline retailing requires new strategies, technologies and processes to unlock value across every customer interaction," says Surain Adyanthaya, President, Global Industries, PROS. "Through long-term collaboration and PROS innovation, TAP is poised to productively grow its customer base across all segments and truly transform its commercial strategy. We are proud and honored to be a trusted TAP partner for more than 25 years and look forward to pursuing future milestones together." For more information on PROS Airline Solutions, visit www.pros.com/travel. About PROS PROS Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PRO) is a leading provider of AI-powered SaaS pricing, CPQ, revenue management, and digital offer marketing solutions. Its vision is to optimize every shopping and selling experience. With nearly 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of success, PROS helps B2B and B2C companies across the globe, in a variety of industries, including airlines, manufacturing, distribution, and services, drive profitable growth. The PROS Platform leverages AI to provide real-time predictive insights that enable businesses to drive revenue and margin improvements. To learn more about PROS and our innovative SaaS solutions, please visit our website at www.pros.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113959776/en/ Contacts: Amy Williams +1 713-335-5916 awilliams@pros.com General Fusion and Simon Fraser University partner to develop technology that will precisely measure the performance of game-changing fusion demonstration machine in Canada RICHMOND, British Columbia, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the second time this year, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance program has awarded funding to support the development of cutting-edge diagnostic technology for General Fusion's Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) fusion demonstration. Building on several years of successful fusion R&D collaboration, General Fusion and Simon Fraser University (SFU) will partner to optimize a diagnostic method called neutron activation analysis. The diagnostic developed with SFU will calculate the total number of neutrons produced during LM26 operations, providing critical data to measure and verify the program's key technical milestones. LM26 is designed to achieve 1 keV in the first half of 2025, then 10 keV (fusion conditions of over 100 million degrees Celsius), and progress toward scientific breakeven equivalent and the Lawson criterion by 2026. This diagnostic uses an industry-standard approach for neutron activation analysis that has been deployed in leading fusion research machines such as the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)'s Joint European Torus and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility. The total neutron count for each LM26 experiment will provide critical insight into the machine's overall fusion performance as the company progresses toward key temperature thresholds and, ultimately, scientific breakeven equivalent and the Lawson criterion. The technology is uniquely suited for General Fusion's LM26 program. It does not require direct access to the plasma and will not be impacted by interference from the machine's electromagnetic noise. "We're excited to expand our collaboration with Simon Fraser University, which has decades of research experience and unique lab capabilities to support us in advancing our practical and economical clean energy technology - Magnetized Target Fusion," said Mike Donaldson, Senior Vice President, Technology Development, General Fusion. "Data drives our fusion demonstration program. That's why we're working with a wide network of Canadian and international experts to build the robust diagnostic system we need for our LM26 demonstration in a way that is scalable to a commercial fusion machine and pushes the whole field of fusion diagnostics forward." "We're very excited to continue this important collaboration," said Angela Brooks-Wilson, Simon Fraser University's Dean of Science. "General Fusion is a leader in the clean energy sector, and I am very glad that expertise from SFU Faculty of Science is helping to create technologies that will enable new sources of carbon-free electricity." A full suite of diagnostics on LM26 will provide extensive data to measure plasma performance and neutron production during the machine's two-year operations. In addition to its work with SFU, General Fusion is collaborating with TRIUMF, UKAEA, Universite de Sherbrooke, University of Lisbon,Bertin Technologies, Motus Design Group, and others to develop several diagnostic tools, including neutron activation analysis, neutron spectrometry, Thomson scattering, and reflectometry. About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing a fast and practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com. General Fusion Media Relations media@generalfusion.com +1-866-904-0995 Follow General Fusion twitter.com/generalfusion instagram.com/generalfusion linkedin.com/company/general-fusion facebook.com/generalfusion Global Men's Grooming Brand Expands into Europe's Leading Electronics Retailer, Establishing First Retail Partnership in the DACH Region MANSCAPED, the global men's grooming company and lifestyle consumer brand, today announces its launch in MediaMarkt, Europe's leading electronics retailer. As MANSCAPED's first brick-and-mortar retail partner in the DACH region, MediaMarkt will offer a curated selection of the brand's premium grooming tools and formulations in several selected stores, as well as online at mediamarkt.de. To boost in-store visibility, branded tabletop trays and product displays will be prominently featured in 40 locations across Germany. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113195764/en/ MANSCAPED brings a curated selection of its premium grooming tools to Europe's leading electronics retailer, MediaMarkt. (Photo: Business Wire) "MediaMarkt's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction reflects our mission to deliver high-quality grooming solutions at accessible prices," said Catherine Cronin, Vice President of Retail at MANSCAPED. "Partnering with Europe's top electronics retailer enables us to broaden our reach and provide more consumers access to our expertly crafted products as we work to revolutionize men's grooming worldwide." A selection of MANSCAPED's core collection, featuring its best-selling tools and formulations, is now available both in-store and online at MediaMarkt, including: The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra Essentials Kit (119.99) - This curated set brings together two essential below-the-waist grooming products. It includes the newest version of MANSCAPED's marquee electric groin and body hair trimmer, along with a soothing aftershave lotion designed to hydrate the skin and enhance comfort after shaving. Inside you'll find: The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra groin and body hair trimmer The most advanced trimmer in The Lawn Mower Family features interchangeable SkinSafe * foil and trimmer blade heads, waterproof** design, adjustable length settings, constant RPM motor, dual temperature LED spotlight, travel lock, wireless charging, and up to 60-minutes runtime. groin and body hair trimmer The most advanced trimmer in The Lawn Mower Family features interchangeable SkinSafe * foil and trimmer blade heads, waterproof** design, adjustable length settings, constant RPM motor, dual temperature LED spotlight, travel lock, wireless charging, and up to 60-minutes runtime. Crop SootherTM aftershave lotion Infused with ultra-soothing ingredients like aloe, colloidal oats, shea, and cocoa seed butter, this unique formulation hydrates skin and helps minimize post-shave irritation. The Beard Hedger Essentials Kit *In-Store Exclusive* (139.99) - This comprehensive routine provides everything you need for a clean, perfectly groomed, and conditioned beard. Each formulation is dermatologist-tested and paraben, phthalate, and cruelty-freeThe bundle includes: The Beard Hedger electric beard hair trimmer A premium beard-sculpting machine powerful enough to craft your style in a single swipe. It features a powerful, cordless DC motor for ultra-precise results, an intuitive zoom wheel with 20 length settings, a 41mm titanium-coated rust-resistant t-blade for a comfortable trim and enhanced durability, up to 60-minute runtime, three-tiered LED battery level indicator, and waterproof design for easy cleaning. electric beard hair trimmer A premium beard-sculpting machine powerful enough to craft your style in a single swipe. It features a powerful, cordless DC motor for ultra-precise results, an intuitive zoom wheel with 20 length settings, a 41mm titanium-coated rust-resistant t-blade for a comfortable trim and enhanced durability, up to 60-minute runtime, three-tiered LED battery level indicator, and waterproof design for easy cleaning. Beard Shampoo A gentle cleanser to help soften and hydrate coarse beard hair. A gentle cleanser to help soften and hydrate coarse beard hair. Beard Conditioner - Pamper your beard with this lightweight formula, infused with coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to rehydrate hair and leave it feeling silky-soft. - Pamper your beard with this lightweight formula, infused with coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to rehydrate hair and leave it feeling silky-soft. Beard Comb Featuring dual fine and coarse teeth, this comb tames tangles and evenly distributes your favorite products. Featuring dual fine and coarse teeth, this comb tames tangles and evenly distributes your favorite products. Beard Scissors Ultra-sharp scissors to trim flyaways and perfect your beard shape. Ultra-sharp scissors to trim flyaways and perfect your beard shape. Travel Pouch A handy storage bag to keep all your essentials organized. The Dome Shaver Plus (109.99) - Equipped with cutting-edge FlexAdjust technology to adapt to the unique contours of your head, ultra-thin foils for an exceptionally close shave, and a four-blade design for powerful, single-pass cutting action, this advanced electric head shaver will help you keep your smooth. The Handyman (79.99) - This compact yet powerful face shaver is the perfect tool for on-the-go grooming. It boasts dual-action SkinSafe long-hair leveler and foil shaver blades, ensuring a comfortable and close shave, along with a waterproof design for easy cleanup. Lightweight and easy to pack, it also comes with a magnetic protective cover for mess-free travels. Weed Whacker 2.0 (54.99) - This advanced nose and ear hair trimmer features a state-of-the-art rotary steel blade with tall and wide slots for enhanced performance, SkinSafe technology, waterproof capabilities, and ergonomic design for a comfortable and confident trim every time. Whether you're looking for the perfect holiday gift or aiming to take your personal care routine to the next level, MANSCAPED is the go-to source for all your grooming needs. To shop MANSCAPED's premium line of men's grooming products, visit your local MediaMarkt today. *SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection. ** IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Learn more at www.manscaped.com/waterproof. About MANSCAPED Founded by Paul Tran in 2016, San Diego, California-based MANSCAPED is the global men's lifestyle consumer brand and male grooming category creator trusted by over eleven million men worldwide. The product range includes a diversified line of premium tools, formulations, and accessories designed to introduce and elevate a whole new self-care routine for men. The collection is available globally in 40 countries on manscaped.com, on Amazon in more than 100 countries worldwide, and in major retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Military Exchanges, and many more internationally. For more information, visit manscaped.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, Tumblr, and YouTube. About MediaMarktSaturn Germany With around 400 MediaMarkt and Saturn stores and more than 20,000 employees, MediaMarktSaturn Germany is the number one electronics retailer in Germany. As the founder of the consumer electronics category, the company is now redefining itself and its environment: the term "Experience Electronics" describes both its repositioning and the range of services it offers its customers. With the two strong brands MediaMarkt and Saturn, the company is focusing on the customer experience and personal advice. As a successful omnichannel provider, MediaMarktSaturn Germany closely integrates its brick-and-mortar stores with online stores and mobile shopping apps. Customers thus benefit from the advantages of online shopping as well as from personal advice and comprehensive services in the local stores. MediaMarktSaturn Germany is part of the MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group, which in turn is majority-owned by CECONOMY AG. More information at www.mediamarktsaturn.com, www.mediamarkt.de and www.saturn.de (data as of 30.09.2024). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113195764/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Communications at MANSCAPED PR@manscaped.com Intercos Korea to be held criminally liable for leaking and misusing Kolmar Korea's trade secrets Kolmar Korea (KRX: 161890) has won the victory in the remand trial against Intercos Korea, the Korean subsidiary of Italian cosmetics firm Intercos, concerning the misappropriation of its core sunscreen technology. The latest ruling has confirmed Intercos Korea is guilty of stealing Kolmar Korea's technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113259255/en/ Kolmar Korea R&D Complex (photo: Kolmar Holdings) The 3-2 Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court sentenced a fine of KRW 5 million on Intercos Korea for breaching the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act on October 18. While the court reduced the fine from an initial KRW 10 million to KRW 5 million, it upheld the conviction of Intercos Korea. The ruling became final as Intercos Korea opted not to file an appeal. Intercos Korea was alleged to have recruited "A", a former Kolmar Korea employee, in order to acquire Kolmar's sunscreen technology unlawfully. Joining Kolmar Korea since 2008, "A" had been in charge of research and development of sun care products. He suddenly resigned in 2018 due to immigration to the U.S. However, it was found that he joined Intercos Korea just one week after his departure. In the process, he reportedly leaked hundreds of Kolmar Korea's confidential documents via Google Drive. Intercos Korea's sales of sun care products surged after "A" joined the company. Intercos Korea had no record of selling any UV protection products in 2017. However, it began selling sun care products after 2018 when "A" left Kolmar. The prosecution conducted a digital forensic analysis on the laptop used by "A", thereby uncovering evidence of his criminal activities. In August 2021, the Suwon District Court sentenced "A" to ten months in prison. Additionally, "B", an accomplice in the fraudulent activities, received a six-month sentence suspended for two years, and Intercos Korea was fined KRW 5 million. The appeal court reaffirmed the prison sentence for "A" and increased the fine for Intercos Korea to KRW 10 million. "A" appealed the lower court's decision, but the Supreme Court upheld the ten-month prison sentence, rendering the decision final. However, the Supreme Court found that the portion of the second trial decision imposing a KRW 10 million fine on Intercos Korea required further review and remanded it to the Suwon District Court. This decision was based on the Supreme Court's finding that penalizing the company under joint penalty provisions for the "attempted" act of former employee "A" was unjustified. In the subsequent retrial, the court recognized the harm suffered by Kolmar Korea. Although the fine against Intercos Korea was reduced due to the absence of legal grounds to penalize a juridical person for a "failed attempt", the court maintained the conviction. An official from Kolmar Korea said, "Intercos Korea is now proven guilty of misappropriating Kolmar Korea's sun care technology. Hopefully, other Korean companies with world-class technologies will not face similar harm." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113259255/en/ Contacts: Kolmar Holdings Jang-Woo Lee jay.lee@kolmar.co.kr Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Phenom Resources Corp. (TSXV: PHNM) (OTCQX: PHNMF) (FSE: 1PY0) ("Phenom" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on the developments of the Dobbin gold soil anomaly last reported October 9, 2024. Prospecting and mapping had identified a 600 metre (2,000 ft) long by 200 metre (650 ft) wide trend of similar alteration (significant veining and jasperoid) which was interpreted to be a faulted off south-western extension of the gold anomaly. Soil results from this new segment have been received with some positive results in gold and pathfinder elements that only partially defines the south-western extension of the gold trend. Crews were dispatched yesterday to expand the soil grid to cover a 550 metre (1800 ft) by 200 metre (650ft) gap over the suspected remainder of the anomaly. Collective results will be reported once received. The gold soil anomaly is at least 1.3 kilometres (4,300 ft) in length with the potential to extend its length with new soil sampling underway. The anomalous gold zone is interpreted to be controlled by northeast-trending structures presumed to be subvertical, cutting through gently-dipping Roberts Mountains Formation carbonates, an important host for many Carlin-type gold deposits in central and northern Nevada. About Phenom Resources Corp. Phenom has 100% interest in the Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project, located six miles south from the town of Carlin, Nevada, and Highway I-80 in Elko County, which hosts the Carlin Vanadium deposit, North America's largest highest grade primary vanadium resource. The Project lies within the prolific Carlin Gold Trend. Approximately nine million ounces comprised of multiple gold deposits, including past producing mines, are present near (5-15km) the Phenom property. The Company has options on three gold projects in Nevada - the King Solomon and Dobbin Properties, which are Carlin Gold-type targets, and the Crescent Valley Property, a Bonanza high grade gold vein-type target. Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Mathewson, Director and Geological Consultant of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of Phenom, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans, including ongoing mapping and sampling, future assay results and the impact thereof. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Phenom, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Phenom does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229772 SOURCE: Phenom Resources Corp. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Veralto Corp. (VLTO), Wednesday announced the decision to invest about $15 million in Axine Water Technologies, establishing a minority interest in the electrochemical oxidation technology provider.The investment also includes a commercial agreement in North America with the Company's Trojan Technologies business to expand the reach of Axine in municipal and industrial markets.During the pre-market hours, Veralto's stock is trading at $103.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The "Survey of the European Fabric Fairs for Spring/Summer 2025" report from Textiles Intelligence Ltd. has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The European fabric fairs for the spring/summer 2025 season were well attended, and in most cases there were increases in the numbers of visitors compared with the editions for the previous season. Importantly, several key trends in colour and design were evident at the fairs. In terms of colour, metallic fabrics were key especially fabrics which featured bright and vivid iridescent metallic hues and ethereal and pearly opalescent metallic colours. Also, yellow in cold and milky shades of white was important. An unlikely trend which was evident was that of wool fabrics. However, unlike thick and insulating wool fabrics which tend to be popular in the designs of collections for the autumn/winter seasons, the wool fabrics which were popular and on show at the fairs for the spring/summer 2025 season were lightweight and functional. Another important trend was that of artificial leather materials. Admittedly, such materials have been prevalent in the designs of collections for previous recent seasons. However, there was a noticeable increase in the number of artificial leather materials on display at the fairs for the spring/summer 2025 season compared with previous editions of the fairs. Also, major advancements in the characteristics and performance of such materials were evident. Who should buy this report? Manufacturers of fibres, textiles, clothing and chemicals Textile and clothing machinery manufacturers spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing and import/export Textile and clothing brands and retailers like Adidas, H&M etc. Educational institutions like universities, fashion schools etc. Business consultancy firms Textile and clothing trade associations Government trade bodies Key Topics Covered: SUMMARY FABRIC FAIRS Lineapelle Milan Milano Unica Munich Fabric Start Premiere Vision Paris Texworld Paris FABRIC TRENDS Colour Metallic Fabrics Wool fabrics Artificial leather materials For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xnb56o About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113684518/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / New World Solutions Inc. (CSE:NEWS)(OTC PINK:REGRF)(FSE:RT5) ("New World" or the "Company") announces that Mr. Marks has stepped down from the Board of Directors to focus on growing the Company's majority owned subsidiary dialMKT Corp.("dialMKT"). dialMKT has recently launched its online platform and has entered in revenue. Mr. Marks will focus his attention on growing that brand by working to build revenue. As Mr. Marks steps away from the Company, shareholders are reminded that any promotion around the watch business represents Mr. Marks' own opinions and not those of the Company. The Board will name a new Chairperson at its next meeting and currently has no plans to fill the vacancy. About: dialMKT is addressing the digital transformation of the global luxury wrist watch enthusiast market by developing a blockchain-powered digital ecosystem that integrates content, e-commerce, and community. The company's video-first content platform WatchReporter.com is produced by watch enthusiasts - for watch enthusiasts and features the latest relevant articles, and videos on: watch auction news, collector interviews, watch reviews, and growing database on buyer guides on vintage and modern watches from the top brands. The newly launched dialMKT.com plans to offer rare and hard-to-find vintage and modern watches at the most competitive prices, with a high level of transparency, and concierge-style service for serious watch enthusiasts. About New World New World Solutions is an innovative technology company, driving innovative solutions to new world problems. Through our blockchain and technology experience, we are leveraging solutions in the decentralized finance space as well as the electric vehicle area. We look to acquire and launch a balanced spectrum of solutions to become a leader in this dynamic tech landscape. For additional information on New World and other corporate information, please visit the company website at https://www.newworldinc.io/. For further information, please contact: Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir Chief Executive Officer New World Solutions Inc. Phone: (416) 318- 6501 Email: phaber@newworldinc.io Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general, the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplated or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. The Canadian Stock Exchange (the "CSE") does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: New World Solutions Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Expanding Operations to Enhance Nationwide Service and Support LOUISVILLE, KY / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Michelli Weighing & Measurement, a leader in industrial and precision measurement equipment and services, is excited to announce the acquisition of American Scale, a trusted provider of weighing and measurement solutions with locations in Louisville and Bowling Green, KY, and Evansville, IN. This strategic acquisition supports Michelli's ongoing growth strategy to expand its service footprint and enhance capabilities nationwide. American Scale Joins The Michelli Family American Scale is now part of Michelli Weighing & Measurement, expanding the ability to serve customers with enhanced expertise, reach, and resources Founded in 1985, American Scale has built a reputation for reliability and quality in precision measurement solutions. Over nearly four decades, American Scale has fostered strong customer relationships through its commitment to service excellence and technical expertise. "We are thrilled to welcome American Scale to the Michelli family," said Bobby Feigler, CEO of Michelli Weighing & Measurement. "We value the expertise of the entire American Scale team, as well as their dedication to customer service excellence. These qualities align perfectly with our values at Michelli. This acquisition allows us to combine our strengths and expand our service capabilities." Danny Coyle, President of American Scale, shared, "Joining Michelli Weighing & Measurement is an exciting opportunity for American Scale. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to delivering dependable, high-quality service, and it's clear that Michelli shares this commitment. This partnership will enable us to broaden our offerings, particularly in precision measurement equipment calibration, bringing even greater value to our customers." Michelli Weighing & Measurement, a trusted name since 1947, provides sales, calibration, and repair services for a wide range of equipment-from precision measurement devices to industrial weighing systems. Through this acquisition, Michelli enhances its expertise and service network to support a growing customer base nationwide. Andrew Gilbert, Partner at Summit Park, commented, "We are excited to welcome Danny and his team into the Michelli family. American Scale has significant growth potential in Kentucky, Indiana and throughout the Midwest and the partnership furthers our strategic goal of offering comprehensive nationwide service to our rapidly expanding national customer base." Both companies will continue operating under their current brands, with a full rebranding of American Scale scheduled for early 2025. Together, Michelli and American Scale will leverage their combined experience and resources to deliver unmatched service, quality, and value to customers. Contact info@Michelli.com to request sales and/or service or find your nearest Michelli Weighing & Measurement location at www.Michelli.com/contact. About Michelli Weighing & Measurement: Michelli Weighing & Measurement provides equipment sales, service, calibration & rental from 35+ locations, stretching across 17 states. The Michelli team has been your trusted expert for scales & precision measurement equipment since 1947. Michelli carries top-quality measurement products ranging from precision measurement instruments to industrial scales. We offer both Standard NIST traceable calibration & ISO 17025-accredited calibration. Mobile calibration services, on-site services, or in-lab services are available. Contact Information Jaime Rodriguez Marketing & Communications Manager jrodriguez@michelli.com 504-733-9822 Robin Toups Marketing Specialist rtoups@michelli.com 504-733-9822 SOURCE: Michelli Weighing & Measurement View the original press release on newswire.com. For homeowners interested in plantation shutters or other window treatments, Bottom Dollar Blinds provides the expertise and variety needed to meet diverse preferences. CYPRESS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Houston homeowners can now enjoy the perfect blend of style and function with the wide selection of window treatments available from Bottom Dollar Blinds. With over a decade of experience in the community, Bottom Dollar Blinds has become a trusted name for homeowners looking to elevate their spaces. Plantation Shutters Houston Plantation Shutters Houston Faux Plantation Wood Shutters: A Durable Choice for Every Room Known for their commitment to quality and affordability, Bottom Dollar Blinds offers an extensive range of options, including durable and stylish faux plantation shutters in Houston. Among their most popular offerings, faux plantation wood shutters provide the elegance of natural wood without maintenance concerns. Made from moisture-resistant materials, these shutters are ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, making them a natural choice for Houston homes. "Our faux plantation wood shutters combine lasting beauty with unbeatable durability," says Slade Miller, owner of Bottom Dollar Blinds. "They're a perfect fit for the local climate and give homeowners a worry-free solution that lasts." For homeowners who prefer genuine wood, Bottom Dollar Blinds also offers a selection of real wood shutters in various stains and finishes, enhancing any room with warmth and natural beauty. While real wood shutters require additional upkeep, they offer a classic appeal for those looking to add a natural touch to their interiors. Guided, In-Home Consultations for a Tailored Solution Bottom Dollar Blinds makes selecting window treatments simple and convenient with free, in-home consultations. During these visits, a team member assesses the unique needs of each space, from window size and sunlight exposure to the desired level of light control and privacy. This approach ensures every customer finds the right match for their home's design and practical requirements. For homeowners interested in plantation shutters or other window treatments, Bottom Dollar Blinds provides the expertise and variety needed to meet diverse preferences. "Our consultations are designed to make the experience personal and stress-free," Miller notes. "We want each client to feel confident they're choosing the best option for their home." Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction Bottom Dollar Blinds is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience, from initial consultation to professional installation. "We take pride in delivering quality products that our customers can rely on," says Miller. "Our team ensures every window treatment is expertly installed, adding both beauty and value to their homes." About Bottom Dollar Blinds Bottom Dollar Blinds has served Houston and the surrounding areas for over a decade, offering high-quality, affordable window treatments crafted for style and durability. From shutters and blinds to shades, their products combine function with a touch of elegance tailored to meet the needs of Texas homes. Contact: For more information or to schedule a free in-home consultation in Houston or Katy, please get in touch with Bottom Dollar Blinds at 281-990-4966 or visit us online today at Bottom Dollar Blinds. Contact Information Slade Miller Founder / Owner slademiller@bottomdollarblinds.com 281-990-4966 SOURCE: Bottom Dollar Blinds View the original press release on newswire.com. Rio Tinto has approved construction of a new 25-megawatt solar plant at its Kennecott copper operation in Utah, bringing the mine's total solar capacity to 30MW. The new solar plant will be located next to Kennecott's existing 5MW solar plant, which was completed in 2023. Together, the two solar plants will reduce Kennecott's Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. This is equivalent to removing around 5,000 gas-powered passenger cars from the road. Construction of the 25MW solar plant is expected to be completed next year and create short-term employment opportunities for up to 100 laborers, as well as a small number of long-term operations and maintenance roles. Bechtel Corporation will design and manage construction of the plant. Kennecott, which already has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any copper producer in the U.S., has reduced its carbon footprint more than 80% since 2018 through initiatives such as closing its coal-powered power plant, building a 5MW solar farm, transitioning the mining fleet to renewable diesel, and using battery electric vehicles in underground mining. Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director Nate Foster said: "Expanding our solar farm is the latest step in our journey to reduce our carbon footprint. Together with other measures we've taken, such as closing a coal-fired power plant, deploying battery electric vehicles underground, and our recent transition to renewable diesel, we have reduced our emissions by millions of tons over the past few years. "We're demonstrating every day that sustainable practices and resource production can go hand-in-hand to benefit our company as well as our community." The 210-acre solar array will include more than 71,000 panels, which contain tellurium produced by Kennecott, a byproduct of mining and refining copper. In 2022, Kennecott became one of only two U.S. producers of this critical mineral. Both copper and tellurium are vital components of photovoltaic solar panels. Notes to editors Rio Tinto has committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, on the way to net zero by 2050. While 72% of the electricity the company uses comes from renewable sources, our current focus is on replacing electricity generated from gas and coal with solutions like solar PV, wind, and other renewable technologies. This shift will significantly reduce emissions across our mines, processing plants, and supporting infrastructure, and enable lower generation costs than fossil fuel alternatives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112065736/en/ Contacts: Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, United Kingdom David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Michelle Lee M +61 458 609 322 Rachel Pupazzoni M +61 438 875 469 Media Relations, Canada Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Vanessa Damha M +1 514 715 2152 Media Relations, US Jesse Riseborough M +1 202 394 9480 Investor Relations, United Kingdom David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797 Wei Wei Hu M +44 7825 907 230 Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Amar Jambaa M +61 472 865 948 Rio Tinto plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 riotinto.com Category: Kennecott LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, 22 November 2024, the historic House of Lords will host the landmark event " AI in Construction ," an exclusive gathering to explore how AI is transforming the construction sector. This prestigious event will feature a keynote by Dinis Guarda, with additional panel insights by speakers Louize Clark and Ilyas Oren. ' AI in Construction ' will showcase how AI is reshaping planning, execution, and sustainability in the construction industry. Leading industry experts will share invaluable insights into the cutting-edge AI tools and technologies that are already making significant inroads into traditional construction practices. The event is a pivotal platform for fostering high-level discussions among industry leaders, government officials, engineers, architects, and academics. "AI is reshaping almost every industry. Its integration into construction and engineering promises profound transformation - an industry where bidding and tendering, project planning, procurement, budgeting, regulatory compliance, data processing, precise cost estimation, safety, and risk management are crucial. The ' AI in Construction' event offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals to come together, learn from inspiring industry leaders, and connect. It's a chance to explore the innovative technologies that are shaping the future of construction and enhancing the ways we work and collaborate in this vital field", says The Honourable Richard John Evans , organiser of the event and Founder of AFFINITY. 'AI in Construction': Special Features of the Event The 'AI in Construction' event features distinguished speakers, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives on the transformative role of AI in the construction industry. About the featured speakers: Dinis Guarda , keynote speaker, is an author, influencer, Founder and CEO of Ztudium Group, AI.DNA, Businessabc, Smart Cities DNA, and Citiesabc. Dinis has been advising governments and major global corporations on AI and 4IR. He will share his keynote about how AI is reshaping, disrupting the construction and real estate industry, from the use of generative design tools to innovative sustainability solutions. According to Dinis Guarda: "The construction industry contributes to approximately 13% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the McKinsey & Company reports. This sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including real estate development, infrastructure projects, and industrial construction, all of which play a crucial role in economic development and employment worldwide. The 'AI in Construction' event is a showcase of innovations like generative design and optimisation, predictive analytics for project management, AI-enhanced safety monitoring, autonomous and smart equipment, and robotics and automation. With AI poised to disrupt the $379 trillion industry, the event urges the business leaders, governments, and policy makers to come together and contribute to the alignment and redesign of the industry." Louize Clark , a researcher and serial entrepreneur Founder of Keeping Ahead. She has been working with the UK Government and major corporations. She will speak about the pivotal "golden thread of AI data," emphasising its significance in creating a smarter and safer construction industry. "Safety in Construction is not just a concept but a necessary foundation for building a smarter, safer, and more efficient construction industry. The 'AI in Construction' event is an opportunity to weave together technology, insight, and action to reshape how we design, build, and sustain our infrastructure", says Louize. Ilyas Oren , CEng FCIBSE MIET, a professional and expert in the construction industry will address the topic of achieving "Net Zero with AI in Construction", highlighting the importance of AI-driven digital twins and their role in reducing operational carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility. "Digital twin technology is the key to carbon neutrality and sustainability in the construction industry. Achieving net zero in construction isn't just a distant goal; it's a tangible reality we can reach with the integration of AI. By leveraging intelligent systems to optimise energy use, material efficiency, and sustainable practices, we can build a future where construction meets the needs of today without compromising tomorrow. The 'AI in Construction' event aims to highlight the pressing need for innovative approaches within the UK and global construction industry, particularly in light of the ongoing housing and environmental issues that call for effective and sustainable solutions", says Ilyas Oren. Key topics of discussion at the 'AI in Construction' event The AI in Construction event will explore key topics, including: The transformative impact of AI across the industry: Focuses on AI's predictive analytics for safety enhancements, enabling proactive risk mitigation, operational efficiency, better inventory management, and improved on-site security. How AI optimises planning and design: by analysing historical data to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency. Resource management: Showcasing AI's ability to allocate materials and labour effectively, curbing waste, and boosting productivity. AI's role in predictive supervision, enabling timely equipment maintenance and seamless project timelines. AI's positive contributions to environmental sustainability. It will emphasise how AI can help reduce material waste and energy consumption, align with global sustainability objectives, and ultimately lessen environmental impact. "Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way we tackle complex processes by introducing cutting-edge tools that streamline operations and elevate them to new heights. With capabilities such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, these innovative solutions are poised to transform the future of our industry in exciting ways. Get ready for a redefined experience that harnesses the power of technology to enhance our work like never before.", says Lord David Charles Evans of Watford. Dinis Guarda, the keynote speaker, will release his latest research publication, ' AI in Construction and Real Estate ', with a Foreword by The Lord David Evans of Watford British publisher, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Member of the House of Lords,during the event. This research book highlights the radical transformation of the combined global real estate and infrastructure market, including the residential, commercial, and industrial assets. Powered by Ztudium Citiesabc, Constructionabc and Booksabc, the book is available in publication, audiobook, ebook, and website. The 'AI in Construction' event is expected to draw over 100 construction professionals. About AFFINITY Construction Collaboration AFFINITY facilitates seamless information exchange among key stakeholders in the construction sector, fostering collaboration and enabling the sharing of crucial insights on topics ranging from Innovation, Diversity, ESG, Modern Methods of Construction etc. This platform serves as a dynamic hub, connecting professionals and allowing them to discuss vital aspects of our construction industry. It presents a unique opportunity for networking and engagement at the highest level including our Special Interest Groups meeting regularly. About The organiser Honourable Richard John Evans The Honourable Richard John Evans is an international networker and business leader with a background in construction supply chains, modern construction methods, foreign direct investment, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure and real estate investment. Richard has founded multiple global companies like Balmoral Global Capital Ltd, ACE Modular Construction and Anglo Eastern Timber Alliance, and AFFINITY, a Construction Collaboration leading worldwide and encompassing major verticals like Turkiye GB and Saudi GB. Media Contact: The Honourable Richard John Evans Email: richard@octaviusgb.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ai-in-construction-revolutionising-the-construction-industry-event-in-house-of-lords-22-november-302304295.html Propelling the Next Phase of Innovation in Chronic Wound Management DEBx Medical is poised for accelerated growth in chronic wound solutions, bolstered by the second round of investment by TVM Capital Healthcare. AMSTERDAM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DEBx Medical, an Amsterdam-based pioneering innovator in the field of advanced wound care, announces the successful completion of its second capital investment round led by TVM Capital Healthcare. The funding will accelerate DEBx Medical's global expansion into major markets around the world. The investment follows a successful initial round of funding and reflects growing confidence in DEBx Medical's innovative approach to chronic wound management, specifically through its breakthrough solution, DEBRICHEM, a topical desiccating agent used to eradicate biofilm and infection from chronic wounds. Global Market Expansion to Transform Chronic Wound Care This second investment round will support the company's strategy to expand into the highly regulated and competitive markets, further supporting DEBx Medical's mission to transform the management of chronic wounds and improve patient outcomes. Chronic wounds impose a considerable burden on healthcare systems world over, not just due to their prevalence but also due to the associated costs, complications, and impacts on patients' quality of life. DEBRICHEM offers an unparalleled solution completely eradicating biofilm and infection from chronic wounds, and with CE and ISO certifications obtained, the company has successfully treated thousands of patients since its market introduction. Investor Perspective "This new round of funding from TVM Capital Healthcare will accelerate the commercialization of DEBRICHEM worldwide and enable DEBx Medical to reach more patients and alleviate the suffering caused by non-healing wounds," commented Tristan de Boysson, Managing Partner of TVM Capital Healthcare. "We are also recommitting to the TVM Healthcare Afiyah Fund strategy to bring innovative solutions to the MENA region, particularly, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to working with this impressive team to achieve those objectives." TVM Capital Healthcare's renewed investment will further enable DEBx Medical to expand its commercialization efforts. "We are excited to take this important step in DEBx Medical's journey toward global expansion," said Bert Quint, CEO of DEBx Medical. "This round of funding will allow us to enter key markets around the world, where the burden of chronic wounds remains significant. Our investors' support is a strong validation of our product's potential to transform wound care practices worldwide." Driving Innovation in Wound Care DEBRICHEM has already made a significant impact in Europe and parts of the MENA region, including KSA, offering healthcare professionals a powerful solution to treat chronic wounds. The product has shown remarkable results in helping restart the healing process in wounds where biofilm and infection have been a barrier. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Future Growth and Development In addition to expanding its geographic reach, DEBx Medical plans to continue advancing its research and development efforts to introduce new solutions in wound care. The company's focus on clinical data and evidence-based medicine will remain a driving force as it seeks to broaden its product portfolio and address unmet needs in chronic wound treatment. About DEBx Medical DEBx Medical is dedicated to transforming wound care through innovative, scientifically driven solutions. Founded in 2019, the company's mission is to improve the lives of patients with chronic wounds by providing healthcare professionals with groundbreaking tools to treat complex wounds effectively. DEBRICHEM, the company's flagship product, is a topical desiccating agent that eliminates biofilm and infection, promoting faster and more efficient wound healing. For more information, visit: DEBx Medical - Innovating The Future of Wound Care About TVM Capital Healthcare TVM Capital Healthcare is a global healthcare private equity firm specializing in emerging markets. Headquartered in Dubai and Singapore, with offices in Riyadh, Boston, Munich, and Ho Chi Minh City, the firm invests expansion and growth capital in healthcare companies to improve local access to quality and affordable care, as well as local sources of medical products in the pharma, medical device, and diagnostics sectors. Investment and operating partners, as well as a strong group of regional and international senior advisors, have long-standing track records in healthcare investing and deep operating experience in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. For more information visit: TVMCapitalHealthcare.com For media inquiries, please contact: DEBx Medical: Chandrita Jaisinghani, press@debx-medical.com, +31 85 0878096 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Mathieu Latendresse, Canada's Top Options Trader and grand prize winner of the 2024 Options Trading Simulation Contest, joined Karen McMeekin, President, Regulatory Division of Montreal Exchange (MX), to open the market in celebration of Canada's Financial Literacy Month and MX's commitment to investor education. Mathieu emerged victorious among 1,800 participants nationwide, securing the $5K grand prize through strategic options trading in the six-week virtual contest, where participants managed a $100K virtual portfolio, while competing for weekly prizes of $500. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqk7GVpYNW4 In 2024, MX strengthened its investor education through two key initiatives: Options-Ed, a comprehensive platform offering learning modules, articles, videos, and strategic insights for options traders at all levels, and the Regulatory Division's Fine Fund Financing Grant, which supports projects that educate market participants and the general public and contribute to financial research across Canada. These initiatives reflect MX's ongoing commitment to empowering investors with knowledge and resources. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229795 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Credtent, Inc., a leader in content rights management in the Age of AI, is proud to introduce its Content Origin Badges, a free-to-use, three-badge system designed to help creators disclose the use of artificial intelligence in their content creation processes. Credtent's Content Origin Badges With AI-generated content on the rise, audiences deserve transparency regarding the role of AI in their media (art, prose, video, etc.). Credtent's badges clearly indicate varying levels of AI involvement; this system not only supports creators but also helps AI companies select credible, licensed data for ethical, efficient AI training. This initiative aligns with Credtent's mission to set fair licensing terms and promote the responsible use of credible, unbiased training data through the platform's opt-out and licensing models. "In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of content creation, transparency is key. Our free Content Origin Badges empower creators to disclose AI involvement in a clear and concise manner, fostering trust and credibility in their work," said Eric Burgess, CEO of Credtent, Inc. Credtent.org provides access to badges, which can be obtained at https://growth.credtent.org/PRBADGES. Users may also utilize a tool to configure a custom Badge Bar, enabling distinction among various content formats, including film, video games, and interactive media. Creators and Rights Owners that register with Credtent can access and use a Certified version of the Human-Created Content badge once it is processed through the platform's multitool analysis, which includes human editorial review. This added layer of certification helps rights holders stand out for consumers who value authenticity in their media consumption. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Credtent is committed to setting objective standards for credibility in the AI industry, providing fair licensing models that support creators and equipping AI developers with diverse, reliable data sources. With hundreds of creators already using Credtent's platform, these badges mark a crucial step forward in transparent, ethical content practices in an era of Gen-AI. For more information about Credtent, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit their official website at https://www.credtent.org. A direct link to the badges page is here. To download the free Content Origin Guide that explains the badges and their use for all types of content, get a copy here. Credtent is on the user's side About Credtent, Inc. Credtent is a Public Benefit Corporation that enables creators to exclude their work or profit from AI by setting fair licensing terms for responsible companies seeking credible, unbiased training data. Credtent issues Content Origin and Sourcing Badges, and helps AI companies make better decisions about the content they use to train their models. Press Inquiries To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229662 SOURCE: Credtent, Inc. A gratitude expert shares how our smartphones can be more than just productivity or social tools - they can help us feel more thankful, improve our well-being and strengthen our relationships Ever noticed the power of a genuine "thanks"? Gratitude is all about recognizing that something good has come into your life thanks to someone else. It's that feeling of positive acknowledgment that often arrives through kindness or support we didn't necessarily earn. And in today's hyper-connected world, where tech is always at our fingertips, here's a twist: Could our devices help us unlock more genuine gratitude? In a recent chat with Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, we explored how tech and our phones can positively impact gratitude practices, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for appreciation and helping us build deeper connections with those around us. Technology Expands Gratitude Research and Accessibility To even have this conversation around gratitude, Simon-Thomas says, it's imperative to recognize how technology has made her research more valuable. Traditionally, gratitude research was limited to small groups in controlled environments, but she explains that technology has broken down those barriers. Today, studies can reach thousands of people from all backgrounds, making gratitude research more inclusive and widespread. "When I did neuroscience research, 16 to 20 people was my sample size. Now, over 90,000 people have completed one of our web-based, mobile-optimized programs," says Simon-Thomas. "We are getting data from people all over the world and from all walks of life, leading to more meaningful insights and greater inclusivity." Furthermore, the latest devices make it easy to access apps and online platforms with gratitude journals, research articles and daily prompts, encouraging people to reflect on what they're thankful for. This accessibility fosters a community where sharing and discussing gratitude becomes part of everyday life, Simon-Thomas says, inspiring more people to adopt gratitude practices. And with our best plan on America's largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, you can easily and quickly enjoy connecting with others. TYSM for Being Specific Yes, we've said it before (like here and here), but we'll say it again: Sending a "thank you" text can have the same effect as a handwritten note. But the power lies in the details. Gratitude becomes more impactful when it's specific, Simon-Thomas notes. "If you express gratitude and you describe what the person did, the effort they put forth and how it led to good, you're creating accountability for the other person's gesture of goodness to you, which is much more powerful," says Simon-Thomas. "People feel more recognized and appreciated when you provide that kind of detail, and it doesn't take that much longer. Speaking unscientifically, I would argue that with the extra 20 to 30 seconds it takes to compose that much of a message, the benefit is 20 to 30 times better." This specificity can be easily integrated into digital communications, she says. Instead of just sending a generic thank you text, take a moment to elaborate on what you appreciate. For instance, saying, "Thank you for always being there for me during tough times," can resonate more deeply than a simple "TYSM." This approach not only strengthens relationships but also enhances an individual's personal feeling of gratitude. And to avoid gratitude becoming just another checkbox activity, consider personalizing your messages. Use your phone's features - like sending voice notes or using video messages - to share your feelings in a more heartfelt manner. These small changes can make your expressions of gratitude feel more sincere and engaging. GIVING SEASON BANNER Ways T-Mobile Shows Gratitude by Giving Back On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, through the T Life App, T-Mobile is donating up to 2 million meals (a $200K value) to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that serve more than 46 million people. ? Each employee will also receive $25 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, with the T-Mobile Foundation matching every food donation with a $15 gift to local food banks partnering with T-Mobile such as Harvesters and Food Lifeline. During last year's Giving Season, thousands of nonprofits received donations totaling almost $530,000 from nearly 22,000 T-Mobile employees. During the 2024 World Series, T-Mobile donated $1 million to the American Red Cross through its "Rally for Hurricane Relief" campaign. The Un-carrier also continues to drive local change and help close the digital divide, awarding $1.6 million in Digital Equity HQ Grants in the greater Seattle and Kansas City areas by the end of 2024 for funding local projects that help provide education on digital literacy, employment opportunities, technology training programs and more. CTA BUTTON A Future of Real-Time Gratitude Reminders Looking ahead to how tech could influence our gratitude practices in the future, imagine if your smartwatch or other AI-powered device detected stress and nudged you to focus on something positive. Simon-Thomas says that, much like those in the mental health space are exploring the benefits of wearable technology, she hopes there might be a day where technology can become a mindfulness ally and help people practice gratitude when it's needed most. "One of the aspirations for this field is to have a closed loop system where your technology would detect that you're in a moment of ennui and know where you are and what you're doing and then maybe give you a little, 'Hey, what could you notice right now that is uplifting or worth celebrating or feeling grateful for?'" In the end, using tech to show a little gratitude is a small shift that can make a big difference - for your relationships and your own well-being. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: T-Mobile Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: T-Mobile View the original press release on accesswire.com AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" (Excellent) of Nacional de Reaseguros, S.A. (Nacional) (Spain). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Nacional's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Nacional's risk-adjusted capitalisation remains at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), primarily supported by its modest underwriting leverage. The company's balance sheet strength assessment also reflects its prudent reserving approach, well-diversified investment portfolio and comprehensive retrocession protection covering its domestic and international portfolios, further supported by the Consorcio de Compensacion de Seguros in Spain. AM Best expects the company's prospective capital position to benefit from good organic capital generation, supported by a prudent dividend policy. Nacional's disciplined underwriting approach and relatively modest exposure to natural catastrophes have led to a track record of strong and stable performance. However, Nacional's non-life performance was below expectations in 2022 and 2023, with combined ratios of 104.1% and 100.6%, respectively (as calculated by AM Best). The company's life business performance remained strong, leading to overall pre-tax profits of EUR 36.9 million in 2023 (2022: EUR 23.5 million). AM Best expects Nacional's non-life performance to improve going forward, driven by management actions and positive market conditions, although this could be offset by the residual impact of recent floods in Spain. Nacional maintains a strong competitive position as a leading reinsurer in Spain. Gross written premium increased by 6.5% to EUR 735.0 million in 2023, driven by the company's stable position in Spain's insurance market, and its prudent expansion strategy in other European countries, coupled with price increases due to hardening market conditions. Nacional has expanded its international activities successfully, targeting small- to medium-sized insurers and mutual companies in Europe. In 2023, foreign business accounted for approximately 38% of Nacional's total premium, compared with 27% in 2014, highlighting the improved geographic diversification of the company's portfolio. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com Copyright 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113124176/en/ Contacts: Jose Berenguer, CFA Associate Director, Analytics +31 20 808 2276 jose.berenguer@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Mathilde Jakobsen Senior Director, Analytics +31 20 808 3118 mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com The "Germany Data Center Colocation Market Supply Demand Analysis 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Germany Data Center Colocation Market was valued at USD 2.19 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 3.55 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 8.38%. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and future prospects in the Germany data center colocation market. It highlights the competitive landscape with a focus on industry share analysis of colocation operators, based on IT power capacity and revenue, allowing for a clear view of the key players' market positions. The vendor landscape assessment covers both existing and upcoming colocation operators in Germany. It evaluates each operator based on the current and anticipated number of data centers, white floor area, IT power capacity, and specific data center locations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the colocation ecosystem in Germany. Germany has around 176 operational colocation data centers. Most colocation data centers are being developed according to Tier III standards. The Germany data center colocation market has several data center operators, such as NTT DATA, Equinix, Digital Realty, Vantage Data Centers, and CyrusOne, prominent colocation service providers in Germany. NTT DATA, Equinix, and Digital Realty contribute to around 50% of the IT load capacity in the market. Germany is expected to experience significant growth in colocation services over the next five years, with the projected expansion of data center facilities in cities including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Furthermore, the availability of tax incentives in Germany encourages investors to participate in the Germany data center colocation market, leading to cost savings and increased profitability. Favorable tax policies enhance the overall attractiveness of investing in data center infrastructure. WHAT'S INCLUDED? Transparent research methodology and insights on the market's colocation of demand and supply. The market size is available for utilized white floor area, IT power capacity, and racks. The available market size in terms of Core Shell Vs. Installed Vs. Utilized IT Power Capacity and the occupancy %. The study of the existing German data center industry landscape and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period. An analysis of Germany's current and future colocation demand by several industries. Study on sustainability status in the region Analysis of current and future cloud operations in the region. Snapshot of upcoming submarine cables and existing cloud-on-ramps services in the region. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in German Facilities Covered (Existing): 176 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 41 Coverage: 25+ locations Existing vs. Upcoming (White Floor Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data Center Colocation Market in German Colocation Market Revenue Forecast (2023-2029) Retail Colocation Revenue (2023-2029) Wholesale Colocation Revenue (2023-2029) Retail Colocation Pricing along with Addons Wholesale Colocation Pricing along with the pricing trends. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Who are the new entrants in the German data center industry? How much MW of IT power capacity will Germany use by 2029? What is the count of existing and upcoming colocation data center facilities in Germany? What factors are driving Germany data center colocation market? VENDOR LANDSCAPE Existing Colocation Operators NTT DATA Equinix Digital Realty Vantage Data Centers CyrusOne Colt DCS Penta Infra Maincubes NDC-GARBE Data Centers Iron Mountain Other Operators New Operators CloudHQ Data Castle dataR Goodman Green Mountain LEW TelNet PGIM Real Estate Mainova Webhouse SDC Capital Partners STACK Infrastructure VIRTUS Data Centres Yondr Group PREA Group (Bluestar Datacentre) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 60 Forecast Period 2023 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.19 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $3.55 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.3% Regions Covered Germany Key Topics Covered: 1. About the Analyst 2. Data Center Capabilities 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Scope 5. Market Definitions 6. Market Snapshot 6.1. Colocation Market Snapshot 7. Supply Demand Analysis 7.1. Existing vs. Upcoming Data Center Facilities 7.2. Market by Utilized Area 7.3. Market by Utilized Racks 7.4. Market by IT Power Capacity 7.5. Colocation Demand by Industry 8. Market Growth Factors 8.1. Factors Attracting Colocation Investment in Germany 8.2. Sustainability Status in Germany 8.3. Cloud Connectivity 8.4. Cloud On-Ramps Investment in Germany 8.5. Submarine Cables Inland Connectivity 9. Colocation Revenue Pricing Analysis 9.1. Colocation Market by Revenue 9.2. Retail vs. Wholesale Colocation 9.3. Retail Colocation Pricing and Addons 9.4. Wholesale Colocation Pricing 9.5. Key Pricing Trends 10. Market Dynamics 10.1. Key Trends in the Market 10.2. Key Enablers Drivers in the Market 10.3. Key Restraints in the Market 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1. Competitive Landscape by Colocation Operators 11.2. Market Share by Colocation Revenue 11.3. Market Share by IT Power Capacity 11.4. Existing Colocation Operators 11.5. New Operators For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nm9ai9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113406764/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Antea Group Antea Group recently attended the National Association of Environmental Managers (NAEM) annual conference, FORUM24, held in Fort Worth, Texas. As a leading environment, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) consulting firm and a proud sponsor of the event, we were excited to engage with industry peers, share insights, and explore the latest trends. Key Themes from FORUM24 This year's FORUM24 focused on several critical topics shaping the future of EHS&S, including: Climate Action & Decarbonization As the climate crisis intensifies, organizations are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint. FORUM24 delved into strategies for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, developing comprehensive climate action plans, and exploring innovative decarbonization pathways. Attendees also discussed the importance of understanding and adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape for climate risk. "Climate action isn't just ethical, it's essential for future-proofing your business in a changing world," says Natalya Holm, Climate Risk & Water Stewardship Service Lead at Antea Group USA. "To successfully implement and optimize climate initiatives, businesses should integrate these efforts into their core strategies aligning them with overall business goals. Additionally, companies need to leverage massive amounts of sustainability-related data and synthesize it into actionable insights. These data-driven insights are the key to optimizing climate strategies and meeting ESG goals." Climate Resources Understanding the Crucial Role of Climate Scenario Analysis in Business Strategy Navigating Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Best Practices for First-Timers Low Carbon Transition Plans: What You Need to Know Pull the Lever on Low-Carbon: 6 Strategies For Your Business A Decarbonization Journey with Neiman Marcus Group Strategic EHS Management Effective EHS management is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability. The conference highlighted the need for robust multi-year strategic plans that align with organizational goals. Additionally, attendees explored innovative approaches to EHS training, risk management, and promoting total health and well-being among employees. "Effective EHS management is not just a compliance obligation but a strategic asset," says Rob Dixon, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA. "By aligning EHS initiatives with core business objectives, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering cross-functional collaboration, businesses can drive sustainable growth and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape." EHS Management Resources Risk Management vs. Compliance: Key Differences & Strategic Impact A Practical & Tactical Guide to Top-Down EHS Management The Role of EHS in Workforce Mental Health Programs Adapting EHS Training for Engaging Learning in the Digital Age Listen & Learn: 7 Stellar Podcasts for EHS Pros Leadership that Delivers Strong leadership is essential for driving EHS&S excellence. FORUM24 provided insights into the skills and qualities needed to inspire and motivate teams. Attendees learned how to communicate the value of EHS to the broader organization, attract and retain top talent, and foster cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic objectives. "A clear trend is emerging; forward-thinking companies are placing EHS&S at the core of their strategic vision, with cross-functional leaders championing EHS & Sustainability as both a mission and a mandate,' says Rob Dixon, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA. "The future of EHS&S is collaborative - we are continuing to see leaders bridge silos across functions to build holistic, organization-wide impact." EHS Leadership Resources Showcasing the Value-Add of EHS Bridging the Gap: Collaboration between EHS and ESG for Sustainable Success Driving EHS&S Performance Through Company Culture Addressing Workplace Burnout Amidst the War for Talent Want to Sell EHS to Your Employees? Then It's Time to Put Your Marketing Hat On Operationalizing Sustainability & ESG Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) have become top priorities for many organizations. The conference explored strategies for integrating sustainability into product design, complying with emerging regulations like the CSRD, and securing funding for sustainability projects. Attendees also discussed the importance of data-driven decision-making and effective stakeholder engagement to advance ESG goals. "True ESG progress requires authentic stakeholder engagement-aligning interests, building trust, and empowering voices across the value chain," says Natalya Holm. "Stakeholder engagement isn't just a check-box exercise; it's the key to creating ESG initiatives that are impactful, credible, and sustainable over the long term." ESG Resources Unpacking the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Its Implications for US-Based Companies Getting Ahead of the Curve: Preparing Your Business for ESG Regulations Easy as Pie: Using Your EHS Program to Elevate Your ESG Strategy Leading and Lagging Indicators: They're Not Just for EHS Anymore Problem-Solving Power Hour A new exhibit hall feature this year was the Problem-Solving Power Hour where subject matter experts shared best-in-class strategies to common EHS and ESG challenges in innovative "how to" sessions. Attendees benefited from a series of rapid-fire 10-minute presentations that addressed a specific challenge and shared tools, strategies, and solutions that will help advance EHS&S program success. As part of the Problem-Solving Power Hour, Antea Group presented on the topic of double materiality. This concept explores the intersection of environmental and social impacts, highlighting how organizations can identify and address issues that are both financially material and significantly impact stakeholders. By understanding double materiality, businesses can make informed decisions that enhance their sustainability performance and long-term value. "Double materiality is evolving from a niche concept to a mainstream practice, especially as stakeholders and investors demand accountability on both fronts," says Natalya Holm. "Double materiality helps companies pinpoint ESG priorities and guide investment decisions, providing a clear foundation for larger sustainability programs. Starting early is key -- companies can then use it as a strategic baseline for meaningful, long-term impact." Double Materiality Resources What Is Double Materiality? A More Holistic View of Impact Understanding Double Materiality and the Updated GRI Standards Raising the Bar: Increasing Quality of Impact Data and Double Materiality Assessment Conducting a Double Materiality Assessment for a Global Leader in the E-Learning Industry Supporting Water Mission In lieu of providing physical "SWAG" at the event, Antea Group chose to support Water Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions to those affected by natural disasters. For every signature we captured on our charity poster, we donated $5 to aid Water Mission's current work to provide clean water to locals affected by Hurricane Helene. Thank you to everyone that stopped by our booth and signed the charity poster! A Fun Night of Line Dancing To add a bit of fun to the conference, Antea Group hosted a line dancing lesson on Tuesday evening at a local tavern (when in Texas, am I right?). Attendees learned two popular line dances, "K is for Kicks" and "Kerosene," and enjoyed a great evening of dancing and socializing. This event provided a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for networking and building relationships with our clients and industry peers. Looking Forward to FORUM25 We are already looking forward to next year's FORUM25, which will be held in Tucson, Arizona, from October 21-23, 2025. This event promises to deliver even more valuable insights and networking opportunities for EHS&S professionals. Mark your calendars now! Let's continue the conversation! If you have any questions or would like to discuss these topics further, please feel free to reach out to us. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on accesswire.com ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Wheelhouse Advisors, a global leader in risk management strategy and technology advisory services, announces the release of the IRM Navigator Quarterly Insight Report - ERM Edition. This report underscores the importance of the IRM Navigator framework as a roadmap for organizations seeking to develop a unified risk management approach. Wheelhouse Advisors Wheelhouse Advisors Registered Trademark "In today's complex risk environment, organizations need more than siloed solutions-they require a cohesive framework," said John A. Wheeler, Founder and CEO of Wheelhouse Advisors. "Our IRM Navigator framework integrates all facets of risk management into a unified strategy, enhancing decision-making and organizational resilience." The IRM Navigator Framework: A Roadmap for Organizations The IRM Navigator framework helps organizations break down silos between risk management functions, aligning strategic objectives with practices across the enterprise. By integrating Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), Technology Risk Management (TRM), and Operational Risk Management (ORM), the framework enables organizations to: Gain a Comprehensive Risk Perspective Enhance Collaboration Proactively Manage Risks Ensure Compliance and Resilience "The framework serves as a practical roadmap for companies looking to unify their risk management strategies," added Wheeler. "Each report in our series delves into a specific segment, offering strategic insights and actionable guidance." Key Highlights from the ERM Report: ERM's Evolution : The report examines how ERM has transformed from a siloed function to a strategic discipline within the IRM Navigator framework. Unified Risk Management : Emphasizes the necessity of integrating ERM with GRC, TRM, and ORM to navigate today's multifaceted risk landscape. IRM Market Growth : The Integrated Risk Management market is projected to grow from $55.8 billion in 2024 to $121.8 billion by 2031 . The ERM segment is expected to grow from $5.5 billion to $11.4 billion in the same period. Top ERM Solution Providers : Analysis of leading vendors categorized as: Integrators : Diligent, Ideagen, Riskonnect, Sphera. Accelerators : AuditBoard, Corporater, Fusion Risk Management, LogicManager, OneTrust, SAI360, ServiceNow. Pace Setters : IBM OpenPages, Kroll Resolver, Mitratech, Origami Risk, Workiva. Additional Resources Available: Wheelhouse Advisors has also published the Annual Viewpoint Report, the Buyer Persona Guide, and the GRC Edition. These resources, along with the ERM Edition and upcoming reports, form a comprehensive suite aligned with the IRM Navigator framework. All reports, including the ERM Edition, can be accessed at www.wheelhouseadvisors.com/irm-navigator-reports. About Wheelhouse Advisors Wheelhouse Advisors is a global leader in risk management strategy and technology advisory services. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we provide senior executives with insights to navigate today's complex risk landscape. Our IRM Navigator framework and report series serve as essential tools for organizations aiming to implement unified risk management strategies. Learn more at www.wheelhouseadvisors.com. About Our Founder John A. Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Wheelhouse Advisors. With over 34 years of experience, he advises senior executives on optimizing risk management practices and technology. Industry Accolades: 100 Most Influential People in Finance , Treasury & Risk Management magazine Top 40 Finance Executives under 40 , Treasury & Risk Management magazine Risk Management Thought Leadership Award, Gartner Contact Information Ori Wellington Advisor / Public Relations ori@wheelhouseadvisors.com +1 (678) 827-1070 SOURCE: Wheelhouse Advisors LLC View the original press release on newswire.com. FOR RELEASE IN SWITZERLAND - THIS IS A RESTRICTED COMMUNICATION AND YOU MUST NOT FORWARD IT OR ITS CONTENTS TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM FORWARDING THIS COMMUNICATION IS PROHIBITED BY THE LEGENDS CONTAINED HEREIN. Not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia or any other jurisdiction in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. Zurich, 13 November 2024 PRESS RELEASE Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules: GAM Holding AG announces rights take-up and number of shares sold in its rights offering GAM Holding AG ("GAM") announces that in its rights offering and placement of 904,464,247 newly issued registered shares (the "Offered Shares") (the "Offering"), 42% of the subscription rights have been validly exercised by the end of the subscription period on 13 November 2024, at 12:00 CET. This includes the full pro rata allocation of the newly issued Offered Shares to Rock Investment SAS ("Rock"), a group company of GAM's anchor shareholder NJJ Holding SAS, due to its indirect participation in GAM through its majority controlled subsidiary Newgame SA. As previously announced, Rock has agreed to provide a backstop commitment for the Offering in an amount of up to CHF 100 million (the "Rock Commitment"). Therefore, the remaining 520,890,592 Offered Shares (excluding the full pro rata allocation of Offered Shares to Rock) for which the subscription rights were not validly exercised during the subscription period were allocated to and purchased by Rock in accordance with the Rock Commitment. As a result, Rock's direct and indirect shareholding rises to 774,332,093 shares representing 73% of GAM's issued share capital after settlement of the rights issue. The first trading day of the Offered Shares is expected to be 15 November 2024. Delivery of the Offered Shares against payment of the Offer Price is scheduled for 15 November 2024. The Offered Shares will carry full voting rights, be eligible for dividends and other distributions, if any, for the first time for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, and rank pari passu in all respects with the existing registered shares. With the completion of the capital increase, GAM will receive expected net proceeds of approximately CHF 98.2 million. These proceeds will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the loan facility granted by Rock and any residual amount will be used for general corporate purposes. -ends- For further information please contact: Investor Relations Magdalena Czyzowska T +44 (0) 207 917 2508 GAM Media Relations Colin Bennett T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 Visit us: www.gam.com Follow us: X and LinkedIn Notes to editors About GAM GAM is an independent investment manager that is listed in Switzerland. It is an active, independent global asset manager that delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions for its clients across its Investment and Wealth Management Businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance its clients' financial future. It attracts and empowers the brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 19.0 billion as of 30 June 2024. GAM has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983 and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit https://www.gam.com/en/. Other Important Information This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "aim", "project", "forecast", "risk", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "would", "may", "might", "will", "continue", "plan", "probability", "indicative", "seek", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith. This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction. Disclaimer This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for shares. This document is not a prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act and not a prospectus under any other applicable laws. Copies of this document may not be sent to, distributed in or sent from jurisdictions in which this is barred or prohibited by law. The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction. The offer and listing of new securities was made solely by means of, and on the basis of, the prospectus published by GAM Holding AG for such purpose. Copies of such prospectus (and any supplements thereto) are available free of charge from at GAM Holding AG, Investor Relations, Hardstrasse 201, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland (email: investorrelations@gam.com). This document is not for publication or distribution in the United States of America (including its territories and possessions, any State of the United States and the District of Columbia), Canada, Japan or Australia or any other jurisdiction into which the same would be unlawful. This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities in such countries or in any other jurisdiction into which the same would be unlawful. In particular, the document and the information contained herein should not be distributed or otherwise transmitted into the United States of America or to publications with a general circulation in the United States of America. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration under or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. There will be no public offering of the securities in the United States of America. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus offering securities to the public will be published in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom this document is only directed at persons who (i) are qualified investors and who are also (ii) investment professionals falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "FSMA Order"); (iii) persons falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d), "high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc." of the FSMA Order and (iv) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 may otherwise be lawfully communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. In any member state of the European Economic Area (each a "Relevant State") this document is only addressed to qualified investors in that Relevant State within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. Attachment The "Trends in EU Textile and Clothing Imports, 2024" report from Textiles Intelligence Ltd. has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This 2024 update provides indispensable insight for any textile and clothing company supplying goods to international markets in general and to the EU region in particular. Also, it is vital for strategists looking to undertake competitor analysis. In this report, Textiles Intelligence reveals trends in prices and levels of EU textile and clothing imports as a whole. Also, the report analyses trends in prices and levels of EU textile and clothing imports in 14 major product categories, namely cotton yarn, fabrics woven from synthetic staple fibres, fabrics woven from synthetic filament yarn, T-shirts, pullovers, men's trousers, women's trousers, men's denim trousers, women's denim trousers, women's blouses, men's shirts, women's overcoats, women's dresses and women's skirts. The report notes that EU textile and clothing imports fell in value and volume in 2023. There was also a fall in the average price of EU textile and clothing imports, although the price was still at its third highest level on record as the fall came after a significant jump in the previous year. The EU's biggest textile and clothing supplying country in 2023 was, by far, China. However, imports from the country were down in value and volume compared with the previous year and, as a result, the share of EU textile and clothing imports which came from China fell in value and volume terms. There were also falls in value and volume terms in the shares of EU textile and clothing imports which came from Bangladesh the EU's second largest supplier. But there were increases in value and volume terms in the shares of EU textile and clothing imports from Cambodia, India, Tunisia, the UK and Vietnam. Also, there were increases in value terms in the shares of EU textile and clothing imports from Morocco and Turkey, and there was an increase in volume terms in the share of EU textile and clothing imports from Pakistan. Key Topics Covered: SUMMARY INTRODUCTION General trends in EU textile and clothing imports General trends in EU textile imports General trends in EU clothing imports Leading ten suppliers of EU textile and clothing imports TRENDS IN EU TEXTILE AND CLOTHING IMPORTS BY MAIN SUPPLYING REGION Outlook EU IMPORTS OF TEXTILES General trends Leading ten supplying countries EU IMPORTS OF CLOTHING General trends Leading ten supplying countries EU IMPORTS OF COTTON YARN General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF FABRICS WOVEN FROM SYNTHETIC STAPLE FIBRES General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF FABRICS WOVEN FROM SYNTHETIC FILAMENT YARN General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF T-SHIRTS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF PULLOVERS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF MEN'S TROUSERS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S TROUSERS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF MEN'S DENIM TROUSERS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S DENIM TROUSERS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S BLOUSES General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF MEN'S SHIRTS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S OVERCOATS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S DRESSES General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements EU IMPORTS OF WOMEN'S SKIRTS General trends Leading ten supplying countries Best and worst performers Highest and lowest import prices Biggest price movements For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fqq90i About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241113618566/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T. Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 13.11.2024 / 18:30 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 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. Alzheimer's Intelligence project demonstrates how smarter AI can empower people and give different communities a voice around future innovation NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / At Lenovo Tech World, Lenovo in collaboration with Innovations in Dementia, launched Alzheimer's Intelligence, a photorealistic 3D avatar with custom AI based on the lived experiences of people with dementia and Alzheimer's. This proof-of-concept project gives people and families navigating a diagnosis of dementia 24-hour access to a conversational avatar that offers curated advice that prioritizes accuracy, privacy, and compassion. "Globally there are around 55 million people living with dementia, and that number is expected to reach 139 million by 2050," said Dr. David Llewellyn, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Digital Health at the University of Exeter. "The AI advancements in Lenovo's 'Alzheimer's Intelligence' initiative demonstrate how technology has the potential to enhance human interaction, offering a valuable tool to support individuals living with dementia, both in the present and future." In this first-of-its-kind application, Lenovo pioneered the use of AI made possible by its comprehensive portfolio of technology solutions, from individual to enterprise. The combined technology aggregates firsthand experience and advice from hundreds of real people living with dementia and Alzheimer's into a responsive, photoreal 3D avatar capable of having an unscripted, natural conversation. With this proof of concept, a person diagnosed with dementia is just a click away from a real-time conversational resource and aid. "With recent and ever-growing advancements in AI, we must harness this technology purposefully and responsibly for communities that may be overlooked by innovative technology," said Doug Fisher, Chief Security and AI Officer at Lenovo. "This is part of our commitment to delivering Smarter AI for All-developing and deploying technology that can empower everyone at every scale." The avatar was created from a composite of images of 10 people living with dementia and Alzheimer's. From the initial pose of each image, generative AI extrapolated faces for several thousand other expressions and angles inspired by the subject. These were then aggregated into one dataset, which blends with the face of a filmed performer to create the image of "Liv," the AI avatar. A large language model (LLM) dataset of the advice Liv can impart was created using data that came directly from experiences of people living with dementia, including entries from Innovations in Dementia's Dementia Diaries project and in-depth panel interviews. Each time a user asks a question (via Speech-to-text), the LLM queries the dataset to provide text-based answers to the user's question, expressed using the language of the "persona" created for Liv, and based on the knowledge base built for Liv. The replies are then voiced using a vocal synth created for the project. "Sentiment analysis" is used to analyse the underlying feeling of the reply, which is reflected in the facial expression of the AI when it speaks. Finally, real time 4k visual AI is used to allow the speech generated by the vocal synth to appear to be spoken in real time. Alzheimer's Intelligence will allow people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia to ask the questions that only someone who has lived with the disease can answer, including understanding day-to-day challenges, discussing the disease with family, and exploring new hobbies. Crucially, the entire experience was designed to be accessible, requiring minimal tech expertise and prioritizing natural, familiar interaction. The avatar is currently being trialled by people with dementia in a controlled environment with the goal of making it more publicly available in the future. The making of the project and initial interactions have been captured in the films linked below. The Alzheimer's Intelligence project offers a new way to easily access valuable insight sourced from data based on real people living with dementia and Alzheimer's. While the information is wide-ranging, the development team took great care to apply clear guardrails to the AI and ensure no medical advice is offered by the avatar. This included working closely with Dr. Llewellyn and Innovations in Dementia, who both advised and consulted on the avatar build and testing. The AI was trained and tested for this specific use case, and the project was designed and brought to life with Lenovo devices, services, software, servers, and cloud solutions. This is the first time ever that Lenovo AI-ready solutions have come together to develop an avatar of this kind. Devices and solutions include: Lenovo's tech partner Kaleida, who led the development of the avatar and underlying AI, leveraged Lenovo's AI professional services to support the processes and security ThinkStation P7server, ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 AIPC laptops, as well as Lenovo Legion and ThinkVision monitors and accessories. "When people are first diagnosed with dementia, they can feel lost, with so many questions about what is happening. This AI doesn't replace human contact but what it does do is offer a knowledgeable and compassionate source of assurance and advice based directly on the experiences and wisdom of other people with dementia." said Steve Milton, Director, Innovations in Dementia. "It's great to see tech leaders like Lenovo prioritising such an innovative use of AI in a way that not only recognises and the expertise of people with dementia but harnesses it in such a unique way to support others when they need it most." Innovations in Dementia state that around 20% of people who come to them are under 65 and may live for many years with the condition. The NGO promotes a positive but realistic view of dementia: although it is life changing, it does not have to be life ending. "We recognize the importance of giving everyone a voice in innovation," said Doug Fisher at Lenovo. "With huge advancements in AI and smarter technologies, now is the time to explore and pilot creative new ways to use technology like AI thoughtfully and responsibly, for the greater good. Ultimately, it's about re-imagining a future where technology is for-and from-all, giving everyone a voice in what they want from the most transformative technology of our generation." Gail Gregory and Ahmad Krayem, focus group participants comment: "It's so important to have real people involved in the creation of the avatar. Because the people with dementia are the experts. We're the ones living with it. You can't just grab things from a textbook because it's not real. It must be real. And the more realistic it is the more relatable it is. I think it is going to be a very useful tool, especially for people living on their own because they've got nobody to ask," Gail Gregory. "I want to help other people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia and reassure them that it is not something to be afraid of. A doctor can tell you what medication to take. But only people living with dementia, can tell you what they are exactly going through," Ahmad Krayem. The participants in this film include: Gail Gregory : Diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 55, Gail also subverts the commonly-held stereotypes of a person living with dementia. She can broach serious topics with humour, and is candid in her opinions and struggles. Ahmad Krayem: Ahmad was only diagnosed with early onset in his early 60s after insistence from his wife, who was a pharmacist, that he should go for a check-up. Ahmad found stopping work a big challenge and has been through a journey of denial and acceptance. He talks passionately about helping others who've gone through this. Alzheimer's Intelligence is a proof-of-concept tool and is not publicly available, but for anyone looking to hear from people living with Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis, can contact Innovations in Dementia (UK) or Alzheimer's Association (US). Examples of interactions with the avatar: Q: I keep forgetting to take my pills. How can I remember? A: It's quite common to forget things like taking medication. Perhaps setting a routine could help, like taking your pills with a meal or at the same time each day. You could also try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone. There are pill organisers, too, which can be useful. Would one of those options suit you, do you think? Q: How do I talk about my diagnosis with friends and family? A: Talking about your diagnosis with friends and family can be a daunting task, but it can also help to bring support and understanding. Start by sharing how you feel today and maybe a bit about what you've learned about your condition. Encourage them to ask any questions, as this can help them understand what you're going through. It's okay to be honest about any fears or concerns you have, as well. Do you think that might be helpful? 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 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Northern Trust Originally published in Northern Trust 2023 Sustainability Report Our Employee Volunteering Program In 2023, Northern Trust employees set a record for volunteering. Year-round volunteering returned to pre-pandemic levels with our employees donating 106,000 hours of service. During the month of October alone, Northern Trust's global month of service known as Achieving Greater Together, employees volunteered nearly 53,000 hours, supporting more than 1,700 organizations. As part of our Achieving Greater Together program, we coordinated a wide variety of planned events for teams to volunteer together, while also allowing employees to do charitable work of their own choosing. Employees from Northern Trust locations around the world participated in events such as painting a shelter in India, beach clean-ups in Australia, caring for shelter dogs throughout the U.S. and delivering food to the elderly in the U.K. Northern Trust also provides each employee with two paid days off to pursue volunteering efforts, and further donates 50 meals to those in need for every hour of each employee's volunteerism in the month of October through The Global FoodBanking Network, European Food Banks Federation and Feeding America. This year, thanks to the generosity of employees, Northern Trust contributed more than 2.6 million meals. "Our employees logged a record-breaking level of volunteerism in 2023, which shows one measure of how important our communities are to our company," said Northern Trust Chief Social Impact Officer Shana Hayes. "I'm also thrilled that in the city of Chicago, where we are headquartered, we launched our first annual Northern Trust Anchor Award, which aims to build the capacity of highly effective nonprofit organizations." These metrics and more details about our inaugural Northern Trust Anchor Award can be found in Northern Trust's 2023 Philanthropic Impact Report. Our Contribution to UMOM's Mission UMOM provides shelter, housing and services for people experiencing homelessness in Arizona, serving nearly 700 individuals every night. UMOM believes that every human being, no matter their status, deserves dignity, respect and a home, and they spend every day working to make that vision a reality. Employees from Northern Trust's Phoenix and Tempe offices volunteered with UMOM several times in 2023, collecting supplies and creating hygiene kits and snack packs to support those experiencing homelessness in the Valley. "UMOM's mission of ending housing insecurity and the way the organization goes about helping those in need is so compassionate," Ladonna Corn, a Northern Trust project manager, said. "Volunteering with UMOM has had a valuable impact on my life." OUR COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AND PHILANTHROPY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS Maintained an "Outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating for the 28th consecutive year Community investment portfolio exceeded $4.6 billion Participated in a $6 million investment with Goodwill Employees volunteered more than 106,000 hours Read the full report here View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Northern Trust on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Northern Trust Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/northern-trust Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Northern Trust View the original press release on accesswire.com Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE: SNA) (CSE: SNA.CN) ("Star" or the "Company") announces the Company has let lapse the October 30, 2024 deadline date to purchase an equity stake in the AI company S3iai. Star's Board has decided not to pursue the previously announced financial investment in S3iai as per the signed Letter of Intent dated February 29th, 2024 due to financial considerations. Nevertheless, Star will continue to leverage support from the AI company as needed to enhance our Digital Twin Technology for Star-ISMS (in-flight safety monitoring system). Mr. Randy Koroll, Director & CEO of Star, stated that: "Star could not find the financial support needed to purchase an equity position in S3iai at this time." About Star Navigation Systems - www.star-navigation.com Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. manufactures the In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S. System. The STAR-A.D.S. System has real-time capability of tracking, performance trends and predicting incident-occurrences which enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator. Star's MMI Division (Military and Defence) designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that Star expects or anticipates may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations and beliefs of Star's management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, actual results, performance or achievements of Star or the industry may be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking information that may be contained in this news release include statements regarding; growth and future prospects of our business; our perceptions of the industry and markets in which we operate and anticipated trends in such markets; expectations regarding the operation of our app; and our future revenues. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making an estimate set out in the forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, our ability to execute on our business plan, increase visibility amongst consumers and convert users to revenue producing subscribers and the success of the business of our partners. Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and Star undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. NEITHER CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229827 SOURCE: Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - As real estate is fundamentally transformed by this year's National Association of Realtors $418 million settlement in response to a federal lawsuit, REAi and founder James Wang are positioned to put real estate directly in the hands of buyers and sellers, as opposed to traditional agents and brokers, and dramatically simplify a notoriously tedious transaction. The August 17, 2024 settlement no longer requires sellers to automatically pay buying agents commissions, opening the door for technically-driven solutions to democratically digitize a traditionally old-school industry. REAi logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10129/229334_25f9cddc84b00a2e_001full.jpg These legal developments now require agents to prove their values upfront, with buyers required to sign separate commission payment agreements prior to any engagement, fundamentally reshaping the home-buying process. REAi also allows sellers to auto-generate full property listings, with the option to directly publish on a local MLS without needing to engage a listing agent, positioning the tech to place the entire real estate process in the hands of buyers and sellers. Through its patented AiMatch technology, REAi matches buyers and sellers with properties that objectively fit specific buyer-directed criteria, including budget, location, long-term value potential, projected renovations, and much more. This technology and accompanying relevant patents have been quietly developed by REAi's team of Georgia Tech-educated AI/ML PhD-level engineers since REAi's founding in 2017. In a serendipitous turn of events, as the REAi team has geared up to push their cutting-edge platform after operating in pseudo-stealth mode, the August 17 law positions consumers to take full control of real estate transactions by leveraging REAi's revolutionary platform. James Wang, Founder of REAi To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10129/229334_25f9cddc84b00a2e_002full.jpg The genesis of REAi is rooted in James Wang's personal experience. A senior technical executive managing major technical innovations for over 20 years, James began investing in real estate following the 2008 housing crisis. Pushed into problematic properties by commission-motivated agents, he suffered losses on his first two investments. REAi is a response to that experience, bringing first-class AI to an industry traditionally unfriendly to innovation. Subscribers to REAi have access to: AiListing: A tool that allows sellers to auto-populate a new listing within one minute, including all relevant information and documentation. The seller also has the option to publish their listing directly to their local MLS through REAi, without a listing agent. REimagine: Sellers and buyers can produce beautifully rendered images of potential future renovations or remodeling, providing context to buyers and sellers of long-term value potential. AiMatch: Buyers are matched to properties instantly that fit their detailed criteria, specific to budget, location, and potential future value needs. AiMatch also connects appropriate mortgage and insurance vendors best positioned to suit their needs. Sellers will also be matched to appropriate buyers accordingly, bridging a gap traditionally rife with human error by leveraging first-class AI. Blockchain technology is firmly on the product roadmap, currently being developed to provide an alternative to traditional MLS mechanisms. Additionally, AiTransaction is set to debut in the next year, a tool that will offer 24/7 transactional and documentation support during the notoriously complex home buying and selling process. The ability for consumers to match directly with relevant listings (and mortgage vendors) without human or commission-motivated bias is set to revolutionize home buying and selling. Substantial partnerships have already materialized as a result of REAi's boundary-pushing technology. Occusell (a similarly motivated disrupter in real estate) has partnered with REAi to automate MLS listing on an enterprise level for MLS/brokerage processes by leveraging REAi. REAi's mission for 2025 is simple: By replacing property searching with bespoke matching, REAi will eliminate the need for buyers' manual searches and the commission-motivated minutiae of the home-buying process, as well as enable sellers to engage in property sale easily with auto-generated listings and the sale/transaction support. With the mantra "No More Search, Just AiMatch," the company promises to redefine how buyers and sellers engage with real estate, providing tailored property matches powered by AI. About REAi REAi is a pioneer in AI-driven real estate technology, offering innovative solutions to simplify property transactions for buyers, sellers, and agents. Through products like AiMatch, AiListing, and REimagine, REAi provides comprehensive tools designed to make real estate transactions seamless and efficient. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229334 SOURCE: AK Infinite NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Bath & Body Works was recognized by the ESG & Sustainability Awards with the ESG Report of the Year award for its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance report. The ESG & Sustainability Awards celebrate outstanding ESG performance and showcase top performers in line with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Bath & Body Works received the ESG Report of the Year award for being the best structured and most informative report of the year. This year's judges noted that the report was beautifully laid out with a clear link to brand and business as well as a wealth of data about Bath & Body Works' ESG performance. "It's an honor to receive this recognition. At Bath & Body Works, we have ESG champions at every corner of our business and this award is representative of our cross-collaborative efforts," says Jeff King, Bath & Body Works Group Vice President and Head of ESG. "As we continue on this journey towards a more resilient and responsible future, I look forward to sharing our progress with our stakeholders." As a global leader in home fragrance and personal care, Bath & Body Works is committed to its ESG progress, focusing on business growth while weaving sustainability into all business operations. This award further highlights the brand's continued dedication to transparency as it works to deliver meaningful impact for its people, local communities and the planet. To learn more about Bath & Body Works' ESG journey and to read the report, visit bbwinc.com. ABOUT BATH & BODY WORKS Home of America's Favorite Fragrances, Bath & Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, including top-selling collections for fine fragrance mist, body lotion and body cream, 3-wick candles, home fragrance diffusers and liquid hand soap. Powered by agility and innovation, the company's predominantly U.S.-based supply chain enables the company to deliver quality, on-trend luxuries at affordable prices. Bath & Body Works serves and delights customers however and wherever they want to shop, from welcoming, in-store experiences at more than 1,870 company-operated Bath & Body Works locations in the U.S. and Canada and more than 490 international franchised locations to an online storefront at BathandBodyWorks.com. Bath & Body Works was recognized by the ESG & Sustainability Awards with the ESG Report of the Year award for its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance report. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bath & Body Works on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bath & Body Works Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bath-body-works Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bath & Body Works View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Nickel 28 Capital Corp. (TSXV: NKL) (FSE: 3JC0) ("Nickel 28" or the "Company") today announced that it has become aware of an action (the "Action") commenced by Justin Cochrane, former President of the Company, against the Company and two of its directors, Brett Richards and Edward (Ned) Collery. The Company believes that the Action has no merit and will vigorously defend it. Mr. Cochrane was terminated for cause on May 3, 2024, after the Company found evidence of serious misconduct, breach of duties and obligations, repeated lack of judgment, care and diligence and non-compliance with various of Nickel 28's policies and procedures. Mr. Cochrane's lawsuit seeks damages for, among other things, wrongful termination, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. When the Company announced Mr. Cochrane's termination for cause on May 6, 2024, the Company stated that none of its findings were proven in court, and reserved its rights against Mr. Cochrane to recover the losses the Company alleges it suffered, and may continue to suffer, and recover the gains the Company alleges he may have benefited from, due to the serious misconduct found by the Special Committee. The Company will do both in response to Mr. Cochrane's lawsuit. About Nickel 28 Nickel 28 Capital Corp. is a nickel-cobalt producer through its 8.56% joint-venture interest in the producing, long-life and world-class Ramu Nickel-Cobalt Operation located in Papua New Guinea. Ramu provides Nickel 28 with significant attributable nickel and cobalt production thereby offering our shareholders direct exposure to two metals which are critical to the adoption of electric vehicles. In addition, Nickel 28 manages a portfolio of 10 nickel and cobalt royalties on development, pre-feasibility and exploration projects in Canada, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain information which constitutes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "will" "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to: statements regarding the Company's strategic vision and objectives and the impact of the findings on the Company's financial statements or reporting obligations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company's control. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties underlying these forward-looking statements materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 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. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229798 SOURCE: Nickel 28 Capital Corp VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Q3 2024 Results and Subsequent Events - Highlights and Headlines: Streamlining operations and increasing focus on LFP production and licensing Closing on $5.0 million sale of vacant land Award of US$12.9 million from the Department of Defense (DoD) of the USA Appointment of Anthony Tse as New Chair of the Board of Directors Total net assets of $26.9 million and working capital of $10.9 million at Q3 2024 period end SDTC project update Nano One Materials Corp. ("Nano One" or the "Company") is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-GHG production of lithium-ion battery cathode active materials ("CAM"). Nano One has filed its condensed interim consolidated financial statements (the "financial statements") and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") as at and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024") and is pleased to provide a summary and an update on subsequent events. Streamlining Operations to Focus on LFP Commercialization In August 2024, the Company announced the streamlining of its operations, allowing for increased focus on lithium iron phosphate ("LFP"), joint ventures, contracted projects, accelerated path to revenue generation, and growth through licensing. The Company announced its commitment to controlling costs and focusing on near-term commercialization targets. Nano One has the goal of licensing its One-Pot LFP CAM packages, globally, to chemicals, materials, and energy companies looking to produce CAM for the battery market in EV and ESS applications. Shareholder value will be created with increased market penetration through the Company's partnership channels, with the low cost of capital from its licensees, and by diversifying revenue exposure via the Worley Chemetics alliance to include equipment procurement, along with licensing fees and revenues from its plant in Candiac, Quebec. The Company's piloting facility in Candiac provides a distinct advantage in North America as it can produce cathode materials at a commercially relevant scale today with the capability of expanding capacity up to 2,000 tpa. The facility will serve a robust pipeline of potential LFP CAM customers that include automotive, energy and stationary storage and US government contractors, and will be the basis and center of excellence for much larger facilities via the Company's "Design One, Build Many" licensing and growth strategy. Nano One closes on $5.0 Million Sale of Vacant Land In September 2024, the Company announced closing on the sale of vacant land which was part of the 2022 acquisition of Johnson Matthey Battery Materials Canada Ltd., for gross proceeds of $5.0 million. Nano One sold the land to a flexible packaging leader for the food industry in Canada. The proceeds from the sale provides capital that supports the LFP cathode manufacturing facility on the remaining property in Candiac, Quebec and the innovation hub in Burnaby, British Columbia. These existing facilities remain the launch pad for the Nano One's growth strategy and a clear path to first revenue and larger offtakes. Department of Defense awards Nano One US$12.9 Million In September 2024, the Company announced the award of US$12.9 million (~$17.8 million) by the Department of Defense (DoD) of the United States of America (USA) through the Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) office's Title III program. The funding supports capacity expansion at the existing Candiac, Quebec LFP production facility as well as the Burnaby, British Columbia R&D facilities while expanding the LFP industrial base and strengthening energy security in North America. Appointment of Industry Veteran Anthony Tse as New Chair of the Board of Directors Effective October 1, 2024, the Company appointed Mr. Anthony Tse as the new Chair of the Board of Directors succeeding Paul Matysek, who is the founding Chair of Nano One and resigned as part of a planned transition to an advisory role that supports the incoming Chair and Board. SDTC First Amendment to Project Funding Agreement Under its February 2023 agreement with Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), Nano One was to be reimbursed for up to $10,000,000 in eligible project expenses to support the conversion of Nano One's Candiac facility to the patented One-Pot process for industrial-scale pilot production of LFP. The SDTC project was to also include financial reimbursement for expenses incurred in the design, construction, and operation of a multi-cathode piloting hub (MCPH) at the Company's facility in Candiac, Quebec. To re-align the SDTC program with the Company's focus on LFP and commercialization as announced on August 22, 2024, Nano One and SDTC executed an amended agreement, on November 6, 2024, that changed the scope of the project to exclude the MCPH component of the program and include certain feasibility and engineering expenses ("FEL3") related to the development of a larger LFP CAM facility (the "Development Project"). This amendment helped reduce overall project costs to Nano One and as such, it also reduced the projected reimbursements from SDTC for these expenses to approximately $6,700,000. Q3 2024 - Financial Position As at September 30, 2024, the Company's total net assets and working capital were $26.9 million and $10.9 million, respectively. For a more detailed discussion of Nano One's Q3 2024 interim results, please refer to the Company's financial statements, and MD&A, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. ### About Nano One Nano One Materials Corp. (Nano One) is a clean technology company changing how the world makes cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Applications include electric vehicles (EVs), stationary energy storage systems (ESS), and consumer electronics. The Company's patented One-Pot process reduces costs, carbon intensity (lower GHGs), environmental footprint, and reliance on problematic supply chains. Scalability is proven and being demonstrated at Nano One's LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) pilot production plant in Quebec-the only facility and expertise of its kind outside of Asia. Strategic collaborations and partnerships with international companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining, Rio Tinto, and Worley are supporting a global growth strategy via technology licensing and joint ventures. Nano One has received funding fromthe Government of Canada, the Government of the United States and the Government of British Columbia. The company is leveraging deep industry expertise and plans to license and deploy cleaner cathode manufacturing plant design packages-delivering cost-competitive and faster-to-market battery materials solutions world-wide. For more information, please visit www.nanoone.ca Company Contact: Paul Guedes info@nanoone.ca (604) 420-2041 Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to: streamlining operations, LFP production, joint ventures, contracted projects, revenue generation, operational growth, licensing, offtakes, capacity expansion through use of funding from the DoD, funding from SDTC, the development of technology, supply chains, and plans for construction and operation of cathode production facilities and Development Project; the Company's current and future business and strategies; estimated future working capital, funds available, and uses of funds, future capital expenditures and other expenses for commercial operations; industry demand; incurrence of costs; competitive conditions; general economic conditions; the intention to grow the business, operations and potential activities of the Company; the functions and intended benefits of Nano One's technology and products; the development and optimization of the Company's technology and products; prospective partnerships and the anticipated benefits of the Company's partnerships; the Company's licensing and, the scalability of developed technology to meet expanded capacity; and the execution of the Company's stated plans - which are contingent on access to capital and grants. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terminology such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'intend', 'continue', 'estimate', 'may', 'will', 'should', 'ongoing', 'target', 'goal', 'potential' or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general and global economic and regulatory changes; next steps and timely execution of the Company's business plans; the development of technology, supply chains, and plans for construction and operation of cathode production facilities; successful current or future collaborations that may happen with OEM's, miners or others; the execution of the Company's plans which are contingent on support and grants; the Company's ability to achieve its stated goals; the commercialization of the Company's technology and patents via license, joint venture and independent production; anticipated global demand and projected growth for LFP batteries; and other risk factors as identified in Nano One's MD&A and its Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024, both for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. 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. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Nano One Materials Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com (All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2024) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) announces assay results from the Company's ongoing drilling program at EPO. The results to date support Torex's goal of expanding resources to the north of the deposit and upgrading Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources. Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated: "The results from the first half of EPO's 2024 exploration and drilling program build on the success of the drilling programs conducted over the last few years. Drilling has confirmed mineralization extends beyond defined resources to the north and also indicates high potential to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources in both the south and the northeast of the deposit. The expansion of resources to the north reinforces the underlying potential for EPO and, if follow-up drilling is successful, could open up new operating fronts to support additional production from EPO beyond what was outlined in the internal prefeasibility study released in September. "We look forward to seeing the results from the second half of the 2024 program, which I expect will further indicate the potential to build on our resource inventory with the year-end mineral reserve and resource update and support the Company's target of sustaining annual gold equivalent production between 450,000 to 500,000 ounces beyond 2030. With only a few months remaining before Media Luna delivers first production and the Company returning to a strong free cash flow position, EPO is setting the stage for the capital efficient growth potential we see within the Media Luna Cluster and across the whole Morelos Property." HIGHLIGHTS Within the northeastern portion of the EPO deposit, drilling has highlighted the potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources, with the most notable intercepts from drill hole ML23-1009 which returned 10.67 grams per tonne gold equivalent ("gpt AuEq") over 36.6 metres ("m"), including 44.80 gpt AuEq over 7.6 m; and drill hole ML23-1001 which returned 6.82 gpt AuEq over 18.9 m . Drilling directly south of the defined resource encountered mineralization, highlighting the potential to expand Indicated Resources in that direction. Most notably, drill hole ML24-1035D intercepted 5.70 gpt AuEq over 7.5 m . Drilling has also confirmed the expansion of mineralization to the north of EPO and has defined a northwest corridor with at least 100 m of vertical continuity. Notably, drill hole ML24-1017, a follow-up of drill hole ML23-942 (6.14 gpt AuEq over 15.8 m; press release dated September 5, 2023), intercepted 6.35 gpt AuEq over 5.1 m. 2024 EPO DRILLING & EXPLORATION PROGRAM EPO currently hosts a gold equivalent Indicated Resource of over 1.15 Moz AuEq at a grade of 5.14 gpt AuEq and an Inferred Resource of over 0.72 Moz AuEq at a grade of 4.52 gpt AuEq.1 The focus of the 2024 drilling program at EPO is to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources as well as expand the overall resource footprint, specifically to the north. Assays for 22 holes drilled in 2023 that were received after the cut-off date to be included in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimation have been included in this press release. For the 2024 program, 15 drill holes totalling 9,860 m drilled through the first three quarters of the year have been included. Results to date support the ability to grow Indicated Resources and expand Inferred Resources. Torex has budgeted approximately $10 million for the 2024 drilling and exploration program at EPO. Drilling is progressing with four rigs and the Company is forecasting to achieve a forecast of 21,000 m by the end of the year. Detailed drill results are reported in Table 4 (2023 results) and Table 5 (2024 results). Drill hole intercepts are core lengths and not true widths. True width will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. The gold equivalent grade calculation accounts for the same metal prices ($1,650/oz gold ("Au"), $22/oz silver ("Ag"), and $3.75/lb copper ("Cu")) as well as metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the current mineral resource estimate for the EPO deposit (effective date of December 31, 2023). 1) Mineral resource estimates for the Morelos Complex can be found in table 3 of this news release. AuEq values account for underlying metal prices and metallurgical recoveries used in resource estimates. For additional information on the mineral resource estimates for the Morelos Complex, please see the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. RESOURCE DELINEATION DRILLING PROGRAM The strong results from the 2023 EPO drilling program wherein the quality and continuity of the mineralization was identified to the south of the deposit has underpinned the 2024 Resource Delineation drilling program. Six drill holes to date have returned favourable intercepts in the southern area of EPO, with the most notable being ML24-1035D (4.37 gpt AuEq over 10.5 m) and ML24-1037DA (5.12 gpt AuEq over 9.7 m). The drilling indicates the potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources with the 2024 year-end mineral reserve and resource update. These mineralized intercepts show a strong structural control, with mineralized ore shoots at the hanging-wall of the dikes containing up to 10 m of vertical extension and lateral continuity of at least 75 m. Table 1: Highlights from the Resource Delineation drilling program to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources to the south and the east at EPO Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Core Length1 (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq2 (gpt) ML23-994D 738.84 758.00 19.16 4.01 2.9 0.30 4.54 Including 751.00 757.04 6.04 12.34 4.9 0.40 13.06 Including 751.00 754.22 3.22 22.96 6.5 0.35 23.63 ML23-997D 693.07 711.82 18.75 2.83 28.1 1.26 5.28 Including 700.00 703.30 3.30 10.73 15.6 1.02 12.60 Including 706.95 711.82 4.87 1.56 59.2 2.74 6.84 ML23-1001 706.00 713.75 7.75 1.14 31.6 1.22 3.55 and 732.40 751.31 18.91 1.56 72.6 2.62 6.82 ML23-1002 367.52 369.00 1.48 1.66 70.6 1.38 4.85 and 387.66 394.28 6.62 1.38 79.3 0.79 3.71 ML23-1003 174.72 176.15 1.43 2.40 35.2 0.62 3.88 and 176.35 178.00 1.65 10.61 43.9 0.37 11.80 ML23-1009 588.13 624.70 36.57 9.57 19.8 0.51 10.67 Including 588.13 595.68 7.55 43.33 48.3 0.51 44.80 ML24-1026A 474.96 479.25 4.29 0.52 55.8 1.40 3.56 and 494.41 503.00 8.59 0.20 69.6 1.31 3.26 Including 494.41 498.67 4.26 0.32 113.8 2.38 5.73 ML24-1030DA 467.03 469.49 2.46 6.22 20.0 0.28 6.94 Including 467.03 468.21 1.18 11.60 34.1 0.58 13.00 ML24-1035D 476.75 487.24 10.49 3.32 17.4 0.50 4.37 Including 477.84 485.36 7.52 4.43 22.5 0.59 5.70 ML24-1037DA 496.31 506.00 9.69 4.69 6.5 0.20 5.12 Including 497.31 499.10 1.79 4.03 20.0 0.83 5.66 Including 505.00 506.00 1.00 35.80 7.0 0.03 35.94 Notes to Table: 1) Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. To the southwest, mineralized intercepts are more discrete, with drill widths of less than 2 m and grades ranging from 3 to 7 gpt AuEq. Drilling from surface has been complex due to the presence of the clay-rich Copalillo fault zone, which resulted in two drill holes being abandoned this year. To the northeast of the defined Inferred Resources, mineralization encountered in drill holes ML23-1009 (10.67 gpt AuEq over 36.6 m, including 44.80 gpt AuEq over 7.6 m) and ML23-1001 (6.82 gpt AuEq over 18.9 m) highlights the potential for Inferred Resources to be converted to Indicated Resources. This area will be subject to Resource Delineation drilling later this year once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. As part of the 2025 exploration program, the Company is evaluating an approximately 600 m exploration drift from South Portal Upper directly north over the upper portion of reserves at EPO at the 970 m elevation. This drift, as well as the lower elevation access tunnel connecting EPO to the Guajes Tunnel (planned to commence in mid-2025), will support lower cost, closer to the deposit drilling which will, in turn, inform and derisk the feasibility study mine design. The exploration drift will also provide access to the upper portion of EPO. ADVANCED EXPLORATION DRILLING PROGRAM Beyond the defined resource boundary to the north of EPO, mineralization encountered in drill hole ML23-942 (6.14 gpt AuEq over 15.8 m and 4.04 gpt AuEq over 11.2 m; press release dated September 5, 2023) drilled during the 2023 program was the basis for an Advanced Exploration drilling program. Six holes drilled in a north-south direction as part of the 2024 program have confirmed the mineralization continuity along a northwest trend extending for over 400 m with a vertical extension exceeding 100 m. Most of the mineralized intercepts in the northern part of EPO are located at the hanging wall of the dikes, trapped at the contact between the limestones and the intrusive bodies that host most of the mineralization at the Media Luna Cluster. The latter suggests that the dike contacts could correspond to the main mineralization feeders. Drill hole ML24-1017 (3.41 gpt AuEq over 8.3 m) confirms the vertical continuity of the mineralization at the hanging-wall of the dikes. The multiple mineralized intercepts encountered in this area suggest the potential for additional ore shoots that are yet to be tested. Initial results from the 2024 drilling program support the addition of Inferred Resources to the north of EPO with the year-end mineral reserve and resource update. Assuming the ability to delineate Inferred Resources in this area in 2024, follow-up delineation drilling in 2025 will look to further upgrade resources in this area. Given that the vertical continuity of the mineralization encountered is potentially conducive to a long-hole mining method, the success of current and future drilling could support additional mining fronts at EPO, which in turn could support mining beyond what was identified in the prefeasibility study. Table 2: Highlights from the Advanced Exploration drilling program to test the northern extension of EPO Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Core Length1 (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq2 (gpt) ML23-1013 535.00 537.94 2.94 0.21 70.3 1.37 3.38 547.84 550.84 3.00 4.90 20.7 0.28 5.63 564.44 566.81 2.37 0.46 149.1 3.24 7.74 ML24-1017 699.48 703.68 4.20 2.21 26.0 0.53 3.42 721.00 722.68 1.68 3.43 23.5 0.17 4.02 850.95 859.28 8.33 0.44 45.2 1.44 3.41 887.35 892.45 5.10 3.70 30.4 1.37 6.35 ML24-1018 812.35 815.94 3.59 0.51 68.8 2.23 5.07 ML24-1020 782.61 785.62 3.01 0.67 66.5 2.18 5.13 796.37 796.98 0.61 3.71 54.8 1.82 7.42 ML24-1022 774.99 778.17 3.18 3.56 39.0 0.95 5.64 ML24-1031 217.65 220.75 3.10 2.64 134.3 0.02 4.42 Notes to Table: 1) Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. EPO GEOLOGY The main host unit at EPO is the Morelos Formation, cut by an intrusive phase of the Media Luna granodiorite and followed by multiple generations of late felsic dikes predominantly oriented northwest and northeast. Finally, a dome and phreatomagmatic breccia event with an apparent north-south control crosscuts the whole sequence. EPO is located to the east of the major Cuajiote fault within a structural block characterized by multiple second-order structures. These structures are recognized at surface and in drill core, and exhibit north-south, north-northeast, and subordinate northwest orientations. The north-south oriented Copalillo and Todos Santos faults control the main alteration-mineralization event. Early-stage calc-silicate alteration is related to a proximal "aborted" skarn event containing anomalous molybdenum values and traces of Cu and Au. The latter grades into CRD-style mineralization that is associated with the main Cu and Ag mineralization event. Mineralizing fluids are believed to have originated from a deeper magmatic source, younger than the Media Luna granodiorite stocks, which have not yet been identified at surface. A late IS-epithermal mineralization event, related to the phreatomagmatic activity, increases the Au volume and grade. Dikes and sills are deemed to have been previously emplaced along the same feeder structures of the mineralization event and constitute traps for the mineralized bodies. Given that Au precipitates due to the buffer exerted by the early stage calc-silicate alteration and sulfide mineralization, it occurs as free Au and is dissociated from the early Cu event mainly related to chalcopyrite. QA/QC AND QUALIFIED PERSON Torex maintains an industry-standard analytical quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") and data verification program to monitor laboratory performance and ensure high-quality assays. Results from this program confirm reliability of the assay results. All sampling and analytical work for the mine exploration program is performed by SGS de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("SGS") in Durango, and by SGS at Minera Media Luna site facilities in Mexico. Gold analyses comprise fire assays with atomic absorption or gravimetric finish. External check assays for QA/QC purposes are performed at ALS Chemex de Mexico S.A. de C.V. The analytical QA/QC program for EPO drilling is currently overseen by Jose Antonio San Vicente Diaz, Chief Exploration Geologist for Minera Media Luna, S.A. de C.V. All samples reported have been checked against Company and Lab standards, and blanks. No core duplicate samples are taken. Sample preparation is carried out by BV at its facilities in Durango, Mexico and consists of crushing a 1 kg sample to >70% passing 2 mm followed by pulverisation of 500 g to >85% passing 75 m. Gold is analyzed at the BV facilities in Hermosillo, Mexico following internal analytical protocols (FA430) and comprises a 30g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples yielding results >10 g/t Au are re-assayed by fire assay with gravimetric finish (FA530-Au). Copper and silver analyses are completed at the BV facilities in Vancouver, Canada as part of a multi-element geochemical analysis by an aqua regia digestion with detection by ICPES/MS using BV internal analytical protocol AQ270. Overlimits for the multi-element package are analyzed by internal protocol AQ374. Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rochelle Collins, P.Geo. (PGO #1412), Principal, Mineral Resource Geologist with Torex Gold Resources Inc. "a qualified person" ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Ms. Collins has verified the information disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the drill results. Verification included visually reviewing the drill holes in three dimensions, comparing the assay results to the original assay certificates, reviewing the drilling database, and reviewing core photography consistent with standard practice. Ms. Collins consents to the inclusion in this release of said information in the form and context in which they appear. Additional information on sampling and analyses, analytical labs, and methods used for data verification is available in the Company's technical report entitled the "Morelos Property, NI 43-101 Technical Report, ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study, Guerrero State, Mexico", dated effective March 16, 2022 filed on March 31, 2022 (the "2022 Technical Report") and in the annual information form ("AIF") dated March 30, 2023, each filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City. The Company's principal asset is the Morelos Complex, which includes the El Limon Guajes ("ELG") Mine Complex, the Media Luna Project, a processing plant, and related infrastructure. Commercial production from the Morelos Complex commenced on April 1, 2016 and an updated Technical Report for the Morelos Complex was released in March 2022. Torex's key strategic objectives are: integrate and optimize the Morelos Property; deliver Media Luna to full production; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and build on ESG excellence. CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements about: results indicate strong potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources and expand resources to the north of the deposit; drilling indicates high potential to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources in both the south and the northeast of the deposit; the expansion of resources to the north reinforces the underlying potential for EPO and, if follow-up drilling is successful, could open up new operating fronts to support additional production from EPO beyond what was outlined in the internal prefeasibility study released in September; the results from the second half of the 2024 program are expected to further indicate the potential to build on the Company's resource inventory with the year-end mineral reserve and resource update and support the Company's target of sustaining annual gold equivalent production between 450,000 to 500,000 ounces beyond 2030; with only a few months remaining before Media Luna delivers first production, and the Company returning to a strong free cash flow position, EPO is setting the stage for the capital efficient growth potential we see within the Media Luna Cluster and across the whole Morelos Property; within the northeastern portion of the EPO deposit, drilling has highlighted the potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources; drilling directly south of the defined resource encountered mineralization, highlighting the potential to expand Indicated Resources in that direction; the drilling indicates the potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources with the 2024 year-end mineral reserve and resource update; the exploration drift, as well as the lower elevation access tunnel connecting EPO to the Guajes Tunnel (planned to commence in mid-2025), will support lower cost, closer to the deposit drilling which will, in turn, inform and derisk the feasibility study mine design; initial results from the 2024 drilling program support the addition of Inferred Resources to the north of EPO with the year-end mineral reserve and resource update; assuming the ability to delineate Inferred Resources in this area in 2024, follow-up delineation drilling in 2025 will look to further upgrade resources in this area; given that the vertical continuity of the mineralization encountered is potentially conducive to a long-hole mining method, the success of current and future drilling could support additional mining fronts at EPO, which in turn could support mining beyond what was identified in the prefeasibility study; and Torex's key strategic objectives are to integrate and optimize the Morelos Property; deliver Media Luna to full production; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and build on ESG excellence. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objective", "target", "continue", "potential", "focus", "demonstrate", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "would", "could" or "is expected to" occur. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the ability to upgrade mineral resources categories of mineral resources with greater confidence levels or to mineral reserves; risks associated with mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation; uncertainty involving skarn deposits; and those risk factors identified in the Technical Report and the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions discussed in the Technical Report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Technical Report, AIF and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. Table 3: Mineral Resource Estimate - Morelos Complex Tonnes Au Ag Cu Au Ag Cu AuEq AuEq (kt) (gpt) (gpt) (%) (koz) (koz) (Mlb) (gpt) (koz) Media Luna Underground Measured 1,835 5.26 41.7 1.37 310 2,463 55 8.00 472 Indicated 25,616 2.99 29.5 1.04 2,463 24,328 585 5.03 4,146 Measured & Indicated 27,451 3.14 30.4 1.06 2,774 26,791 640 5.23 4,618 Inferred 7,330 2.54 23.0 0.88 598 5,408 142 4.25 1,001 ELG Underground Measured 3,451 5.48 7.9 0.32 608 876 24 6.10 677 Indicated 4,725 4.46 7.4 0.30 677 1,126 31 5.03 765 Measured & Indicated 8,176 4.89 7.6 0.31 1,285 2,002 55 5.48 1,441 Inferred 2,396 4.60 8.0 0.35 355 620 19 5.28 407 EPO Underground Measured - - - - - - - - - Indicated 6,979 2.66 30.0 1.27 597 6,728 195 5.14 1,153 Measured & Indicated 6,979 2.66 30.0 1.27 597 6,728 195 5.14 1,153 Inferred 4,960 2.00 37.0 1.24 318 5,908 136 4.52 721 ELG Open Pit Measured 1,812 4.41 5.5 0.16 257 323 6 4.47 261 Indicated 4,299 2.50 4.4 0.18 346 606 17 2.57 355 Measured & Indicated 6,110 3.07 4.7 0.17 602 929 23 3.13 615 Inferred 399 2.06 1.5 0.05 26 19 0 2.08 27 Total Morelos Complex Measured 7,098 5.15 16.0 0.55 1,175 3,662 86 6.18 1,409 Indicated 41,619 3.05 24.5 0.90 4,083 32,787 827 4.80 6,418 Measured & Indicated 48,717 3.36 23.3 0.85 5,258 36,449 913 5.00 7,828 Inferred 15,085 2.67 24.7 0.89 1,297 11,955 297 4.45 2,156 Notes to accompany the mineral resource table: 1. Mineral Resources were prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (May 2014) and the CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines (November 2019). 2. Mineral resources are depleted above a mining surface or to the as-mined solids as of December 31, 2023. 3. Gold equivalent ("AuEq") of total mineral resources is established from combined contributions of the various deposits. 4. Mineral resources for all deposits are based on an underlying gold ("Au") price of US$1,650/oz, silver ("Ag") price of US$22/oz, and copper ("Cu") price of US$3.75/lb. 5. Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. 6. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 7. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 8. The estimate was prepared by Ms. Carolina Milla, P.Eng. (Alberta), Principal, Mineral Resources. Notes to accompany Media Luna Underground mineral resources: 1. The effective date of the estimate is December 31, 2023. 2. Mineral resources for Media Luna Underground are reported above a 2.0 gpt AuEq cut-off grade. 3. Metallurgical recoveries at Media Luna Underground average 90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu. 4. The assumed mining method is from underground methods, using a combination of long-hole open stoping and mechanized cut-and-fill. 5. Media Luna Underground AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104), accounting for underlying metal prices and metallurgical recoveries for Media Luna Underground. Notes to accompany ELG Underground mineral resources: 1. The effective date of the estimate is December 31, 2023. 2. Mineral resources for ELG Underground are reported above a cut-off grade of 2.2 gpt AuEq. 3. Average metallurgical recoveries are 90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu, accounting for recoveries with planned copper concentrator. 4. The assumed mining method is underground cut and fill. 5. ELG Underground AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104), accounting for underlying metal prices and metallurgical recoveries for ELG Underground. Notes to accompany EPO Underground mineral resources: 1. The effective date of the estimate is December 31, 2023. 2. Mineral resources for EPO Underground are reported above a 2.0 gpt AuEq cut-off grade. 3. Metallurgical recoveries at EPO average 87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu. 4. The assumed mining method is from underground methods, using long-hole open stoping. 5. EPO Underground AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480), accounting for underlying metal prices and metallurgical recoveries for EPO Underground. Notes to accompany the ELG Open Pit mineral resources: 1. The effective date of the estimate is December 31, 2023. 2. Mineral resources for ELG Open Pit are reported above an in-situ cut-off grade of 0.78 gpt Au. 3. Average metallurgical recoveries are 89% Au, 30% Ag, and 15% Cu. 4. Mineral resources are reported inside an optimized pit shell, underground mineral reserves at ELD within the El Limon pit shell have been excluded from the open pit mineral resources. 5. ELG Open Pit AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0045) + (Cu (%) * 0.2627), accounting for underlying metal prices and metallurgical recoveries for ELG Open Pit. Figure 1: The resource expansion program at EPO confirms the continuity of the mineralization to the north along a northwest corridor. Resource Delineation drilling in the southern portion of EPO indicates the potential to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/229788_fad01605140bea87_001full.jpg Figure 2: Advanced Exploration drilling program confirms the expansion of mineralization to the north of EPO and has defined a northwest corridor with at least 100 m of vertical continuity (looking west-northwest) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/229788_fad01605140bea87_002full.jpg 1) Previously reported. For more information on these drilling results, please refer to the Company's press releases titled Torex Gold Reports Results From 2023 Drilling at EPO (September 5, 2023) and Torex Reports Encouraging Results From Drilling at EPO (March 23, 2023). 2) Not previously reported but was included in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate. For more information on this drill result, please refer to Table 6. Table 4: Results from the 2023 exploration and drilling program at EPO (not previously reported) Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML23-994D Infill 421730.2 1985501.7 1404.5 824.30 738.84 758.00 19.16 4.01 2.9 0.30 4.54 Skarn Including 751.00 757.04 6.04 12.34 4.9 0.40 13.06 Skarn Including 751.00 754.22 3.22 22.96 6.5 0.35 23.63 Skarn ML23-995 Infill 421797.3 1984993.1 1171.4 91.06 -61.42 377.45 No significant values ML23-996 Infill 422395.2 1985782.0 1490.7 89.20 -71.99 497.60 403.16 405.46 2.30 1.49 65.6 0.58 3.29 Skarn and 430.53 432.00 1.47 4.46 20.1 0.17 5.01 Skarn ML23-997D Infill 421730.2 1985501.7 1404.5 743.60 693.07 711.82 18.75 2.83 28.1 1.26 5.28 Skarn Including 700.00 703.30 3.30 10.73 15.6 1.02 12.60 Skarn Including 706.95 711.82 4.87 1.56 59.2 2.74 6.84 Skarn ML23-998 Infill 421797.2 1984997.2 1171.6 22.18 -65.32 389.75 No significant values ML23-999 Infill 421729.6 1985502.1 1404.5 791.70 32.00 34.10 2.10 2.52 1.4 0.002 2.54 Breccia ML23-999A Infill 421729.6 1985502.1 1404.5 73.32 -85.71 198.40 769.08 770.45 1.37 1.04 33.9 1.98 4.74 Skarn ML23-1001 Infill 421982.3 1985606.9 1440.5 43.61 -60.83 835.95 687.59 713.75 26.16 0.53 23.8 0.79 2.15 Skarn Including 706.00 713.75 7.75 1.14 31.6 1.22 3.55 Skarn and 732.40 765.71 33.31 1.12 51.70 1.64 4.50 Skarn Including 732.40 751.31 18.91 1.56 72.6 2.62 6.82 Skarn ML23-1002 Infill 422395.5 1985782.0 1490.6 87.62 -55.35 429.35 367.52 369.00 1.48 1.66 70.6 1.38 4.85 Skarn and 384.97 394.28 9.31 1.26 59.9 0.56 2.96 Skarn Including 387.66 394.28 6.62 1.38 79.3 0.79 3.71 Skarn ML23-1003 and Infill 422395.7 1985780.3 1490.8 111.89 -47.31 499.00 174.72 176.35 176.15 178.00 1.43 1.65 2.40 10.61 35.2 43.9 0.62 0.37 3.88 11.80 Iron Sulfide Oxide and 242.27 246.47 4.20 2.25 42.6 0.16 3.07 Breccia ML23-1004 Infill 421731.6 1985500.4 1404.4 99.93 -69.42 692.70 620.44 623.02 2.58 1.01 15.5 0.72 2.40 Skarn ML23-1005 Infill 421951.3 1985392.9 1377.0 89.35 -51.10 489.60 No significant values Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. Table 4 (continued): Results from the 2023 exploration and drilling program at EPO (not previously reported) Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML23-1006 Infill 422395.0 1985780.2 1490.6 117.70 -59.76 453.15 42.95 43.53 0.58 4.15 637.4 0.46 13.20 Iron Sulfide Oxide ML23-1007 Infill 421950.4 1985392.9 1377.0 89.22 -65.33 221.25 No significant values ML23-1007A Infill 421950.4 1985392.9 1377.0 506.55 No significant values ML23-1008 Infill 421728.9 1985498.7 1404.6 210.27 -86.00 456.65 No significant values ML23-1008A Infill 421728.9 1985498.7 1404.6 816.00 762.65 765.09 2.44 2.06 1.5 0.20 2.40 Skarn 782.37 784.62 2.25 1.29 13.1 0.83 2.82 Skarn ML23-1009 Infill 422392.7 1985779.9 1490.7 203.96 -84.64 752.75 588.13 624.70 36.57 9.57 19.8 0.51 10.67 Skarn Including 588.13 595.68 7.55 43.33 48.3 0.51 44.80 Skarn ML23-1010D Infill 421950.4 1985392.9 1377.0 569.40 472.26 473.69 1.43 1.22 89.8 2.61 6.70 Skarn ML23-1011 Infill 421602.4 1985374.6 1377.2 80.74 -78.33 724.70 691.60 695.60 4.00 2.16 2.3 0.03 2.25 Granodiorite ML23-1012 Infill 421948.9 1985390.4 1376.9 122.66 -74.99 581.75 No significant values ML23-1013 Adv. Expl. 422442.5 1986042.6 1400.7 264.20 -78.95 692.65 535.00 537.94 2.94 0.21 70.3 1.37 3.38 Skarn and Adv. Expl. 547.84 550.84 3.00 4.90 20.7 0.28 5.63 Skarn and Adv. Expl. 564.44 584.00 19.56 1.17 33.8 0.82 2.96 Skarn Including 564.44 566.81 2.37 0.46 149.1 3.24 7.74 Skarn ML23-1014 Infill 421949.6 1985389.6 1376.9 175.10 -82.59 593.50 No significant values ML23-1015W Infill 421602.4 1985374.6 1377.2 94.26 -75.63 608.70 No significant values Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. Table 5: Results from the 2024 exploration and drilling program at EPO Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML24-1017 Infill 421982.4 1985608.2 1440.4 16.91 -53.52 957.70 699.48 708.05 8.57 1.43 21.3 0.45 2.45 Skarn Including 699.48 703.68 4.20 2.21 26.0 0.53 3.42 Skarn and 720.22 722.68 2.46 2.74 17.5 0.12 3.17 Skarn Including 721.00 722.68 1.68 3.43 23.5 0.17 4.02 Skarn and 785.62 797.00 11.38 0.51 19.4 0.49 1.57 Skarn Including 789.59 794.58 4.99 0.88 12.9 0.38 1.67 Skarn and 836.83 859.28 22.45 0.77 22.3 0.85 2.46 Skarn Including 850.95 859.28 8.33 0.44 45.2 1.44 3.41 Skarn and 883.02 892.45 9.43 2.20 17.9 0.88 3.88 Skarn Including 887.35 892.45 5.10 3.70 30.4 1.37 6.35 Skarn ML24-1018 Infill 422393.5 1985786.4 1490.6 340.02 -64.77 862.30 798.45 822.00 23.55 0.24 17.3 0.64 1.51 Skarn 812.35 815.94 3.59 0.51 68.8 2.23 5.07 Skarn ML24-1020 Infill 421982.4 1985608.0 1440.5 28.17 -55.48 899.75 565.43 570.05 4.62 0.45 20.1 0.98 2.32 Skarn Including 566.00 567.98 1.98 0.10 24.9 1.29 2.54 Skarn and 775.66 785.62 9.96 1.06 29.8 0.88 2.89 Skarn Including 782.61 785.62 3.01 0.67 66.5 2.18 5.13 Skarn and 792.10 796.98 4.88 0.58 20.8 0.85 2.24 Skarn Including 796.37 796.98 0.61 3.71 54.8 1.82 7.42 Skarn ML24-1022 Adv. Expl. 422394.0 1985786.4 1490.5 7.41 -61.50 820.45 568.33 572.93 4.60 1.02 47.3 0.22 1.99 Skarn Including 569.00 571.00 2.00 1.65 69.8 0.15 2.81 Skarn and Adv. Expl. 735.51 741.89 6.38 0.96 14.1 0.51 1.99 Skarn Including 737.72 741.89 4.17 1.15 18.8 0.46 2.14 Skarn and Adv. Expl. 774.99 786.82 11.83 1.12 20.8 0.45 2.14 Granodiorite & Skarn Including 774.99 778.17 3.18 3.56 39.0 0.95 5.64 Granodiorite & Skarn ML24-1024 Adv. Expl. 422394.3 1985786.6 1490.5 16.00 -55.34 582.55 No significant values ML24-1024A Adv. Expl. 422394.3 1985786.6 1490.5 579.30 No significant values Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. Table 5 (continued): Results from the 2024 exploration and drilling program at EPO Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML24-1024B Adv. Expl. 422394.3 1985786.6 1490.5 589.95 No significant values ML24-1026 Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 74.97 -61.94 259.55 No significant values ML24-1026A Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 537.00 474.96 488.52 13.56 0.25 31.8 0.82 2.02 Skarn Including 474.96 479.25 4.29 0.52 55.8 1.40 3.56 Skarn and Infill 494.41 503.00 8.59 0.20 69.6 1.31 3.26 Skarn Including 494.41 498.67 4.26 0.32 113.8 2.38 5.73 Skarn ML24-1027 Infill 421729.8 1985501.6 1404.4 73.64 -80.95 427.00 No significant values ML24-1029D Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 512.40 No significant values ML24-1030D Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 275.33 No significant values ML24-1030DA Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 519.00 467.03 469.49 2.46 6.22 20.0 0.28 6.94 Skarn Including 467.03 468.21 1.18 11.60 34.1 0.58 13.00 Skarn ML24-1031 Infill 422394.0 1985786.3 1490.6 9.27 -66.68 336.95 212.60 220.75 8.15 1.07 69.5 0.02 2.02 Skarn Including 217.65 220.75 3.10 2.64 134.3 0.02 4.42 Skarn ML24-1032 Infill 421729.9 1985500.2 1404.4 111.56 -79.07 555.10 No significant values ML24-1034D Adv. Expl. 422394.0 1985786.3 1490.6 395.45 No significant values ML24-1034DA Adv. Expl. 422394.0 1985786.3 1490.6 433.50 No significant values ML24-1034DB Adv. Expl. 422394.0 1985786.3 1490.6 793.00 570.33 571.28 0.95 4.44 2.7 0.05 4.55 Skarn ML24-1035D Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 515.95 476.75 487.24 10.49 3.32 17.4 0.50 4.37 Skarn Including 477.84 485.36 7.52 4.43 22.5 0.59 5.70 Skarn ML24-1037D Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 205.95 No significant values ML24-1037DA Infill 421952.9 1985390.2 1378.1 556.35 478.52 483.98 5.46 1.25 12.3 0.46 2.16 Skarn Including 483.00 483.98 0.98 5.15 12.7 0.31 5.83 Skarn Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. Table 5 (continued): Results from the 2024 exploration and drilling program at EPO Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML24-1037DA Infill 496.31 506.00 9.69 4.69 6.5 0.20 5.12 Skarn Including 497.31 499.10 1.79 4.03 20.0 0.83 5.66 Skarn Including 505.00 506.00 1.00 35.80 7.0 0.03 35.94 Skarn ML24-1038D Adv. Expl. 422394.0 1985786.3 1490.6 660.00 528.23 533.19 4.96 1.27 8.5 0.23 1.77 Skarn Including 530.81 532.19 1.38 3.18 5.05 0.29 3.72 Skarn Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. Table 6: Results from the 2023 exploration and drilling program at EPO that were not previously released but were included in the year-end resource estimate Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Lithology/ Alteration ML23-971 Infill 421983.6 1985608.3 1440.5 9.81 -74.65 746.90 658.3 679.4 21.1 1.03 20.0 0.89 2.75 Skarn and 693.1 697.2 4.1 1.27 86.9 4.62 10.03 Skarn and 703.9 711.0 7.1 5.78 81.0 5.59 16.05 Skarn Notes to Table 1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. 2) Core lengths subject to rounding. Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery >98%. 3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0130) + (Cu (%) * 1.6480) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (87% Au, 85% Ag, and 92% Cu) used in the year-end 2023 mineral resource estimate for EPO Underground. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229788 SOURCE: Torex Gold Resources Inc. Bitwise Asset Management, a San Francisco, CA-based crypto specialist asset manager, announced the acquisition of Attestant Limited, a London, UK-based institutional-grade Ethereum staking provider. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The acquisition will expand Bitwises suite of solutions for investors to include professional non-custodial staking alongside ETPs, hedge fund solutions, private funds, and separately managed account strategies. The core Attestant team will join Bitwise, including co-founders Dr. Sreejith Das, Jim McDonald, and Dr. Steve Berryman, PhD. With the deal, Bitwise now has more than 90 employees across the United States and Europe. Going forward, there will be no disruption to Attestants services. The team and products will be rebranded to form Bitwises new Onchain Solutions group (Bitwise OS). Bitwise OS will focus on improving the groups existing Ethereum services, building staking services for select additional protocols, and continuing to contribute to the open-source community. Initially, staking services through Bitwise Onchain Solutions will be available with a minimum stake of $10 million. Attestant is dedicated to providing institutional-grade reporting for tax, audit, and compliance staking solutions to a wide variety of institutional clients, including family offices, high-net-worth individuals, funds, traditional financial institutions, exchanges, custodians, protocol foundations, and decentralized finance protocols. The company, known for its dedication to supporting the staking community, having built open-source staking tools and products that are widely used throughout the industry, has $3.7 billion in staked assets. Led by CEO Hunter Horsley, and Chief Technology Officer Hong Kim, Bitwise Asset Management is a crypto specialist asset manager serving clients in the U.S. and Europe. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors partner with Bitwise to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. For seven years, it has established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETFs, separately managed accounts, private funds, hedge fund strategies, and staking. The company is known for providing client support through expert research and commentary, its nationwide client team of crypto specialists, and its deep access to the crypto ecosystem. FinSMEs 13/11/2024 Since joining global investment firm 3G Capital in 2005, Daniel Schwartz has helped foster a number of successful business moves ranging from helping to facilitate deals to strengthening employee relations within companies the firm acquired. Schwartz, who graduated from Cornell University in 2001, ascended quickly within 3G Capital, being named a partner by 2008, at age 27; and stepping into the CEO role at Burger King in 2013. Schwartzs impressive work with the burger chain helped earn him a spot on Fortunes 40 Under 40 list, which highlights individuals who are helping to shape the business realm, at age 35 and Nations Restaurant News Power List of industry members who are determining foodservice trends in 2018. [3G] believes in investing in young people and giving them opportunities, he told Forbes in a 2019 interview. I worked hard and proved that I really cared. More so than anything else, I put the business and the firm ahead of myself. Transforming an Iconic Company into a Sales Success The Daniel Schwartz Burger King era began in 2010 when the chain and 3G Capital officially joined forces in 2010 via a nearly $4 billion acquisition. Although the eatery, founded in 1954, was a well-known brand according to CBS News, it was the second-largest fast food burger chain in the world at the time Burger King had faced a number of challenges. Its ownership history included 19 different people holding the CEO role over a 25-year span; although its operations were global, the companys marketing and product development efforts were based locally, complicating its strategy and focus. In Burger Kings financial reporting, franchised and company operations were commingled in one income statement, obscuring the value of its franchised business models value. 3Gs leadership, though, believed Burger King had the name recognition and quality level to facilitate more significant growth. Schwartz was eager to enact the firms owner-operator approach which involves getting involved first-hand in operations and a commitment to remain involved long-term. I wanted to be part of this, he said to Forbes. And I didnt want to just sit in an office and get monthly reports. After thoroughly examining the organizations talent management, compensation and other practices and resources, 3G Capital set out to make a series of changes that were designed to reposition the chain for expansion and greater profitability. Daniel Schwartz, Burger King Evolve and Thrive In addition to cost reductions and other adjustments, 3G Capital felt refranchising selling off company-owned restaurants to franchisees, and in turn altering the companys structure could have a profound effect. The business would then be driven by royalty streams from franchisees, potentially furthering unit growth; and 3G believed, coupled with a modest fixed-cost infrastructure in a capex-light model, the model could supply strong free cash flow deployment. To encourage an ownership culture within the chain, 3G Capital implemented processes to review results and began sharing objectives with everyone in the organization. The firm also allowed Burger Kings corporate employees to reinvest money theyd made as public shareholders into the newly privatized companys equity, and 3G matched the investments. Employees could also invest part of their annual bonus in equity in the form of options, and 3G would match it. With stock ownership distributed across the employee base, the arrangement reportedly resulted in hundreds of Burger King managers becoming millionaires. In June 2012, the firm was able to take Burger King public again; in the 18 months that followed, Burger Kings stock doubled, according to Forbes. The following year, in 2013, 3G Capital acquired Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons and also established Restaurant Brands International, which Burger King and Tim Hortons operate independently under, positioning both chains to take advantage of the collective shared best practice and other benefits. Over the past four years, we have transformed Burger King into one of the fastest-growing and most profitable QSR businesses in the world, through successful international growth, a consistent focus on brand revitalization and strong commitment to our franchisees, Schwartz said in a press release about RBIs creation. We are excited to build on this progress as we continue to expand Burger King around the world and look forward to working with and learning from Tim Hortons. In 2017, 3G Capital added another restaurant to its roster, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, known for its fried chicken, which launched in 1972 in New Orleans, in a $1.8 billion deal; and in 2021 acquired Firehouse Subs, which was founded in Florida in 1994 by two brothers and currently has more than 1,200 locations throughout the U.S. With more than $35 billion in annual system-wide sales and upwards of 29,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, Restaurant Brands International Inc. has become one of the worlds largest quick service restaurant companies. Burger Kings reach has swelled to more than 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. Nearly 100% are owned and operated by independent franchisees; numerous restaurants are family-owned. The Burger King acquisition and subsequent revitalization has earned 3G Capital considerable attention within the industry. As investment expert Ted Seides, who hosts the Capital Allocators podcast, recently noted when he was a guest on the Invest Like the Best Podcast, 3G eschewed the chance to sell the chain multiple times, instead opting for continued involvement. Its a great story because theres a combination of this operating model that 3G has, and this vision, ability to take risk, but also a very different private equity structure, he said. Its [been] 14 years, and they find ways to get some people some liquidity if they want, but most people are like, No, no, no, keep doing what youre doing. Its working really well. According to Daniel Schwartzs conversation with Forbes, it sounds like that may have been 3G Capitals plan all along. Most traditional investment firms, if they were in our shoes, probably would have sold [RBI] many years ago, Schwartz said. Not only did we not sell, we bought more brands along the way. We are building this into a big company with a long-term mindset. Dani Austin Divi Scalp & Hair Health (Divi), a Dallas, TX-based hair brand, has secured a minority investment from Norwest. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Sonya Brown, Norwest general partner and co-head of the firms Growth Equity team, will join the Board of Directors. The company intends to use the funds for its international expansion, domestic scale in key metro areas, and deepen the brands established relationships with key retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Ulta Beauty at Target, and Amazon. Founded by Dani Austin, Divi offers a wide range of scalp-first products, including shampoos and conditioners, a treatment mask, and a dry shampoo. The brand launched at Ulta Beauty in late 2022. In July 2024, the brand deepened that relationship, expanding its distribution to include all Ulta Beauty at Target doors. Dani Austin and her husband, Jordan Joseph Ramirez, who served as CEO and now holds the role of chairman, both plan to remain actively involved in the next chapter of the Divi story as the brand scales to a household name. FinSMEs 13/11/202 The United Arab Emirates has long been a center for business in the region, and some may see it for the world. This is partly due to its business-friendly climate and partly due to its natural resources and geopolitical impact. Lately, the UAE has been looking to take the leading position in crypto as well. Traditional finance businesses based in the UAE are turning to crypto payments as a part of a wider and global trend. It goes to show that the public attitude towards crypto has changed and that its now widely accepted in areas that were skeptical towards it. Cryptos Already in Use At this point, crypto isnt widely used in the UAE. About ten percent of the citizens use it as currency. They are mostly used to make transactions with businesses based abroad and as a way to finance activities frowned upon in the country. Some of the best crypto casinos are based in offshore zones, and UAE citizens use crypto to make online bets. In the recent couple of years, there has been clear growth in public interest in cryptos. The ten percent that are using them now represent a 51 percent increase compared to just a year ago. Theres also a 68 percent increase in daily trades made in crypto. Where the Growth is Taking Place Theres an interesting duality in UAE development thats noticeable in the finance industry, tourism, culture, and, lately, the approach to crypto. Dubai was considered to be the epicenter of crypto development, and most of the exchanges and crypto businesses were based in the city. However, Abu Dhabi is also rapidly attracting attention in the crypto sector. The capital and the largest city are, therefore, competing for the spot of the crypto hub for the region. The Two-Step Approach to Legislation In order to help businesses adapt to the use of crypto, the UAE government has taken a two-step approach to legislation. The first one is to use the regulatory agencies to expand the regulations governing traditional finance to digital assets wherever possible, and the second is to write new legislation for crypto specifically. The new regulations are mostly about creating a free-trading area and a supportive, independent regulatory authority. For Dubai, thats the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a tax-free zone that is foreign-owned. For Abu Dhabi, its the offshore Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which has been operating since 2015. Creation of Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority UAE also created a separate government agency to deal with crypto assets, in particular, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. The agency will monitor and regulate the founding and running of crypto-related businesses, including exchanges. This decision was welcomed by the business community, even though it may seem businesses wouldnt be wild about more regulations. Having an agency specially dedicated to crypto means that theres order in the industry and that the government is ready to set up the playing field in a way businesses can follow and adapt to. Which Cryptos are accepted? As soon as the system was put in place, the agency started to accept bids from cryptocurrency exchanges to allow trading in the UAE. Recently, DIFC approved Toncoin and added Ripple XRP to its recognized list of tokens, joining Bitcoin, Ether ETH 0.0%, and Litecoin to the list of cryptos traded in the UAE. These are the most widely used cryptos, and its enough to have an interesting crypto market, but theres still a lot of work to be done to create a robust market like the ones in the West. Using Cryptos as Currency At this point, the UAE doesnt treat cryptocurrencies as legal tender, and even the businesses, such as crypto casinos that use them in this manner, dont do so. This is not uncommon, and many countries that are pro-crypto still dont treat it as legal tender, including the use of encryption. Its also widely noticed that cryptos are rarely used simply to make purchases other than in online activities that benefit from privacy. For most users, the speculative nature of crypto is the main reason for using it. Therefore, its a financial asset more than a replacement for fiat money. NFTs An additional approach to crypto trending emerged in the last couple of months, and its applicable to the UAE financial sector as well. Crypto NFTs have now been approved by the proper agencies in several countries, and UAE traders are joining the trade as well. NFTs work similarly to traditional investment funds, and their value depends on the value of a crypto asset. Therefore, investors can buy crypto NFTs in the stock market and benefit from the rise of crypto without having to purchase any crypto coins. This development also shows that traditional business institutions in UAE and abroad are changing their attitude towards crypto. The Outlook UAE has grown tremendously in the last couple of decades, and the financial sector is especially important for that growth. A similar pattern is expected to repeat when it comes to a growing crypto industry. The government will use its resources to allow crypto investments, and the market will do the rest. The industry is also debating exploring blockchain applications and Web 3-focused free zones. The outlook for adopting crypto in UAE is very optimistic, with plans to catch up with the Western markets and quickly surpass them. To Sum Up In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates is embracing the future of finance by turning to crypto. With increasing public interest, supportive government regulations, and the involvement of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in the crypto world. Although crypto is not yet widely used as currency, the rise in trading and investments shows a shift in attitudes. As regulations continue to evolve and new financial products like NFTs gain traction, the UAEs traditional businesses are proving they can adapt and thrive in the crypto space. The future of crypto in the UAE looks bright. Writer, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of a generative AI platform for the enterprise, raised $200M in Series C funding, at a $1.9B valuation. The round was co-led by Premji Invest, Radical Ventures, and ICONIQ Growth with participation from Salesforce Ventures, Adobe Ventures, B Capital, Citi Ventures, IBM Ventures, Workday Ventures, Accenture, Balderton, Insight Partners, and Vanguard. The company intends to use the funds to consolidate its position in the enterprise generative AI category and accelerate its development of enterprise-grade agentic AI. Led by Co-founder and CEO, May Habib with Co-Founder and CTO, Waseem AlShikh, Writer is a provider of a generative AI platform that deploys AI applications and agents that solve mission-critical business challenges. Its suite of development tools is supported by Palmyra alongside its graph-based RAG and customizable AI guardrails. Customers include Accenture, Intuit, LOreal, Salesforce, Uber, and Vanguard. FinSMEs 13/11/2024 Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who claimed to be in a relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez, has written a letter showing his interest in investing $135 million (Rs 1130 crore) in a Hollywood Studio in Los Angeles for the actress read more Conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is in prison for extorting Rs 200 crore from an industrialist, congratulated Donald Trump for his win in the USA-Presidential elections. Chandrasekhar, who claimed to be in a relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez, has written a letter showing his interest in investing $135 million (Rs 1130 crore) in a Hollywood Studio in Los Angeles for the actress. Sukesh addressed Donald Trump as big bro. As per HT.com, the handwritten letter by the conman reads, I remember during our last meet, decade ago, you had given me an advice, Accept the World the way it is or see it the way you want it to be, those words ring loud in my ears once again today, love you Bro for always motivating me and not judging me during our meets. Advertisement I remember your other advise to me, Treat your women always with dignity and make her always feel special, on that note, LS Holdings is buying stakes of 135 million USD, in a large studio producing shows and movies in Los Angeles. I have finalized this buy, for my lady love Jacqueline just like the advice you gave me, to make your women feel special, reads the letter. Jacqueline Fernandez has made shocking allegations against Sukesh Chandrasekhar many times. According to an India Today report, Jacqueline, while speaking in Delhis Patiala House court, claimed that Sukesh Chandrashekhar played with her emotions and made her life hell. She also alleged that he completely misled her and further ruined her life and career. Further divulging details on how she met Sukesh, Jacqueline added that she met him through his close aide, Pinky Irani. Irani who introduced Sukesh as a government official and a close relative of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha. He also claimed to be the owner of Sun TV and also asked Jacqueline to work in south films. Suriya encountered an angry photographer, who was not happy with the seating process and also called out Kanguva star for coming late, which delayed the event for several hours read more Kollywood superstar Suriya recently faced backlash for arriving late at the event of his upcoming biggie Kanguva, which was held in Mumbai. He encountered an angry photographer, who was not happy with the seating process and also called out the Jai Bhim star for coming late, which delayed the event for several hours. However, the actor kept his cool and also apologised to the media for arriving late. I apologise for the delay. It is not the Mumbai traffic, it is the air traffic. Weve been taking flights everyday. Excuses aside, sincere apologies. I couldnt have control over this," said the actor. Advertisement A bollywood Media Person expressed his Frustration to Actor @Suriya_offl today at Mumbai. The respective actor has made the press peoples to wait for long time & there's no proper communication from the team & no respectful treatment is what they feels. VC : Zoom TV pic.twitter.com/NticDMjKeK Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) November 12, 2024 Sir, I hope we have your love, we still have your love," Suriya said pointing out to the photographer, who called out him angrily. In the event, Suriya revealed that Kanguva will consist of two parts and said, We also have Kanguva 2 in line. We leave you with a lot of questions in the climax of Kanguva 1. It will have a lot of questions and a lot of surprises. So Kanguva 2 is what I am looking forward to." Set to release tomorrow, Kanguva will feature Suriya in a double role. It marks the Tamil debut of Bobby Deol and Disha Patani. The film is directed by Siva known for making Veeram, Vedalam, Vivegam, Viswasam, Annaatthe and others. Made on a budget of Rs 350 crore, it is considered to be one of the most expensive Indian films. Advertisement Japans noted writer and Conservative Party leader Naoki Hyakuta has apologised after his comments on women and the falling birthrate in the country sparked criticism. He said that to boost the nations birth rate, women should be banned from marriage after the age of 25 and from removing their uterus post the age of 30 read more In a November 8 YouTube video, writer and Conservative Party leader Naoki Hyakuta made the startling remark while talking about ways to boost the nation's birthrate. Image Courtesy: @Arin_Yumi/X The leader of Japans Conservative Party has sparked an uproar by advocating for a ban on women marrying after the age of 25 and having their uteruses removed at the age of 30. This proposal was part of an overall discussion on the countrys ageing population and the problems it faces as a result of the falling birth rate. Naoki Hyakuta, the leader of the Conservative Party, apologised after his comments sparked an immediate and sharp criticism. Advertisement Heres all we know about the controversy. The controversial remarks In a November 8 YouTube video, noted writer and Conservative Party leader Naoki Hyakuta made the startling remark while talking about ways to boost the nations birthrate. The minister proposed prohibiting women from getting married after the age of 25 and having forced hysterectomies ( uterus removal procedures) at the age of 30. He argued that by doing this, the dropping birthrate would be reversed and they would be encouraged to have children. The politician also suggested barring women from attending college after the age of 18, allegedly in order to concentrate on having more children. This proposal comes after previous divisive policies to promote marriage and reproduction, such as incentives for women to marry men from rural regions, which were also criticised for being too straightforward and tone-deaf. Hyakuta became recognised on the far right of Japanese politics in part because of his best-selling book The Eternal Zero, which was adapted into a movie that glorified kamikaze pilots in the closing days of World War II. He was appointed to the board of national broadcaster NHK in 2013 by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a move that was criticised at the time for allegedly attempting to control the organisations editorial independence and policies. Backlash The regressive remarks raised concerns over womens rights and reproductive freedom, drawing harsh criticism from politicians and others. Expressing outrage on the matter, actor Chizuru Higashi, according to South China Morning Post, said, The idea of taking away reproductive ability if you have not had a child by the age of 30 is terrifying, even as a joke. Besides, do you think that the declining birth rate is the fault of women? Women cannot get pregnant on their own and they have no confidence about giving birth and raising children because their employment and income are not stable. Advertisement Sumie Kawakami, a lecturer at Yamanashi Gakuin University and author of a book on gender issues, told This Week in Asia, I cannot believe that a Japanese politician has said such a thing. I can only see these comments as a call to violence against women. Kawakami was concerned that, similar to other parts of the world, particularly the United States when Donald Trump first declared his intention to run for president in 2015, the standard of political dialogue in Japan was also degrading. She claimed that because fewer Japanese women were willing to speak out against misogyny than those in the US, the danger was arguably far greater there. A weaker response will just serve as an incentive to the chauvinists, she added. Advertisement Hyakutas party also denounced his proposal. In an interview with Fuji Television, Joint Chairperson Takashi Kawamura said he had asked Hyakuta to take back his remarks. I apologise on his behalf to the supporters of the Conservative Party and to the Japanese people, he added. The apology During a speech in Nagoya on Sunday, Hyakuta later apologised, saying his remarks were purely hypothetical and did not represent his own opinions. I will retract them and apologise as there were people who found them unpleasant, he said. He explained that these concepts were not intended to be taken literally, but rather were presented as a science-fiction storyline to start conversation. He added on X that he does not support such extreme actions against women and that his remarks were extremely harsh. Kaori Arimoto, a senior member of his party who was with him on the programme, who complained that his remarks were unacceptable even as a science fiction scenario. Advertisement Responding to this, Hyakuta said, according to Kyodo News, I was explaining about the time limitation faced by women in giving birth) in a plain way. Social values, according to Arimoto, were evolving quickly, and many individuals no longer associated happiness with parenting. Hyakuta replied that social structure changes would be necessary to reverse this tendency and theoretically proposed that women would decide to have children earlier if they thought that there was a time limitation on childbirth. Hyakutas attempt to dismiss his comments as science fiction did not sit well with author Issui Ogawa, who contended that this language simply trivialises the harm that his words do. Advertisement Im a science fiction writer and Im not amused that the grotesque idea of removing a girls uterus was described as science fiction, while Im also unhappy at the idea of forcing her to marry and give birth with penalties attached, he said. Moreover, Kawakami told This Week in Asia, He (Hyakuta) has said something and now there has been a strong reaction he has withdrawn it and apologised, but if there had not been a response then he would not have felt the need to claim he was only speaking hypothetically and to apologise." Fertility crisis in Japan Japan is facing a serious fertility crisis as the country struggles with ageing population and a declining workforce. According to preliminary official data released in September, the countrys birth rate dropped to its lowest level since 1969 in the first half of 2024. According to the health ministrys preliminary data, the nation recorded 350,074 births between January and June, which is 5.7 per cent lower than during the same time previous year. With inputs from agencies US President-elect Donald Trump will visit the White House today at the invitation of Joe Biden, following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the recently concluded elections. Meanwhile, the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections also begins today, with 685 candidates contesting across 43 seats read more Joe Biden salutes while boarding Air Force One as he departs for Wilmington, on November 11, and Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Duluth, Georgia, on October 23, 2024. Reuters/File Photo Wednesday, November 13, will be a packed day with several important events. In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump will visit the White House following an invitation from President Joe Biden, a customary step in the presidential transition process. Meanwhile, voters in Jharkhand will take part in the first phase of the state Assembly elections, covering 43 seats with 685 candidates contesting. Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Peru, where he will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and pay a state visit. Advertisement In Indonesia, a joint military exercise involving both Indonesian and Australian forces will begin, running from November 13 to 16. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to deliver a keynote address at the Bundestag following the recent breakdown of Germanys three-party coalition. Also, in Somaliland, over one million registered voters will head to the polls to choose the next president for a five-year term. Lets take a look at these events: Trumps visit to the White House US President-elect Donald Trump is set to visit the White House today at the invitation of President Joe Biden, following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election. When they meet in the Oval Office, it will mark the first event since 1992 where an incumbent president sits down with an incoming one he competed against in a campaign. Trump won a total of 312 Electoral College votes against Harriss 226, capturing all seven key battleground states in the process. Jharkhand heads to Assembly polls The first phase of voting for Jharkhands Assembly elections kicks off today, covering 43 seats with 685 candidates in the running. This phase is set to witness a close contest between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The 81-member assembly elections will be conducted in two phases, with voting on November 13 and November 20. Polling officials with EVMs and other election materials board a helicopter to reach the LWE-affected areas for the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly election, at Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district, Nov. 11, 2024. PTI The final vote count is set for November 23. Key constituencies to watch in this phase include Seraikella, Ranchi, Jamshedpur West, Jagannathpur, and Jamshedpur East. Xi Jinping off to Peru Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to travel to Peru today, followed by a visit to Brazil next week, for major international summits. Xi will be in Lima from November 13 to 17 for the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, also marking a state visit. Many South American nations, including Peru, are part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which is key to Xis foreign policy aims. He will then attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro from November 17 to 21. Advertisement Indonesia & Australias largest joint military exercise Indonesia and Australia are conducting their largest joint military exercise, the Keris Woomera Exercise, from November 13 to 16, involving 2,000 personnel under the Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement. Captain Chris Doherty, Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Force, said, What we aim to do is simply increase cooperation with our neighbours, to increase our prosperity and security to share cooperation with our neighbours. German Chancellors key speech after collapse of coalition government German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will deliver a keynote address in the Bundestag today following the collapse of his three-party coalition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the lower house of parliament, Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, November 7, 2024. Reuters/File Photo Tensions escalated last week when Scholz dismissed the finance minister and Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader, severing ties with the FDP after failed economic talks. The breakdown left the coalition, composed of Scholzs SPD, the Greens, and the FDP, without a majority. On Tuesday, an agreement for snap elections on February 23 next year was reached with the conservative opposition. Somaliland votes today: Whats at stake? Today, over 1 million voters in Somaliland will be casting ballots to choose their next president for a five-year term. Incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye party seeks re-election, facing two opponents as he aims to strengthen Somalilands economy and push for long-sought international recognition. Advertisement The Somaliland National Electoral Commission has organised the polls to consolidate democracy in the self-declared East African territory, which has sought independence from Somalia enclave for 33 years. With inputs from agencies Billionaire Elon Musks Starlink could soon be the latest player in Indias telecom and internet market. New Delhi has said that it will allocate satellite broadband spectrum administratively rather than through an auction read more Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X speaks during the Milken Conference 2024 Global Conference Sessions at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 6, 2024. Reuters Billionaire Elon Musks Starlink could soon be the latest player in Indias telecom and internet market. Starlink has been eyeing to enter the Indian market for years, and this month, New Delhi announced that it will allocate satellite broadband spectrum administratively rather than through an auction. This is exactly what Musk wanted. Starlink in India soon Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated on Tuesday that Starlink, which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk, will only be given a licence to operate in India once all security-related standards have been met. We are more than happy to give them (licence) if they (Starlink) comply with all the conditions. You have to look at it from a security perspective, making sure that all security concerns are addressed. When they do that we will be more than happy to give it. Obviously, they are in the process of doing it, Scindia was quoted by PTI. Advertisement Another name for a satellite broadband services licence is a GMPCS licence. In addition to submitting a first licence application in October 2022, Starlink is collaborating with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to get further clearances. The process of approval Starlink is making an effort to comply with Indian regulations on servers, data storage, and security. Starlink has previously been asked to provide clarifications on a number of key concerns by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), according to The Times of India. The regulatory body asked for information on the shareholding patterns and data storage practices, specifically concerning contracts or investments from US security agencies. The company must also give comprehensive details regarding its geographic coverage in India, including precise latitude and longitude coordinates for terminals planned close to the border. To avoid misuse, security procedures mandate that these terminals stop communicating if their geographic location changes. The debate Scindia stated that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) would offer clarification on the crucial subject of satellite spectrum pricing. Satellite internet companies and traditional telecom operators are at odds over the matter. In accordance with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) regulations and international standards, Scindia had previously made it clear that spectrum for satellite broadband will be allocated administratively rather than through an auction. Musk has been an outspoken critic of the auction route as well. I cannot think of a single country that auctions spectrum for satellite, he said in a recent interview with PTI. Advertisement According to Scindia, the matter has been placed on Schedule 1 of the Telecom Act of 2023, which was passed in December. This means that the Satcom spectrum will be distributed administratively. Foreign satellite broadband companies like Starlink should find it easier to enter the market with this approach. It would have been more expensive for Starlink to build out our services if the spectrum had been put up for auction. In a positive response to this development, Musk wrote on X (previously Twitter) that it was promising. Meanwhile, Musk charges as little as $10 (around Rs 800) a month for Starlink services in Africa. The same Starlink service costs up to $120 (about Rs 10,000) a month in the US. A game-changer for India India is yet to introduce satellite broadband services because the government is awaiting TRAI recommendations on price and allocation strategies. According to estimates, its Indian market is anticipated to grow swiftly, reaching USD 1.9 billion by 2030. Advertisement Starlink, a satellite network developed by Musks SpaceX, provides wireless internet service with the help of satellite constellations in near-Earth orbit. It was developed with the aim of providing low-cost internet to remote locations. The satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years. SpaceX eventually hopes to have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called mega constellation. As of September 2024, there are 6,426 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 6,371 are working, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks the constellation on his website. Starlinks arrival in India, meanwhile, comes as talks are taking place over Musks possible role in the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated that Musk could have an important role. Advertisement As Starlink looks to grow its satellite internet services abroad, especially in India, this link might increase its influence. More details are expected to be revealed soon. With inputs from agencies A 46-year-old man has been arrested in Greater Noida for illegally cultivating at least 80 cannabis plants in his rented apartment within a housing society. Notably, he learned cultivation techniques online and allegedly sold his harvest via the dark web read more 80 ganja plants along with over 2 kg of cannabis were seized from the apartment. PTI Just weeks after authorities busted a meth lab in Greater Noida, another drug case has surfaced in the region. This time, a man has been arrested for the illegal cultivation of cannabis within his apartment in a housing society. In a joint operation, the Narcotics Department and local police raided the apartment, discovering the hidden operation. According to officials, the man allegedly distributed the illegal harvest via the dark web. ALSO READ | Explained: The Mexico cartel connection to the Greater Noida meth lab bust Advertisement In a related operation last month, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police Special Cell seized nearly 95 kg of drugs during a raid on an industrial site in Greater Noida. Five individuals were arrested, including a Mexican national and a Tihar jail warder. How did the man create a cannabis nursery? The man, who has been identified as Rahul Chaudhary, is a native of Meerut district and an English graduate. He had set up an elaborate cannabis nursery in his apartment using advanced cultivation techniques, police said. Chaudhary grew a variety of cannabis in planters, using a sophisticated indoor setup. Inspired by several web series, he allegedly used the internet to learn about marijuana cultivation, a senior police officer told NDTV. VIDEO | A Greater Noida resident has been arrested by the police after he was allegedly found cultivating cannabis inside his apartment. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/ia2YMh8Mp4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 12, 2024 He sourced premium marijuana seeds from an international site and made payments through PayPal. Since he could not risk exposing the plants to sunlight, he used full-spectrum lights and air conditioners set to precise temperatures, allowing the plants to survive indoors. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saad Mian Khan said, During his interrogation, Chaudhary said he started the cultivation around four months ago. It would take him roughly 100-110 days to grow one plant. Cultivating a plant would cost 5,000 to 7,000 and he would get 50,000-Rs 60,000 for each of them on the dark web. Advertisement DCP Khan added that Chaudhary had invested in specialised equipment to control temperature, lighting, and humidity, ensuring optimal growing conditions without soil. According to police, he had managed to sell cannabis from around 20 plants. During the raid, authorities seized at least 80 cannabis plants, over two kilograms of various types of marijuana, chemicals, and cultivation equipment from his flat. ALSO READ | Who is the Noida tattoo artist arrested for issuing death threat to Salman Khan? What happened during the raid? When police raided the apartment of Rahul Chaudhary, they were shocked to discover an indoor cannabis nursery set up with full-scale cultivation equipment. Inspector Anuj Kumar told The Indian Express that the sight was straight out of a Hollywood movie. We thought there would be few (cannabis) plants in a flower pot. What we saw were a full spectrum light, a machine regulating temperature, and cannabis plants numbered as per their varieties, he said. Advertisement Notably, the police initially received a tip-off about Chaudhary planning to deliver a consignment but had no idea he was cultivating cannabis inside his rented home. His neighbours, however, had already noticed unusual activities. Chaudharys late-night parties, loud music, and the lingering smell of weed had already raised suspicions. One of his neighbours, Aniruddh Singh, told The Times of India, Since I work night shifts, I usually return home around 3-4am. His door would remain ajar, with only the iron mesh locked. His music system would blare continuously, and the entire flat would smell of weed. I thought he was smoking them. Several residents complained that Chaudhary would often get into fights with guests, including his wife and brother. Notably, they fought on Diwali night as well. Advertisement There was yelling and sounds of utensils being hurled on the ground. When I peered outside, Chaudhary slammed the door in my face, Singh told the media outlet. So, how was he arrested? To make the arrest, police set a trap near Kachnar Estate in Greater Noida. Around 10:30 am, Chaudhary appeared and was caught as he handed a packet to a customer. #WATCH | Greater Noida, UP: A youth named Rahul Chaudhary was arrested in Greater Noida for involvement in the indoor cultivation of OG plants. 80 plants, 2 kg of ganja and several types of pesticides and insecticides were recovered from his indoor setup. https://t.co/TAniE7jCUQ pic.twitter.com/kOtb6171Gh ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2024 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saad Mian Khan said that Chaudhary had previously run an eatery in Greater Noida, which shut down during the Covid pandemic. Afterwards, he explored the dark web and started researching cannabis cultivation. Originally from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary had been living separately from his wife and two children. A case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigations into his network and potential links are ongoing. Police seized 2.07 kg of illegal cannabis and 163.4 grams of OG (premium marijuana) during the raid. Greater Noida and its drug crisis Last month, teams from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police Special Cell found a meth lab in Greater Noida and seized approximately 95 kg of methamphetamine. The joint drug operation had its reach across Delhi and the wider National Capital Region. Image courtesy: NCB The raid, conducted on October 25, revealed a facility linked to the notorious Mexican drug cartel, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The lab, which was located in Greater Noidas Kasna industrial area within Uttar Pradeshs Gautam Buddh Nagar district, contained methamphetamine in both solid and liquid forms. Notably, Greater Noida has increasingly become a hotspot for drug syndicates establishing meth labs and cannabis nurseries. Several police officials told PTI that its combination of low-density residential zones and convenient access to Delhi makes it a strategic location for secret drug labs. Rented properties in the area are often secluded, with open surroundings on at least three sides - ideal for dispersing the strong smell associated with meth production and reducing the chances of detection. Another key advantage in Greater Noida is the availability of essential ingredients that are harder to source abroad. The profit margin by operating here is more than double. Also, the meth is second most expensive to cocaine and what they cooked here in Greater Noida was not meant for local supply but was to be exported," the officer told the news agency. At least three airlines have cancelled flights between Australia and Bali owing to a volcanic eruption. While flyers may complain about this, experts note that its a risk not worth taking read more At least three airlines cancelled flights between Australia and Bali this week after a volcano eruption in eastern Indonesia spewed a vast plume of volcanic ash into the air. But while would-be holiday makers are naturally upset at having their plans disrupted, its worth remembering its not safe to fly planes through volcanic ash. So, how do airlines decide its not safe to fly when a volcano erupts? And why is volcanic ash so dangerous for aircraft, anyway? Advertisement What does volcanic ash do to a plane? Volcanic ash particles are very, very abrasive. They can cause permanent damage to windscreens in the aircraft and can even make windscreens look opaque like someone has gone over them with sandpaper. Imagine getting spectacles and scraping them over and over with sandpaper thats what youd see if you were sitting in the cockpit. Volcanic ash can also clog or damage external sensors, leading to erroneous readings, and can infiltrate an aircrafts ventilation system. This can affect cabin air quality and lead to potential respiratory issues. But the main issue, in fact, is the impact volcanic ash has on engines. Residential areas covered by volcanic ash are seen following the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano eruptions in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. Reuters A jet engine works by drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel and igniting it. This creates high-pressure exhaust gases that are expelled backward, which pushes the engine (and the aircraft) forward. The correct balance of fuel and airflow is crucial. When you disrupt airflow, it can cause the engine to stall. Ash particles that get inside the engines will melt and build up, causing disruption of the airflow. This could cause the engine to flame out or stall. Volcanic ash has a lot of silica in it, so when it melts it turns into something similar to glass. It wont melt unless exposed to very high temperatures but inside a jet engine, you do get very high temperatures. There was a famous incident in 1982 where a British Airways Boeing 747 plane was flying in the vicinity of Indonesia and lost all four engines after it encountered volcanic ash spewing from Javas Mount Galunggung. Advertisement Fortunately, the pilot was able to restart the engines and land safely, although the pilots were unable to see through the front windscreens. This week's episode covers British Airways 9, a 747 that flew through volcanic ash. Pictured here are the eruption, damaged engine parts at the Auckland Museum, the flight crew, and the plane after emergency landing in Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/LgWl9sRiuY BlackBoxDown (@BlackBoxDownPod) October 8, 2020 How do airlines decide its not safe to fly when a volcano erupts? The decision is made by each airlines operational staff. Each airlines operational team would be looking at the situation in real time today and making the decision based on their risk assessment. Every airline has a process of risk management, which is required by Australias Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Different airlines may tackle risk management in slightly different ways; you might have some cancelling flights earlier than others. But, in broad terms, the more sophisticated airlines would come to similar conclusions and they are likely all communicating with each other. Mostly, they make the call based on the extent of the plume how big the cloud of ash is and where its going, bearing in mind that winds vary with altitude. As you get stronger winds with altitude, the ash can drift quite far from the source. Advertisement There is also a United Nations agency called the International Civil Aviation Organization, which issues guidance on volcanic ash hazards. Various meteorological agencies around the world work together and liaise with aviation authorities to spread the word quickly if there is an eruption. For airlines to resume flights, the ash needs to clear and there needs to be a low probability of further eruptions. A passenger checks a flight information board showing flights cancelled due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia. AP How passenger safety is the priority The underpinning reason behind these flight cancellations is safety. If you lose engines and you cant see out the window, the risk to passenger safety is obvious. Naturally, people are upset about their holiday plans being held up. But its actually in passengers best interests to not fly through volcanic ash. Patrick Murray, Emeritus Professor of Aviation, University of Southern Queensland This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Advertisement Chinese mainland says cross-Strait consultation possible with recognition of "1992 Consensus" Xinhua) 16:49, November 13, 2024 Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, answers questions at a regular press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Consultation between the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) could resume if Taiwan authorities acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, which upholds the one-China principle, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. Addressing a regular press conference, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, attributed the ongoing political stalemate across the Taiwan Strait to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' stubborn adherence to the separatist position of "Taiwan independence" since 2016. She accused the DPP authorities of distorting--and even rejecting--the 1992 Consensus, thereby, undermining the foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and for consultation and exchanges between ARATS and SEF. Zhu made the statement in response to recent remarks regarding cross-Strait ties from Frank Wu, the new SEF chairman. In 1945, the Chinese people won the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and as a result, Taiwan was freed from Japanese colonial rule and returned to the motherland. After 1949, due to the continuation of China's civil war and interference from external forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait entered a prolonged state of political confrontation. However, Zhu said, Taiwan remains an inalienable part of China's territory -- a fact that has never changed and cannot be changed. "This is not only a historical fact and legal basis but also the status quo," she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The Taliban has made its first diplomatic appointment in India since coming to power in 2021. It has named Ikramuddin Kamil, who had previously studied in New Delhi, as its acting consul in Mumbai. His selection comes as Kabul struggles with lack of officials to facilitate consular work for visiting Afghans read more Heres a case of a curious appointment. India doesnt recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban on Tuesday night (November 12) announced the appointment of an acting consul at Afghanistans Mumbai consulate. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the acting deputy foreign minister of the regime, made the announcement in a post on X that Ikramuddin Kamil, an alumnus of New Delhis South Asian University will be the acting consul, while pro-Taliban media outlet Bakhtar News Agency reported that Kamil is already in Mumbai and carrying out the duties of a diplomat. Advertisement We take a closer look at who is Kamil and why his appointment as the Talibans acting consul matters to India. Selection of Kamil On Tuesday, with the appointment of Dr Ikramuddin Kamil, the Taliban regime made its first diplomatic posting in India since its takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. According to news reports, Kamil has been pursuing a PhD programme at the South Asia University in Delhi for the past seven years. Interestingly, India has remained mum on the appointment, offering no official statement. However, sources within the government confirmed the news. Sources were quoted as saying that he is a young Afghan student, who the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is familiar with, and who has studied in India for seven years while completing his doctorate from South Asia University on an MEA scholarship. As far as his affiliation or status is concerned, for us, he is an Afghan national working for Afghans in India, sources added. Kamils appointment as acting consul of the Taliban in Mumbai comes after a delegation of officials, headed by Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran) JP Singh, met with Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the acting defence minister of Afghanistan earlier this month. For the unaware, Yaqoob is the eldest son of Mullah Omar, the former Supreme Leader of the Taliban, who died a little over a decade ago. In October last year, the embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi shut down, owing to the lack of support from India. File image/AP Talibans diplomatic presence in India When the Taliban took over Afghanistan again in 2021, almost all of the diplomats appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani regime left, seeking asylum in Western countries. It was in October last year that the embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi shut down, announcing a lack of support from India. This left the Taliban with two other consul generals in Hyderabad and Mumbai and they continued in their roles. However, earlier in May 2024, Consul General in Mumbai Zakia Wardak resigned from her role following a gold smuggling incident at the airport. She was found to be allegedly smuggling 25 kilogrammes of gold into India from Dubai. Wardak left the country after stepping down from her role. She could not be arrested due to her diplomatic immunity. Advertisement Since then, Syed Mohammad Ibrahimkhail has been the sole functioning diplomat in India. Why Kamils appointment matters The appointment of Kamil as acting consul is important, as it will help with consular work. With the fleeing of diplomats and the departure of Zakia Wardak, there was only one member keeping the consulates running. However, the situation was becoming untenable, said Indian official sources. There is a large Afghan community based in India, which is in need of consular services. More staff is, therefore, required to effectively service the Afghan nationals currently residing in India, they were quoted as saying. A large number of Afghans come to India yearly, to study, for business or even health purposes. However, owing to the shortage of officials, the processing of visas has become longer. Advertisement Moreover, Kamils appointment is also a move by the Taliban to gain credibility in the world. This appointment is part of the Islamic Emirates efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance its presence abroad. Dr Kamil is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India, fostering collaboration between the two nations, said Bakhtar News Agency in a social media post. New Delhi is among the many nations that dont recognise the Taliban administration. However, it does maintain dialogue with it. Earlier, in February, the MEA said Indian diplomats have been engaging the Taliban in various formats. We have been attending several meetings on Afghanistan in various formats both at the digital and international levels. You would have seen that recently we also participated in regional meeting in Kabul where the head of our technical team attended. He apprised the meeting of Indias long-standing friendship with the Afghan people and the humanitarian assistance that we are carrying out in the country, the MEAs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Advertisement This outreach to Taliban, however, is geostrategic. New Delhi doesnt want Pakistan and China to turn the group into an advantage against India. In fact, earlier in February, China became the first nation to recognise a Taliban envoy, though it did clarify that it did not signal Beijings official recognition of Afghanistans current rulers. With inputs from agencies The Supreme Court has taken objection to bulldozer justice, a term used for some state authorities demolishing the properties of accused or convicts. The top court ruled such acts violate the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution. It has also laid down directives to curb illegal demolitions read more The Supreme Court has come down heavily on bulldozer justice by some state authorities, saying demolishing the properties of an accused or convict without following due process is unconstitutional. The top court also laid down guidelines for demolition to ensure state laws are not misused. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan on Wednesday (November 13) warned officials engaged in such high-handed actions will be held accountable. If a property is demolished only because [a] person is accused, it is wholly unconstitutional. The executive cannot determine who is guilty and cannot become a judge to decide if he is guilty or not and such an act will be transgressions of limits. The chilling side of bulldozer reminds that constitutional values and ethos do not allow such abuse of power, the apex court said. Advertisement The Supreme Court was hearing a bunch of petitions challenging bulldozer action against people accused of crimes. Here are the main takeaways from the Supreme Courts ruling on bulldozer action. Violation of right to shelter The Supreme Court observed that the demolition of peoples properties by the government only on the ground that they are accused of a crime violated the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Right to shelter is one of the facets of Article 21. Depriving such innocent people of their right to life by removing shelter from their hands, their heads in our considered view would be wholly unconstitutional. The top court noted that razing the house of an accused person becomes a collective punishment for the family members residing at the property. Construction of a house is an aspect of socio-economic aspirations and is just not a property but symbolises years of struggle and it gives a sense of dignity and if this right is taken away, then the authority has to satisfy that such a measure was the only last resort available, the top court said, as per Bar and Bench. The settled principle of criminal jurisprudence is that the accused is innocent till proven guilty and if the structure is demolished, then it is collective punishment on all family members which cannot be allowed under the Constitution, the court added. Sending a strong message against the trend of "bulldozer justice", the Supreme Court on Wednesday (November 13) held that the executive cannot demolish the houses of persons only on the ground that they are accused or convicted in a crime. Read more: https://t.co/XYnURWnMyG pic.twitter.com/TQGXpoccim Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) November 13, 2024 Advertisement Selective demolition The bench also hit out at selective demolition, saying it gives a presumption the action was mala fide. When a structure is suddenly selected for demolition while others remain, then mala fide is writ large and presumption could be drawn that action was not to bring down the illegal structure but to penalise the person before a court of law does so, the top Court ruled. Separation of powers The Supreme Court said the executive cannot demolish an accuseds property without following due process. The bench ruled that the chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building, when authorities have failed to follow the basic principles of natural justice and have acted without adhering to the principle of due process, reminds one of a lawless state of affairs, where might was right. In our Constitution, which rests on the foundation of the rule of law, such high-handed and arbitrary actions have no place. Advertisement Terming such actions excesses, the court said they have to be dealt with the heavy hand of the law. Our constitutional ethos and values would not permit any such abuse of power and such misadventures cannot be tolerated by the court of law. The court also underlined that if the executive acts as a judge and inflicts penalty of demolition on the citizen on the ground that he is an accused, it violates the principle of separation of powers. SCs guidelines for demolition The Supreme Court has formulated pan-India guidelines to curb the illegal demolition of properties. Exercising its power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the bench issued directions that must be followed before such actions. The provision allows the apex court to pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it. Advertisement The apex court said that even after an order for demolition has been passed, the affected party should be given time to appeal the order. Even in cases of persons who do not wish to contest the demolition order, sufficient time needs to be given to them to vacate and arrange their affairs. It is not a happy sight to see women, children, and young persons dragged to the streets overnight, the court added. A police officer gestures as a bulldozer demolishes a property during a government demolition drive in Haldwani in the northern state of Uttarakhand, February 8, 2024. File Photo/Reuters The bench said demolition cannot be carried out without show cause notice. The notice will be sent via the registered post to the building owner and posted outside the structure that has to be demolished. The person will have 15 days or the time provided in local civic laws, whichever is later, to respond. Advertisement The time of 15 days, stated herein above, shall start from the date of receipt of the said notice, the court said. The notice will mention details such as the nature of unauthorised construction, the specific violation and the grounds for demolition. It should also inform of the date of a personal hearing for the affected party and before which authority it is fixed. To prevent backdating, the court directed that as soon as show cause notice is duly served, intimation thereof shall be sent to the office of the collector, district magistrate of the district digitally by email and an auto generated reply acknowledging receipt of the mail could also be issued from the office of the collector, system magistrate. The collector system magistrate shall designate a nodal officer and also assign an email address and communicate the same to all the municipal and other authority in charge of building regulations and demolitions within one month from today. The apex court also called for setting up a designated digital portal to provide details of such notices and orders. Demolition proceedings have to be videographed and the report has to be submitted to the concerned municipal commissioner. The bench said the final order should mention why the extreme step of demolition is the only option and other options like compounding and demolishing a part of the property are not possible. However, the court clarified that these directions will not be applicable if there is any unauthorised structure in any public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line, or any river body or water body, and also to cases where there is an order for demolition made by the court of law. The top court warned that if these rules were flouted, the officials responsible would be held liable for contempt of the court. They will be liable for restitution of the demolished property at their own cost and also pay compensation. The judgement noted that even the accused or the convicts have certain rights and safeguards in the form of constitutional provisions and criminal law. With inputs from agencies The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned after a report last week said he had failed to act after discovering the abuse of boys and young men by a powerful lawyer at Christian summer camps years ago. The report described John Smyth as arguably, the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England for over four decades read more The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned following the revelation of a cover-up of an abuse scandal. File Photo/AP The Church of England is under scrutiny over the cover-up of one of its worst abuse scandals. Amid intense pressure, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned after a damning report published last week found that he failed to act after discovering the abuse of boys and young men decades ago. Welby, who refused to step down earlier, announced his resignation on Tuesday (November 12). He said in his resignation letter, Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign. Advertisement Welby, the spiritual leader of 85 million (8.5 crore) Anglicans globally, said his decision was in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. 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. He said he stepped down in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury.https://t.co/aNnuLBMapo pic.twitter.com/pIIR1911QU Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 12, 2024 Lets take a closer look. UK church abuse scandal John Smyth, a senior British lawyer, abused over 100 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and Africa at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s, according to an independent review led by Keith Makin, a former social services director. The report found that Smyth, over four decades, became arguably, the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England. His victims involved 130 boys and young men across three countries the UK, Zimbabwe and possibly South Africa. Advertisement Smyth subjected private schoolboys who attended evangelical Christian holiday camps to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks, reported The Guardian. The physical abuse of boys and young men came to light in an investigation by Britains Channel 4 News in February 2017. It revealed how Smyth groomed his victims at Christian summer camps, universities and Winchester College, before viciously beating them. As per New York Times (NYT), the Makin report said that Smyth convinced his victims that the way to Christ was through suffering. The impact of that abuse is impossible to overstate and has permanently marked the lives of his victims, the report added. Advertisement It further said that it had found clear evidence that the abuse perpetrated by John Smyth in the UK was covered up, minimised and held as secret from at least 1982 (and possibly earlier.) According to the Makin report, the Church of England knew at the highest level about the abuse since July 2013. Welby gained knowledge about the allegations against Smyth around August 2013, after he became the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby conducts a service at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya on October 20, 2013. File Photo/AP The review concluded that Smyth could have been brought to justice had Welby formally reported it to police after taking over as the archbishop 11 years ago. Welby volunteered at the holiday camps in the 1970s. As per the Makin report, he met Smyth at several such Christian summer camps run by the Iwerne Trust, between 1975 and August 1979. Advertisement We have explored with Justin Welby his relationship at that time with John Smyth. He knew John Smyth from the Iwerne camps and was in John Smyths dormitory for two camps, the report said, as per BBC. He has described being impressed by John Smyth and reacting to his apparent power of intellect and charismatic [in the lay sense] personality. He says that they were never close, however. Smyth has rejected that he knew about Smyths physical abuse. The report says this is unlikely. [Welby] 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 It is not possible to establish whether Welby knew of the severity of the abuses in the UK prior to 2013, The Guardian cited the review as saying. Advertisement Reacting to the Makin report, Welby said in a statement that he had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013, but admitted that he personally failed to ensure the abuse claims were investigated properly. The report also found that Smyths appalling actions were identified in the 1980s, but he was not exposed by the church and allowed to leave the UK, which led him to continue his abuse abroad. The powerful lawyer died in 2018 in South Africas Cape Town while he was under investigation by the UKs Hampshire Police, reported Sky News. Archbishop of Canterbury resigns The independent review released last week created a storm, with calls rising for Archbishop of Canterbury Welby, the head of the Church of England, to resign. Welby said last week he had considered resigning over his shameful decision not to act on reports of abuse by Smyth back in 2013. However, Lambeth Palace said Monday (November 11) that Welby had apologised profoundly both for his own failures and omissions, and for the wickedness, concealment and abuse by the church more widely, adding that he did not intend to step down. About 1,500 members of the church, including some from the General Synod the churchs parliament, signed a petition calling for the archbishop to quit. As pressure intensified, the Archbishop of Canterbury announced his retirement. This came hours after the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to back him publicly. On Monday, the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen Ann Harlety, became the most senior member of the clergy to demand Welbys resignation. However, some point out that Welby stepping down is a side issue. James, a survivor of Smyths abuse, told The Guardian, There were plenty of other senior clerics who were aware of Smyths abuse, from early too. Replacing the Archbishop of Canterbury without a real change in culture is not enough as far as Im concerned. Speaking to BBC, Andrew Graystone, an author who profiled Smyths abuse, condemned the culture of cover-up and secrecy within the church, adding that the Archbishop of Canterburys resignation is not enough to bring a change. What happens next? It could take months before a new Archbishop of Canterbury is installed. Under the Church of Englands rules, Welbys successor will be picked by a committee known as the Crown Nominations Commission. It will submit two names for nomination to the PM, in an order of preference. The prime minister, in turn, will advise the monarch on the appointment. With inputs from agencies An oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital in Chennais Guindy was stabbed seven times on Wednesday by the son of a patient allegedly upset about her treatment. Doctors at the hospital have condemned the attack and announced a strike. Lets take a closer look at what happened and why some are yet again calling for a law to protect medical personnel read more The victim, Dr Balaji Jaganathan is a renowned oncologist who is also serving as associate professor in medical oncology in the government hospital. His condition is stable. Image courtesy: @Indian__doctor The stabbing of a doctor in Chennai has reignited the call for a law to protect medical authorities. An oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital in Chennais Guindy was stabbed seven times on Wednesday by the son of a patient. The assailant was allegedly upset about the treatment his mother received while being under the doctors care. The victim is being treated for his injuries. The incident occurred a day after the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case began in a Kolkata court. Advertisement But what happened? And what are doctors demanding? Lets take a closer look: What happened? The assailant has been Vignesh, a resident of Chennai. His mother, Kanchana, was previously admitted to the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital. She was being treated by Dr Balaji Jaganathan a renowned oncologist who is also serving as associate professor in medical oncology in the government hospital. As per India Today, Kanchana is currently undergoing treatment at a private facility. Vignesh, claiming that he wanted to talk about his mother, entered the OP Room, an official said. He then proceeded to stab Dr Balaji repeatedly. He closed the OP room and stabbed the doctor in his neck, behind his ear, chest, forehead, on his back, head and stomach. There was a huge blood loss. Already he is a heart patient and he had undergone a surgery for his heart ailment, the official, an emergency medicine anesthesiologist, told reporters. The door could not be opened immediately. Dr Balaji was brought out with the help of security personnel, staff and others. Vignesh, 26, has been arrested. He was apprehended and handed over to the police after attempting to flee, as per Business Today. NDTV reported that footage recorded on a cellphone shows Vignesh being attacked by an angry mob. Firstpost has not independently verified the footage. The official said that Vignesh claimed that his mother was provided chemotherapy six times in the hospital. She was later shifted to a private hospital where they said that her lungs were affected. Advertisement What exactly transpired between the victim and assailant remains unclear. Dr Balaji, who had also undergone pacemaker implantation was resuscitated. He was then immediately operated upon by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons. The victim bled excessively and his medication for his heart ailment is the likely reason for more blood loss. Two units of blood were transfused and all wounds were sutured. We have to wait and see for another six to eight hours for his recovery; the oncologist is under anaesthesia, the official said. Balaji sir is a very sincere doctor and as of now he is stable and we pray to God that he will come back to normal condition. Advertisement Stabbing reignites demand for law The incident reignites the demand for a law to protect doctors and nurses which had been raised in the aftermath of the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case. The body of a postgraduate trainee doctor being found in the seminar room of the state-run hospital on the morning of August 9 had sparked outrage across the country. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested by the Kolkata Police the next day. Junior doctors have been agitating for better security measures for themselves at their workplaces in the aftermath of the RG Kar rape case. PTI The Calcutta High Court later ordered a CBI investigation into the rape-murder case As per Indian Express, having a law dedicated to protecting healthcare professions has been a long -ending demand of doctors. In 2019, the Centre prepared a draft law after a nationwide protest. However, the Centre claims that 26 states and Union Territories already have laws protecting doctors and that new legislation is unlikely to be a deterrent. Advertisement However, the draft bill was ultimately set aside after consultations with the Home Ministry. We were informed that it is being rejected because many of the provisions are already in the penal code, there was insufficient stakeholder consultation, and there was a concern over federal structure, Dr Amrinder Singh Malhi, who was then the head of the resident doctors association of AIIMS, and one of the members of the drafting committee, told the newspaper. What are the doctors demanding? Doctors at the hospital have condemned the attack and announced a strike. As per Outlook, non-emergency treatment at the hospital has been suspended. As per Hindustan Times, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a strong legislation, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures to protect doctors. Advertisement No amount of superficial damage control exercises by governments is going to make doctors work without fear in this country, it wrote in a letter. Strong deterrent legislation, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures are required now and here. All governments have been put on notice of this heinous crime. The medical profession of the country is deeply disturbed and is sceptical of the remedial measures for this ever-recurring violence, it added. Only a comprehensive overhaul of the security atmosphere in the hospitals could restore the confidence of doctors. The nation owes this to its doctors, the letter added. Dr Anto Uresh, who represents the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, told NDTV the incident shows that people in Tamil Nadu have no fear of the law. Doctors feel insecure. The attack was a security lapse and indicates lack of fear of the law security should tightened. CCTV cameras have been set up but I dont think they function, Uresh said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has condemned the incident. It is shocking that Dr Balaji, who is working at the Guindy Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital, was stabbed by a family member of a patient. The person involved in this incident was immediately arrested. I have instructed that all necessary medical treatment be given to Dr Balaji and that a detailed enquiry be conducted into the matter, Stalin said, as per India Today. It is our duty to protect those who are dedicated to treating patients, he added. Outlook quoted Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin as saying, He had a conversation with Dr. Balaji for 30 minutes before the incident occurred. Udayanidhi said it is possible that a misunderstanding may have occurred in the lead-up to the attack. His mother was shifted to a private hospital after treatment at a government hospital for six months the doctors at the private hospital misled him, NDTV quoted him as saying. There was no security lapse as he was a known employee. We cant frisk everyone who enters the hospital. But state BJP Chief K Annamalai slammed the government Despite numerous attacks on doctors and hospital staff, the government has failed to take decisive action. This raises serious concerns about public safety, Annamalai was quoted as saying by India Today. Actor Vijay also criticised the government. Shocked to hear about Dr Balaji from Chennais Guindy Hospital being stabbed today. The negligence of the Tamil Nadu government is the reason behind doctors working in government hospitals having no safety. The Tamil Nadu government should take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of doctors, Vijay wrote on X. With inputs from agencies Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog and very poor air quality AQI exceeding 390 in some areas on Wednesday. At least eight flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport had to be diverted owing to reduced visibility read more Delhis air pollution reaches extremely high levels every winter. It is the same this year. The National Capital and the surrounding areas were covered in a thick layer of smog on Wednesday morning, and the air quality remained in the very poor category. Several flights were forced to be diverted to nearby locations like Jaipur and Lucknow because of reduced visibility. Dense smog, poor air quality in Delhi On Tuesday evening, the air quality index (AQI) was at 316, but on Wednesday morning, it got worse, reaching 370. Delhis AQI exceeded 300 in some areas. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plus. AQI measures the levels of particulate matter, also called PM 2.5, in the air. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and cause a host of diseases. Advertisement According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the worst air quality in the city was recorded in Aya Nagar, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Universitys North Campus, where the air quality exceeded 400, falling into the severe category. The data also shows that Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 396, Jahangirpuri showed an AQI of 389, ITO recorded an AQI of 378, and IGI Airport recorded an AQI of 368, all of which had AQIs above 300. A man wearing a mask walks on a road amid a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India, November 13, 2024. Reuters At 8 am on Tuesday, Delhis 24-hour average AQI was 361. Around 5.30 am, very dense smog began to appear, but the weather service predicted shallow fog for the day, with a high of 32 degrees Celsius. The IMD said that the weather has changed immensely, with morning fog conditions becoming more intense. It has been dense to very dense fog prevailing over the city. In terms of temperature, the minimum temperature in the last 24 hours is 17 degrees Celsius today and 17.9 yesterday morning, with a fall of 0.9 degree Celsius. With fog/smog coverage staying longer part of the day, sunlight cut off may cause a fall of max temperature, News18 quoted the department as saying. The smog is so dense that it can be seen from space. NASA released satellite images a few days ago showing a layer of haze covering portions of Pakistan and northern India. Rail and flight services affected As winter sets in, the city is covered in a thick layer of smog, which further reduces vision. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport was zero metres at 8.30 am today, with the runway visual range fluctuating from 125 to 500 metres in various areas. By 10 am, however, with 50 metres of vision, things had somewhat improved. About eight flights (one to Lucknow and seven to Jaipur) were diverted since 7 am at Delhi IGI Airport due to reduced visibility caused by severe fog, according to airport sources for News18. Advertisement Men wait on a railway track as a train passes by, on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India, November 13, 2024. Reuters Delhi International Airport Limited authorities shared a post about the developments on X, saying, While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. A navigation system called CAT III allows planes to land even in low visibility situations. Fog also affected rail traffic, with loco pilots approaching Delhi maintaining speed restrictions, the report cited its railway sources. Delhi among the most polluted cities Last week, Swiss group IQAir, which draws data from 14 regional monitoring stations, rated New Delhi as the worlds second most polluted city, with a score of 299. The presence of highly concentrated smoke in the atmosphere is one of the main causes of this thick fog. This smoke facilitates heterogeneous condensation by acting as nucleation sites for water vapour when mixed with dust particles. Because of this process, fog can rapidly condense in the area, significantly lowering visibility, particularly at ground level. Advertisement Pakistans eastern city of Lahore, which is just 25 kilometres from the border with India, topped the IQAir ranking as toxic smog shrouded the city. IQAir rated Lahore the worlds most polluted city, with an air quality index (AQI) score of 1165, more than 120 times the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation is so alarming that United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has warned about the health risks to 11 million children in the region. On Wednesday, three cities in Bihar, two in Haryana, and Chandigarh were included among the top 10 most polluted cities in the nation, indicating that air quality issues persisted throughout the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Advertisement Also read: How high temperatures and strong winds helped Delhi breathe a bit easier this Diwali Action taken The second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan is still in effect as Delhis air quality worsens. GRAP is invoked stage-wise by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas. The Stage II categorys 11-point action plan includes, among other things, dust control measures at building and demolition sites, water sprinkling on designated roadways and mechanical sweeping. Additionally, authorities have advised citizens to reduce vehicle emissions by using public transport and staying indoors as much as possible. With inputs from agencies Jharkhand, a state rich in resources and tribal heritage, kicks off its first phase of assembly elections today. The election campaign saw debates around key political and social issues that could shape the future of Jharkhands governance and development read more The assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra are happening in the last leg of the election calendar released by the Election Commission for 2024. Jharkhand is voting in two phases the first phase is happening today, and the second phase of polling is scheduled for November 20. Maharashtra will vote in a single phase on November 20. As the resource-rich Jharkhand gears up for the vote, lets take a look at some of the unique features that make the mineral capital of India special. It is home to cultural diversity, with tribal communities offering rich heritage to visitors and its plateaus and hills are sources of good revenue for the government. Advertisement Here, we outline 10 unique facts about Jharkhand that give the state its identity, speak about the challenges it faces, and show why stakes are high in this election: Jharkhand was established on November 15, 2000. It gradually emerged from Bihar to become Indias 28th state. This date was chosen to honour tribal leader Birsa Munda, symbolising that states deep-rooted cultural and historical significance. The word Jhar stands for forest and khand means forest in the Indo-Aryan language. This means land of jungles. The states capital, Ranchi, is known for its greenery and moderate climate and Dumka its sub-capital. Alongside, Jamshedpur being a hub for industrial development and Dhanbad, renowned for its coal mines, and other major urban centres. It is the 15th largest state by area, and the 14th largest by population. Around 26 per cent of Jharkhands population comprises tribal communities. The major tribes include the Santhals, Munda, Gond, Lohra, Birhor etc, who have a significant influence on the states cultural and political landscape. Economically, Jharkhand is a powerhouse, holding significant coal, iron ore, and uranium reserves. Despite the wealth, the state grapples with high poverty levels and inadequate infrastructure, posing ongoing challenges for its development. These social concerns, combined with tribal land rights, employment, and industrial growth, are expected to be central themes as voters head to the polls. Jharkhand is home to scenic attractions including the Hundru and Jonha waterfalls, Belta National Park, and pilgrim destinations like Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. In this eastern state, Bokaro Steel City was one of the first planned communities. One of the most prominent iron and steel enterprises in Jharkhand is Bokaro Steel City. Tata Motors, established its plant in Jamshedpur in 1945, marking its first manufacturing facility and laying the foundation for Indias automobile industry. Jharkhand is notable for its relatively high literacy rate and is home to prominent educational institutions such as the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), which attract students from across the country. According to the 2011 Census, Jharkhands literacy rate is 66.41 per cent, continuing its upward trend. Its sex ratio has been recorded at 948, for every 1000 males, which is less than the national average of 940. There are 3.3 crore people residing in Jharkhand. As the first phase of the assembly election begins, Jharkhand stands at a crossroads where voters choices will steer its future. The electorates focus on sustainable development, tribal welfare, and economic growth could pave the way for more stability and progress. Maharashtra will vote for the new government on November 20. Amid this, there has been talks doing the rounds on who would be BJP make the Chief Minister if the Mahayuti alliance, which it is part of, wins the crucial polls. Will it retain Eknath Shinde or pitch Devendra Fadnavis? read more Maharashtra election 2024: All eyes are on the crucial poll in Maharashtra where voting for 288 assembly seats will be held in a single phase on November 20. About 9.63 crore eligible voters of Maharashtra will seal the fate of as many as 4,140 candidates who are in fray Maharashtra polls: Parties in alliance The key Maharashtra election 2024 will see a tough competition between ruling Mahayuti alliance which include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar. This alliance will contest against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which comprises of Congress, Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawars NCP (SP), Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Peasants and Workers Party of India. Advertisement Number of seats parties contesting in Maharashtra polls Within the Mahayuti, the BJP is contesting the highest number of seats at 148, Shindes Shiv Sena follows with 85 seats and Ajit Pawar-led NCP with 55. Among the MVA alliance, Congress will field candidates in 102 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) in 94, and Sharad Pawars NCP (SP) in 85. The Samajwadi Party will field candidates on nine seats, while the Peasants and Workers Party of India will contest on four. Will Shinde remain CM if BJPs alliances win Maharashtra polls? The countdown for 2024 Maharashtra polls has started, but who will be the Chief Ministerial candidate of Mahayuti alliance if people vote them in majority still remains a suspense. The silence on who could be the Maharashtra Chief Minister if Mahayuti wins majority in the state, BJP leadership and workers are seemingly indicating that it is keen on assuming the role of big brother in the alliance to ensure Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss return to the top post. Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, after unveiling the party manifesto in Mumbai, recently said: At present, Eknath Shinde is the Chief Minister, but after the polls, all three constituents of the Mahayuti will sit together and decide the next CM." People want to see return of Mahayuti & Fadnavis Addressing an election rally in Maharashtras Sangli recently, Shah touched upon CM issue and claimed that the public wanted to see the return of the Mahayuti and Fadnavis. A report by The Indian Express mentioned another senior BJP leader, requesting anonymity, as supporting Fadnavis for the CMs post. At the grassroots level, the sentiment within the right wing is (Narendra) Modi for the country and Fadnavis for Maharashtra, the leader said. However, in an interview with the publication recently, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the CM post is not on our agenda at this moment. What others in Mahayuti alliance have to say? Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has clearly said that if Mahayuti returns to power in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde will continue to serve as the Chief Minister of the state. For us, Eknath Shinde is the CM and will be the CM after the polls too, the IE report quoted a Shiv Sena leader and senior Cabinet minister in Shinde-led Maharashtra government as saying. Advertisement The Ajit Pawar-led NCP, however, remains cautious in its statements, with state party chief Sunil Tatkare saying that right now the focus was to bring the Mahayuti back to power. The larger issues like CM, etc are best left to the top leadership after the elections," he added. No point of discussion now The IE report sources within NCP and Shinde-led Sena as saying that in a coalition, there are several factors which are considered before finalising the CM face, especially if no single party gets a majority on its own. There is no point getting into this discussion now, a source was quoted as saying by the report. Why Fadnavis is getting support for Maharashtra CM post? There are two possible reasons why Fadnavis is getting support for becoming the next chief minister of Maharashtra. 1 - It is largely believed that Fadnavis took bold administrative measures during his last tenure between 2014 and 2019 which were centred towards the welfare of Maharashtra. 2 - Also, there are a number of people within BJP and in RSS who feel that in 2022, Fadnavis was made to sacrifice the chief ministerial post to accommodate the Sena in the NDA. They are of the opinion that if BJP comes to power on its own strength, it should happen again. Advertisement The BJP and undivided Sena were in alliance ahead of the 2019 Maharashtra election. The alliance projected Fadnavis to be the CM and after his state-wide Janadesh Yatra, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with victory on 105 seats, while undivided Sena followed with win on 56. Soon there was differences over the CMs post, after which the undivided Sena severed alliance and joined hands with the Congress and the undivided NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government with Uddhav Thackeray as CM. The Thackeray-led government could only survive for two-and-a-half years as Shinde rebelled and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance with support of 41 of the 56 MLAs, helping the NDA to come to power again. Advertisement Fadnavis, who was seen as the architect of the rebellion, suggested that Shinde should be the CM and said he would not be the part of the government. However, the BJP top brass convinced him to join the government as Deputy CM, citing his administrative experience and to keep the government stable. With inputs from agencies. As India becomes a global power, it should build on its anti-colonial ideology to counter 21st century imperialism in whatever forms it takes. The Modi Doctrine can do for Indian Ocean basin what the Monroe Doctrine did for the Americas read more On December 2, 1823, James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, sent his annual message to Congress outlining his policy priorities and agenda. Historically, the annual message, like the State of the Union address that succeeded it, are dull statements of policy or politics quickly forgotten. Monroes seventh message, however, was different. Buried in the text was a foreign policy statement that would have profound repercussions for more than a century to come. It was a simple declaration: The American continents are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonisation by any European powers. Today, it is remembered as the Monroe Doctrine. Advertisement Critics of the United States the late Cuban President Fidel Castro in Cuba or Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, for example cite the Monroe Doctrine as evidence of US imperialism. The reality is more complicated. When the United States won independence from the United Kingdom, it was unclear that it could maintain its freedom. King George III remained a threat. Less than a decade before, British troops took Washington, DC, and burned the White House. The Treaty of Ghent cemented peace between London and Washington just two years before Monroe took office. While Spain sold Florida to the United States in 1821, it continued its efforts to consolidate control over South and Central America. The Congress of Vienna, meanwhile, sparked broad efforts by European powers to reconsolidate monarchy and resist, militarily if necessary, the independence movements sweeping Mexico and the other former Spanish colonies in the Americas. By issuing the Monroe Doctrine, the president essentially signalled to Europe that the age of its imperialism, at least in the Americas, was over, nor would the United States allow North America to become a playground for European powers in the way that Africa and Asian had become. Fairly or not, it made the United States the dominant power in the region. Subsequent history shows that was not always a bad thing. It had a stabilizing effect on the region. Spain sought to take advantage of the American Civil War to reconquer the Dominican Republic, but evacuated the country a year later when the United States defeated the Confederacy. There are parallels between Americas rise in the 19th century and Indias rise as a regional if not global power today. Undoubtedly, India is a power. It is both the worlds most populous country, and its largest democracy. Just as hostile powers fantasized about constraining if not destroying the United States in the 19th century, today India finds itself in a similar situation. Both China and Pakistan occupy Indian territory and seek to encroach further. Within the Indian Ocean basin, India faces increasing competition from countries that seek to pilfer the regions resources or to export foreign ideologies inimical to peace. China overfishes off the Horn of Africa and in the southwest Indian Ocean. The decimation of fishing stocks contributes to piracy off the Somali coast and to Islamic State insurgency in Mozambique. Unsustainable Chinese fishing further impacts the Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Tanzania. Advertisement The Chinese presence in Sri Lanka is a growing strategic concern. While Chinese diplomats and those in the West reliant on Chinese funding often say there is no reason for concern, the arrival of the Yuan Wang 5 spy ship at the port belies this. Turkey, meanwhile, has not only built a naval base in Somalia, but increasingly seeks to move into the Maldives. Turkey is to the 21st century what Saudi Arabia was to the 20th century, an engine for the spread of Islamist ideology. India has an interest and perhaps even a moral responsibility to be the dominant power in the Indian Ocean Basin. Consider the African coast. When I interviewed Islamic State fighters captured by Rwandan forces in Mozambique, I reviewed the material they had in their possession when captured. Many had Islamist tracts published in Karachi and then transported by sea to Mombasa, Kenya. The Islamic State in Africa is arguably more dangerous than that in Iraq and Syria because of the resources at its disposal. Not only did it have access to the Indian Ocean prior to Rwandas deployment, but it can access the gold and even uranium mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo, commodities more easily extracted and transported than Iraqi oil. Advertisement As India transforms from a regional power to a superpower, it is time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a Modi Doctrine modelled after the Monroe Doctrine two centuries ago. It could be simple: The Indian Ocean is henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future exploitation by any European or Asian powers. China claims the South China Sea as its territorial waters based on a fiction; the Indian Ocean as a whole, of course, is not Indias territorial waters nor does New Delhi demand it be. But India should be the paramount power. As Beijing tries to indebt or bribe small states to act as Chuas trap door into the region, India should put those states on notice. India sees peace and security in the Indian Ocean basin as both Indias interest and responsibility. Turkey and China might play games in Africa or Central Asia, but India will use all means at its disposal to deny the region to any imperial state, outsider, or regime that would endanger the progress, peace, and development of the Indian Ocean, from Darwin to Durban and from Muscat to Male. Advertisement India is a rising power, and a force for good in the world. In 1947, India successfully threw off the yoke of colonialism. It subsequently became a voice for the non-aligned against the predation of outside powers. Today, imperialism and exploitation comes in different forms. The root of colonialism comes less from European militaries and more from China and Turkey. Both seek to sow chaos in the region for their own cynical purposes. As India becomes a global power, it should build on its anti-colonial ideology to counter 21st century imperialism in whatever forms it takes. The Modi Doctrine can do for the Indian Ocean basin what the Monroe Doctrine did for the Americas. Advertisement Michael Rubin is director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Long-term peace is not possible unless the legitimate aspirations and demands of the people of Balochistan are met read more On Saturday November 9 at least 26 people including 14 Pakistani soldiers were killed and more than 60 injured in a bomb explosion at a crowded railway station in Balochistan, Pakistans restive province. The explosion occurred as nearly 100 passengers were waiting on a platform in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, for a train to Peshawar. Reports suggest that the terrorist attack was aimed at targeting Pakistani army personnel. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that a suicide bomber targeted troops present at the railway station. Advertisement Pakistans Balochistan province is again seeing a surge in deadly attacks, fuelled by demands for independence and control over local resources. Another deadly attack had taken place on August 26, which resulted in at least 70 deaths. The BLA had claimed responsibility for that attack also. Who are these rebels and what is the conflict all about? The BLA is the largest Baloch militant group and has been waging an insurgency against the Pakistani government for decades, seeking independence for Balochistan. It is now allied with the Pakistan Taliban and both target the Pakistan security forces. While the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the most well-known Baloch separatist group, there are other Baloch separatist groups also like Lashkar-e-Balochistan and the Balochistan Liberation Front. These separatist groups argue that the local population does not receive a fair share of the profits from the resources of the province, and that as a result poverty is rife there. Balochistan is the most sparsely populated province of Pakistan. Although it occupies 44 of the land area, its population is just 7 per cent of Pakistans population. Balochistan is rich in mineral resources. Coal, sulphur, chromite, iron ore, barite, marble, quartzite, and limestone are all abundant in the province. Balochistan has significant oil and natural gas reserves also, as well as considerable quantities of copper and gold. The Baloch are a Sunni Muslim ethnic group who live on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border, and also in parts of southern Afghanistan. For decades, efforts for autonomy or independence have been met with violent suppression on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border. In Pakistan, such efforts are viewed as attempts to fragment the nation, while in Iran, the situation is further complicated by the Baloch being a Sunni Muslim minority in a predominantly Shiite country. Advertisement Baloch separatism is deep rooted in history. Balochistan consisted of four princely states under the British Raj Kalat, Makran, Las Bela and Kharan. In 1947, the Khan of Kalat, the ruler of the largest of these princely states chose independence, which was an option given to all the 535 princely states of British India. The other Balochi chiefs also expressed their preference for a separate identity. However, Pakistan sent in its army which forced the Khan of Kalat to give up his independence. The Khan signed the instrument of accession on March 27, 1948, more than seven months after the formation of Pakistan. Even after the accession of Kalat to Pakistan, Baloch separatism has continued to rear its menacing head from time to time. Major conflicts between Baloch separatists and the Pakistan army have taken place regularly. Advertisement When I was posted as Consul in Karachi in the early 1980, I had travelled to Balochistan a few times. I had observed that the Balochis nursed grievances that they are being exploited by the Punjabi dominated ruling elite which includes the army, the political class and the business interests. Their resentment has only grown over time and taken more and more militant forms. It may also be pointed out that Chinese cooperation with the Pakistan government is seen by the BLA as a threat to their cause. The region of Balochistan is a major focus of the China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor(CPEC). The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) opposes the Chinese investments in the province, saying they do not benefit the local people. The influx of Chinese nationals for developing the CPEC has caused conflicts with the BLA and other separatist groups which perceive China as a joint-oppressor. Advertisement The BLA has severely criticised China for ignoring its warnings not to enter into deals and agreements with Pakistan regarding Balochistan. They also accuse Beijing of exploiting their resources and land, and fear that the influx of Chinese investments and workers might further marginalize the Baloch people. A large number of Chinese are working in Gwadar, the port in the restive Balochistan province which is being linked to Chinas Xinjiang province as part of the $65 billion CPEC. Attacks by the militants from the BLA and also from the Pakistan Taliban targeting Chinese nationals had occurred earlier too but they increased sharply since 2018 after construction work on the CPEC projects picked up steam. Chinese nationals have been the victims of terror attacks more commonly in Pakistan than in any other country. Advertisement In November 2018, the Chinese consulate in Karachi was attacked by the militants of BLA. Two police officers were killed in the attack. In June 2020, the BLA also took responsibility for attacks on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, calling it an attack against Chinese exploitative plans in Balochistan. In July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese engineers was hit by another bus which was carrying explosives, killing 13 people including 9 Chinese engineers. In August 2021, a suicide bomber from the BLA targeted a vehicle carrying Chinese nationals in Gwadar. Two children were killed. In April 2022, a female suicide bomber killed three Chinese teachers in Karachi. The BLA claimed to have carried this attack through its first female suicide bomber. In August 2023, a convoy of vehicles carrying Chinese engineers working on the Beijing-financed Gwadar Port in Pakistan was attacked by the militants of the Balochistan Liberation Army. The BLA has said it is conducting attacks to get Chinese-backed projects out of the province and to establish an independent Baloch government. A large number of Balochi guerrilla fighters and civilians have been killed in the operations conducted by the Pakistan army. Thousands of Balochis have also disappeared after they were abducted by Pakistani security forces. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, a non-profit organisation representing family members of those who disappeared in Balochistan, says approximately 7,000 cases have been registered with them since 2004. Another risk is whether the BLA attacks will spark Pakistani cross-border raids into Iran to target BLA positions. It may be recalled that on 18 January this year, Pakistan conducted retaliatory missile attacks in Iran, asserting that it had targeted militants of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front in the south eastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan. These strikes were perceived as a retaliation for the Iranian missile strikes in Pakistan which took place two days earlier. Iran had asserted thatthat it had targeted militants of the Baloch separatist group Jaish ul-Adlin the Pakistani province of Balochstan. Pakistan has alleged that India is supporting the BLA. It has also been accusing India of bankrolling the Free Balochistan advertisement campaign in Europe and the US. What Pakistani leaders fail to realise is that unnecessary finger pointing at India is not the answer. The escalating violence and continuing turmoil in Balochistan is a sign of the fact that the Baloch people want to break free from the clutches of exploitation. They strongly feel that the resources of Balochistan are being stolen for benefiting others and they want to end Punjabi rule over their land. Simply put, they want independence for Balochistan, and they are prepared to die for achieving this goal. Hence, long-term peace is not possible unless the legitimate aspirations and demands of the people of Balochistan are met. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Amazons in-house chips is being developed by Annapurna Labs, an Austin-based start-up, which was acquired by Amazon in 2015 for $350 million. The new AI chip, Trainium 2, is expected to be unveiled next month, promising significant improvements in training large-scale AI models read more Despite Amazons efforts, NVIDIA's dominance remains formidable. NVIDIA reported $26.3 billion in revenue from AI data centre chips in its second fiscal quarter of 2024, a figure that rivals Amazons total earnings from AWS for the same period. Image Credit: Reuters Amazon is preparing to introduce its latest artificial intelligence chips, marking a significant step in its multibillion-dollar investment in semiconductor technology. The objective is to reduce its reliance on NVIDIA, which currently dominates the AI processor market. Amazons cloud computing arm, Amazon Web Services (AWS), is banking on these custom chips to improve efficiency across its data centres, ultimately lowering operational costs and offering more affordable options to its customers. Amazons in-house chips is being developed by Annapurna Labs, an Austin-based start-up, which was acquired by Amazon in 2015 for $350 million. The new AI chip, Trainium 2, is expected to be unveiled next month, promising significant improvements in training large-scale AI models. Advertisement Trainium 2 is already being tested by several companies. Companies who have the Trainium under trial in their processes include, OpenAIs rival Anthropic, Databricks, Deutsche Telekom, and Ricoh of Japan. AWS and Annapurna Labs have trained their guns on NVIDIA. While AWS aims to remain a top-tier platform for running NVIDIA technology, Amazon is keen on providing a viable alternative. The company claims that its existing AI chip line, Inferentia, can deliver AI-generated responses at 40 per cent lower costs, a compelling incentive for enterprises managing hefty machine learning expenses. Amazons ambitious investment in AI infrastructure reflects a broader trend among tech giants. The company anticipates spending roughly $75 billion on technology infrastructure in 2024, a substantial jump from the $48.4 billion spent in 2023. Chief Executive Andy Jassy has signalled that this expenditure could rise even further in 2025. This surge in spending aligns with strategies from other major players like Microsoft and Google, all engaged in an aggressive race to develop AI technology. Analysts note that cloud providers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, remain heavy consumers of NVIDIAs technology. Yet, they are simultaneously developing their own AI chips to achieve greater efficiency and control over their data centre operations. Advertisement Daniel Newman from The Futurum Group highlights a broader industry trend: major companies are racing to build vertical and integrated chip systems to lower costs, improve performance, and secure supply chains. Despite Amazons efforts, NVIDIAs dominance remains formidable. NVIDIA reported $26.3 billion in revenue from AI data centre chips in its second fiscal quarter of 2024, a figure that rivals Amazons total earnings from AWS for the same period. Analysts remain sceptical about Amazons capacity to meaningfully challenge NVIDIAs market stronghold, as AWSs AI infrastructure has yet to make a significant impact. While Amazon refrains from direct performance comparisons between its chips and NVIDIAs, experts believe that offering a credible alternative could reshape the market. Advertisement Patrick Moorhead, a chip consultant, suggests that while NVIDIAs innovation is appreciated, there is growing discomfort with its overwhelming market share. As Amazon pushes forward, the demand for competition in the AI chip sector is only intensifying. When asked if Musk has been responsible for spreading misinformation to billions, Groks response was quite damning. Grok explained that Musks misleading social media posts, particularly those involving the recent presidential election, have been viewed billions of times read more Elon Musk, the CEO of xAI and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has often found himself at the centre of controversy for spreading misinformation. Now, his own AI chatbot, Grok, has candidly highlighted this problem. Grok, which Musk has promoted as a direct and honest AI tool, seems to have pulled no punches when discussing its creators penchant for sharing falsehoods. When asked if Musk has been responsible for spreading misinformation to billions, Groks response was quite damning. It confirmed that there is substantial evidence showing Musk has shared misleading content on various topics, including claims related to elections. Advertisement Grok explained that Musks misleading social media posts, particularly those involving the recent presidential election, have been viewed billions of times. Examples include Musks amplification of manipulated videos and debunked allegations about voting fraud, such as claims of non-citizens voting a staple narrative of election misinformation. Image Credit: X/Grok One of the more glaring incidents Grok highlighted involved Musks endorsement of a video purportedly showing armed gangs storming polling stations in Venezuela. The footage shared as evidence of political unrest, was quickly debunked by other users, who pointed out that it merely depicted a group of thieves stealing air conditioners. Despite the clear factual errors, Musks posts gained significant traction before the truth emerged. Grok also mentioned the limitations of Xs Community Notes feature, designed to fact-check and address misinformation on the platform. Notably, Musk has proudly touted community notes as the best way fact fact-check anyone and everyone and keep X free of ideological biases regardless of ones political inclinations. Notably, the AI pointed out that this tool has often failed to keep up with the rapid spread of false information, allowing Musks claims to circulate widely without correction. While Grok offered a relatively restrained analysis of Musks behaviour, it didnt shy away from pointing out his history of spreading harmful rhetoric. Advertisement It omitted some of the more controversial instances, such as Musks role in amplifying conspiracy theories, endorsing racist ideologies, or sharing fearmongering content about marginalised groups, including immigrants and the transgender community. Ironically, Grok itself has not been immune to spreading misinformation. The chatbot has faced criticism for errors, including providing inaccurate details about the eligibility of political candidates ahead of elections. Additionally, Musk has previously expressed frustration with the AI, even threatening to lobotomise it after finding that its answers skewed too left and libertarian for his liking. The M27QA ICE boasts features a 27-inch IPS non-glare display with a QHD resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. Gamers will appreciate the 180Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 1ms (MPRT) response time with 95 per cent DCI-P3 and 130 per cent sRGB colour gamut coverage read more The M27QA ICE monitor is certified with VESA DisplayHDR400, which enhances contrast and brightness levels for an immersive viewing experience. Image credit: Gigabyte GIGABYTE has introduced its latest offering for gamers and content creators in India: the M27QA ICE Monitor. This sleek, 27-inch display is designed to deliver top-notch performance while sporting a minimalistic white aesthetic that caters to the tastes of style-conscious, younger users. The monitor is part of GIGABYTEs ongoing efforts to combine functionality with modern design, appealing particularly to Indias growing population of middle-class gamers who are on the lookout for premium tech gear. Advertisement Gigabyte M27QA ICE Monitor: Specification The M27QA ICE boasts impressive specifications aimed at enhancing the gaming and content creation experience. It features a 27-inch IPS non-glare display with a QHD resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, making visuals crisp and vivid. Gamers will appreciate the 180Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 1ms (MPRT) response time, ensuring smooth and seamless action scenes. Colour performance is another strong suit, with 95 per cent DCI-P3 and 130 per cent sRGB colour gamut coverage, promising accurate and vibrant visuals. Plus, the monitor is certified with VESA DisplayHDR400, which enhances contrast and brightness levels for an immersive viewing experience. Designed with gamers in mind, the M27QA ICE comes loaded with features that elevate gameplay. It includes AMD FreeSync technology, which synchronises the display with compatible GPUs to prevent screen tearing and deliver smooth graphics. Additional enhancements like the Aim Stabiliser Sync, Black Equaliser, Dashboard, and six-axis Colour Control make gameplay sharper and more engaging, reducing motion blur and giving players a competitive edge. For added convenience, the monitor features OSD Sidekick software. This allows users to tweak display settings and customise profiles effortlessly using a keyboard and mouse. The built-in KVM switch is a practical addition, enabling control of multiple devices with a single set of peripherals, making it perfect for multitaskers. When it comes to connectivity, the GIGABYTE M27QA ICE monitor doesnt disappoint. It includes a USB Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Downstream ports, one USB 3.2 Upstream port, DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its dimensions, barring the stand, are 615.11 x 367.35 x 42.21 mm, and it weighs in at 3.45 kg, making it a compact and stylish addition to any setup. Advertisement Gigabyte M27QA ICE Monitor: Pricing & availability The GIGABYTE M27QA ICE Monitor is priced at INR 29,000 and comes in a clean white colour variant. Its readily available through popular platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as other online and offline retail outlets, offering easy accessibility to tech enthusiasts across India. This latest grant is part of Googles broader push to prepare Indias workforce for an AI-driven future. At the 10th edition of Google for India, held last month, Google unveiled several initiatives. These included the launch of AI Skills House, which aims to provide AI training to 10 million Indians read more Google.org, the philanthropic branch of Google, has awarded a generous $1 million grant to Karya, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering low-income communities by connecting them to learning and earning opportunities powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This funding will fuel Karyas ongoing mission to help tens of thousands of people access paid digital tasks, especially those that can be performed using a Generative AI-driven multilingual chatbot. Designed for users with limited digital literacy, the chatbot will make complex tasks, such as data annotation and feedback provision, easier to handle through smartphones, all while supporting the development of AI models in local languages. Advertisement This latest grant is part of Googles broader push to prepare Indias workforce for an AI-driven future. At the 10th edition of Google for India, held last month, Google unveiled several initiatives. These included the launch of AI Skills House, which aims to provide AI training to 10 million Indians, and a $4 million grant to Central Square Foundation to educate five million students, teachers, and parents about the responsible and meaningful use of AI. The company emphasised its vision of technology as a force for opportunity, one that should be accessible and beneficial to everyone, no matter their background. Karya has ambitious plans for how to use this support. The non-profit will design a comprehensive digital skilling pathway, built on a research-driven curriculum and experience-based assessment framework, translating it into ten major Indic languages. By leveraging Generative AI, Karya will also create a multilingual chatbot to offer real-time assistance on its app and web platforms. This will enable people across varying levels of digital proficiency to engage in AI-related tasks, unlocking new income opportunities in languages they are comfortable with. The chatbot isnt just confined to India. Karya is working on making this tool accessible to partner organisations in Africa, with early research and trials already taking place in Ethiopia, where it supports local language tasks like Amharic. In keeping with its mission of broad impact, Karya plans to make the digital skilling framework and its chatbot development research freely available. This will allow developers, non-profits, government agencies, and worker collectives to build further solutions that democratise digital work access, opening up new income streams for communities worldwide. Karya envisions a world where low-income populations arent just passive beneficiaries of AI but active contributors and creators, laying an ethical foundation for an AI-enabled future. Advertisement Karyas efforts arent just theoretical. Over the past two years, the non-profit has empowered more than 50,000 people in rural India, a staggering 90 per cent of whom come from marginalised communities. These individuals have been engaged in high-value digital tasks like data annotation, which have substantially increased their household incomes. Remarkably, Karyas workers, armed with just smartphones, can earn up to 20 times the local minimum wage. The ultimate goal is not just economic upliftment but also a significant contribution to poverty alleviation in India and beyond. This impactful work is part of a larger narrative about AIs transformative potential, a theme Google has been vocal about. The tech giant recently highlighted the role AI can play in propelling economic growth and fostering inclusive development in its report, An AI Opportunity Agenda for India. Advertisement The report outlines how India, with its rich tech talent and dynamic startup ecosystem, can maximise AIs capabilities for national and global advancement. Googles commitment to global AI education isnt stopping there. At the United Nations 79th General Assembly in September 2024, CEO Sundar Pichai announced the $120 Million Global AI Opportunity Fund. This fund aims to partner with NGOs and nonprofits worldwide to make AI training accessible in local languages, empowering underserved communities to thrive in an AI-driven future. With efforts like these, Google continues to demonstrate its dedication to using AI for good, ensuring that its benefits are distributed widely and equitably, creating new opportunities and uplifting lives around the world. Advertisement Fears over Trumps potential tariffs have compounded Samsungs woes. The former president has proposed a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on imports and a massive 60% levy specifically on Chinese goods. Samsungs stock performance has been bleak, down 34% this year read more Samsung Electronics, the worlds largest memory chip manufacturer, saw its stock drop to its lowest point in over four years on Wednesday. The South Korean tech giant has been grappling with a perfect storm of challenges, from lagging behind competitors in the AI chip market to renewed concerns over potential US tariffs under a Donald Trump administration. The decline marks a significant setback for Samsung, which has struggled compared to global chipmaking giants like TSMC and NVIDIA. Despite the booming demand for artificial intelligence chips, Samsung has failed to capitalise effectively, leaving its stock as one of the worst performers in the semiconductor sector this year. Advertisement Fears over Trumps potential tariffs have compounded Samsungs woes. The former president has proposed a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on imports and a massive 60 per cent levy specifically on Chinese goods. Analysts warn that such measures could severely impact Samsung, which relies heavily on Chinese customers. Lee Min-hee of BNK Investment & Securities highlighted that Samsung could face greater repercussions than local rival SK Hynix, which has been less exposed to Chinese markets and has successfully ramped up sales of high-end AI server chips to US companies like NVIDIA. The ripple effects of these tariff threats have already raised alarm among South Korean officials. President Yoon Suk Yeol voiced concerns that heightened tariffs on Chinese imports could lead Chinese competitors to slash export prices, putting further pressure on Korean chip manufacturers and their ability to compete internationally. Samsungs stock performance has been bleak, down 34 per cent this year and heading for its worst annual decline in over two decades. By contrast, SK Hynix has enjoyed a 32 per cent increase, thanks to its strategic pivot to AI chip sales in the US. NVIDIA, a key player in the AI chip market, has seen an astonishing 199 per cent surge in its stock price this year. As of Wednesday morning, Samsungs shares fell 2.1 per cent, extending a four-session losing streak, and even dipped as low as 51,700 won, marking the lowest level since June 2020. The broader KOSPI index also saw a downturn, slipping 1.5 per cent. Meanwhile, SK Hynix managed to rebound, climbing as much as 2 per cent after two consecutive days of declines. Advertisement The downturn underscores the mounting pressure on Samsung to adjust its strategy and address the rising threats from both global competitors and geopolitical uncertainties. With AI chip demand evolving and trade tensions looming, Samsungs path forward remains uncertain. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, hired 669 Chinese nationals through H-1B visa applications between October 2022 and September 2023, despite the ongoing scrutiny from US officials. TikToks heavy reliance on hiring talent from China stands out read more While TikTok has distanced itself publicly from China, ByteDances role remains evident. The company continues to leverage its Chinese roots, using TikToks Chinese sister app, Douyin, to test features before bringing them to the US market. Image Credit: Reuters Despite the ongoing scrutiny from US officials and a pending legal battle over its future in the country, TikTok has continued to hire a significant number of employees from China for its US operations. According to data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, hired 669 Chinese nationals through H-1B visa applications between October 2022 and September 2023. This marked a 50 per cent increase from the previous year and accounted for the majority of the 1,089 H-1B visa approvals granted to the companies during this period. Advertisement The use of the H-1B visa programme allows companies to recruit foreign workers with specialised skills that are not readily available in the US workforce. However, TikToks heavy reliance on hiring talent from China stands out, with 61 per cent of its approved H-1B applications in 2023 going to Chinese nationals, far surpassing the 12 per cent average across all companies for Chinese applicants. Notably, 14 of these hires were placed in TikToks US Data Security Division (USDS), a team created to safeguard US user data from potential interference by the Chinese government. Roles in this division included positions in data science, fraud strategy, systems analysis, and software engineering. Yet, the hiring of Chinese nationals for security-related roles has raised eyebrows, especially given the national security concerns surrounding TikToks ties to Beijing-based ByteDance. US Senator Tom Cotton has been among the most vocal critics, expressing alarm over foreign nationals working at TikToks offices in the US. In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security in November 2022, he questioned whether these hires undermined TikToks assurances about US-based teams managing American user data. The companys hiring practices come as TikTok faces increasing pressure to sever its ties with ByteDance or risk being banned from US app stores. A law passed in April gave ByteDance a deadline to divest TikToks US assets, with the app potentially facing removal in January if it does not comply. Advertisement TikTok is currently fighting this mandate in court, but experts suggest the company may have limited options if it fails to secure a favourable outcome. Despite the backlash, TikTok argues that its data is managed by a US-based team independent from Chinese oversight and that no information is shared with the Chinese government. Nevertheless, concerns persist, especially given the influence ByteDance exerts over TikTok operations. Previous reports have indicated that key product decisions for TikTok are often made by ByteDance staff in Beijing, and the companys culture reflects its Chinese parents influence through shared values known as ByteStyles. While TikTok has distanced itself publicly from China, ByteDances role remains evident. The company continues to leverage its Chinese roots, using TikToks Chinese sister app, Douyin, to test features before bringing them to the US market. Advertisement Additionally, ByteDance has been involved in connecting Chinese e-commerce experts with US partners for TikToks social-shopping feature, TikTok Shop, further intertwining the operations of both entities. Trumps support for TikTok appears at odds with his prior stance. During a CNBC interview in March, he maintained that the app presents a security risk but argued against a ban, claiming it would benefit competitors like Facebook, which he has criticised since his 2020 election loss read more ByteDance has been actively lobbying to protect TikTok. The company hired former Trump campaign adviser David Urban for $150,000 to lobby lawmakers and spent millions more on in-house and external lobbyists. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters TikTok might be getting a lifeline from former President Donald Trump, who once sought to ban the app. As the popular social media platform braces for a potential ban in mid-January, Trump, now President-elect, has pledged to oppose any efforts to block TikTok, a move he repeated frequently throughout his recent campaign. The app and its parent company, ByteDance, have spent months battling a federal law that requires them to either divest TikToks US operations or stop offering the service in the United States. Advertisement The law, enacted by President Joe Biden in April, grants ByteDance nine months to cut ties, with a potential three-month extension if a divestiture deal is in progress. If ByteDance fails to meet the deadline, TikTok could be removed from US app stores on 19 January, just a day before Trumps inauguration. Both sides are awaiting a ruling from a federal appeals court by 6 December, and any unfavorable outcome is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, which could further prolong the legal battle. Despite TikToks denials that it poses a national security threat, concerns persist about its ties to China, given that ByteDance is based in Beijing. US officials fear the company could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government. Trumps support for TikTok appears at odds with his prior stance. During a CNBC interview in March, he maintained that the app presents a security risk but argued against a ban, claiming it would benefit competitors like Facebook, which he has criticised since his 2020 election loss. While some suggest the change in position might be influenced by ByteDance investor Jeff Yass, Trump has denied any direct link. ByteDance has been actively lobbying to protect TikTok. The company hired former Trump campaign adviser David Urban for $150,000 to lobby lawmakers and spent millions more on in-house and external lobbyists. Advertisement Kellyanne Conway, another former Trump aide, has also been engaged by the Yass-backed conservative group Club for Growth to advocate for TikTok. However, Conway and Urban have not commented on their roles, and TikTok has declined to provide any statement. Even if the law is upheld, Trumps Justice Department would need to enforce it. This would mean pressuring app stores to remove TikTok and internet providers to stop supporting it, though legal experts note the attorney general could decide how rigorously to pursue these measures. Trump could also issue an executive order to override the ban or push Congress to repeal the law, though this would require cooperation from Republicans, many of whom remain wary of TikToks ties to China. Advertisement Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, stated that Trumps long-standing concerns about TikTok align with the law, suggesting there may be room for negotiations. Analysts, however, believe a forced sale of TikTok is unlikely to include the proprietary algorithm that powers its content, making any deal complicated. Trump may revisit the issue with fresh intelligence once in office, potentially leading to a shift in his stance. Experts like Harvards Leah Plunkett advise TikTok to prepare a divestiture plan to minimise risks, given the uncertainty surrounding Trumps administration and its future actions. For now, TikToks fate remains in legal limbo, with the former president unexpectedly playing a pivotal role in its potential survival. Advertisement The study involved 326 college students, all aged between 18 and 30, who were put through a series of tests to measure how phone addiction translated into physical pain. About 43.3 per cent of these young adults reported neck pain, and 42.9 per cent were suffering from shoulder pain read more A recent study titled "Smartphone Addiction and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Pain" has flagged some concerning links between extended phone use and pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, and hands. Image Credit: Pexels While smartphones are notorious for causing eye strain and messing with our mental focus, a new burning question has cropped up: could they also be speeding up the ageing process? Well, a recent research paper is pointing to a troubling link between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal pain, a condition that is often associated with ageing. A recent study titled Smartphone Addiction and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Pain has flagged some concerning links between extended phone use and pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, and hands. Advertisement Smartphones wreaking havoc Conducted by researchers in Bangladesh and India, the paper specifically looked at how being glued to our phones impacts us physically. And it seems our beloved gadgets are not just bad news for our psyches but for our bodies too. The study involved 326 college students, all aged between 18 and 30, who were put through a series of assessments. Tools like the Smartphone addiction scale-short form (SAS-SF), Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), Neck disability index (NDI), Oxford elbow score (OEC), and Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ) and several others were used to measure how phone addiction translated into physical pain. The results were disturbing, to say the least. A whopping 43.3 per cent of these young adults reported neck pain, and 42.9 per cent were suffering from shoulder pain. Meanwhile, 27.9 per cent experienced elbow discomfort. Whats even more shocking is that 69.2 per cent of the participants were considered moderately to severely addicted to their smartphones. And it wasnt just one body part taking the hit the pain was widespread, shifting from neck to hand and elbow. How increased phone usage leads to musculoskeletal pain So, how does your smartphone wreak this havoc on your body? Well, it mainly comes down to poor posture. Long hours of screen time force users into a forward head position, which strains the cervical spine and leads to persistent neck pain. Advertisement Add to that the muscle tension from constantly holding your phone or using your thumbs for texting, and youve got a recipe for sore shoulders, elbows, and even wrist injuries. The repetitive thumb movements and the unnatural angles at which we bend our wrists while tapping away are no joke, potentially leading to long-term musculoskeletal issues. Ignoring these pains could come with serious consequences, like chronic conditions that drastically lower your quality of life. With smartphone addiction only growing, researchers suggest better ergonomic awareness and regular breaks to keep things from escalating. Avoiding smartphone-induced musculoskeletal pain Cutting out smartphones is unrealistic. But there are ways to minimise the damage. Start with your posture: holding your phone at eye level, with your head up and shoulders back, can make a world of difference. When watching movies on your device, invest in a phone stand to keep it at a comfortable angle. Advertisement Also, dont forget the eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is your new best friend: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple trick helps reset and relax your eyes, reducing the risk of headaches and eye strain. Also, keep your screen brightness matched to your surroundings and blink often to avoid dry eyes. And, your hands need care too. Repetitive actions like texting can result in thumb tendonitis while holding the phone close to your ear can give you cell phone elbow. Mix things up during long calls by switching ears or using headphones. Also, use both hands to ease the strain on your thumbs when youre texting extensively and try to keep your wrists straight to ward off joint inflammation. Advertisement So, if your smartphone is giving you more than just a mental workout, its time to take action. Better habits and posture adjustments could save you a world of pain and maybe even keep you feeling younger. The latest controversy emerged after Italian judges rejected the detention of a group of migrants transferred to Italian-run centers in Albania, referring the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) read more Elon Musk, now set to play an important role in the Trump administration, has sparked outrage in Italy with his comments. AP Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy Tuesday (November 12) after weighing in on Italys hard-right governments migrant policy, days after calling Germanys chancellor a fool. Musks comments prompted swift backlash from Italian officials, lawyers, and the opposition. The latest controversy emerged after Italian judges rejected the detention of a group of migrants transferred to Italian-run centers in Albania, referring the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Judges had blocked a similar transfer last month, citing an ECJ ruling questioning Italys designation of some countries as safe for migrant repatriations, Fortune reported. Advertisement These judges need to go, Musk wrote on X, the social network he owns. Musks comment drew praise from Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the anti-immigration League party, who replied, Elon Musk is right. However, opposition leaders reacted with outrage. The center-left Democratic Party called Musks remarks unacceptable interference, while lawyer Ernesto Carbone, a member of Italys High Council of the Judiciary, warned that Musk represented a danger to democracy. Italys National Magistrates Association expressed its stupefaction, with vice-president Alessandra Maddalena stating, It is no longer the independence of the judiciary that is in question here, but the sovereignty of the Italian state. On Wednesday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, widely regarded as a moral authority, publicly rebuked Musk. Italy is a great democratic country that knows how to look after itself while respecting its Constitution, Mattarella said, advising Musk to refrain from giving lessons. The situation is a sign of mounting tensions surrounding Italys migrant policies, a key focus for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in 2022 promising to reduce migrant arrivals. Her government has faced court challenges over a year-old policy to process asylum applications in Albania for migrants from so-called safe countries, marking the first time an EU nation would process migrants outside its borders. Italian courts have so far blocked the effort. Advertisement On Monday, Italian judges referred a case involving seven migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh to the ECJ, seeking clarification on safe-country designations. Melonis government recently amended Italys safe-country list to address legal concerns, but the courts continue to scrutinize the policy. With inputs from agencies Researchers funded by the US government left pathogen samples abroad without safeguards or arrangements for their return and were not aware of work being done by Chinese researchers, according to documents recently made public read more Amid yearslong scrutiny of risky viral research in China since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, newly-released documents have flagged more safety and transparency issues around such work. In around 2,800 pages of communication between New York-based non-governmental organisation EcoHealth Alliance and US government-funded One Health Institute at the University of California, Davis (UC-Davis), researchers discuss pathogen research across the world, including in China, and funding for such work. The emails reveal that the work was being done without adequate safeguards and oversight. Advertisement The EcoHealth Alliance is at the centre of investigations into the origin of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease. For years prior to the outbreak, the EcoHealth Alliance collaborated with Chinese researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) to conduct gain of function (GoF) research on coronaviruses. Such risky research is at the centre of suspicions that a lab accident could have led to the outbreak in Wuhan that subsequently spread to the world and caused the pandemic. These documents have been released under the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and have been published publicly by US Right to Know, a public health-centred investigative news organisation. The One Health Institute of UC Davis ran the federal programme called PREDICT (Emerging Pandemic Threats program). During 2014-19, it managed a federal budget of $100 million from which it made grants to institutions, including the EcoHealth Alliance which further made sub-grants to researchers abroad, including the WIV in China. US-funded viral research lacked transparency or safeguards, show docs The idea behind the PREDICT programme was to strengthen global capacity to detect and discover zoonotic viruses with the potential of causing pandemic zoonotic viruses are those that jump from animals to humans. While the purported objective of such a programme was to strengthen global disease surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for known and newly-discovered viruses, and surely lot of such work was done, the programme has come under the scanner for funding researchers who handled viruses poorly. On August 1, 2019, One Health Project Scientist Corina Grigorescu Monagin wrote to Ava Sullivan, the coordinator of PREDICT in India, and inquired about the safety and nature of work being done in China and India along with Southeast Asian and African nations. She also inquired about the return of these samples. Advertisement This indicates that Monagin, who led the Global Monitoring and Evaluation at PREDICT, was not aware of the kind of work that her institute was funding and was unaware how virus samples collected from such work were being handled. In China, Monagin asked who would be handling the samples at GDCDC, which appears to be a reference to Guangdong Centres for Disease Control. She further asked whether any samples were collected in Yunnan province. This indicates that Monagin was unaware of the scale of viral research that her institute was funding, raising questions of transparency. Monagin also inquired how samples would be returned from China, India, Liberia, and Congo after the completion of a project. In Liberia, she asked whether facilities had back-up generators and will the samples be secure, who will be responsible for them? (sic), indicating that the One Health Institute lacked basic information about the facilities where samples from the research it funded were being kept. Advertisement Monagin went on to flag damning safety concerns at the lab in Congo. LNSP has not had stable power or a secure facility for 10 years. Is it realistic to think this will occur before September 30, 2019? If not, what is the plan? It is unclear how long INRB will hold PREDICT samples, are there other options for these samples? asked Monagin, referring to the Laboratoire National de Sante Publique in Congos capital Brazzaville. Email from One Health Project Scientist Corina Grigorescu Monagin to Ava Sullivan, the coordinator or PREDICT in India. (Photo: US RTK) Commenting on these revelations, US RTKs Emily Kopp wrote on X (formerly Twitter): It shows EcoHealth Alliance may have left novel viruses in the freezers of other countries. That may explain why the U.S. underwrote the Wuhan Institute of Virologys coronavirus hunting expeditions, yet cannot reach a conclusion about whether the lab had a progenitor to Covid. Advertisement The scale of US funds flowing into China Even as the US Department of State, which funds US AID which in turn funded PREDICT at UC Davis, cut all grants for distribution to China and India, the flow of money from the United States to China was so extensive that grants continued to flow, according to documents released under the FOIA to US RTK and Congressional reports reviewed by Firstpost. On June 25, 2019, Elizabeth Leasure, the One Health Institutes Financial Operations Manager, said in an email that the US AID had cut all funds for China and India and only minimal funds had been released for Congo and Bangladesh. While the batch of documents released under FOIA do not show why funds to China and India were stopped, a separate report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2023 said that funds were stopped finally over biosafety concerns at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). The UC Davis suspended the subaward at the direction of the National Institutes of Health in May 2020 due to biosafety concerns at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) cited by the agency. The University did not disburse funds to WIV, including for work already performed from August 2019 and through February 2020, said the GAO in its report. Advertisement However, the suspension of funds to China by UC Davis-run One Health Institute at the directions of the federal government did not mean funds stopped going to China. In November 2019, the documents show that Prof. Xiangming Xiao of Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology at the University of Oklahoma had secured a grant to study avian influenza viruses in China from the federal National Science Foundation (NSF). In another email, a staffer whose name has been redacted identified Xiao as a Chinese national and said his NSF-funded research involves artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Hongying Li, a Senior Program Manager and Senior Research Scientist at EcoHealth Alliance, told this unnamed staffer that Peter Daszak, the President of EcoHealth Alliance, knew Xiao well. He had also sought to be connected with Daszak and was eventually put in touch with Daszak and Li. What came out of their association is not known. This shows that even as the Department of State, headed by China hawk Mike Pompeo at the time under the first Trump administration, cut funds for China, US government funds continued to flow into China through other routes as the linkages were widespread. The widespread linkages were later revealed in greater detail in GAO audit of US funding of Chinese institutions in 2023. Failure of check US funding of GoF research in China Chinas Wuhan is home to Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), which is the world leader in research on viruses including coronaviruses, including the gain of function (GoF) research. The GoF research refers to the kind of research that gives an organism characteristics it does not naturally have. In context of viral or pathogen research, the GoF research refers to modifying a virus or any pathogen to insert characteristics, such as more transmissibility or severability, or giving it features it does not have, such as the capability to infect organisms it would not have naturally infected. Right up to the outbreak of Covid-19, the WIV was conducting GoF research on coronaviruses, led by Shi Zhengli, worlds leading authorities on coronaviruses nicknamed Bat Woman. Such research at WIV and other Chinese institutions was being funded in part by US government funds and EcoHealth Alliance was at the centre of disseminating these funds to these institutions. During 2014-21, the GAO found that US government funds of over $2 million were received by WIV, Wuhan University, and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences. The GAO noted that the total amount could be much more than that as information on sub-awards that fall below $30,000 and those below the first tier (e.g., second tier or third tier) is not required to be reported in government-wide systems. In the same report, the GAO said that US government failed to stop the flow of funds for GoF research during the three-year period when funding of GoF research was banned. In October 2014, the-then Obama administration had banned the government funding of GoF research. The ban was later lifted in 2017 by the first Trump administration. However, even when the ban was in place, the US government could not enforce it, according to GAO. While the US grants before October 2014 could be used for GoF research as the ban had not yet been imposed, the follow-up grants in 2016 had conditions that grantee EcoHealth Alliance and sub-grantee WIV had to stop experiments with the specified viruses [under GoF framework] and provide relevant data to NIH [National Institutes of Health] if the bat coronaviruses under experiment at WIV showed increased viral growth above a certain threshold, according to GAO. Later, in 2021, the NIH concluded that EcoHealth Alliance had violated these two directions and again asked for unpublished data from experiments at WIV. No such data was provided. Then, the NIH suspended the grants on the basis of material non-compliance for, among other reasons, WIVs failure to turn over that data, according to the GAO report. Credit: US Government Accountability Office (GAO) EcoHealth Alliances centrality to Covid-origin probe Nearly five years after the Covid-19 outbreak in China, little is known for sure around its origin. Even though it was said in the beginning, even by the World Health Organization (WHO), that the SARS-CoV-2 likely came from a bat, no animal source has been found in nearly five years since the outbreak. Meanwhile, the hypothesis that the virus could have leaked from a lab has acquired traction as it has been learnt that WIV, next door to where the first outbreak was reported, was conducting GoF research on coronaviruses for years up to the first reported outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan. It has also been learnt that a bunch of top US scientists and EcoHealth Alliance were collaborating with WIV researchers on such risky research. Just before the Covid-19 outbreak was reported in November, scientists connected to the GoF research at the WIV fell sick with Covid-like symptoms, according to later reports by the US Department of State and the intelligence community. In 2022, a separate report by the US Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) reported that the WIV had reported a series of biosafety concerns in the run-up to the first Covid-19 outbreak in 2019. With such a body of evidence, more and more public figures and scientists have called for a deeper systemic investigation of the possibility of a lab leak at Wuhan causing the Covid-19 pandemic. China the worlds second-largest economy is grappling with a prolonged housing crisis and sluggish consumption that could worsen under Trump, who has promised to slap 60 percent tariffs on Chinese imports read more Chinese leader Xi Jinping headed to Peru on Wednesday, bound for a meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organisation leaders overshadowed by fears of renewed global trade tensions under Donald Trump. Xi will join leaders from the United States and other Asia-Pacific nations in the Peruvian capital Lima for the APEC gathering, after which he will go to Brazil for a G20 summit. China the worlds second-largest economy is grappling with a prolonged housing crisis and sluggish consumption that could worsen under Trump, who has promised to slap 60 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. While in Peru, the Chinese leader will also inaugurate South Americas first Chinese-funded port, in Chancay, around 50 miles (80 kilometres) north of Lima. Advertisement Expected to serve as a major trade hub, the $3.5-billion complex is seen as symbolic of Beijings growing influence in South America, where it has built a vast array of railways, highways and other infrastructure. Bilateral trade between the Asian giant and Peru, one of Latin Americas fastest-growing economies over the past decade, stood at nearly $36 billion in 2023, making Peru Chinas fourth-largest Latin American trading partner. The Chancay port will also serve Chile, Colombia and Ecuador, among other South American countries, allowing them to skirt ports in Mexico and the United States for trade with Asia. Starting Wednesday, Lima will receive government ministers and business leaders of APEC member countries, which also include Russia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Chile and Australia. Ministerial meetings will take place Thursday, followed by talks at the level of heads of state the following two days. State broadcaster CCTV said Xi will be accompanied in Peru by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Peru to Brazil After Lima, Xi will go to the Brazilian coastal city of Rio de Janeiro from November 17 to 21 for a summit of G20 leaders. China is Brazils top trading partner, exceeding $180 billion in each-way trade in 2023, with semiconductors, phones and pharmaceuticals dominating exports to the South American country. Advertisement Since returning to power last year, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has carried out a delicate balancing act as he seeks to deepen ties with China while improving relations with the United States. Both Brazil and China have sought to position themselves as mediators in the conflict in Ukraine, while declining to sanction Russia for its invasion. A visit this year by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin was seen as paving the way for Brazil to join Chinas massive Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure project. A number of South American nations, including Peru, have signed up to the initiative, a central pillar of President Xis bid to expand Chinas clout overseas. Advertisement US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel on Wednesday to implement real and extended pauses in the fighting in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, as a US-imposed 30-day deadline to improve conditions in the region ended today read more US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talks to the press following a North Atlantic Council Meeting at NATO's headquarters during his one-day visit in Brussels for Ukraine talks with NATO chief, European Union diplomacy boss and Ukraine's Foreign Minister, on Wednesday. Reuters US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel on Wednesday to implement real and extended pauses in the fighting in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, as a US-imposed 30-day deadline to improve conditions in the region ended today. Blinken acknowledged that Israel had taken several steps to address the humanitarian crisis ahead of the deadline set by the Biden administration, but emphasised that more actions were still required. We need to see real and extended pauses in large areas of Gaza, pauses in any fighting, any combat, so that the assistance can effectively get to people who need it, AFP quoted Blinken as telling reporters during a visit to Brussels. Gaza has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis since Israel launched an extensive military offensive in response to Hamass unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023. Advertisement In an effort to address the worsening situation, last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote to Israeli officials, setting a deadline of November 13 for Israel to comply with US laws regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid. The letter warned that failure to meet the deadline could result in a reduction of US military assistance to Israel. The intent was to inject a sense of urgency with Israel to take necessary steps to address the dire humanitarian situation, Blinken was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Israel has since moved to implement 12 of the 15 steps the US urged action on, but three big issues still needed to be addressed. Enacting extended pauses in fighting was one. The other two were allowing commercial trucks into the Palestinian territory and rescinding evacuation orders so that people could return to an area after Israel completed operations there, he said. Short of ending the war, which we believe now is the time to move to that, we have to see these humanitarian steps fully implemented, Blinken said. Meanwhile, the Biden administration said on Tuesday that it will not limit arms transfers to Israel as it had threatened to a month ago if the the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza does not improve, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement The US said that Israel has made some good but limited progress in increasing the flow of aid to the war-torn enclave. State department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said the progress to date must be supplemented and sustained but we, at this time, have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of US law. It requires recipients of military assistance to adhere to international humanitarian law and not impede the provision of such aid, reported AP. We are not giving Israel a pass, Patel said, adding that the steps Israel has taken have not yet made a significant enough difference. We want to see the totality of the humanitarian situation improve, and we think some of these steps will allow the conditions for that to continue to progress, he added. Hamass October 7 attack resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Advertisement Israels retaliatory campaign has killed at least 43,665 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territorys health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. With inputs from agencies The Canadian police has arrested Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, designated as a terrorist by India, after they found that he was shot at by his own aide instead being attacked by the hitmen sent by his rival Lawrence Bishnoi which he claimed earlier read more Canada, which has accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without offering any proof, appears to stand on sticky ground with a new probe indicating its own failures in combating crimes. The Canadian police that arrested Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, a designated terrorist by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) and a close aide of Nijjar, have now found that Dalla was shot at by his own aide. He earlier claimed that hitmen sent by his rival Lawrence Bishnoi had attacked him. Advertisement Dalla, 27, who has been leading the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) after Nijjars killing in June 2023, was arrested and charged in a case related to the shooting in Ontario on October 28. In the shooting incident, Dalla too was injured in the arm. After the incident, Dalla claimed he had been fired upon by hitmen engaged by his rival Lawrence Bishnoi, but following the investigation by the Canadian cops, it was found that the bullet that wounded him was fired by his own aide. Dalla cooked story of him being a victim of Bishnoi According to a report by The Times of India, Dalla and his associate Gurjant Singh cooked a story of him being a victim of Bishnoi to mislead the cops, following which an investigation was initiated by the local police to look into his allegation. Appearing to be unaware of Dallas antecedents, the local police soon found out the truth. They immediately requested for his three-day remand and carried out a search-and-seizure operation at his home. At the same time, the local cops alerted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadas federal police which seemingly is of Indias interest in Dalla because of his involvement in serious crimes. During the searches, a cache of arms and ammunition, including a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol and two high-capacity magazines of 15 and 35 rounds were recovered from Dallas premises. Dalla and his aide will be produced in a local court on Wednesday. As per the complaint filed by the local police, Dalla and Singh reached Guelph Hospital around 4 am on October 28 in a Dodge Durango SUV. Around 4:15 am, the hospital informed the cops about a man with a gunshot wound. Advertisement The duo told the police that Dalla received the gunshot wound after an unknown vehicle drew up beside their SUV which they were driving in Guelph Line, north of Highway 401 in Milton, Region of Halton, and allegedly started firing shots into their vehicle. Who is Arsh Dalla? Dalla was designated as an individual terrorist by NIA in 2023. Dalla is among the Khalistani terrorists listed out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for whom India has made extradition requests to Canada. He started off as a small-time gangster in Punjabs Moga before fleeing to Canada in 2018 where he met with KTF chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar and began collaborating with him. In a chargesheet filed in July 2023, NIA alleged that Dalla used his connections in Punjab to form a terrorist gang. Advertisement He, along with Nijjar, raised funds through extortion and targeted killings of businessmen and leaders from specific communities in Punjab, the chargesheet stated. Also Read: Who is Arshdeep Dalla, Nijjar aide, detained in Canada? Why is he a wanted man in India? He is also accused of involvement in terror financing and extortion in Punjab. A look-out notice was also issued against Dalla by the Punjab police, with then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh handing over a list of Khalistani terrorists to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2018. Meanwhile, a report in Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail described Dalla as a plumber in Surrey who frequented the Guru Nanak Darbar gurdwara, where Nijjar was the president. Advertisement Dallas network spans Canada, the US, Dubai, Europe, the Philippines, Thailand, and West Asia. According to a report by India Today, Dallas operations are believed to be supported by Pakistans ISI. He is also involved in smuggling weapons from Pakistan to Punjab with the help of drones. He has also carried out terror acts in collaboration with Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). As per reports, Dalla has also been actively using various social media platforms to recruit youth from Punjab and Haryana, luring them with promises of helping them settle abroad. With reports from agencies. Tensions between China and the Philippines have been building over their competing claims to Scarborough Shoal and other outcrops in the South China Sea. Clashes have occurred including the Chinese coast guard firing water cannons at Filipino ships read more China held sea and air combat drills Wednesday at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, an uninhabited area of reefs and rocks it had seized from the Philippines in the South China Sea. China on Sunday published new baselines for the shoal including geographic coordinates. A nations territorial waters and exclusive economic zones are typically defined as the distance from the baselines. Tensions between China and the Philippines have been building over their competing claims to Scarborough Shoal and other outcrops in the South China Sea. Clashes have occurred including the Chinese coast guard firing water cannons at Filipino ships. Advertisement This is a patrol and guard activity carried out by the theatre troops in accordance with the law, the Peoples Liberation Armys southern command said in a short statement. 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. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador in Manila to protest Chinas baselines around Scarborough Shoal. The department said the baselines infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law, particularly the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitration. The baselines have no legal basis and are not binding on the Philippines, it said. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws last week reaffirming the extent of his countrys maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, in a move that angered China. Chinas claims to almost the entire sea overlap with claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and other governments. Advertisement Washington is actively collaborating with Japan and South Korea to address security concerns tied to North Koreas defence cooperation with Moscow read more Banners displaying the NATO logo are placed at the entrance of new NATO headquarters during the move to the new building, in Brussels, Belgium April 19, 2018. REUTERS The United States expressed growing concern on Wednesday (November 13) over Russias deepening relationship with North Korea, especially regarding possible technology exchanges between the two nations. Speaking at a forum on nuclear and radiological terrorism in Bucharest, Under Secretary of State Bonnie Jenkins said Washington is actively collaborating with Japan and South Korea to address security concerns tied to North Koreas defence cooperation with Moscow. Jenkins remarks echoed recent comments from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who warned in Brussels that Moscows engagement with Pyongyang could bolster North Koreas defense and nuclear capabilities. Advertisement We dont have anything definitive in terms of nuclear technology going from Russia to the DPRK (North Korea), but obviously we have an overall concern about the developing relationship between the two countries, Jenkins said in her interview. She noted that in addition to technology exchanges, the alliance raises concerns about North Koreas reported provision of at least 10,000 troops to Russia, stationed in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine. While the Pentagon could not confirm that North Korean forces were actively engaged in combat in Ukraine, officials said such support for Russias defence sector pointed to the intersection of security challenges in Europe and Asia. Need to focus on Asian partnerships The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and US officials stressed that North Koreas support for Russias war economy highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships in Asia. The United States is responding by solidifying ties with its Asian allies. Theres working with like-minded countries to make it very obvious and very clear in the international community how much of a concern it is, Jenkins said. She added that the US is enhancing its commitments to allies South Korea and Japan through extended deterrence talks to reassure them of Washingtons ironclad commitments to their defense. Jenkins also noted that, despite repeated US calls, China has yet to engage in meaningful discussions on reducing nuclear risks. Although China recently provided pre-notifications to several nations ahead of a ballistic missile test, Jenkins said the US seeks a more sustained dialogue with Beijing on managing nuclear security risks. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Dr Paoleilei Luteru, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States said that climate change poses temporary destruction in most places but for small island nations, it is a question of survival read more The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections has brought worry to small island nations who believe that his pledge to leave the Paris Climate Agreement is of grave, grave concern. Talking to The Guardian, Ambassador Dr Paoleilei Luteru, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States said during the COP29 Summit, Our survival is very much at risk. Luteru, who is the permanent representative of Samoa at the UN, added that climate change poses temporary destruction in most places but for small island nations, it is a question of survival. Advertisement As the worlds largest economy and top contributor to historic emissions, the US has an ethical responsibility to lead the climate fight, he said. This is not just a crisis for small island developing states. Although we are the ones at the forefront, it will come to everyone if we do not act. The US doesnt live on a different planet. Trump set to pull out from Paris Agreement Trumps transition team has prepared executive orders and proclamations on withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and shrinking the size of some national monuments to allow more drilling and mining, the New York Times reported last week. Trump is also expected to end the pause on permitting new liquefied natural gas exports to big markets in Asia and Europe and revoke a waiver that allows California and other states to have tighter pollution standards, according to the report. Trump promised during his campaign to take many of the actions listed in the report. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, said in a response to a Reuters request that the results of Tuesdays election gave him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver. IMF, World Bank pledge to work with Trump Meanwhile, officials at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have said that they would collaborate with the Republican leader, despite apprehensions about his policy towards climate change. Asked about the impact of Trumps election on the IMFs climate work, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said she was confident that the US private sector would continue to invest in green technologies. It is the business proposition to stay ahead of the curve, and I have no doubt that this will continue, she said. With inputs from agencies An entire generation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip would be denied the right to education if the United Nations Palestinian relief agency UNRWA collapses in the enclave under new Israeli legislation, the head of UNRWA warned on Wednesday read more A Palestinian carries an aid box distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on November 4, 2024. Reuters File An entire generation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip would be denied the right to education if the United Nations Palestinian relief agency UNRWA collapses in the enclave under new Israeli legislation, the head of UNRWA warned on Wednesday. Israels parliament passed a law last month that will ban UNRWA from operating in the country when it takes effect in late January. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said its implementation will have catastrophic consequences. Advertisement In Gaza, dismantling UNRWA will collapse the United Nations humanitarian response, which relies heavily on the agencys infrastructure, he told a UN General Assembly committee. Glaringly absent from discussions about Gaza without UNRWA, is education. In the absence of a capable public administration or state, only UNRWA can deliver education to more than 660,000 girls and boys across Gaza. In the absence of UNRWA, an entire generation will be denied the right to education, he said, warning that this would sow the seeds for marginalization and extremism. He again pushed U.N. member states to act to prevent the implementation of the Israeli legislation. UNRWA was established in 1949 following the war surrounding the founding of Israel in the previous year. It provides aid, health and education to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Israels ally the United States has described the role of UNRWA in Gaza as indispensable. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Tuesday that it was of urgent importance that Israel pause implementation of the law. However, the legislation is due to take effect in late January, just days after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office for a second four-year term. If his first term is any indication, Trump is likely to pursue a strongly pro-Israel approach, going even beyond the solid support given by President Joe Biden. Advertisement The U.N. Security Council has backed UNRWA and strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle or diminish it. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told Israel that replacing UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank would be Israels responsibility as the occupying power. The U.N. views Gaza and the West Bank as Israeli-occupied territory. We left Gaza completely in 2005. We disengaged, we gave the keys to the Palestinian Authority, Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters after Lazzarinis briefing. Now we are in a war after we were attacked and we act according to international law; thats why we provide humanitarian support and we cooperate with many UN agencies, he said. We are willing to cooperate, but not with terrorists. Advertisement Israel says UNRWA staff took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. The UN has said nine UNRWA staff may have been involved and had been fired. A Hamas commander in Lebanon - killed by Israel - was also found to have had an UNRWA job. The Israeli military said in two statements that it intercepted two drones and 40 projectiles launched from Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and said that the attack had caused no injuries read more Lebanon's Hezbollah militants parade with a missile. It is said that the militant group has amassed an arsenal of rockets, missiles, and mortars with more firepower than many Nato armies. File image/AFP Hezbollah on Wednesday (November 13) said it launched a drone attack targeting Israels military headquarters and ministry of defence in the capital city of Tel Aviv. The Iran-backed militant group said it conducted an aerial attack with a squadron of exploding drones. In a statement on Telegram, Hezbollah mentioned that the base served as the headquarters for the Israeli war ministry and general staff, as well as the war management room and the air forces war control and supervision authority. Advertisement The Israeli military said in two statements that it intercepted two drones and 40 projectiles launched from Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and said that the attack had caused no injuries. The statements did not specify what sites had been targeted. No visible end to Israel-Hezbollah war Meanwhile, Israels recently-appointed defence minister, Israel Katz, said that the country wont take foot off the pedal in its war with Hezbollah. We will make no ceasefires, we will not take our foot off the pedal, and we will not allow any arrangement that does not include the achievement of our war objectives, Katz said on his first visit to the border region since his appointment. Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when the Israeli military intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon and deployed ground troops across the border. Hezbollah initiated low-intensity strikes on Israel in 2023, saying it had done so to express solidarity with its ally Hamas following the militant groups attack on Israel on October 7. According to the Lebanese health ministry, more than 3,300 people have been killed in Lebanon since the violence erupted last year, the majority of casualties occurring since late September. Advertisement With inputs from AFP The visit comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump a noted hawk on Iran winning the US presidential election and also amid tit-for-tat attacks by Iran and its sworn enemy Israel read more Rafael Grossi, the chief of International Atomic Energy Agency, arrived in Irans capital Tehran on Wednesday (November 13) for key talks on the countrys nuclear programme. He was greeted at the airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran or AEOI. Grossi is scheduled to meet with Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), as well as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Thursday (November 14). Araghchi was the chief negotiator in the nuclear talks between Tehran and the major powers that led to the 2015 agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Advertisement The timing of the visit is rather important. The Trump threat to Iran Grossis trip comes just one week after Donald Trump a noted hawk on Iran won the US presidential election. It was Trump who had, in his first term, unilaterally withdrawn the US from the nuclear deal and reimposed heavy sanctions on Iran. His return to the White House have boosted fears of rising tensions between Iran and the US. Israel-Iran tensions The visit also comes against the backdrop of tit-for-tat attacks by Iran and its sworn enemy, Israel. Iran has threatened to hit back at Israel for its latest missile strikes. Amid these threats, some lawmakers in the country have called on the Islamic Republics government to revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue nuclear weapons. While Iran does not have any nuclear weapons at this this moment in time, it does have plenty of nuclear materials that could be used eventually to make a weapon. Israel, too, has recently warned that Iran was more exposed than ever to strikes on its nuclear facilities. With President Masoud Pezeshkian, a moderate, in power in Iran, there is chance of progress during talks. Scope for optimism, however, is limited since the final decision-maker in the country is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not a moderate. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Lab leak is the only explanation credibly supported by our intelligence, science, and common sense for the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic, said John Ratcliffe at a Congressional hearing last year, whom Trump has picked as the next CIA Director read more John Ratcliffe, the incoming Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), has said that lab-leak is the only possible explanation for the origin of Covid-19. US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Ratcliffe as the Director of CIA in his second term. He had previously served as the Director of National Intelligence in his first term. Ratcliffe is the latest China hawk to be added to Trumps incoming administration. He is also among the growing group of public figures leaning towards the lab-origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement The idea that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19 disease, could have originated in a lab in Chinas Wuhan was initially rejected as a conspiracy theory by much of the mainstream media, but as no proof of natural origin has emerged and a consistent trickle of evidence has emerged indicating a possible lab-origin, the opinion has shifted in recent years. In a testimony last year to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Ratcliffe had said: My informed assessment as a person with as much access as anyone to our governments intelligence has been and continues to be that a lab leak is the only explanation credibly supported by our intelligence, by science and by common sense." Ratcliffe further said, If our intelligence and evidence supporting a lab leak was placed side by side with our intelligence and evidence pointing to a natural origins or spillover theory, the lab leak side of the ledger would be long, convincing, even overwhelming while the spillover side would be nearly empty and tenuous. Ratcliffe has also accused China of covering up efforts to understand the origin of the pandemic. China resorted to destroying medical tests, samples and data to intimidating and disappearing witnesses and journalists to lying and coercing global health authorities even spreading propaganda, said Ratcliffe at the hearing. Ratcliffe also criticised CIA in the hearing, the intelligence agency he would be heading in January. Advertisement To this day, the CIA, unquestionably the worlds premier spy agency with an unrivaled capacity to acquire information, has continued to state that it does not have enough information to make any formal assessmentTo put it bluntly, this is unjustifiableand a reflection not that the agency cant make an assessment with any confidence, but that it wont, said Ratcliffe. Anyone - especially if they are preparing, as announced, to occupy an important role in the government of a friendly and allied country - must respect (that countrys) sovereignty and cannot make it his business to give lessons, Sergio Mattarella said in a statement read more Italian President Sergio Mattarella reprimanded Elon Musk Wednesday for wading into a fraught debate over the hard-right government in Romes migrant policy, urging the billionaire to refrain from giving lessons. Italy is a great democratic country that knows how to look after itself while respecting its Constitution, said Mattarella, a highly-respected moral authority in Italy, despite his role being essentially ceremonial. Musk - the worlds richest man who played a major role in the re-election of Donald Trump as US president - commented Tuesday on a ruling by Italian judges that dealt a blow to Romes controversial deal with Albania over processing migrants. Advertisement These judges need to go, Musk said on the X social network that he owns. Mattarella did not name the tycoon, who has been appointed by Trump to lead a new US government efficiency group. But anyone - especially if they are preparing, as announced, to occupy an important role in the government of a friendly and allied country - must respect (that countrys) sovereignty and cannot make it his business to give lessons, he said in a statement. Musk has close ties with far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, head of an anti-immigrant party. Mattarellas statement came as Musk published a fresh comment on X Wednesday, slamming the judges ruling as unacceptable and asking if the people of Italy live in a democracy or does an unelected autocracy make the decisions? Italy signed a deal with Albania a year ago, under which asylum seekers picked up by Italian authorities in the Mediterranean, and judged to be from so-called safe countries, would be processed in the non-EU country - but the scheme has met legal challenges. In his first speech to the Bundestag following the collapse of his government, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday confirmed that he will submit a vote of confidence request on December 11, with the vote scheduled for December 16, to clear the way for elections on February 23 read more In his first speech to the Bundestag following the collapse of his government, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday confirmed that he will submit a vote of confidence request on December 11, with the vote scheduled for December 16, to clear the way for elections on February 23. Let us, for the good of the country, work together until the new election, The Guardian quoted him as saying to members of the Bundestag. Advertisement He said that he is grateful that the new election date is set for the end of February, insisting that his government will continue its work, despite only having a minority since the departure of the FDP. As Scholz took to the podium, he immediately justified the decision to sack his finance minister, saying it was necessary, right and unavoidable. Germanys government coalition collapsed in a dramatic fashion when Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democrats. The collapse came after weeks of disputes among the coalition partners over ways to boost the countrys ailing economy. Lindners pro-business Free Democrats had rejected tax increases or changes to Germanys strict self-imposed limits on running up debt. Scholzs Social Democrats and the Greens wanted to see major state investment and rejected the Free Democrats proposals to cut welfare programmes. After sacking his minister, Scholz had that he would lead the country with a minority government, despite calls from opposition leaders for early elections. The chancellor said the minority government would be made up of his Social Democrats and the Greens until early next year even as the leader of the biggest opposition bloc in parliament, Friedrich Merz from the center-right Christian Democrats, called for an immediate no-confidence vote and new elections. Scholz had previously said he would hold a trust vote in January, but later expressed openness to holding a trust vote by Christmas. The change in his stance came amid pressure from across the German political spectrum. Advertisement If everyone sees it that way, its not a problem, Scholz had said in an interview on Sunday on a question of holding trust vote by Christmas. Meanwhile, Scholz also vowed Germany would continue to back Ukraines fight against Russia after Donald Trumps election victory cast doubt on future US support. We have a responsibility to ensure that (Ukraine) wont be left alone, AFP quoted Scholz as saying, adding that Kyiv can rely on our country and our solidarity. On ties with US, he said Germany must do everything for strong US-German relations to continue to develop well. Scholz said he had a good conversation with Trump and that bilateral ties have been the foundation of our countrys success for decades. Advertisement We should do everything we can in the coming decades, regardless of who is in power here or there, to ensure that this relationship continues to develop well, Scholz was quoted as saying. With inputs from agencies The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in Mumbai, marking the first such appointment in India by the current Afghanistan regime read more The Taliban regime appoints Ikramuddin Kamil as the Acting Consul at the Afghan mission in Mumbai. Source: X | @AKS_400. The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, however, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian on this development. Notably, Kamil has been appointed as acting consul less than a week after India held its first talk with the Taliban administration of Afghanistan which included acting defence minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of the groups late founder Mullah Omar. As per the Afghan media, the Kamils appointment, announced by the Talibans deputy foreign minister for political affairs Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, marks was the first such appointment made by the Taliban regime to any Afghan mission in India." Advertisement The appointment of Ikramuddin Kamil is part of the Islamic Emirates efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance its presence abroad," Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency said. Dr. Kamil is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India, fostering collaboration between the two nations, it further said. The Consul General post, however, fell vacant in May this year after Zakia Wardak, the Consul General, was detained at Mumbai airport for allegedly trying to smuggle in 25 kg gold from Dubai. Wardak stepped down on May 4, 2024 blaming defamation and personal attacks and subsequently fled the country. Who is Ikramuddin Kamil, Taliban appointed acting consul in Mumbais Afghanistan mission According to the Talibans foreign ministry, Kamil is already residing in Mumbai, where has been fulfilling his duties as a diplomat representing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Reports quoted people familiar with the development, speaking on condition of anonymity, as saying that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is familiar with Kamil as he is an Afghan student who studied in India for seven years on the ministry scholarship. Kamil agreed to function as a diplomat in the consulate even as his status remains that of an Afghan national working for Afghans in India, a report by The Indian Express quoted sources as saying. As per a report by Bakhtar News Agency, Kamil holds a PhD degree in international law and previously served as deputy director in the department of security cooperation and border affairs in the foreign ministry. Advertisement According to a report by Hindustan Times, Kamil is a Pashtun from Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. He studied law at the Islamic University Islamabad after which he completed MPhil and PhD degrees from the South Asian University (SAU) established in New Delhi by members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). He received a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study at SAU. India-Taliban relationship Like several other countries, India doesnt recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that assumed power after the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government in August 2021. Almost all the diplomats appointed by the Ghani-led government, including former ambassador Farid Mamundzay, had left India and sought refuge/ asylum in different Western nations. A lone former diplomat, Syed Mohammad Ibrahimkhail, stayed in India and had kept the Afghan mission in New Delhi and the consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad running. Advertisement India too had initially closed its embassy and pulled out all its officials after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. A diplomatic presence from the Indian side was re-established in Kabul in June 2022 with the deployment of a technical team. Despite these, India remains to be one of the countries that has maintained dialogue with the Taliban without recognising the administration that the Taliban have named as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. With inputs from agencies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of a necessary firm response as North Korean troops began combat operations alongside Russian forces near Ukraines border, marking a significant escalation read more US top diplomat Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainian border demanded a firm response. The secretary of state was speaking at the start of a day of Brussels talks with NATO and EU officials to urgently address ramping up support for Kyiv before Donald Trump reclaims the White House potentially jeopardising future aid. Addressing reporters alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Blinken said they had discussed the fact North Korean forces have been injected into the battle, and now, quite literally, in combat which demands and will get a firm response." Advertisement The US State Department confirmed Tuesday that Pyongyangs troops whose entry into the conflict marks a potentially major escalation have begun engaging in combat operations alongside Russian forces near the border with Ukraine. A spokesman said that of the more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to eastern Russia, most of them have moved to the far western Kursk Oblast, where they have begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces. Rutte meanwhile stressed the crucial role played by China in helping Russias war effort, as well as Iranian weapons deliveries paid for with Russian funds that were in turn helping Tehran to destabilise the Middle East. Blinken was taking part in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, NATOs decision-making body, before talks with European Union top diplomat Josep Borrell, his successor Kaja Kallas and Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. His emergency trip comes as Trumps election victory, coupled with a political crisis in Germany, heightens fears about the future of assistance for Ukraine at a key point in the fight against Russias invasion. Trump has in the past voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and scoffed at the $175 billion the United States committed for Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022. Advertisement The 78-year-old tycoon, who will be inaugurated on January 20, spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after winning re-election following a first stint as president between 2017 and 2021. He has boasted he can end the war in a day, likely by forcing concessions from Ukraine, although his newly named national security advisor, Mike Waltz, said Trump may also pressure Putin. The Washington Post reported the Republican leader also held a phone call with Putin and discouraged an escalation by Russia. The Kremlin denied the report. US media reported Trump might pick Republican Senator Marco Rubio to replace Blinken as secretary of state. Rubio is seen as supportive of Kyiv but has also said Washington should show pragmatism rather than sending billions of dollars more in weapons as the war hit a stalemate. Advertisement As long as it takes The Biden administration has made clear it plans in its remaining weeks to push through the more than $9 billion of remaining funding appropriated by Congress for weapons and other security assistance to Ukraine. Mark Cancian, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expected the United States to focus in particular on sending vehicles, medical supplies and small-arms ammunition, which Ukraine needs and the United States can provide. Between now and the end of the administration, theyre going to try to ship everything they can thats available, Cancian said. Despite Kyivs pleas it seems unlikely, however, that Washington will lift its veto on Ukraines use of long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. Trump in his first term aggressively pushed Europe to step up defence spending and questioned the fairness of the NATO transatlantic alliance robustly defended by Biden. Advertisement Whatever approach the US leadership takes towards Ukraine, Europe will have to step up, and we will have to take the lead in supporting Ukraines defence efforts and macro financial stability, said Olena Prokopenko of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Unfortunately, Donald Trumps win comes at arguably the worst possible time in terms of Europes political and economic shape and its ability to promptly coordinate. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been vocal about a reset in UK-EU relations but ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union read more As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the presidency, his America First trade stance could complicate Britains post-Brexit global ambitions. In fact, it could push the UK closer to Europe, some observers say. British officials are bracing for Trumps proposed tariffs, which would impact British exports to the US and potentially deepen economic strain after Brexit, Politico reported. Trumps defence, trade policies to make big splash Trumps stated intention to scale back support for Ukraine and his lukewarm attitude toward Nato have also raised concerns on both sides of the Atlantic about Britains defence and trade future. Two people have said to me in the last 48 hours that the policy response to Trump is massive investment on defence, how to deal with tariffs, and forging new security agreements with third countries. The UK was top of the list, Politico quoted a European Union official as saying. Advertisement The origins of Brexit were rooted in a desire for independence from Brussels, yet Trumps return may actually prompt a rethink. For Brussels, the opportunity to re-engage is significant. An EU diplomat suggested that Trumps anticipated cuts to aid for Ukraine could bring the UK and EU closer in mutual defense strategies. Britains pivot away from the EU could be further strained if Trumps policies disrupt its trade balance. The UKs Office for Budget Responsibility warned last month that weak trade figures reflect the continuing impact of Brexit. Economists from the University of Sussex estimate Trumps planned tariffs could cost Britain 22 billion annually in exports. Starmer strives to strike balance UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been vocal about a reset in UK-EU relations but ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union. Some experts believe its possible for Britain to improve EU ties while maintaining relations with the US, despite Trumps potential tariffs. Starmer, for his part, insists Britain wont be forced to choose between its transatlantic allies. Obviously European countries are our nearest trading partners and we have got a long shared history, he said this week. But equally the special relationship with the US was forged in difficult circumstances, its hugely important to the UK." Erdogan warned that continued arms supplies would lead to more aggression from Israel and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lebanon, and other nearby territories read more Turkey under President Tayyip Erdogan is leading an initiative for international arms ban on Israel. AP Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday (November 13) praised Russia and China for backing his initiative to impose an international arms embargo against Israel. Speaking after visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan called the joint effort an important step, as he seeks broader support for halting weapons supplies to Israel. China and Russia have both said that Israels attacks are unjust and illegal. They also talk about the need to stop the attacks and settle the issue diplomatically. Russia and China have signed our joint initiative calling on the UN to take measures to stop the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel. This is an important step, Erdogan told reporters, according to Turkeys Anadolu news agency. Advertisement Erdogan warned that continued arms supplies would lead to more aggression from Israel and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lebanon, and other nearby territories. The humanitarian situation in Palestine and Lebanon will continue to deteriorate daily if Israel is not stopped. As long as humanitarian aid is not freely delivered, people will die there every day due to lack of medicine, hunger, thirst, and merciless attacks, he was quoted as saying. But China and Russia, who have been vocal in opposing Israels actions in the Gaza war and the US administrations support to it, are not the only countries Erdogan is hoping to get support from. Last week, Erdogan expressed hope that US President-elect Donald Trump would adopt a new approach to the Middle East. He was suggesting that a pivot from Washingtons previous policies could help address ongoing conflicts in the region. On Friday (November 8), Erdogan voiced optimism that the Trump administration would support diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, urging Trump to tell Israel to stop its actions. Erdogan added that continuing Biden-era policies would deepen the deadlock in the region and spread the conflict. He suggested that halting arms supplies to Israel would be a necessary first step to mitigate violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Erdogans comments come amid mounting regional tensions and ongoing debates over U.S. policy in the Middle East as Turkey, Russia, and China call for new measures to address the crises in Israel and Palestine. Advertisement With inputs from agencies In 2022, Russian forces onboard a warship issued a chilling warning to Snake Islands Ukrainian forces: I am a Russian warship. I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender, otherwise you will be hit. A Ukrainian soldier responded with defiance,Russian warship, go f*** yourself read more The phrase, "Russian warship, go f*** yourself" has been immortalised in this Ukrainian stamp showing a soldier giving a ship the middle finger, a profane gesture. Reuters Ukraine sought to trademark the wartime phrase, Russian warship, go f*** yourself, but the European Unions General Court has denied the application, ruling the slogan a political message, not a brand identifier. Heres how this bizarre incident has unfolded. The phrase originated early in Russias invasion of Ukraine during a now-famous exchange between Ukrainian border guards stationed on Snake Island in the Black Sea and a Russian warship. According to an audio clip from the incident that took place in 2022, Russian forces onboard a warship issued a chilling warning to Snake Islands Ukrainian forces. Advertisement The warships radio operator said: Snake Island, I am a Russian warship. I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender, otherwise you will be hit. Do you copy? A Ukrainian soldier responded with defiance,Russian warship, go f*** yourself. The exchange quickly became a symbol of Ukraines resistance and defiance, going viral and inspiring Ukrainians at home and abroad. The slogan appeared on billboards, T-shirts, mugs, and a national postage stamp, becoming a major part of the cultural consciousness of the nation. Seeking to protect the phrase commercially, Ukraines border guard force applied to register it as a trademark in the EU. However, the EU General Court upheld a prior decision on Wednesday, stating that the phrase could not serve as a trademark because the average consumer would see it solely as a political message, not an indicator of origin for goods or services. The court explained, A sign is incapable of fulfilling the essential function of a trademark if the average consumer perceives it solely as a political message. With the war still ongoing, the slogan continues representing defiance, albeit without the formal trademark protection Ukraine had sought. Perhaps in a sign of vindication for Kyiv, Russia ultimately withdrew from Snake Island, calling it a goodwill gesture. Ukrainian forces, however, disputed this, pointing to heavy losses Moscow sustained trying to hold the territory. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Russia on Wednesday launched its first combined drone and missile assault on Kyiv in over 70 days as Ukrainian leaders urgently seek more Western air defence support amid political concerns read more Russia escalated its attacks on Kyiv on Wednesday, launching a barrage of drones and missiles in its first combined aerial assault on the capital in more than 70 says, authorities said. The large-scale bombardment comes at critical moment on the battlefield, with Russian forces advancing in the east and growing concerns over future US aid after US Donald Trumps victory in presidential elections. AFP journalists heard explosions ring out over the city and saw dozens of Kyiv residents seeking shelter in an underground metro station in the centre of the capital. Advertisement Kyiv officials said one man was wounded by falling debris of a downed drone in the suburb of Brovary while emergency services distributed images of firefighters battling flames at one impact site. A separate drone attack in the southern region of Kherson, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia, killed a 52-year-old woman, the head of the Black Sea territory announced. Multiple air raid sirens rang out from (0430 GMT), as authorities announced missiles were closing in on Kyiv. As missiles were approaching Kyiv, the enemy simultaneously launched a ballistic missile attack on the capital. The enemy attack ended with another drone strike, city authorities said. The attack came during a week of escalating strikes on Ukrainian cities mainly in the south of the war-battered country. A Russian strike one day earlier on the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky killed a 32-year-old mother and her three children. Last week, Moscow and Kyiv launched record overnight drone attacks on each other. Ukraine, for months, has been appealing to its Western allies to provide more air defence systems to fend off Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is set to visit Tehran for urgent talks on Irans nuclear program, emphasising the narrowing space for diplomatic solutions amid rising tensions with Israel read more International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is set to visit Tehran on Wednesday for crucial talks on Irans nuclear programme, warning just ahead of his trip that room for manoeuvre is narrowing. His visit comes only two days after the defence minister of Irans nemesis Israel warned the Islamic republic was more exposed than ever to strikes on its nuclear facilities. Israel has long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Advertisement The two countries have traded missile strikes this year, as tensions soar over Israels war with Irans allies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The strikes have brought to the surface their years-long shadow war and fuelled fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The margins for manoeuvre are beginning to shrink, Grossi said in an interview with AFP ahead of his visit, adding that it is imperative to find ways to reach diplomatic solutions. While the IAEA is allowed to carry out inspections in Iran, Grossi stressed the need for more visibility into Irans nuclear programme, given its scale and ambition. They have a lot of nuclear materials that could be used eventually to make a nuclear weapon, the IAEA chief told CNN on Tuesday, adding: They do not have a nuclear weapon at this point." Trumps warning Grossis trip comes after Donald Trump who pulled out of a hard-won nuclear deal with Iran negotiated under Barack Obama was voted back into the White House. Trump said last week that he was not seeking to harm Iran and instead wanted its people to have a very successful country, while insisting they cant have a nuclear weapon. Advertisement In 2015, major world powers including the United States reached an agreement with Iran on its nuclear programme after 21 months of talks. The text provided for an easing of international sanctions on Iran in exchange for guarantees that it would not seek nuclear weapons. But Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 before re-imposing US sanctions on Iran. A year later, Iran started to gradually roll back its commitments to the nuclear deal, which only allowed Tehran to enrich uranium to 3.65 per cent purity. The IAEA says Iran has considerably increased its reserves of enriched uranium to 60 per cent, close to the 90 per cent needed to develop an atomic bomb. Advertisement It is against this backdrop that Grossi is schedule to visit Iran for the first time since May. In a statement, the IAEA said it would hold high-level meetings with the Iranian government and conduct technical discussions on all aspects. Cameras unplugged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who came to office in July with hopes of improving ties with the West and having sanctions lifted, favours a revival of the nuclear deal. But all efforts to get the nuclear agreement off life support have so far failed. The IAEA chief has repeatedly called for more cooperation from Iran. In recent years, Tehran has decreased its interaction with the UN agency by deactivating surveillance devices needed to monitor the nuclear programme and effectively barring its inspectors. Advertisement The foundations of Irans nuclear programme date back to the late 1950s, when the United States signed a civil cooperation agreement with Irans then Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1970, Iran ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires signatory states to declare and place their nuclear materials under the IAEA control. But with Iran threatening to hit back at Israel for its latest missile strikes, some lawmakers in the Islamic republic have called on the government to revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue nuclear weapons. The parliamentarians called on supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who wields ultimate authority in Iran, to reconsider his long-standing religious edict or fatwa banning nuclear weapons. Advertisement The Islamic republic has maintained its policy against acquiring nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear activities were entirely peaceful. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quick to reach out to US President-elect Donald Trump following his election victory, hoping for a continued alliance. However, Trumps past ambivalence towards Nato and critiques of US aid to Ukraine have raised concerns about his commitment to defending Ukraine from Russian aggression read more Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, US, September 27, 2024. File Image/Reuters Among the first world leaders to speak with Donald Trump following his election victory on November 5, 2024 was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Congratulating the US president-elect, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the potential for stronger cooperation between the two nations. Others are less sure. For many foreign policy observers, Trumps victory together with his lukewarm attitude toward Nato, criticism of the amount of US aid being sent to Ukraine and vows to reach a deal to end the ongoing war in Eastern Europe has stoked uncertainty over Washingtons commitment to doing everything it can to support Ukraine repel Russian invaders. Advertisement As a scholar on Eastern Europe, I understand where these concerns come from. But I also offer a counter view: that a Trump White House may not necessarily be bad news for Kyiv. Natos mission to counter Russia remains unchanged It is common to hear Trump described as isolationist, nationalistic and an anti-interventionist on the world stage. He has encouraged such a view through claims, for example, that the US would shirk its responsibility to come to the defense of a Nato member against a Russian attack if that country was not meeting its defense spending targets in line with the alliances commitments. But such rhetoric is undercut by established facts and prior Republican positions. In December 2023, the US Congress passed bipartisan legislation prohibiting a president from unilaterally withdrawing the US from Nato, maintaining the overarching security and stability of Europe is in the USs interests. The Republican co-sponsor of that bill, Senator Marco Rubio, has in recent months emerged as a key Trump surrogate and is expected to be named as Trumps secretary of state, according to reports. The US and Europe remain each others most important markets. As such, the United States will be highly motivated to maintain a role in European security so long as instability in Europe can influence the global and US economy. Moreover, there is nothing to suggest that the incoming administration will deviate from those of Obama, Biden and indeed Trumps first term in seeing China as the primary threat to the US And Beijing has thrown its support behind Russian President Vladimir Putin during his military efforts in Ukraine. Continued US cooperation with allies in Europe will also strengthen Washington in Asia. Direct military cooperation, such as coordinating with the British to produce submarines for Australia, helps the US strategy to counter and contain Chinas threat in the Pacific. It would also signal to US allies in Asia such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan that Washington is a dependable security partner in times of crisis. Advertisement Trump isnt as cozy with Putin as often portrayed Much has been made of Trumps perceived cozy relationship with Putin. In the run-up to the election, Trump insisted that, should he win, he would bring peace to Ukraine even before he was inaugurated and called Putin genius and savvy for the Ukrainian invasion. On his part, Putin congratulated Trump on his victory, praising him for being courageous when a gunman tried to assassinate him. Moscow has also indicated that it is ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect. Trumps actual policy toward Russia during his first term was notably more hawkish than these words may suggest. Indeed, there is a good argument that the Trump administration was more hawkish on Putin than the Obama one it replaced. For example, Trump provided the Ukrainians with anti-tank missiles after the Obama administration had refused to give them such weapons. Also, in 2018, the US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, citing the previous violations of the treaty by Russia. In contrast, in 2014, then President Barack Obama accused Russia of breaching the INF treaty after it allegedly tested a ground-launched cruise missile but chose not to withdraw from the treaty. Advertisement Russias deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, referred to that move as a very dangerous step. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty constrained the US from developing new weapons and tied Washingtons hands in its strategic rivalry with China in the Pacific. Then, in 2019, Trump signed the Protecting Europes Energy Security Act, which included sanctions halting the construction of the Russian-backed Nord Stream 2 pipeline directly connecting Russia to Germany, via the Baltic Sea. The pipeline, which has since been rendered inoperable by a sabotage attack in 2022, would have bypassed Ukraine, prompting the Ukrainian government to label it an economic and energy blockade. It was one of 52 policy actions undertaken by the first Trump administration to restrict Russia. Advertisement In contrast, the Biden administration waived Nord Stream 2 pipeline sanctions in 2021, only to reimpose them on Feb. 23, 2022 one day before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Drill, baby, drill will hurt Russian oil Almost three years into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlins war machine still runs on energy revenues. Despite unprecedented Western sanctions aimed at restricting sales of Russian oil, countries continue to purchase from Russia. For example, India has become the biggest buyer of Russian seaborne crude oil. And here a Trump policy not aimed directly at Russia may, in fact, harm Russian interests. Trump has made repeated promises to introduce a new wave of drilling for oil and gas on American soil. And while it might take time for this to filter through to lower prices globally, increased production from the US already the worlds top crude oil producer has the capacity to make an impact. Trumps return to the White House could mean tougher enforcement of US oil sanctions against Iran, reducing Tehrans capacity to sell weapons to Russia. Iran has supported Russia both diplomatically and militarily since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. And since 2020, Irans revenue from oil exports nearly quadrupled, from US$16 billion to $53 billion in 2023, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Advertisement Predicting what Trump, a notably unpredictable leader, will do in power is difficult. And US foreign policy can be a slow-moving beast, so one should not expect immediate breakthroughs or major surprises. But his record serves as a counter to the views of observers who have suggested that his victory does not bode well for Ukraine. Tatsiana Kulakevich, Associate Professor of Instruction in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, Affiliate Professor at the Institute for Russian, European, and Eurasian Studies, University of South Florida This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Asif W Rahman, who was employed by the CIA, was indicted last Thursday on charges of willfully retaining and transmitting national defence information, according to a report read more The seal on the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building is seen June 9, 2023, in Washington. File Image / AP The Justice Department has charged a man for allegedly leaking highly classified US intelligence related to Israels plans for retaliation against Iran. According to a CNN report, citing a person familiar with his employment, Asif W Rahman was employed by the CIA and was indicted last Thursday on charges of willfully retaining and transmitting national defence information. However, Court documents indicate he was employed by the US government. Rahman was arrested on Tuesday in Cambodia and is set to appear in court in Guam, although the Justice Department has requested that he be transferred to Virginia for trial. Advertisement Court documents reveal that Rahman held a top-secret security clearance, granting him access to sensitive compartmentalised information, added the report. The New York Times was the first to report on Rahmans indictment. In mid-October, a Telegram account named Middle East Spectator posted top-secret documents marked for US and Five Eyes allies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK). CNN previously reported that one document, compiled by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, details a plan involving Israeli munitions, while another from the National Security Agency outlines Israeli Air Force exercises with air-to-surface missiles. One of the documents document also alludes to Israels nuclear capabilities, a subject the country has never publicly confirmed, stating that the US has seen no signs of Israel planning to use nuclear weapons against Iran. With inputs from agencies US President-elect Donald Trump has left many in bewilderment and wide-eyed worry after nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary, passing on a number of established national security heavy-hitters read more Donald Trump appears on Fox & Friends co-host Pete Hegseth at a Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, April 6, 2017. Source: AP | File. President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the worlds largest and most powerful military. The news was met with bewilderment and wide-eyed worry among many in Washington, as Trump passed on a number of established national security heavy-hitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who is well-known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channels Fox & Friends Weekend. Advertisement While some Republican lawmakers had a muted response to the announcement, others called his combat experience an asset or said he was tremendously capable. Hegseths choice could bring sweeping changes to the military, as he has made it clear on his show and in interviews that, like Trump, he is stridently opposed to woke programs that promote equity and inclusion. Hes also questioned the role of women in combat and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes. In June, at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump encouraged his supporters to buy Hegseths book after vowing that if he won: The woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours. I can tell you. A staunch conservative who embraces Trumps America First policies, the 44-year-old Hegseth has pushed for making the military more lethal. During an interview on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast, he said allowing women to serve in combat hurts that effort. Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, that means casualties are worse, Hegseth said. And while he said diversity in the military is a strength, he said it was because minority and white men can perform similarly but the same isnt true for women. While Trump lauded Hegseth as tough, smart and a true believer in America First, others were quick to point to the TV personalitys lack of experience, with some suggesting he could be Pentagon chief in name only as the Trump White House runs the department. A number of other names floated as possible defense choices had included Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, the GOP chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon official who was head of Veterans Affairs in Trumps first term. Advertisement There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job, said Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseths lack of senior national security experience makes it more difficult to get Senate confirmation. I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him, Cancian said. Also Read: Trump picks Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defence, ex-top US spy John Ratcliffe as CIA director Advertisement Military officials said the choice came out of the blue. A senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said Hegseths selection is raising concerns about whether he has the practical experience to manage a large department with an enormous budget. The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide. If confirmed, Hegseth would face a daunting array of global crises, from the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the expanding alliance between Russia and North Korea to the growing competition with China. There is also the need to upgrade the complex U.S. missile and nuclear defense apparatus and ensure the defense industry can keep up with Americas need for weapons systems. Advertisement Smith said that while Hegseths combat experience is a plus, running the Pentagon requires a lot of other skill sets, and his nomination will need some time for consideration. Whats your plan? What are you going to do? How can you assure us that that lack of experience, you know, isnt going to make it impossible for you to do the job? Smith said. I think those are questions that need to be answered over the next couple of months. Even some Republicans in the Senate who would vote on his nomination had a subdued response. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called the choice interesting, and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who served in the Marine Corps, said, I dont know much about his background or his vision, so I look forward to learning more. Advertisement North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said hes not surprised that Trump chose Hegseth because Trump is close to him and likes him and trusts him. The guys obviously tremendously capable, a great communicator," Hoeven said. I look forward to getting to know him better. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Hegseth brings a lot to the table and will be reform-minded in the areas that need reform. Hegseth has been a contributor since 2014 for Fox News, developing a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on his show. He is the author of The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free. With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down, Trump said in a statement. Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our Peace through Strength policy. Musk and Ramaswamy are now part of Trumps incoming team. The US President-elect has announced that great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) read more US President-elect Donald Trump names Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Source: Reuters. US President-elect Donald Trump said Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will lead Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position Trump hinted during his 2024 US Presidential election campaign trail. Billionaire Musk will head DOGE alongside Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump said in a statement. Ramaswamy becomes the first Indian American whom Trump has chosen for his administration, starting January 20 next year. Advertisement 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. The US President-elect went on to say that he looks forward to Musk and Ramaswamy making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans. Trump said that Musk and Ramaswamy will work together to liberate US economy and make the government accountable to We the People. Their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026 - A small Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence, Trump said, adding, I am confident they will succeed! Trump said DOGE will become potentially The Manhattan Project of our time. Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of DOGE for a very long time. To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget tp drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before, Trump said. Advertisement This will send shockwaves through the system: Musk Musk has been a staunch supporter of Trump and was also a key part of Trumps Presidential campaign. The owner of X donated over 100 million dollars to Trumps re-election battle and even campaigned aggressively using the social media platform. In response to Trumps announcement of him leading DOGE, Musk said: This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people. Department of Government Efficiency The merch will be Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024 Barely days after winning the crucial US polls, Trump, on November 9, made it more evident that Musk would be a part of his administration after he reportedly asked him to join a call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Advertisement Will not go gently: Ramaswamy Tech entrepreneur Ramaswamy, who earlier this year withdrew his presidential bid and backed Trump in the race to the White House, meanwhile said, We will not go gently. With inputs from agencies. US President-elect Donald Trumps pick for National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, is the co-chair of the India caucus in Congress and an advocate of closer India-US ties read more US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Congressman Mike Waltz to be his National Security Advisor (NSA), as per reports. (Photo: AP) US President-elect Donald Trumps pick for National Security Advisor (NSA), Mike Waltz, is not just a China hawk. He is also an advocate of closer ties with India. Waltz is a Republican member of House of Representatives from Florida. He is the co-chair of the India caucus in Congress. Waltz has called for the formalisation of the India-US relationship into an alliance and has pitched it as a win-win situation. Here are five ways in which Waltz, a military veteran, has called for greater India-US ties. Advertisement Its time for an alliance with India In 2021, Waltz co-authored an article in Wall Street Journal in which he called for the formalisation of India-US relationship. Indicting the Joe Biden administration of failing to do enough to stand with allies and partners, they write that the practice to build stronger relationships has to start with India. As a nuclear power with more than 1 million troops, a growing navy, a top-tier space program, and a proven history of economic and military cooperation with the United States, India would make a strong ally. An alliance with India would allow both countries to maintain and expand their global strength. And together with Japan and Australia, it would enable the United States to form a real deterrent to potential terrorist threats in Afghanistan as well as counter China, said Waltz. India recognises China is threat Waltz has said that India, just like the United States, realises the growing threat of China. Like the United States, India recognizes that China is a rapidly growing threat. Not only is it attempting to capitalize on our withdrawal from Afghanistan, which goes against both the United States and Indias interests, China is also pressuring India on its own borders, said Waltz and Haley in the WSJ article. Bulwark against 2-front conflict While Waltz and Haley acknowledged the benefits of the alliance for the United States, they said it would also benefit India as it faces the dual challenge from Pakistan and China at northern and western borders. For India, a US alliance would be a bulwark against a two-fronted conflict on its borders. For the United States, an alliance would help blunt Pakistans influencea state sponsor of terrorism now propped up by Chinese investmentsin Afghanistan. We need a new partner to prevent the creation of a terrorist super state that can attack our country again, said Waltz and Haley. Advertisement Praise for Indias ban of TikTok Amid calls to ban Chinese social media platform TikTok, Waltz said on X: India has banned it. So should America. India banned TikTok in 2020. Following a push by China hawks, the United States Congress passed a bill to ban TikTok if it would not be sold to a non-China entity. Outgoing President Joe Biden signed the bill into law. India has banned it. So should America. https://t.co/9jU4BFGkH4 Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) July 14, 2022 Most important partnership in 21st century During Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to the United States last year, Waltz said that the India-US relationship is the most important for the 21st century. This will be the most important partnership for the U.S. in the 21st century, said Waltz in a post on X while sharing photo of Modis address to the joint session of the Congress. Welcome to Congress, PM Modi! As Republican Co-Chair of the India Caucus, Im thrilled @SpeakerMcCarthy invited @narendramodi to address Congress today. This will be the most important partnership for the U.S. in the 21st century. pic.twitter.com/uw5cuET8wU Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) June 22, 2023 US President-elect Donald Trump has selected former director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to serve as director of CIA. He has also nominated Fox News personality Pete Hegseth for secretary of defence read more US President-elect Donald Trump is in process of choosing and naming people who will be the part of his incoming team in the White House from January 2025. On Tuesday, he named military veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his incoming defence secretary. With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down, Trump said in a statement. Advertisement Trump also announced on Tuesday that he was choosing a close ally, his former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe, to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Trump said in a statement. Earlier, it was speculated that Kashyap Kash Patel, an Indian-origin former Republican House staffer, would be chosen as the CIA chief. However, Trump has declared Ratcliffe as CIA chief. Who is John Ratcliffe? Ratcliffe served as the US top spy from late May 2020 until Trump left office in January 2021. It was the second time Trump nominated Ratcliffe for the post. He was the most junior member of the House Intelligence Committee, with just six months on the panel, when Trump first said he wanted to appoint him in July 2019. As the sixth director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe led the US intelligence community and served as Trumps principal intelligence adviser during his first term. A former member of the House of Representatives and US attorney for Texas, Ratcliffe didnt receive support from Senate Democrats during his confirmation. In 2020, when he was confirmed as DNI in 2020 by the Republican-majority Senate, all Democratic senators voted against his nomination, citing his lack of experience and partisanship. Advertisement With Republicans again controlling the chamber next year, Ratcliffe is expected to be easily approved this time. Ratcliffe was recently co-chair of the Center for American Security, a think tank advocating Trump positions, and advised the former Republican president on national security policy during his 2024 campaign. Ratcliffe has recently criticised how President Joe Bidens administration has approached the conflict in West Asia. He also argued that the administration had not been tough enough on Iran. During his tenure as DNI, Ratcliffe also positioned himself as a China hawk. Who is Pete Hegseth? Pete Hegseth, 44, is an unusual pick by Trump from a field of contenders that included Sen. Joni Ernst, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, and Democrat-turned-Republican former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Hegseth served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been with the cable news giant since 2014. He, most recently, worked as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend. Advertisement In 2016, when Trump was voted to power for the first time, Hegseth was considered for the position of Veterans Affairs secretary. However, the post went to David Shulkin. Before joining the military, Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 and earned a master of public policy degree from Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government. With inputs from agencies. Republican senators have elected a well-regarded insider John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, bypassing calls from Trump supporters for a loyalist read more US Sen. John Thune (R-SD) arrives for the Senate Republican leadership elections at the US Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, DC. AFP Republican senators have elected a well-regarded insider John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, bypassing calls from Trump supporters for a loyalist. Thune, who will succeed Mitch McConnell, is currently the minority whip and will become the Senates majority leader in January after newly elected GOP lawmakers take their seats and give the party control of the chamber, reported The Guardian. McConnell, who has led Senate Republicans since 2007, played a key role in opposing Barack Obama and supporting Donald Trump during his first term. He was instrumental in shaping the Supreme Courts conservative majority by blocking Obamas judicial nominations and overseeing the confirmation of three of Trumps appointees. Advertisement McConnell chose not to seek re-election as Senate leader but will remain in office through 2026. Also read: Biden and Trump meet in Oval office, pledge smooth transition of power Thunes victory in a three-way race signals the Senate may maintain some independence from Trump next year, as Republicans are set to control both the White House and likely both chambers of Congress. With at least 52 seats in the Senate and a strong chance to retain the House majority, the GOP is poised to dominate. Thune, 63, is seen as an even-tempered institutionalist and seasoned legislator who has close relationships with many of his fellow Republicans. He currently serves as the chambers No. 2 Republican. Thune prevailed over Senator John Cornyn of Texas, another long-serving institutionalist, and Rick Scott of Florida, a close ally of Trump who was backed by influential outsiders like billionaire Elon Musk and conservative commentator Sean Hannity. That made the normally clubby election an early test of Senate independence under Trump, who has not endorsed a candidate but called on the next Republican leader to give him leeway to bypass the normal system of hearings and votes to approve Cabinet nominees. All three contenders quickly signaled their openness to the idea. Advertisement Some of Trumps loudest supporters had expressed concern that Thune and Cornyn, who had both worked closely with McConnell, might lack the willingness to deliver on some of Trumps campaign promises. Both have served for two decades and delivered major legislation and helped elect other Republicans, reported Reuters. Scott, first elected in 2018, is a hardline conservative who previously served two terms as Florida governor. Without Rick Scott, the entire Trump reform agenda wobbly, Trump adviser Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a post on X before the vote. Senate Republicans resisted that pressure. The job of majority leader, they said, requires someone who has spent time building trust and support within the caucus. Advertisement I dont think its worth the president using the political capital that he has to weigh in on the race, Reuters quoted Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Thune supporter, as saying. With inputs from agencies US President-elect Donald Trump has set the tone for his second term with the appointment of loyalist MAGA champions 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 US President-elect Donald Trump has started to set the tone for his second term with his appointees. So far, Trump has finalised some of his top officials, such as Secretaries of State, Defence, and Homeland Security along with the Chief of Staff, National Security Advisor, Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Most of Trumps picks so far are yearslong loyalists who are hawks on China and Iran and follow Trumps hardliner position on immigration and border. Advertisement Susie Wiles, senior advisor of Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump, will become the first woman Chief of Staff in the White House. File image/Reuters Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was the co-chair of Trumps election campaign. Wiles has so far played a largely behind the curtains role in propping Trump as the President of the United States. Wiles is known for being a shadowy yet feared political operative. It has been said that she had essentially been Trumps chief of staff for past four years. US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly picked Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State. (Photo: AP) Marco Rubio as Secretary of State Trump has picked Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as the Secretary of State. Rubio is a hawk on China. He is also set to be the first Hispanic American to serve as the nations top diplomat. Even though Rubio has had a hawkish foreign policy record, he has embraced Trumps brand of isolationist and Russia-friendly foreign policy lately and has been critical of more assistance to Ukraine. In April, Rubio voted against the $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Congressman Mike Waltz to be his National Security Advisor (NSA), as per reports. (Photo: AP) Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser Trump has named China and Iran hawk Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor. Waltz is the co-chair of India caucus in Congress and is supportive of closer India-US ties. Waltz is a Republican member of House of Representatives from Florida. Trump nominated Fox News personality Pete Hegseth (R) for secretary of defence, picks John Ratcliffe as CIA director. Source: Reuters | AP. Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense Trumps pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is a former veteran and a host for Fox News. Even though Hegseths pick may look as unconventional, he has been an ardent supporter of Trump over the years, defending his dealings with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un and withdrawal of troops and taking up the cause of veteran accused of war crimes, according to The New York Times. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice our military will be great again, and America will never back down, said Trump. Advertisement John Ratcliffe as CIA Director John Ratcliffe is expected to the top US spymaster as the Director of CIA in Trumps second term. Ratcliffe served as the National Intelligence Director in Trumps first term. In his first stint, Ratcliffe worked to counter Chinese and Iranian interference in 2020 US election. Republican presidential nominee former US President Donald Trump and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem dance during a town hall campaign event in Oaks, Pennsylvania, US, October 14, 2024. Reuters Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security Trump picked Noem to be in charge of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem would have the overall charge of securing the nations borders and enforcing Trumps hardliner anti-immigration agenda. Tom Homan speaks as Donald Trump listens at a primary election night party in Nashua, N.H., on January 23, 2024. AP File Tom Homan as border czar Trump has appointed Tom Homan as the border czar, who would be responsible for deporting all illegal immigrants in the United States. 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. William McGinley as White House Counsel The president-elect has made William Joseph McGinley to be the White House Counsel. In Trumps previous term, McGinley had served as the White House Cabinet Secretary. William, who also goes by the name Bill, was also a General Counsel at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Advertisement Stephen Miller. Photo: Reuters Stephen Miller as policy adviser, deputy chief of staff Miller is set to be the deputy chief of staff in Trumps second administration and would be closely working on the hardliner immigration agenda, according to The Times. Millers portfolio is expected to be vast and exceed what the title would make it look like, as per the newspaper. In appointing Elise Stefanik as his ambassador to the UN, Donald Trump said that she is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter. File image/Reuters Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik has been one of the staunchest allies of Trump, who is now set to be rewarded with a plush job. While Stefanik, a Republican Congresswoman from New York, has little foreign policy experience, she is a Trump loyalist and is expected to deploy her boss combative agenda at the UN. President-elect Donald Trump with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. AP File Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel Huckabee is the father of former White House spokeswoman and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders. The appointment comes amid Israels multifront conflicts in the Middle East. US entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX, Twitter and electric car maker Tesla CEO Elon Musk will head this department and have until July 4, 2026, to complete their work. Its not clear if their positions would also expire at that point. File image/AFP Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head Department of Efficiency To cut the size of the federal government and reduce the power in the hands of career non-political officials and concentrate more power in his own hands and in the hands of his loyalist appointees, Trump has roped in Musk and Ramaswamy to cut the federal government. The two would do so with the Department of Government Efficiency. A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. I am confident they will succeed!" said Trump. Advertisement As Donald Trump readies for his White House return, his promise to pardon those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riots looms large. With over 1,500 individuals charged, Trump has suggested that he is inclined to pardon many, stirring excitement among defendants and their supporters read more An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump riot at the US Capitol Building in Washington, US, January 6, 2021. File Image/Reuters As United States President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, speculation mounts over his promise to grant clemency to those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riots. Trump has repeatedly committed to granting clemency for January 6 defendants, pledging to address what he characterises as a politically motivated weaponisation of justice by the Biden administration. During a CNN town hall in 2023, an audience member asked Trump, Would you pardon the January Sixth rioters that were convicted of federal offences? Trump replied, Im inclined to pardon many of them. Advertisement He reiterated this stance in Chicago, saying, Absolutely I would, when asked by ABCs Rachel Scott if he would pardon individuals convicted of assaulting officers. Trump qualified his statement, adding, If theyre innocent, I would pardon them, to which Scott countered, Theyve been convicted. Trump responded, Well, they were convicted by a very tough system. Trumps campaign has upheld this promise, stating that pardons would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung reflected Trumps determination to end the weaponisation of our justice system following his election victory, an idea Trump stated in his victory speech, calling for national unity and the restoration of justice. Where has the January 6 attack prosecution reached? As of recent figures, more than 1,530 people have been charged with crimes connected to the January 6 attack, and approximately 1,200 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted. Over 600 individuals have been sentenced to incarceration, with roughly 570 facing charges for assaulting or resisting law enforcement. The offences range from minor misdemeanors, such as trespassing, to serious felonies like seditious conspiracy, which was used to convict prominent group leaders, including Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers and Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys. In addition to Rhodes and Tarrio, others charged have received substantial sentences. Joe Biggs, another Proud Boys leader, was sentenced to 17 years for crimes including seditious conspiracy, threats to officials, and interference with law enforcement. At trial, Biggs argued that he was following Trumps orders, with his lawyer Norman Pattis stating his intention to seek a pardon from Trump. Advertisement How did the January 6 defendants react to Trumps win? With Trumps anticipated clemency in the spotlight, many January 6 defendants and their legal teams are actively seeking trial delays in hopes of receiving pardons. Some defendants have already petitioned courts to postpone sentencing, citing Trumps potential for intervention. North Carolina defendant Christopher Carnell, and Jonathanpeter Klein both requested delayed sentencing, though their appeals were denied, reported BBC. WATCH | Trump calls Jan 6 day of love when supporters ran riot at Capitol Trumps campaign promises have been met with enthusiasm among those convicted. Adam Johnson, known as the Lectern Guy after posing with then Speaker Nancy Pelosis podium, celebrated on social media, posting, I. Want. My. Lectern. Jenny Cudd, another participant, posted, We won it all! Yay God! We, J6ers, are getting pardons! Further, Jake Lang, who faces charges for assaulting officers, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), IM COMING HOME!!!! THE JANUARY 6 POLITICAL PRISONERS ARE FINALLY COMING HOME!!!! Advertisement Lang referenced Trumps inauguration date, January 20, 2025, as the moment he believes pardons will be issued. Will Donald Trump pardon the January 6 defendants? Trumps potential mass pardon of January 6 defendants would constitute the largest since US President Biden pardoned individuals with federal marijuana offences in 2023. Legal experts note that presidential pardons, while absolute once granted, are discretionary. Trump has a history of controversial pardons from his first term, often bypassing the standard Justice Department review process and focusing on individuals with personal or political ties, including Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and Michael Flynn. The potential for broad pardons has generated significant concern among advocacy groups and legal observers. BBC quoted Wendy Via, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), who warned that widespread clemency could make a mockery of our justice system and embolden violence in political disputes. Via reported that some extremist groups are advising members to remain quiet until Trumps expected pardons, suggesting they avoid the January inauguration but celebrate locally. Advertisement Despite optimism among some defendants, not all expect sweeping pardons. Non-violent offenders like Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia state delegate, have pushed for broad clemency but expressed that pardons alone might not suffice. I think there needs to be some reparations and restitution involved as well, Evans stated. As the country awaits Trumps inauguration, officials continue prosecuting what they view as the most egregious January 6 cases, with the FBI still seeking nine suspects for violent acts against police officers. Also Read | Climate action, aid for Ukraine: Why the last days of the Biden presidency matter With inputs from agencies South Korea, US and Japan are starting a three-day joint military exercise from today in response to threats from North Korea which recently conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test read more The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington will feature in three-day South Korea, US and Japan joint military exercise starting on November 13, 2024. Source: Reuters. A three-day military drill will be carried out by South Korea from Wednesday in response to threats from North Korea which recently conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test. The United States and Japan will also be taking part in the Freedom Edge exercise. The joint military drill also comes as the US State Department said North Korean troops have started engaging in combat operations in Russias war with Ukraine. South Koreas military said that the joint exercise will feature fighter jets and marine patrol aircraft as well as the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Advertisement In a statement, Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the exercise will include South Korean and Japanese fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft and the USS George Washington. The JCS further informed that the trilateral exercise will also include maritime missile defence training and cyber defence training. The South Korea, US and Japan joint military exercise follows a first round which was held earlier this year after the leaders of the three countries agreed at a summit in 2023 to hold annual training drills. North Korea has long condemned joint drills between South Korea and the US, calling them a rehearsal for invasion. The US Air Force, in a statement on Tuesday, said it would retire its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in key regions including South Korea in the fiscal year 2025 as part of its modernisation strategy. The aircraft, nicknamed The Warthog, was developed for the US Air Force by the Fairchild Republic Company, which is now part of Northrop Grumman, according to the US defence companys website. With inputs from Reuters. The United Nations has said that the quantity of aid reaching Gaza is at its lowest level this year adding that northern Gaza is vulnerable to famine which did not receive any aid last month read more Palestinians line up to receive aid distributed by UNRWA, the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, in Nusairat refugee camp, Gaza, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. AP United Nations says Israel has missed the deadline to boost aid delivery to Gaza. The US, however, thinks otherwise. The State Department on Tuesday said that Israel has not violated US laws on the amount of aid entering war-stricken Gaza nor did it miss the US deadline to increase shipments. Vedant Patel, the State Department spokesperson, said, We have not made an assessment that they are in violation of US law. The United Nations has said that the quantity of aid reaching Gaza is at its lowest level this year adding that northern Gaza is vulnerable to famine which did not receive any aid last month. Advertisement Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a letter last month to Israel voicing alarm over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and setting a deadline of November 13 to comply with US law on permitting humanitarian assistance. Ron Dermer, a top advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, personally updated Blinken on Israels efforts in a meeting Monday in Washington, the State Department said. The overall humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be unsatisfactory, Patel said. But in the context of the letter, its not about whether we find something satisfactory or not; its what are the actions that were seeing. These actions that we have seen, we think that these are steps in the right direction, he said. Israel has maintained that it has substantially increased aid shipments in Gaza and accused stakeholders of not distributing them adequately. On Tuesday morning, COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, announced the opening of a new crossing called Kissufim, leading to the south. With inputs from AFP Addressing the House Republicans in Washington, the president-elect asserted that next time, if we go up even a fraction of what we went up, the GOP can sweep states like New Jersey, New York and California read more Donald Trump, in his first address to House Republicans since he won the elections, boasted about how he won all the seven swing states, highlighting that many Democrat strongholds swung their support for the Republican Party. We won it every way, all seven swing states, by a lot, the president-elect told a cheering crowd in Washington. He also asserted that next time, if we go up even a fraction of what we went up, the GOP can sweep states like New Jersey, New York and California. Advertisement Trump suggested Wednesday that he could be open to a constitution-breaking third term in office, in remarks made to House Republicans ahead of the start of his second term. I suspect I wont be running again unless you say, Hes good, we got to figure something else, Trump provocatively told his audience in a downtown Washington hotel, drawing some laughter from supporters. Trump sweeps all swing states The last swing state to be won by Trump was Arizona and this win accentuated his electorates by a lot. In addition to Arizona, Trump won the swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Nevada. In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump by winning six of the seven swing states - and narrowly losing North Carolina and won 306 Electoral College votes to Trumps 232. Trump-Biden meeting Trump is due to meet outgoing US President Joe Biden in the White House on Wednesday, the first such meeting since the elections. Biden invited his sworn rival to meet in the Oval Office despite the fact that 78-year-old Trump, who has consistently refused to admit his 2020 election loss, never afforded Biden the same courtesy. Biden, 81, is expected to urge a smooth transition of power in the encounter at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) and push for continued support for Ukraine. He believes in the norms. He believes in our institutions, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday when asked why Biden was inviting Trump. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Foreign Direct Investment in Nepal Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 1 This page is under construction! Q: What are the services provided by Single Stop Service Centre? (a) Registration and administration of industries, (b) Approval of foreign investment and loan, (c) Registration and administration of companies, (d) Labor permit, (e) Visa facility, (f) Testing and control of quality of goods produced by industries, (g) Approval of environmental study report, (h) Energy and infrastructure development, and necessary coordination for that purpose, as well as focal point among other bodies, (i) Exemptions, facilities to which industries are entitled, (j) Provision of permanent account number, (k) Foreign exchange approval, (l) Any service related to such other functions as may be required to be performed for industries Tax Considerations: Q: What are the documents required for PAN/VAT registration? Any enterprise doing business in Nepal needs to register itself and obtain a PAN from the IRD. Enterprises with turnover of NPR 5 million or more, also need to register for VAT at the same department. Application form Copy of Citizenship Certificate. Foreigners: any authentic identification document Copy of the Company Registration Certificate (if applicable) Two identical passport size photos of the person who signs the application form. Partnerships: two identical size photos of each partner Proof of deposit if requested by Inland Revenue Office (foreigners only) Sketch map of the location of main office or head office. In case of registration for VAT, if possible, declaration of estimated taxable amount of next three months, otherwise state the non-possibility in the application To apply for registration of PAN, the company can use the IRD website (www.ird.gov.np) and register online as well Q: What are the corporate income tax rates in Nepal? Corporate tax rates in Nepal depend upon the nature of the business entity and generally ranges from 25-30%. The normal rate for entities is 25%; rates for life insurance companies are also 25%, but rates for banks and financial institutions, general insurance, and enterprises involved in the petroleum business is 30%. Special industries, enterprises operating roads, bridges, railways hydropower stations, transmission lines, etc. on a BOOT basis are given a special rate of 20%. Q: What are the provisions for avoiding dual taxation in Nepal? The Government of Nepal has signed different treaties and agreements to avoid dual taxation. For instance, Nepal has signed BIPPAA with five and DTAA with eleven countries. Q: Do we have to register in the sector-specific government agency once it is already registered in the Company Registrar Office? Q: What are the documents required for industry registration in the sector-specific government agency? Copy of the foreign investment approval letter issued by the concerned authority- 1 set Certificate of Incorporation - 1 set Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the company- 1 set each EIA Report or IEE Report Q: Is there any provision for a minimum threshold for foreign investment? Q: Are there any restrictions on equity holding percentage in any project? Aeroplane service -80% Telephone service - 80% Consultancy service - Maximum 51% The casino industry required a local partner to be established Q: Can a foreign investor seek loans for project financing through Nepali banks and financial institutions? Central Bank Clearance: Q: Is the approval from Nepal Rastra Bank required for bringing the foreign investment? Yes, it is required to take approval from the NRB bank. (a) Investment in Greenfield Project: Approval from the Central Bank is not required. However, the proponent has to submit an information to the Central Bank. (b) Investment through share transfer (in Brownfield Project): Approval from the Central Bank for bringing in foreign investment after getting the investment approval from IBN/DoI in the Brownfield Project is required. Q: What are the documents required for NRB approval for foreign investors? If foreign investor is a company, Certified copy of company registration Certified copy of most recent audited financial report (not required for the company investing less than 1 million USD or equivalent foreign currency. Not required if the financial report prepared by the Board of Director/Highlevel management is submitted along with the proof that the audit of such report is not necessary) Document identifying the latest shareholder (not required for the company listed in stock exchange) Certified copy of source of investment Certified copy of resolution of the Board of Directors or authorized representative for making an investment If foreign investor is a natural person, Certified copy of the passport Certified copy of source of investment If a natural person is not the approved foreign investor, Certified copy of the passport Certified copy of source of investment Certified copy of relationship certificate with the approved foreign investor Visa Procedure Foreign visitors other than Indian nationals need valid passports to enter Nepal. Indian nationals need valid passports/travel document if the entry point is airport. There is a provision of seven categories of visa in the Immigration Act 2049 and Immigration Regulation 2051. These are: Q: What are the visa provisions for a foreign investor to reside in Nepal? A. Non-Tourist Visa: 1. Non-tourist Visa for Carrying out the Feasibility Study: As per clause 52 of the As per clause 52 of the Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act 2019 , a non-tourist visa shall be provided for 6 months for foreign citizens to study, research and survey any approved foreign investment. The foreign investor or one authorized representative and their family members shall be provided business visas to stay as long as investments continue in Nepal. Foreign employees of the project acquiring labor permits shall also be allowed to stay during their period of investment in Nepal. Required Documents 2. For a Non-tourist Visa for Carrying out the Feasibility Study: To obtain this visa, the prospective investor should apply to DOI in the prescribed format along with the following documents: i) Bio-Data of the applicant ii) Photo copy of the passport with the last visa iii) Brief description of the project in which research and study will be undertaken. iv) Photocopy of the citizenship certificate of the Nepalese investor, if the proposed industry is going to be established as a joint venture. To obtain this visa, the prospective investor should apply to DOI in the prescribed format along with the following documents: i) Passport size photograph, 6 nos ii) Recommendation letter from DOI iii) Bio-Data of the applicant iv) Photo copy of the passport with the last visa. Fees and Deposits 3. Non-tourist Visa for Carrying out the Feasibility Study The charge for this category of visa is US $ 60 per month 3. Non-tourist visa for Expatriates: If required skilled manpower is not available locally, industry can employ foreign nationals by obtaining work permit. Such expatriate personnel working in the industries will be granted a non-tourist visa for duration of one year at a time on recommendation of DOI and Department of Labour. The work permit for such persons can be provided for up to a period of 5 years on annual renewal basis. Required Documents for Non-tourist visa for Expatriates To obtain this visa, the prospective investor should apply to DOI in the prescribed format along with the following documents: i) Copy of the Agreement between the industry and expatriate ii) Progress report of the industry iii) Bio-Data of the expatriate personnel (mainly describing the experience in the related industry) and academic certificates iv) Photo copy of the passport with last visa v) Name list of Nepalese workers who will be trained from the expatriate vi) Industry registration certificate vii) Copy of vacancy announcement advertised in national daily Non-tourist visa for Expatriates The charges for this category of visa are: First Year US $ 60 per month. Second Year onwards US $ 100 per month B. Business Visa: The foreign investor or one authorized representative and their family members shall be provided business visas to stay as long as investments continue in Nepal. Foreign employees of the project acquiring labor permits shall also be allowed to stay during their period of investment in Nepal. For obtaining this visa, the prospective investor should apply to DOI in the prescribed format along with the following documents: Required Documents for Business Visa: i) Photo copy of the passport with last visa ii) Proof showing investment made in the company. iii) Industry registration certificate iv) Progress report of the industry including the current status v) Certificate of relationship with the dependents. vi) In case of an authorized representative, a letter authorizing representation for the foreign investor and the photocopy of passport. vii) Contact address and telephone number of the investor Once the recommendation letter is obtained from DOI, the investor or the authorized representative may apply to the Department of Immigration in the prescribed format along the with the following documents: i) Passport size photograph, 6 nos ii) Recommendation letter from DOI iii) Certificate of Incorporation iv) Copy of the temporary/permanent account number (PAN) v) Copy of the share certificate (in case of equity investment) vi) Copy of the passport with last visa vii) Industry registration certificate viii) Bio-Data of the passport holder However, for the visa extension the following documents are to be submitted to the Department of Immigration: i) Passport size photograph, 3 nos ii) Recommendation letter from DOI iii) Copy of the tax clearance certificate iv) Copy of the passport with last visa v) Bio-Data of the passport holder Fees and Deposits The charges for this category of visa are: For the investments less than Rs. 10 million i) Multiple entry, US $ 30 per month. ii) Multiple entry, US $ 300 per year. iii) Multiple entry, US $ 1000 for 5 years. For the investments Rs. 10 million to Rs. 100 million i) US $ 10 per month. ii) Multiple entry, US $ 100 per year. iii) Multiple entry US $ 300 for 5 years. C. Residential Visa: Foreign investor making an investment equivalent to more than US $ one hundred thousand, at one time and in convertible foreign currency, will be granted a residential visa on recommendation of DOI. This visa can be granted for one year at a time. Fees and Deposits The charge for this category of visa is US $ 700 per year for the first time and US $ 1200 per year for each renewal. Q: Business Visa: What are the documents required for the business visa along with the Application? Notarized copy of passport with the latest Visa Letter of Foreign Investment Approval from the Department of Industry Copy of Industry/Company Registration Certificate In the case of Industry in operation, a report of industry inspection Notarized copies of Letter of Authorization as a Representative of foreign investor and passport Notarized document of the relation with the dependents Contact address and telephone number of the investor/representative Q: What are the documents required for the residential visa ? In case of foreign investment equivalent to or above 1 million US dollars at a time, a foreign investor or his/her representative and family members shall be recommended for the Residential Visa. Notarized copy of passport with the latest Visa Evidence of Realized Investment equivalent or above 1 million US dollars at a time Copy of the Industry Registration Certificate Physical and Financial Progress Report of the industry Document of the relationship with the dependent Q: Does the Investment Board of Nepal/Department of Industry provide visa facilitation for investors? Yes. Based on clause 52 of PPPIA 2019, the Investment Board and Department of Industry shall facilitate foreign investors with visas in coordination with the Yes. Based on clause 52 of PPPIA 2019, the Investment Board and Department of Industry shall facilitate foreign investors with visas in coordination with the Department of Immigration (DoI). Yes, after registration at the tax office, the industry is required to get registered in the respective sector-specific Government agency/Ministry. Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020 makes it mandatory for all business activities falling under the definition of industry to be registered as an industry with DOI.It is applicable for investment in the new industry only.Yes,, the government has sharply lowered the minimum threshold for foreign direct investment toBut there is no upper cap for foreign investment.Yes, hundred percent foreign investment is not allowed for some sectors like casino, telecommunication and aviation. Foreign investor is permitted to equity holding percentage in some industries are as follows:In practice, the foreign investor seeks loan from foreign institutions, namely bank and financial institution (BFIs) or multi-lateral lending agencies. Foreign BFIs can form consortiums with Nepali BFIs in such circumstances to finance projects in Nepal. Foreign Direct Investment in Nepal Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 2 This page is under construction! FAQ Home | FAQ1 | FAQ2 | FAQ3 Repatriation of Investment and Earnings Q. What is the provision for repatriation of foreign investment? Repatriation approval is given by the Central Bank on recommendation from the concerned foreign investment approving body (IBN/DOI) within 15 working days of application submission. Repatriation can be done after all taxes are fully paid and all necessary legal obligations have been met. NRB shall also provide exchange facility to the foreign investors for repatriation. In some cases, the foreign investment approving bodies (IBN/DOI) may grant approval for repatriation. Q: What are the amounts allowed to repatriate? Amount received from sale of shares with foreign investment Amount of profit or dividend received from foreign investment In the case of liquidation or winding up of the industry or company, amount remaining after paying all liabilities following the liquidation or winding up Amount of royalty received under the technology transfer agreement (Provided that in the case of the royalty or fee for the use of a trademark under the transfer of technology in a liquor industry other than a liquor industry exporting cent percent of liquor, the amount of such royalty shall not exceed five percent of the total selling price, as prescribed, excluding the prevailing tax.) Amount of lease rent under the lease investment Amount received as damages or compensation, if any, received from the final settlement of a law suit, arbitration or any other legal process in Nepal Amount that can be repatriated in accordance with the prevailing law Q: What are the documents required for repatriation? Approval from the concerned foreign investment approving body Copy of the minutes of annual general meeting, or board of directors, or authorized officer of the company/ industry with foreign investment for foreign exchange approval Copy of the letter of FDI recording in NRB Copy of the current audit Report Copy of the last tax clearance certificate or proof of tax details submission Proof of the company/industry not being blacklisted by the Credit Information Bureau (CIB) of Nepal A self-declaration stating that the company/industry does not have any outstanding loan pending in BFIs, engagement in embezzling of foreign currency, outstanding liabilities as well as compliance to the national and international laws on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism In case of royalty from technology transfer, copy of details of royalty as per the technology transfer agreement certified by a Chartered Accountant and invoice issued by the concerned investor For unlisted companies, copy of due-diligence audit report stating the valuation of price per share Proof of deposit of advance income tax and VAT on the amount remitted as per the prevailing laws Q: What are the documents required for repatriation of income? Application and copy of Industry, Company Registration Certificate Copy of Approval for Foreign Investment Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors Approved Share Purchase Agreement AGM decision on paying dividend Copy of the Approved Loan Agreement or an attested copy of the decision regarding compensation Copy of approved Agreement of Technology Transfer and Lease Investment Copy of current Audit Report, Tax Clearance Certificate, and notarized copy of the letter of being not blacklisted Copy of the list of promoters and share-holders documented in the Company Registrars Office Letter of FDI recording in Nepal Rastra Bank Document showing the amount received from the sale of share Royalty Calculation by Certified Chartered Accountant Copy of the document showing the amount paid as the principal or interest on foreign investment Labor and Employment Q: What are the governing laws and authorities to regulate employment in Nepal? The matter relating to employment in Nepal is primarily governed by: i. The Labor Act 2017, (2074) (Labor Act) and ii. The Labor Rules 2018, (2075) (Labor Rules) in Nepal iii. The Contribution Based Social Security Act, 2017 (2074) (Social Security Act) iv. The Contribution Based Social Security Rules, 2018 (2075) (Social Security Rules) v. The Social Security Schemes Directives, 2018 (2075) (Social Security Directives) vi. The Trade Union Act, 1992 (2049) (Trade Union Act) vii. The Trade Union Rules, 1994 (2050) (Trade Union Rules) viii. The Bonus Act, 1973 (2030) (Bonus Act) ix. The Bonus Rules, 1982 (2039) (Bonus Rules) x. The Foreign Employment Act, 2007 (2064) (Foreign Employment Act) xi. The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000 (2056) (Child Labor Prohibition Act) xii. The Right to Employment Act, 2018 (2075) (Employment Act) xiii. The Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act, 2018 (2075) (Safe Motherhood xiv. The Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act, 2015 (2072) (Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act) All the laws enlisted above could be collectively accessed in Labor Laws. Employment-related matters are regulated by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Labor Office. Q: When can a company hire foreign national? Section 4A of The Labor Act restricts any foreign nationals to work in Nepal without obtaining work permit. The foreign nationals (a) having diplomatic immunity, or (b) who are not required to obtain a work permit under a treaty or agreement entered into with the GON are however exempted from the work permit requirement. The hiring process of foreign nationals varies based on the work or nature of the local entity. The foreign nationals may be hired (a) if local skill set is not available, or (b) by the foreign investment company up to certain numbers, or (c) for short term technical work. Exiting from Business Q: What is the validity period of approval of foreign investment? The approval for foreign investment remains valid as long as the investment stays in Nepal. However, the approval becomes invalid if: (a) The investor fails to bring the investment to Nepal within two years without a valid reason, (b) Full ownership of the industry is transferred to a Nepali investor through a sale of shares, (c) The industry loses its registration due to non-compliance or default. Other conditions for the validity period will be set as per regulations. Dispute Resolution: Q: What are the laws governing dispute resolution in Nepal? Generally, disputes are resolved in two ways: (a) Courts and Tribunals or (b) Arbitration. The Constitution of Nepal, the Administration of Justice Act, 2016 (2073), the Supreme Court Act, 2016 (2073), the Supreme Court Regulations, 1992 (2049), the High Court Regulations, 2016 (2073), District Court Regulations, 2016 (2073), Country Civil Procedure Code, 2017 (2074), Country Criminal Code, 2017 (2074), Country Criminal Procedure Code, 2017 (2074) deal with judicial proceedings in regular courts. The matters relating to arbitration is primarily governed by the Arbitration Act, 1998 (Arbitration Act) and Arbitration (Court Procedures) Rules, 2002 in Nepal. Q: What is the provision to settle legal disputes between a native and a foreign investor? Section 40 of FITTA, 2019 states that if a dispute arises between a Nepali investor and a foreign investor regarding foreign investment, the Department will facilitate efforts for the parties to resolve the issue through mutual discussions or negotiations. If the dispute is not settled within 45 days, and there is a joint investment or dispute settlement agreement in place, the dispute will be resolved according to that agreement. The parties must inform the Foreign Investment Approving body about the settlement within 15 days, though they are not required to disclose the specific terms of the settlement. If no agreement exists regarding dispute resolution, the dispute will be settled through arbitration according to Nepal's arbitration laws. For any foreign investment-related dispute, arbitration will generally follow the Rules or Procedures of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), unless the parties agree otherwise. Arbitration will take place in Nepal, following Nepalese arbitration laws. If no prior agreement exists for dispute resolution, or if the existing agreement is inadequate, the parties can make a new agreement after the dispute arises. This agreement must be reported to the body that registered the industry. Disputes related to this new agreement can also be settled under these provisions. Q: What is the mechanism for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral award? The disputes that are commercial in nature can be referred to arbitration for settlement. If there has been any arbitration agreement between the parties in dispute, then the dispute should be referred to the arbitration. The Arbitration Act provides for the arbitration proceedings. The courts of Nepal do not hear any commercial disputes so far as there has been an arbitration agreement. The foreign arbitral award is enforced in Nepal in two conditions, viz. (a) if Nepal is party to any treaty related to enforcement of foreign arbitral award, and (b) the award is rendered in the territory of the party to that treaty subject to the conditions set out at the time of being party to that treaty. Nepal is a party to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitration Award 1957 (New York Convention). Nepal has ratified the New York Convention with such declarations that it enforces the foreign arbitral award (a) on the basis of reciprocity and (b) given on disputes commercial in nature under the law of Nepal. The Arbitration Act sets out the conditions to be satisfied for the enforcement of foreign arbitral award in Nepal. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions the foreign arbitral award can be enforced in Nepal. The petition for enforcement of foreign arbitral award should be submitted to the High Court. The High Court can forward the foreign arbitral award to the District Court if it is enforceable. Both India and Nepal are signatory to the New York Convention which obliges the countries to recognize the foreign arbitral award on the basis of reciprocity. In the context of India, we understand that only 48 countries have been notified by the Central Government of India as reciprocating countries, which does not include Nepal. Therefore, Nepal is not obliged to enforce the Indian arbitral award on the basis of reciprocity. FNCCIs Role and Support Q: How can FNCCI help foreign investors navigate the FDI process? FNCCI in collaboration with the Investment Board Nepal has established a help desk in order to ensure that foreign investors are well-informed about the regulatory requirements and well-equipped with market intelligence to venture into Nepal after carefully considering its policies, visa-related issues, and the local context of investments. It Provides services related to registration, operation of a business, and exit of an industry from a single window operated by the private sector. And, help foreign investors in meeting compliance regarding issues such as investment approval, securing labor permits, visa facilities, foreign exchange, and environmental compliance, among others. One Stop Service Centre The One Stop Service Center (OSSC) was set up within the Department of Industry on May 15, 2019, following a directive published in the Nepal Gazette on April 29, 2019, to support both foreign and domestic investors. OSSC provides a range of services, including foreign investment approvals, visa recommendations for foreign investors, their authorized representatives, and foreign experts, as well as support with Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), foreign currency exchange, and related services. The center consolidates representation from 14 organizations and nine facilitation units, all under one roof, to streamline assistance for investors which are enlisted below in the chart. Meta has announced key changes to Facebook and Instagram services in the European Union, including a significant reduction in the subscription price for an ad-free experience. Starting November 13, 2024, EU users will have the option to subscribe at a lower monthly rate or continue using the services for free with ads. Additionally, Meta is introducing a new option for free users to opt for less personalized ads. Price Reduction for Ad-Free Subscription Meta has reduced the price of its monthly subscription for an ad-free experience. The web subscription price will decrease from 9.99 to 5.99 per month. The subscription price on iOS and Android will drop from 12.99 to 7.99 per month. Additional Facebook or Instagram accounts will cost 4/month on the web or 5/month on iOS/Android. Existing subscribers will automatically see the new prices without needing to take any action. Meta also confirmed that they would prompt EU users again to choose whether they want to subscribe at the new price or opt for a free, ad-supported experience. Less Personalized Ads for Free Users Meta is introducing a new option for EU users who prefer to see fewer personalized ads. This feature will show ads based on basic information such as location, age, and gender, rather than relying on personalized targeting. While the ads will be less tailored to individual preferences, they will still be relevant to the users current session. This change is in response to regulatory demands in the EU, with Meta aiming to continue offering a free service while respecting privacy concerns. Details on Less Personalized Ads While less personalized ads provide users with more control over their data, they may result in ads that are less relevant to their interests. Meta also plans to introduce unskippable ad breaks, allowing advertisers to reach a wider audience. This move is designed to provide value to advertisers and help keep the service free for users. EU users will be prompted to choose this option, and they can adjust their ad preferences at any time. Value of Personalized Ads Meta emphasized the value of personalized ads for both businesses and users. Personalized advertising allows users to connect with relevant brands and products, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses. In the EU, small businesses account for over 99% of companies and employ more than 100 million people. Personalized ads are crucial for these businesses to effectively target their audience. According to Meta, European businesses generate 107 billion annually from personalized ads, contributing to economic growth and supporting jobs. Commitment to EU Regulations Meta reiterated that while these changes were made in response to regulatory pressures, personalized advertising remains the best option for delivering valuable experiences to both users and businesses. Meta expects that most users will continue to choose personalized ads despite the expanded options. Pricing and Availability Effective from November 13, 2024, the new subscription prices will apply, with the following details for additional accounts: Web Subscription: 5.99/month (USD 6.36 / Rs. 535 approx.) iOS/Android Subscription: 7.99/month (USD 8.48 / Rs. 715 approx.) Additional accounts: 4/month (USD 4.25 / Rs. 360 approx.) on the web and 5/month (USD 5.31 / Rs. 447.94 approx.) on iOS/Android. Announcing the updates, Meta posted, RedMagic just announced the RedMagic 10 Pro and RedMagic 10 Pro+, the companys new flagship gaming phones, in China, as it had promised. Both the phones are powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The company says that it has scored 3,291,328 points on AnTuTu. It offers up to 24GB of LPDDR5X ULTRA (9600Mbps) RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 PRO storage. These feature a 6.85-inch 1.5K OLED BOE Q9+ screen a refresh rate of up to 144Hz refresh rate, screen-to-body ratio of 95.3%, peak brightness of 2000 nits, and support up to 2592Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and DC dimming. The phones feature a Red Core R3 self-developed gaming chip, which supports 2K+120FPS super-resolution and super-frame concurrency. The RedMagic 10 Pro series is the first to use composite liquid metal cooling, with a thermal conductivity of 80W/mk, 13 times higher than thermal conductive gel. There is a new Hot Wheels high-speed centrifugal fan, with 10% increased wind speed to 23,000 rpm, the 3D ice-step VC area is increased by 18% to 12,000mm, the superconducting copper foil is 5,200mm, and the thickness of the graphene under the screen is increased by 30%. There are 520Hz gaming shoulder keys, 0815 X-axis linear motor, 1115 stereo speakers, and multi-function NFC that supports access cards, city bus cards, and BYD smart car keys. The phones feature a flat design, and retain the 3.5mm headphone jack. These feature a 16-megapixel front camera and support the new generation of AI under-screen camera technology, promising better images. The rear 50-megapixel dual main camera supports low-light night scenes, fast focus, HDR mode, AI elimination, AI album search and other functions. The RedMagic 10 Pro+ has a 7050mAh silicon-carbon battery, supports 120W fast charging, and can be charged up to 50% in 11 minutes and 100% in 30 minutes. The RedMagic 10 Pro has a 6500mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging. RedMagic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ specifications 6.85-inch (26881216 pixels) 1.5K OLED BOE Q9+ display with 144Hz refresh rate, up to 960Hz touch sampling rate, 10-bit color depth and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, up to 2000 nits peak brightness, DC dimming, 2592Hz PWM dimming Octa Core Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 830 GPU 12GB / 16GB / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) Android 15 with Redmagic AI OS 10.0 Dual SIM (nano + nano) 50MP 1/1.5 OmniVision OV50E40 sensor with f/1.88 aperture, OIS, 50MP 120-degree (OmniVision OV50D) ultra-wide lens with f/2.2 aperture, 2MP macro (OmniVision OV02F10) camera 16MP OmniVision OV16A1Q under-display front-facing camera In-display fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor 3.5mm audio jack, Dual 1115K speakers, DTS:X ULTRA, three mics, Dongci 0815 dual X-axis linear motors Dimensions:163.4276.148.9mm;Weight: 229g 5G NSA /SA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS (L1/L5)+ GLONASS, USB Type-C, NFC 10 Pro+ 7050mAh battery, 120W fast charging 10 Pro 6500mAh battery, 80W fast charging Pricing and availability RedMagic 10 Pro Dark Knight/Day Warrior 12GB+256GB model costs 4999 yuan (USD 692 / Rs. 58,425 approx.), 12GB+512GB costs 5499 yuan (USD 761 / Rs. 64,270 approx.). RedMagic 10 Pro Deuterium Front Transparent Dark Night/Silver Wing 12GB+256GB model costs 5299 yuan (USD 733 / Rs. 61,930 approx.), 12GB+512GB costs 5799 yuan (USD 803 / Rs. 67,780 approx.). RedMagic 10 Pro+ Dark Knight/Day Warrior 16GB+512GB model costs 5999 yuan (USD 830 / Rs. 70,130 approx.), and Dark Knight 24GB+1TB model costs 7499 yuan (USD 1038 / Rs. 87,660 approx.), Deuterium Front Transparent Dark Night / Silver Wing 16GB+512GB model is priced at 6299 yuan (USD 872 / Rs. 73,625 approx.). RedMagic 10 GOLDEN SAGA 24GB+1TB Limited Edition with golden VC, gold & silver air duct, carbon fiber heat dissipation, sapphire glass protection, gold-plated power button, gold-plated logo, exclusive personal assistant services, game treasure boxes, protection kits, brand privileges and more is priced at 9499 yuan (USD 1315 / Rs. 1,11,025 approx.). The phones are available to order in China from today, and will go on sale starting from November 18th. The international version of RedMagic 10 Pro will be announced on December 3rd. Targeting the obesity-breast cancer connection Disis, director of the UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute and associate dean of the UW School of Medicine, was again funded to continue her work on ADVac, an adipose directed vaccine to address the role of obesity in promoting breast cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women, where the risk is 20-40% higher than for women who are not obese. Those with metabolic syndrome (obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure) are also at risk. Obesity promotes the infiltration of CD8+ T-cells into fat early on, which triggers an adaptive immune response that causes sustained inflammation. Over time, this inflammation results in metabolic dysfunction in the fat tissue and in the T cells themselves, a dysfunction that cant be eliminated simply by losing weight. These inflammatory T cells persist even after weight loss, Disis said. To combat this type of adipose-driven inflammation and its associated health risks, Disis and her team developed an anti-inflammatory vaccine that elicits a response from Type II anti-inflammatory T cells. Previous funding from BCRF was used to conduct a year-long pre-clinical study of ADVac in preclinical models to determine to what extent the vaccine reversed metabolic dysfunction at the tumor site and prevented development of breast cancer. Disis and colleagues used mass spectrometry to analyze the metabolic changes in the adipose tissue of mice after vaccination. The results showed a metabolic reprogramming in adipose tissue of obese mice to resemble the metabolic profile seen in lean mice, Disis said, a shift that may discourage breast cancer growth. With the new funding, researchers will continue to use preclinical models to investigate optimal vaccine dosing and delivery as well as assess the best timing between vaccine doses (14 versus 30 days). Theyll also evaluate the number of vaccine boosters that are necessary after the initial priming dose. Once theyve determined the vaccine formulation, dose and regimen, they will launch another preclinical study, vaccinating obese mice with the defined regimen, then testing for metabolic function, changes in immune cell composition, particularly T cells and macrophages, the major contributors to adipose inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Were first trying to identify the optimal vaccine formulation and dosing schedule, Disis said. Then were going to use it to improve measures of metabolic dysfunction by 60% or better in obese mice, with or without the additional short course of metformin. Then, well see if the toxicity profile allows us to translate this to clinical use. If so, the research will form the basis of an Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA for a clinical trial. ADVac, which treats the actual inflammation itself, not just the symptoms of inflammation, could eventually be used to help those with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and other disorders associated with adipose inflammation. Our long-term goal is to bring ADVac to the clinic as a risk reducing agent that can be given to women with metabolic obesity, Disis said, adding that the vaccine is not meant to replace the need for weight loss. Instead, immunization with ADVac would be used to eliminate the risk of chronic inflammation and the development of metabolic dysfunction that leads to breast cancer. And at more affordable price than other weight-loss therapies. This type of vaccine would be much less expensive and therefore more accessible than any of the current drugs used to treat obesity and its resultant diseases, she said. Investigating a new imaging tracer Linden, who received $1.5 million in funding in 2022, will continue investigating whether a PET/CT progesterone tracer known as FFNP (short for 21 [18F] fluorofuranylnorprogesterone) can better predict response to endocrine therapy coupled with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib, or Verzenio. A breast cancer oncologist and clinical researcher, Linden holds the Athena Distinguished Professorship of Breast Cancer Research at UW Medicine. Her clinical trial, funded by BCRF along with the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium and run in conjunction with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, will be the first multi-center study to test the accuracy of FFNP-PET for predicting response. Study participants will receive baseline PET/CT scans using the intravenous FFNP tracer, then will take estradiol for 24 hours, followed again by another scan with the FFNP tracer. Participants will then receive abemaciclib as a twice-daily oral medication for 28 days. Participants will also receive an endocrine therapy of the physicians choice. This cadence will repeat every 28 days until the patients disease progresses or the toxicity levels become intolerable. Participants will also have PET/CT scans using an intravenous glucose tracer known as FDG. These scans will be taken at baseline with additional diagnostic imaging for tumor assessment taken every three cycles. Were hoping that the use of FFNP as an imaging agent will provide more precise information about the location of tumors than a PET scan alone can provide, said Linden, who previously investigated an estrogen tracer for ER+ breast cancer patients known as FES-PET, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2020. Searching for undiscovered mutations King, a professor of medical genetics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the first person to determine breast cancer could be inherited, will continue her research projects focused on inherited breast cancer. King received $225,000 in BCRF funding. For many families severely affected with breast cancer, no genetic reason for their illness has been discovered, King said. Our goal is to understand inherited breast cancer in these families. Funding will support two ongoing projects, one of which involves a new technology platform that enables researchers to sequence large swaths of DNA in single very long strands, rather than thousands of short bits. This approach enables us to discover complex mutations in DNA that could not otherwise be detected, King said. The second project will be an exploration of dysregulation of gene expression as a basis for inherited breast cancer. We are focusing particularly on inherited genetic variation that subtly alters expression of the estrogen receptor, King said. These subtle effects are not mutations, but simply changes in level of expression of the gene, all within a normal range. We have very preliminary evidence that these effects may influence breast cancer risk. King also received a small grant to work with Israeli and Palestinian researchers on a project aimed at analyzing the inherited bases of breast cancer in Palestinian women and to create an infrastructure that provides the entire arc of cancer genetics services, from genetic diagnosis to follow-up and surveillance. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. By investing in the best minds in science to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration BCRF is accelerating the entire field and moving us closer to the answers we urgently need to end breast cancer. Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org. Tourism serves as bridge for exchanges between China and Latin America People's Daily Online) 13:34, November 13, 2024 Tourists from Brazil pose for a photo at a restaurant in Jiuzhaigou, a famous scenic spot in southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo courtesy of China Chengdu Greatway Tour Co., Ltd.) In recent years, exchanges and deepening cooperation between China and Latin American countries have flourished. As both sides advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, tourism has served as a bridge between the two sides. Although China and Latin American countries are separated by vast distances, people-to-people connections remain strong, and tourism exchanges continue to grow closer. Chinese tourists are drawn to Latin Americas rich natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and long history, with travel to Latin America steadily increasing. Meanwhile, the ancient yet modern China is attracting more and more Latin American tourists. Workers make alpaca toys at a workshop in Arequipa, Peru. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) According to Chinese online travel agency Ctrip, outbound travel orders to Latin America jumped by over 60 percent year on year between January and October 2024, with Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Chile emerging as the top destinations. This is inseparable from new direct flight routes and resumed air services in the second quarter. "Chinese travelers to Latin America typically fall into two categories: high-end business travelers and independent travelers seeking in-depth experiences," said Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer of China CYTS Tours Holding Co., Ltd. (CYTS). Xu added that popular itineraries that blend natural wonders with unique cultural experiences are popular among Chinese tourists, with Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Cuba being the top destinations. Members of a delegation of diplomatic envoys, agency representatives and journalists from Latin American and Caribbean countries visit a company in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan) Zhou Weihong, deputy general manager of the Spring Tour travel agency, noted that some Chinese tourists with rich experience in travel show interest in in-depth travel in countries including Brazil and Peru, and the agency's themed travel packages have gained great popularity among tourists. Since the beginning of this year, inbound tourism has heated up, with an increasing number of foreign tourists, including those from Latin America, coming to experience a more open China. Eulalia Arellano, a tourist from Ecuador, said he was amazed by China's ancient culture and rapid development over the past decades. He visited cities including Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai. He expressed that he felt the warmth of the Chinese people during the trip, and had a great time in the country. Chinese tourists pose for a photo in Machu Picchu, Peru. (Photo courtesy of GZL International Travel Service) "Safe, clean, modern, stunning scenery, and gastronomically diverse that's how Latin American tourists describe China," said Xie Juchuan, a tour guide with a travel agency in Beijing. While visiting the Palace Museum, a Brazilian tourist told Xie that he had only seen such a magnificent structure in films in the past and that thanks to Xie's tour experience, he has developed a strong interest in China's history and culture. China's natural wonders are also a major point of interesting for visiting tourists. With its wondrous mountains and picturesque scenery, Zhangjiajie in central China's Hunan Province is one of the popular destinations for Latin American tourists. "I knew about Zhangjiajie through the movie Avatar. To see the real place that the movie was based on was awe-inspiring. I met many tourists from different countries here. Zhangjiajie is like a window for China to communicate with the world," said a Chilean tourist who visited the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a famous tourist destination. Tourism exchanges between China and Latin America are a result of closer bilateral economic and cultural exchanges. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said Latin American countries including Chile, Brazil and Peru became outbound destinations for China's group tours in 2005. Photo shows Columbian tourists in Shanghai. (Photo courtesy of Chinese travel company WildChina) With deepening practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the implementation of travel facilitation measures like direct flights, Chinese tourists are increasingly aware of and interested in Latin American destinations. China is a vital source of tourists for Latin American countries, while Latin America shows immense potential as an emerging source of inbound tourists to China, said Yang. Yang added that China and Latin America have great potential for tourism exchanges and future cooperation between the two sides has bright prospects. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Wed Wednesday 49 /29 More sun than clouds. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the upper 20s. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will begin issuing more than $2.14 billion in payments to eligible agricultural producers, and landownersproviding much needed support through key conservation and safety-net programs.... Local Races Were Valley County Commissioner And House District #31 Valley County voters made their voices heard on Election Day, Nov. 5, by not only choosing who will represent them at a county level as a County Commissioner, but also had the opportunity to choose the next President of the United States, the next Se... Kyle Goodman, of the Valley County Sheriff's Office, was one of 62 new officers to graduate from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) within the Montana Department of Justice on Nov. 8. MLEA provides basic and advanced training for state, count... Alysa Jensen, age, 23, from Hinsdale, Mont., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in a vehicle accident just north of Saco, Mont. Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Hinsdale School at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Cremation has taken place and no burial is planned. On July 24, 2001, Alysa Lynn Jensen was born to Dawn Marie Jensen (Frazier) and David B. Conway. She was stubborn and went by her own terms from the very beginning, after all she decided to make her grand entrance into the world by being born in an ambulance two weeks early. In June 2006 she made the long trek from Ohio to Montana with her mom and daddy, Frank Jensen. From the moment she arrived in Montana, she knew she was home. Alysa attended school in Hinsdale and graduated with the class of 2019. She loved school and was proud to be a Raider and North Country Maverick. She truly loved writing and was always writing stories and putting her thoughts down on paper. She dreamed of being a journalist one day. While in school, Alysa was a cheerleader, played volleyball, sang in the choir, played the flute and drums in band, and was a member in the FFA. Alysa had many things she enjoyed doing. Some of her favorites included going up North to the family homestead and spending summers with her mom and dad. She was a lover of all animals, but especially enjoyed riding her horses and spoiling her cats as much as possible. Alysa also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going target shooting with her dad. Another passion of hers was music, from such a young age she was listening to just about anything she could, she didn't really have a favorite. Music just brought her peace. After high school Alysa attended MSU-Northern for a short while, but life had other plans for her. On Dec. 2, 2020, she welcomed her son, Alyx, to the world, and from that day on being his mom brought her the greatest happiness. She struggled, she stressed, and sometimes life was rough, but she always carried on when it came to Alyx. He was her greatest accomplishment. If there is one thing that she would have wanted her son to know, it would be that she truly loves him and always will. Alysa was preceded in death by her daddy Frank Jensen; grandmothers Peggy Frazier and Alma Jensen; grandfather Rocky E. Frazier; uncle Rocky S. Frazier; and grandparents Phil and Mary Conway. Alysa is survived by her son Alyx; her mom Dawn Jensen, of Saco, Mont.; father David Conway, of Ohio; "Cuzzie" Autumn Martin (Matt) and their kids, Tucker and Rylee, of Kentucky; brothers Tyler and Matt Conway and Josh Scheiber, all of Ohio; aunts Jeanette Wyrick, of Montana, and Lisa Conway Caupp (Daren), of Ohio; Auntie Ashley Olson, of Hinsdale; and numerous other friends and extended family. In lieu of flowers all donations will go into an account for her son's future. Any questions you can contact Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Mont. Helen Florence (Farrell) Hunter, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow, Mont. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2025. Helen was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Roundup, Mont., to Raymond and Dorothy (Ray) Farrell. She grew up in Cut Bank, Mont., graduating from Cut Bank High School and attended nursing school in Great Falls, Mont., graduating with a degree as a Registered Nurse. Helen met Lawrence Merlin Hunter in high school, and they married on March 30, 1957. They enjoyed 67 years together and countless memories. They spent their first several years together in Great Falls, Mont., where their children, Kim, Gregg, Lynne and Mark were born. Merlin's job with National Cash Register Company (NCR) relocated them to Glasgow in 1962 where Dale was born. They raised their family in Glasgow and still reside there. Helen was the most kind, caring and loving person as exhibited by her dedication to nursing, working more than 25 years at the Glasgow Clinic. Helen and Merlin were active in Jaycees and Jayceens and were members of the First Lutheran Church. Helen's pinochle group was a special group of friends. They were always busy attending their children's and grandchildren's activities. They enjoyed camping, boating and especially their trips to "the Cabin" and Seeley Lake with Helen's family. They loved to travel to visit family and friends and had many adventures with their Holiday Rambler Motor Home Club. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Dorothy and stepmom Mae; her brother Ray Jr.; sister-in-law Verena; and in-laws William and Maxine Hunter. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Merlin; her children, Kim (Jay) Brooks, Gregg (Kim) Hunter, Lynne (Ron) Cebuhar, Mark (Letty) Hunter and Dale (Kathy) Hunter; brother Chuck Farrell; sister Diann Kramer; sister-in-law Dorothy Farrell; brothers-in-law Norman (Mary) Hunter and Jim Hunter; and special cousin Shirley (Norm) Nash. Helen has 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Donations in Helen's name can be made to Valley View Home Foundation, 1225 Perry Lane, Glasgow, Montana 59230. Condolences may be left online at bellmortuarymontana.com. November 12, 2024 Transcript Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Just a few things at the top and then we'll get right to your questions. First up, US Central Command forces executed a series of precise airstrikes November 9 through 10 on multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities situated within Houthi controlled territories in Yemen. These facilities housed a variety of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation involved US Air Force and US Navy assets to include F-35C fighter aircraft. This targeted operation was conducted in response to the Houthis repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping as well as U.S. coalition and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. It also aimed to degrade the Houthis ability to threaten regional partners. As you've heard us say before, we will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks. US Central Command will be issuing a press release shortly. Staying within the US Central Command area of responsibility. US CENTCOM forces conducted strikes yesterday against nine targets and two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on US personnel in Syria over a 24-hour period. These strikes will degrade the Iranian-backed group's ability to plan and launch future attacks on US and coalition forces who are in the region to conduct defeat ISIS operations. As CENTCOM commander General Kurilla stated in CENTCOM's press release, quote, we will continue to take every step necessary to protect our personnel and coalition partners and respond to reckless attacks, end quote. Shifting gears, Secretary Austin spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustam Umarov today to discuss battlefield dynamics and provide an update on US security assistance support for Ukraine. The secretary reaffirmed President Biden's commitment to surge security assistance to Ukraine and provide an update on the unprecedented scope and pace of US efforts to provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to fight Russian aggression. The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact. A readout of the call will be available on defense.gov. And finally, this Friday, November 15, Secretary Austin will depart for a nine day trip to the Indo-Pacific region with stops in Australia, the Philippines, Laos and Fiji. This will mark Secretary Austin's 12th trip to the region and comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security. The Secretary's trip's engagements include his participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers, meeting ADMM-plus in Laos on November 21st, and will drive ongoing efforts to modernize our alliances and partnerships toward a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. A trip advisory will be available on defense.gov later today and readouts of the Secretary's meetings and engagements will be posted throughout the trip. And with that, happy to take your questions. We'll go to AP, Tara. Q: Thank you, General Ryder. On the attacks on US service members in Syria, we haven't received any details on what personnel were attacked, where the attacks took place and it's been more than 48 hours since CENTCOM put out that release. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So what I can tell you, Tara, is that first of all, there are no US injuries associated with any of these attacks. They were at mission support site Green Village in northeast Syria. There were two separate attacks, one on both on Sunday, November 10th. One attack consisted of a UAV. The second was indirect fire comprised of two rockets. Q: OK. So with these the UAV and the indirect fire, then it prompted it seems like a much larger response to nine different targets at two locations by US forces. Why the stronger response? Has this been, like, a repeat? Is this just the latest in a bunch of harassing moves? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, you know, as I highlighted there in General Kurilla's quote, we are going to protect our forces. We're going to take the necessary steps to send a message. But importantly, as we've said before, we will reserve the right to respond in a time and place of our choosing. And so, Central Command took appropriate action, again, to protect our forces and send a clear message that attacks against our forces won't be tolerated. Q: And do you have any assessment on enemy fighters, on any of their losses? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I do not have anything to provide on that. I do not, no. Q: Ok. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Ok. Let me go Constantine. Q: Thanks, Pat. So, just sort of following up on that line of questioning, you know, CENTCOM announced these injuries as part of a strike. In late October, we found out that service members were injured only when we directly asked you. CENTCOM didn't announce it. Thinking back to like the JLOTS mission, three sailors or three service members were injured. We found out through Israeli media and had to ask CENTCOM to confirm. Why is CENTCOM not proactively announcing when service members are injured in the theater? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, again, in this case, there were no service members injured. So, again, these CENTCOM strikes were in response to several attacks within a 24-hour period. And again, you know, Constantine, it's a fair point. It's something that we're going to continuously look at and make sure that we're being as transparent as possible, oftentimes balancing operational security with the public's right to know. So, again, we've taken that feedback into account, and we'll do everything we can to make sure that the public is aware when US forces are in harm's way or when service members are injured. Thanks. Q: Have there been any attacks today against U.S. forces? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'm not aware of any. Q: And then the State Department said that they haven't made a determination whether Israel is in violation of US law when it comes to humanitarian aid into Gaza. What's the secretary's perspective on this? And, you know, it was supposed to be a 30 day deadline essentially. They haven't met the conditions. So, why not impose the restrictions that the Secretary wrote about? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So, a few things on that, Idris. So first of all, as recently as last week when Secretary Austin spoke to the new Israeli defense minister, he did underscore the importance of ensuring that humanitarian assistance can get can get to the people who need it most in Gaza. And when it comes to I'm assuming you're referring to the letter, the 30 day letter, from a US government standpoint, we believe that Israel has taken steps to address some of the measures that were laid out in that letter. But as Secretary Austin and others have said, we also believe that more needs to be done. So, we're going to continue to have those conversations with our Israeli partners. That's not to say, though, that we haven't seen some progress, and I know my colleagues at State Department have talked about that in depth. And so, we also believe that, had that letter not been sent, had those conversations not been had, we wouldn't have seen the kind of progress that we're seeing now. But we're not going to take our foot off the gas pedal. We're going to continue to speak with our Israeli partners, and expect that we'll continue to see an uptick. Q: And last unrelated question, the Indonesian president was supposed to meet Secretary Austin today. He didn't come. A, why? And B, is the Secretary concerned that the next two or three months were leaders and counterparts will, you know, look more towards the incoming administration than the current one when it comes to meetings and policy decisions? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. As far as the Indonesian president's visit, as I understand it, unforeseen schedule changes made the visit not possible. I'd defer you to the Indonesians for any more details on that. But to address your second question, you know, look, there's a lot going on in the world right now, and the Secretary remains squarely focused on carrying out his duties as Secretary of Defense and defending this nation. And, you know, as evidenced by his call today with Minister Umerov and his upcoming trip to the Indo-Pacific region, Secretary Austin is going to stay engaged 24 hours a day, seven days a week, doing his job as the secretary. And as you know, having traveled with him, he has great respect is well respected among world leaders and defense ministers. And so, we will continue to see that. Oren? Q: Two questions, both on the question of humanitarian aid. First, can you detail or provide any numbers or specifics on how much has changed since the letter has been sent, whether that's trucks going in or crossings that are open or quantity of aid that's reached the Palestinian population? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, Oren, I'd refer you to State Department to get a breakdown, a detailed breakdown of the number of trucks. What I can tell you, broadly speaking right now, is what we've seen Israel do is reopen the Erez crossing, open a new crossing at Kissufim. They restarted the Jordan Armed Forces corridor, waived custom requirements that humanitarian organizations had objected to. They approved additional delivery routes inside Gaza. They have restored deliveries to the north that were closed for weeks, first to Gaza City and then this week to areas around Jabalia, increased efforts to stop looting, and expanded the Mawasi humanitarian zone and also have instituted periodic operational pauses. So, from a US government standpoint, these are critically important steps. But again, we're going to continue having conversations about what else needs to be done to ensure that the Palestinian people can get the food that they need. Ultimately, we believe that the long-term solution here, as you've heard Secretary Austin and others say, is bringing an end to this war. And we'll continue to work to achieve that. Q: And then just my follow up question is today is the 30 day mark, and we heard this from the State Department, nothing has changed in terms of US policy. And yet, as you and State have pointed out, Israel hasn't met the full letter of the requirements in the letter. What was the purpose of putting a 30 day deadline on it then? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, again, you know, on any type of discussions or, you know, requests for action, you're going to always want to try to have some type of mark on the wall to work toward. Again, we understand the complexities of the situation here, but it's critical that additional aid get to the people in Gaza, humanitarian assistance. And so, as I highlighted earlier, we believe, the US government believes that had this letter not been sent, had these conversations not been had, we wouldn't see have seen the kinds of increases that we're seeing now. So, again, we're not going to take our foot off the gas pedal here when it comes to working with the Israelis to increase the amount of aid flowing into Gaza. Let me go to the phone here real quick. Let's go to Mike Glenn, Washington Times. Q: Hi, Pat. Thank you. The Pentagon leaker, Jack Teixeira, is supposed to be sentenced today for violating the Espionage Act. Does the Pentagon believe that the that, with this case coming to an end, that the that the security situation there at that base has been taken care of and there's no more expected leaks coming out of there? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Just to clarify, you're talking about the base where the airman was stationed? Q: Yeah. Right, right. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Broad broadly speaking, Mike, what I would tell you is, you know, the Department is confident that the appropriate steps have been taken to mitigate additional leaks. I'd refer you to the Department of the Air Force, though, for any specifics on that front. Ok. Let me go to Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose. Q: Thank you. And I apologize to the Pentagon press corps for my attempt at singing. It won't happen again. Just to follow up, can you talk about why the attacks against US troops at Green Village weren't announced before the airstrike? And which specific Iranian backed group was targeted in the airstrike? Was it Kataib Hezbollah or was it another group? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Thanks, Jeff. On your second question, I don't have any additional details to provide beyond what I highlighted in my topper. As for the timing of that release, just to be quite frank, as there were operations ongoing to respond to these attacks against US forces at Green Village, you know, the decision was made to ensure that those operations were complete before CENTCOM issued its press release. Again, fully aware, as I highlighted to your colleague, of the media and public interest in these types of situations. And so, again, we'll continue to work diligently to ensure we're putting out as much information as possible as quickly as possible consistent with operation security and balancing the public's right to know. Thanks, Jeff. Fadi? Q: Thank you, General. The Houthis claimed today that they launched two attacks, one on USS Lincoln in the Arabian Sea and another one targeting two US destroyers in the Red Sea. Do you have anything on that? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I do. And again, I expect a statement to go out from CENTCOM here shortly, but here's what I can tell you. So on November 11th, US Central Command forces successfully repelled multiple Iranian backed Houthi attacks during a transit of the Bab el Mandeb strait. During the transit, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, USS Stockdale and USS Spruance were attacked by at least eight one-way attack uncrewed Aerial systems, five anti-ship ballistic missiles and three anti-ship cruise missiles which were successfully engaged and defeated. The vessels were not damaged, no personnel were hurt. Again, CENTCOM forces retain the inherent right of self-defense and as I highlighted earlier, will take appropriate steps to protect our personnel. Literally got this shortly before coming out here, so you can expect to see something coming out of CENTCOM on that as well. Q: [Inaudible] PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: To my knowledge, not aware of any attacks against the Abraham Lincoln. Q: I have a follow up on the letter. You talked about progress, and you mentioned some steps. However, in the last 48 hours, the IPC, UN IPC issued the alert about imminent famine in northern Gaza, Oxfam, along with seven other humanitarian organizations issued a scorecard where they found that Israel is not in compliance with your letter. The UN just said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza today is worse than any time during this year, at any time during this year. Those statements from organizations that work on the ground to increase humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza are in contradiction to what you just said. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, what I would say, Fadi, is this is why we will continue to press the Israeli government to do more, to get humanitarian aid and assistance into the people of Gaza. Yes, some progress has been made as I outlined, but we're having those conversations right now in terms of what Israel can and should do to surge additional humanitarian assistance. And so I know that this is a priority for Secretary Austin. As I mentioned, he brings it up in every conversation he has with Israeli counterparts, and we'll continue to have those conversations going forward. Nobody questions the importance of doing this and doing it now. Yes, sir. Q: Two questions about Ukraine war. It is reported that around 50,000 Russian and North Korean forces are already preparing to launch a new counteroffensive to push out Ukrainian forces in Kursk region. Can you confirm that? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I've seen those press reports. As we've talked about before, we see about 10,000, over 10,000 DPRK soldiers. Most of them have moved to the far western Kursk Oblast, where they've reportedly begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces. I don't have more to provide at this point in time in terms of what specifically that will entail or could entail other than we're watching very closely. You've heard us talk about the fact that Russian forces have trained these DPRK soldiers in artillery, UAV, basic infantry operations, all of which are skills that will be employed on the front line. And so for our part, what we're doing is we're continuing to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs in terms of security assistance to defend itself from Russian aggression. And we'll continue to keep consulting closely with our allies and partners on next steps. Q: According to the UK government, Russian forces suffered on average about 1,500 people die and injured per day last month, October. How do you assess the casualties of Russian forces in Ukraine were? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I think what we've seen is upwards, and we've talked about this publicly before, upwards of 1,200 per month. So staggering casualties among Russian forces. So again, this is one reason why we assessed that DPRK forces have been brought into this fight is to help Russia make up for some of those losses. And so again, we're going to continue to keep a close eye on this and consult closely with our allies and partners. Sir? Q: Thank you. I would like to stay on Ukraine. Is the Secretary concerned about the plans that are reportedly considered in the incoming administration's team of creating a buffer zone, a demilitarized zone as it would derail the administration's legacy in Ukraine? And secondly, what are the next steps in the remaining weeks of the administration to maybe ensure that Ukraine has a better position at the negotiating table? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So a few things there. So first of all, I'm not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals about the next administration. We're very focused on, as I highlighted earlier, on the situation at hand right now and frequent communication with our Ukrainian counterparts to ensure they have what they need to defend themselves from Russian aggression. Secretary Austin has talked many times about the fact that Ukraine matters, that Ukraine's security matters, not only to Europe but also to the United States. And we've seen strong bipartisan support for Ukraine. So we're going to continue to stay in close communication with our allies and partners. We're going to continue to be focused on the task at hand right now, which is helping Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression. But as for what the future might portend, I'm just not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals. I'll come back to you, sir. Yes, sir? Q: Thank you, General. Regarding to Lebanon, there are some media reports today that the Israeli army has begun the second phase of its ground operation in southern Lebanon. First of all, have you received any notice from the Israeli about their operations in the Lebanon ground operations? And do you believe that they need more time to achieve their goals there? What about the limited operation? Do you still believe what's going on and Lebanon is still a limited military operation? Thank you. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yes, so a few things. So first of all, when it comes to any announcements by the Israeli military, I don't have anything on that. I'd refer you to them to talk about their operations and what their goals are. Broadly speaking, again, you've heard them say that their focus is on enabling the return of citizens to their homes in northern Israel. And as we've said, we want to see the situation resolved as quickly as possible through diplomatic means, understanding that Hezbollah has presented a significant threat to Israel. But again, we believe that the quickest way to get people on both sides of the border back into their homes is through a cessation of hostilities through diplomatic means. So we will continue to emphasize that going forward. Charlie? Q: Yeah. I had a couple of questions. First of all, did the secretary bring up North Korea to Umarov in his phone call? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: It did come up. We'll, again, have a readout here shortly. Just the discussion of what I highlighted, the presence of DPRK forces in Kursk, and I'll just leave it there for now. Q: No more than that in terms of PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, a discussion of battlefield dynamics, but I, from the podium here, Charlie, I'm just not going to be able to go into more details. Q: OK. A more general question is, um, we're all aware that the clock is ticking. Is there a sort of hurry up offense in getting the Ukrainians the weaponry that they're asking for before sort of January 20th? Is there a change to the pacing or delivery, etc. to that? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: What I would say, Charlie, is we've had a hurry up and deliver security assistance to Ukraine from the very beginning. I mean, since two and a half years ago, almost three years ago when Secretary Austin stood up the Ukraine Defense Contact group, that has been a priority, is to get assistance to the Ukrainians as quickly as possible. So insomuch as we're here in November of 2024, it is still the same as it was two years ago. And so we are going to continue to do everything we can to rush security assistance to Ukraine to help them defend themselves against Russian aggression. Thank you. Alex? Q: Can you refresh your memory of how much Ukraine assistance has been given through PDAs this year? And can you confirm the $7 billion still left in the account? What's up with that? Why isn't that surge forward? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So a few things here. So since the supplemental, we've drawn down nearly $3.7 billion in equipment from DOD stocks across 12 PDA drawdowns that were announced between late April through mid-October. And as we've highlighted before, when we draw down equipment that's immediately available from our stocks, we ship it within days or weeks. Between the passage of the supplemental and the middle of last month, we've delivered to Ukraine, 83 percent of the critical munitions that we've committed from stock, including a 155 millimeter artillery rounds, GMLRs, Patriot, NASAMS, missiles and more. We've also delivered 67 percent of other critical air defense commitments including Stingers and Hawk missiles and we've delivered 60 percent of the fire's capabilities we have committed including small diameter bombs and 105 millimeter ammunition. If it's something that's not immediately available because it requires repairs, we repair it as quickly as possible and then ship it immediately after. And then just since the passage of the supplemental, we've delivered hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of armored vehicles, thousands of munitions for HIMARS and antitank weapons, dozens of artillery systems, significant air defense capabilities including a Patriot battery, hundreds of interceptors and dozens of other systems. And together with our allies and partners, the deliveries of the strategic air defense system we committed to providing at the NATO summit are nearly completed. As far as funding goes, Alex, right now what I'm tracking is we have a total of $7.1 billion in PDA. That includes the $4.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 plus the $2.8 billion that was recaptured with a 2.2 $2.21 billion remaining in USAI. And so, as was highlighted earlier in this year, we are going to continue to rush aid and use the funds that we have to ensure that Ukraine gets what it needs in order to deter and fight against Russian aggression. So, we just recently announced a PDA and I'm confident that you will continue to see those coming out at a steady clip. And to Charlie's question, we understand the urgency of the situation, not because of politics but because of the situation on the battlefield. And we're going to continue to do what we can to make sure that Ukraine has the aid that it needs. Q: The humanitarian letter, A through F, what's your grade on their the Israelis' capability and effort to meet the request? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I went to the University of Florida, so we used a number scale, so I'm not going to put a letter on it. Again, as I highlighted, a lot has been done, but more needs to be done. And so, we'll continue to have that conversation. Q: Would you [ph] characterize it as satisfactory? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: As I highlighted, a significant amount has been done and we're going to continue to consult with the Israelis to ensure that more is getting done. All right, let me go here and I'll come to the back. Q: OK, thank you, general. What evidence do you have of the Lebanese government attempting to evict Hezbollah from their government or their country? And I have a follow up. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'd refer you to the Lebanese government to talk about that. Q: Well, the other question I have is how can the Lebanese government be considered faultless when they don't fight against Hezbollah? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, look, you're well versed in the challenges of the region. The Lebanese government, I'd refer you to them to speak for themselves. From a DOD standpoint, as we've highlighted before, we have a very good relationship with the Lebanese Armed Forces and we'll continue to consult closely with them on how best to support the people of Lebanon. The LAF we're going to play a very important role in any post hostilities as will the UN. And so, we'll continue to consult closely with them on the steps ahead in terms of ultimately bringing peace and stability to the region. Let me go back here. Yes. Q: Thanks so much. In Peru this week there will be an opening ceremony of a Chinese funded Shanghai port and Chinese President Xi is expected to attend this opening ceremony. And is the Pentagon concerned that this Chinese funded Shanghai port could be used by the Chinese Navy? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I appreciate the question. I don't have anything specifically on that port other than to say, again, we will continue to consult closely with our allies and partners around the world about Chinese malign activities and behavior. And I'll just leave it there. All right. Let me take just a couple more from the phone here. Let's go to Chris Gordon, Air & Space. Q: Thanks, Pat. Does the Pentagon have an update on the total number of attacks there have been on US forces in Iraq, Syria and Jordan since October of last year? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Let me take that question for you, Chris. Okay, and then we'll go to Howard Altman. Q: Thanks, Pat. Just a couple questions. One is on Kursk. Can you give us an assessment of the territory that Russia has been able to claw back there if they have been? And is the counteroffensive underway? And then with the Abraham Lincoln, how close was the Abraham Lincoln to the two destroyers that came under fire? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Howard. On your second question, I'm not going to get into the specific locations of the Abraham Lincoln other than to say, again, based on the information I have, it was not attacked contrary to some of the allegations, should I say, by the Houthis. In terms of the Kursk region, again, what we see are Russian forces attempting to take back territory from the Ukrainian armed forces. I don't have geographic numbers to provide other than it's been incremental gains with the Ukrainians largely holding a line in Kursk. Okay. Take just a couple more. Yes, sir. Q: Thank you very much. As you are striking with your allies in Yemen, it's very immediate neighbor, Saudi Arabia, is coming more closer with Iran. Like last month we observed they held naval drills. And now this Sunday, the Saudi military chief visited Iran, discussed more defense cooperation. So, is that a matter of concern for US or you have any observation that PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Just to clarify, you're asking if we have any concerns with Saudi Arabia communicating with Iran. Look, we fully understand that Saudi Arabia, like many countries in the region, are going to communicate with their neighbors. The US has a very valued relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from a defense standpoint. And we'll continue to have those conversations as well. But ultimately, it's up to Saudi Arabia to choose who they communicate with or not. Q: So, CNN reported that Pentagon officials are holding informal discussions about how the Department of Defense would respond if the President-elect Donald Trump issues some order regarding the active-duty personnel domestically regarding his policy what he is going to implement. So, is there any concern regarding the upcoming administration in the department? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, let me just be clear up front. I'm not aware of any meetings aimed at discussing or responding to potential decisions by the next administration. As Secretary Austin underscored in his letter to the force, the department is focused on ensuring a calm, orderly and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration and will continue to stand apart from the political arena. And again, if you'll allow me to quote Secretary Austin quote, as it always has, the US military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander-in-Chief and obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command, end quote. So, the men and women of the Department of Defense who work every single day to protect our freedoms, we've sworn an oath to the Constitution and the secretary is confident that we'll continue to do the great work that our military members do day in and day out to keep the country safe. I'll just leave it there. Last question, yes, sir. Q: Two questions, please. I just came back from a short trip to India and there was a talk of the town in India among the people of India. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: There's a lot of towns in India. So, which town was it? You've got to narrow it down. Q: Commander-in-Chief here at the Pentagon and now how the relations today, military-to-military relations between US and India and anything you change under the new administration? PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, first of all the relationship that we have with India is excellent. As you know, we've made a lot of progress in our bilateral security relationship. And that is something that you've seen Secretary Austin prioritize over the last four years. As far as who the next Commander-in-Chief will be, that will be President Trump as the Commander-in-Chief. As for who he may pick as a Secretary of Defense, obviously I'm not going to speculate on that, and I'd refer you to the Trump transition team. Q: Second question, sir, please. As far as US military is concerned, it is concerned as per terrorism in the Middle East and elsewhere. Two things happened during this after the election. One, Qatari government asked the people there, all the terrorists to wind up and no more business in Qatar. Number two, the Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, and also his daughter were here and they met with President-elect Trump. And also at the same time, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, also met with the former president-elect, President Trump. Now how the US military will affect in those countries now have relations under the new administration because they came to meet with the new Commander-in-Chief. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I appreciate the question. I'm here as a US Department of Defense spokesperson. Obviously, I'm not going to be able to comment on the incoming administration, and I'm not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals about potential future decisions. So, I'll just leave it there. Thanks very much everybody. Appreciate it. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3962926/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 12, 2024 Release DOD Releases Private 5G Deployment Strategy On October 16, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) signed its strategy for the deployment of private fifth generation (5G) networks at military installations. This strategy is a key enabler to the DoD's modernization effort to leverage 5G networks, both commercial and private, to deliver ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity for mobile capabilities. In addition, Fulcrum: The Department of Defense Information Technology Advancement Strategy, released in June 2024, calls for the implementation of 5G across DoD installations and operating forces. The DoD Private 5G Deployment Strategy provides guidance for the implementation and operation of private 5G networks at military installations while maximizing Open RAN ecosystems to the extent possible. The deployment of 5G infrastructure will allow installations to leverage commercial mobile broadband for quality of life and routine mission needs, benefitting military and civilian populations at DoD installations. This infrastructure will also allow the warfighter to ingest and transfer massive amounts of data - a capability that will be critical for the U.S. to retain information and decision advantage. The Department anticipates that military installations will primarily employ commercial networks; however, we recognize that, under certain circumstances, commercial 5G may not fulfill DoD's requirements. Private networks may augment or supplement commercial services because they are tailored to each installation's mission needs, security, and military-unique capabilities. Through this strategy, the Department targets several objectives. First, DoD intends to align private 5G infrastructure with each installation's unique mission, requiring decisionmakers to evaluate whether specific mission, security, coverage, and performance requirements can only be met by private 5G. Second, DoD aims to accelerate the acquisition, development, and secure deployment of 5G, directing DoD Components to additional implementation guidance to support the integration of new commercial 5G capabilities into DoD missions and systems. Finally, the strategy encourages the expansion of an Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) ecosystem. In the coming months, the DoD will provide additional implementation guidance and reference documents to aid the Military Departments as they deploy both commercial and private 5G networks on installations. The DoD Private 5G Deployment Strategy can be found here: https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library/Private5GDeploymentStrategy.pdf. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3962808/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 12, 2024 By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Centcom Conducts Strikes in Yemen, Syria Since Friday, U.S. Central Command has conducted strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen and against targets in Syria as part of the defeat-ISIS mission there. On Saturday and Sunday, Centcom forces executed airstrikes against multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a briefing today. "These facilities housed a variety of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden," Ryder said. Both Air Force and Navy assets, including F-35C fighter aircraft, were involved in the strikes, which were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial, U.S. and coalition vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden. "As you've heard us say before, we will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks," Ryder said. Yesterday, Ryder said, Centcom also conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria. The strikes, he said, were in response to two attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria that happened Nov. 10 at Mission Support Site Green Village in northeast Syria. One of those attacks involved a UAV, while the second attack involved an indirect fire incident with two rockets. There were no U.S. injuries involved with either attack. Ryder said the U.S. strikes will degrade the ability of Iranian-backed groups to plan and launch future attacks on U.S and coalition forces who are in the region to conduct the defeat-ISIS operations. Centcom commander Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said the U.S. will do what's needed to defend its personnel in the Centcom area of responsibility. "Our message is clear. Attacks against U.S. and coalition partners in the region will not be tolerated," said Kurilla. "We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our personnel and coalition partners and respond to reckless attacks." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Somali Pirates Sentenced to 30 Years Each in Prison for Armed Hostage Taking of American Journalist Tuesday, November 12, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Abdi Yusuf Hassan and Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed Abused Their Somali Government Positions in Holding Michael Scott Moore Hostage for Nearly Three Years Abdi Yusef Hassan, 56, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed, 43, of Mogadishu, Somalia, were both sentenced to 30 years in prison for hostage taking, terrorism, and firearms offenses, in connection with the 977-day hostage taking of an American journalist in Somalia. A jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted Hassan and Mohamed of those offenses in February 2023 following a three-week trial. According to the complaints, indictments, evidence at trial, and statements made in public court proceedings, in January 2012, Michael Scott Moore, an American freelance journalist, traveled to Somalia to research piracy and the Somali economy. On Jan. 21, 2012, Moore was driving in the vicinity of Galkayo, Somalia, when his vehicle was suddenly surrounded by a group of heavily armed men carrying assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The men pulled Moore from his vehicle, beat him with their weapons, and drove him away in another vehicle to a secluded area, where they held him with two Seychellois fishermen (Fisherman-1 and Fisherman-2). The fishermen had been abducted off the Somali coast in October 2011. Moore was held in various locations in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia, for approximately three months. In April 2012, Moore and Fisherman-1 were transferred to a boat, F/V Naham III, which had previously been hijacked in March 2012. The pirates kept Moore and Fisherman-1 captive aboard the Naham III, along with 28 crew members of the ship. Moore learned from the crew members, who were from Vietnam, China, Philippines, and Taiwan, that the hostage takers murdered the captain of the ship when they captured the vessel and that his body was kept in the ship's freezer. The hostage takers kept Moore on the Naham III until approximately August 2012, when they transferred him back to land. On one occasion, in approximately May 2012, Moore's captors took him from the Naham III to the Somali bush, where they forced Moore to watch as they hung Fisherman-1 from a tree by his feet and beat Fisherman-1 with a cane. During the torture of Fisherman-1, the pirates who were present were armed with heavy weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers. Moore remained a hostage for another two years. During this time, his captors shuttled him between safehouses, chained him at night to prevent his escape, surrounded him with armed guards, and repeatedly threatened him with bodily harm. Moore was also forced to make several proof-of-life videos requesting large ransom payments for his release. The kidnappers provided Moore with almost no information, and his access to the outside world was limited to a radio. In September 2014, following the payment of a ransom, Moore's captors released him. Hassan and Mohamed each played significant roles in Moore's captivity. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, served as the Minister of the Interior (a role that made him responsible for police and security forces) in Galmudug province in Somalia, where Moore was held hostage. Hassan served as an overall leader of the pirates and headed their efforts to extort a massive ransom from Moore's aging mother. Among other things, Hassan directed the production of proof-of-life videos with Moore, participated in negotiations for ransom payments, and used his own home as a base of operations for the pirates. Mohamed, a serving officer in the Somali army, was a supervisor of the pirates guarding Moore during the early stages of the hostage taking. After Moore had been moved several times, Mohamed continued to play an essential role in the hostage taking, relying on his military position, training, and experience to serve as the pirates' head of security and armorer. As head of security, Mohamed was in charge of moving Moore from location to location around Somalia. Mohamed also leveraged his military background to provide and repair heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and other weapons that the pirates used to ensure that Moore could not escape. In addition to the prison term, Hassan and Mohamed were sentenced to one day of supervised release. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch announced the case. The FBI Boston and Minneapolis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg and Trial Attorney Josh Champagne of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs. Topic: National Security Components: Criminal - Office of International Affairs National Security Division (NSD) USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 24-1421 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China hawk to steer Trump's national security Michael Waltz is among the most hardline critics of Beijing in Washington. By Tara McKelvey for RFA Investigative 2024.11.12 -- Michael Waltz, a Republican congressman from Florida, will be President-elect Donald Trump's pick for national security advisor-- a position in which he is likely to play an outsized role in shaping China policy. Waltz, 50, has long been hawkish on Beijing. A former Green Beret who served in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, he won several Bronze Stars, including two for valor, for his service. Waltz then worked in policy at the Pentagon and served as an advisor to former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney. In 2018, he was elected to Congress and became known as one of its most hardline members on China. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs, Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. Waltz has also been on the House China Task Force, which examines how the U.S. can best compete with China. He has called for additional support for Taiwan, saying on X in May 2023 that the U.S. should start "arming Taiwan NOW before it's too late." In addition, he's demanded that China put an end to human rights abuses in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and called for the U.S. to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Waltz used to feel frustrated by the deferential manner shown by another Republican president, George W. Bush, in the White House Situation Room. In his 2014 book, Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret's Battles from Washington to Afghanistan, he wrote of sitting in during a tense videoconference with then-President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and lamenting Bush's failure to be firmer. "Unfortunately, really sticking it to Karzai was not Bush's style," Waltz wrote. The atmosphere in the second Trump White House will be dramatically different. Waltz will move to the front of the Situation Room. And Trump, known for "sticking it to" any number of people, will have his own style. Yet Waltz's uncompromising views could also create tension with Trump, despite the President-elect signalling that he will be tough on China says June Teufel Dreyer of the University of Miami Coral' and author of China's Political System: Modernization and Tradition. Waltz "is distrustful of the People's Republic of China and its motives," she says. "He does not believe in the hype that we can work together in peace and friendship." Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on Chinese goods and sought confrontation with Beijing over intellectual property, technology and other economic issues. Those efforts are likely to continue when he takes office. But at the same time, he has expressed admiration for the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. He has called Xi a "brilliant guy" and praised him for his success at becoming "president for life." Teufel Dreyer says that Trump may decide at some point to take a more deferential approach to Xi, and this could cause a rift between Trump and his advisor. "Waltz is not a shrinking violet. He's willing to speak his mind," she says. "He's not going to back down." The unpredictable nature of the White House has far-reaching implications. So does the track record of the incoming national security advisor and his hawkish views. "There will be efforts to crack down on the bad behavior of China - how they are ripping off American goods, as well as the spyingthat's going to be top of mind for Waltz," predicts Brett Bruen, a former director of global engagement on the National Security Council in the Obama White House. "If I'm sitting in the Chinese foreign ministry office, these are worrying signs." Edited by Boer Deng and Abby Seiff Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content November not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Protests In Georgia's Separatist Abkhazia Prompt Emergency Security Meeting By RFE/RL's Georgian Service November 12, 2024 Abkhazia's leader, Aslan Bzhania, has summoned an emergency meeting of the Georgian separatist region's Security Council after protests broke out in the capital of the Moscow-backed territory following the reported detention of five activists. The five activists, who were voicing opposition to major construction plans, were detained following a skirmish with a lawmaker outside the regional assembly in Sukhumi. Prosecutor-General Adgur Agrba said that the five "committed illegal acts against a lawmaker in the backyard of the assembly building following an extraordinary session." Telegram channels that posted a video of the skirmish reported that the lawmaker's name is Almas Akaba. News of the detention of the five -- Omar Smiri, Gari Kokaia, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Ramaz Jopua, and Aslan Gvaramia -- who were taken to the building of the local security service, spread rapidly on social media late on November 11, sparking spontaneous protests outside the builiding before spreading to the center of Sukhumi. Agrba also denied that Gvaramia had been detained, mentioning only the other four. The Gumisti and Kodori bridges and a highway were also blocked by protesters demanding the release of the detained activists. Kodori Bridge was later reportedly unblocked. Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke away from Georgian rule after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Moscow recognized the independence of the two regions after Russian forces repelled a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia in a five-day war in the summer of 2008 that ended with Georgia's defeat. Most countries still recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia. Abkhazia's official news agency, Apsnipress, reported that Bzhania called the Security Council meeting due to the "situation caused by the illegal blocking of the republic's highway." It said the chiefs of law enforcement structures reported to Bzhania "what measures they will take to prevent illegal actions." Aslan Bartsits, the leader of opposition People's Unity Forum party, said the opposition activists were protesting the recently signed Investment Activity Agreement between Russia and Abkhazia, which gives Russian firms the right to invest in construction projects in the separatist region. The Abkhaz opposition is against the agreement and is planning a protest on November 15, the day of its ratification. The Telegram channel Baza, which has ties to Russia's security services, said the activists were opposing the building of multifunctional complexes in Abkhazia. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-abkhazia-bzhania-protests- russia/33198904.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With U.S. Ties In The Balance, Kallas Seeks Bold EU Stance On Russia And China By Rikard Jozwiak November 12, 2024 With U.S. foreign policy priorities likely to shift under President-elect Donald Trump, the new EU foreign policy chief made a vigorous case for Europe to remain central in defending Ukraine and countering Russia and China. At a key appointment hearing in front of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee on November 12, Kaja Kallas noted that "Ukraine's victory is a priority for us all" as she vowed that the bloc would continue to support Kyiv for as long as necessary. During the three-hour session, she also underlined that China "must feel the higher cost" of supporting Russia's war and hoped that Brussels can use the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank in the EU, nearly 300 billion euro ($318 billion), to channel to Ukraine. The hearing came amid fears in Europe that the new U.S. administration under Trump will seek a quick resolution to the war in Ukraine on terms more favorable to Russia and that Washington will care less about multilateral institutions such as the EU or even NATO. 'Axis Of Autocracies' In this sense, her grilling was one big sales-pitch to the Americans that the transatlantic alliance matters more than ever. She pointed out that the United States "is our biggest ally and continues to be so" and added that "if Washington was worried about events in the South China Sea, then it should also be worried about how we respond to the Russian war against Ukraine." She then invoked a lesson from the past, when the United States retreated from world politics after World War 1. "If you look at history, isolationism has never worked well for America," she said. But what can Brussels really offer? The two clearest ideas in this sense were, first, to identify and categorize an "axis of autocracies" in which she included Russia, Iran, and North Korea -- and "more covertly' China. 'A Systemic Rival' The inclusion of China, a big European trading partner, was a clear nod to Washington's Sino-hawks. Beijing "is now more of a competitor and a systemic rival," Kallas noted, adding that "our dependency towards China in key sectors is a real vulnerability. We need to de-risk." Expect that the bloc will target more Chinese products going forward, after having slammed high tariffs on electric vehicles earlier this year. The trick appears to be clear: Show that Europe is serious about China, so that the United States remains serious about Russia. The second selling point was the clear separation between the EU and NATO, with the former Estonian prime minister clearly waving away ideas about some sort of EU army -- something of a dream for EU federalists who want a smaller American presence on the continent in the first place. "I don't think we need a separate military power besides NATO," Kallas said, pointing out that "if we create an alternative structure, it would be just confusing when the real conflict hits." The fear, however, is that the United States might dismiss the purpose of NATO if more European allies don't increase defense spending as a matter of priority. Strengthening Europe's Defense Industry To address these concerns, Kallas said she would soon come up with ideas on how to boost the European defense industry. However, she offered little in terms of how to tackle the two underlying problems behind this: a concrete lack of investment as well as the tendency of European countries to favor their own domestic producers and "national champions," with little appetite so far for creating a proper European defense sector. Her pitch that weapons produced in Europe could target Russia without restrictions, may not resonate with war-weary, cash-strapped Europeans wary of a nuclear-armed Russia. A potential solution to the question of financing Kyiv in the future -- particularly if the United States withdraws its support -- could involve seizing frozen Russian assets within the bloc and channeling them to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also raised this idea during his meeting with European leaders in Budapest last week. The big question is how much appetite there is for this. Major eurozone members and the European Central Bank worry that unilateral action could weaken the euro, as it may deter foreign investment in the continent. Kallas, however, argued that it should be Russia -- not European taxpayers -- who bears the cost of rebuilding Ukraine. Building European Consensus? In a similar vein, she was adamant that Europe will be at the table when the security of Europe is discussed but that Ukrainians should be "the first to have a say." The Ukraine war would end, she said, "when Russia realizes it made a mistake and can't win it," just as it eventually did in Afghanistan. Tough talk, but the question is if she can deliver, especially as she will have to get all 27 EU member states onboard for any foreign policy decision? With some member states, notably Hungary, keen to curry specific bilateral favors with Washington, this could prove even harder still. Kallas had to admit that -- even on a straightforward issue like extending the bloc's Russia sanctions beyond six months -- there wasn't there wasn't the necessary unanimity around the table. So, what about the rest? Not a word about Georgia -- neither in her introductory remarks nor in questions by MEPs, which was telling and symbolic. On Belarus, she offered a standard answer on the need to work with the opposition. Armenia-Azerbaijan? She emphasized the importance of working for a "peaceful solution" and highlighted the need for transport corridors and energy cooperation. Shockingly, there was hardly any mention of the Western Balkans, perhaps the region where Brussels still has the most influence. One question at the very end of the hearing about how she would approach the region, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in particular, was the only time it was mentioned. Answering that, she offered nothing concrete on the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, which she will chair. She added that the Dayton agreement on Bosnia "was very good," but that there were "parts lacking" without specifying what. With respect to the Balkans, Kallas did note that EU enlargement needs to have "a success story in the next five years." This was just a first hearing and results will speak louder than any answers given today, but the real issue is whether the EU -- a notoriously slow mover in a rapidly changing world -- can deliver on anything. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-us-ties-kallas- trump-european-defense-russia-china-ukraine-/33199538.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top UN Court Rules It Has Jurisdiction To Consider Armenia, Azerbaijan Cases By RFE/RL's Armenian Service November 12, 2024 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said on November 12 that it had jurisdiction to consider rival cases by Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. "The Court finds that it has jurisdiction" to consider the cases filed in September 2021, a statement issued by the court said. The decision of the 17-judge panel was unanimous. The Hague-based ICJ, the UN's top court, also ruled in favor of Armenia on two of its objections but rejected a third. Armenia contends in its case that Azerbaijan violated the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and engaged in "ethnic cleansing" in the region. Azerbaijan has denied the allegations and filed a countersuit. Baku also accused Yerevan of hate speech and "racist" propaganda. The cases concern actions taken in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region within Azerbaijan populated mostly by ethnic Armenians. Armenia and Azerbaijan fought wars in the early 1990s and in 2020 for control of the enclave. Baku took over the territory in September 2023 in a lightning one-day offensive that prompted nearly all of the local ethnic Armenian population of around 100,000 to flee for Armenia. The ICJ, which rules in disputes between states, issued emergency orders in December 2021 calling on both sides to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred. It has since considered various motions filed by both countries against each other's cases. Armenia returned to the UN court in 2023 in the weeks after Nagorno-Karabakh was seized by Azerbaijan. The court did not say when the next hearings in the rival cases would take place. A ruling on the merits of the cases is expected to take years. While the ICJ's orders are binding, the court has no mechanism for enforcing them. Source: httpshttps://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan-court- icj-nagorno-karabakh-cases/33199645.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Commander Involved in Human Rights Abuses in West Darfur U.S. Department of the Treasury November 12, 2024 WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Abdel Rahman Joma'a Barakallah (Barakallah)for his leadership role in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a primary party responsible for the ongoing violence against civilians in Sudan since April 2023. Barakallah led the RSF's campaign in West Darfur, which was marked by credible claims of serious human rights abuses, including targeting of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and ethnically motivated violence. This action is in furtherance of the United Nations Security Council's November 8 designation of Barakallah and fellow RSF commander Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed, who was previously designated by the Department of the Treasury in May 2024. "Today's action underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who seek to facilitate these horrific acts of violence against vulnerable civilian populations in Sudan," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States remains focused on supporting an end to this conflict and calls on both sides to participate in peace talks and ensure the basic human rights of all Sudanese civilians." SITUATION IN WEST DARFUR Amidst the backdrop of broader conflict in Sudan, the RSF and allied militias, have orchestrated violence against local populations in Darfur. Among other acts, the RSF has engaged in targeted killings, looting, the use of heavy artillery in populated areas, and CRSV. Furthermore, the RSF and SAF have both undermined the delivery of humanitarian aid, further threatening the Sudanese people amidst the broader war. Promoting accountability for conflict-related sexual violence committed by groups such as the RSF is a top priority for President Biden, who signed a Presidential Memorandum on November 28, 2022 that directs the U.S. government to strengthen the exercise of its financial, diplomatic, and legal tools to address CRSV. Abdel Rahman Joma'a Barakallah (Barakallah)is the RSF West Darfur Commander and the head of the RSF's operations in the region. Barakallah has been directly involved in the planning of the execution of the RSF's campaign in West Darfur, including playing a key role in the kidnapping and killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abbakar. As a Major General and Commander, Barakallah is responsible for the RSF's activities in the region and the terror unleashed on the local population. Barakallah is also subject to U.S. visa restrictions for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights, namely for the killing of Governor Abbakar. Barakallah is being sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 14098 for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the RSF, an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated person described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here. Click here for more information on the individual designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: 'People losing hope' as aid access is refused to north, warns UNRWA 12 November 2024 - Dead bodies are lying in the streets of besieged northern Gaza while hospitals run out of blood packs - a situation that's "nothing short of catastrophic", the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday. Briefing reporters in Geneva from central Gaza, UNRWA senior emergency officer Louise Wateridge warned that amid looming famine in the Gaza Strip and as winter approaches, those forcibly displaced are sleeping on the floor in makeshift shelters surrounded by sewage. "We are extremely concerned when the rains come to the Gaza Strip, what will happen to 500,000 people who are in areas of flooding?" she said. Ms. Wateridge stressed that the volume of aid currently entering the war-torn enclave is "the lowest in months", with an average in October of only 37 trucks per day for the entire 2.2 million population. According to UNRWA, this represents only around six per cent of the commercial and humanitarian supplies allowed in before the war. US aid deadline expiring Asked about a Tuesday deadline set last month by the United States for Israel to improve the aid situation in the enclave by 12 November, the UNRWA official said that instead, "aid supplies have lessened". The UN continues to be denied access to northern Gaza where people are "begging for pieces of bread, for water", Ms. Wateridge said, noting that 1.7 million people in the enclave - a full 80 per cent of the population - did not receive their food rations in October. Last Friday, food security experts from the UN-partnered Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee issued an alert over imminent famine in areas within the northern Gaza Strip. As suffering continues to worsen, "people are losing hope", Ms. Wateridge said. Just this week, two missions to northern Gaza which she was due to take part in were denied; the aim had been to deliver chlorine tablets and assess the facilities for those sheltering. "No one from UNRWA has been able to access the besieged north in over a month," she insisted. Every hour counts The UNRWA official spoke of "pleas and testimonies" from UN colleagues and from doctors in the hospitals in the north, which have been bombed. "The doctors inform us that they have run out of blood supplies. They have run out of medicine There are bodies in the streets," she said, adding that ambulances have "stopped functioning" and that people can only get to hospital by themselves, on donkey carts. "Colleagues are trapped in residential buildings," unable to leave, Ms. Wateridge said, while the eight UNRWA-run water wells in northern Gaza's Jabalia have all ceased operations, leaving people without clean water. The UNRWA senior emergency officer reiterated the agency's call to the Israeli authorities for access to the besieged areas, which is "more and more critical each hour now". Only a ceasefire will end the suffering Late last month, the Israeli Parliament voted to ban UNRWA from operating in the country and prohibit officials from having any contact with the agency. The laws are set to come into force 90 days from their adoption. Asked about any message that UNRWA may have for Hamas, Ms. Wateridge said: "Our call for Hamas as well as the Israeli forces is a ceasefire." She underscored that the Palestinian militant group initiated "horrific attacks against Israeli civilians on 7 October", adding that it was unacceptable that the war continued and civilians suffered. "We have seen horrific suffering of Israeli civilians, the 7 October attacks, followed by horrific suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip. There needs to be a ceasefire, a release and return of the hostages home and finally some respite to all the civilians, not just in the Gaza Strip, but the surrounding region," she concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: Allies of warring generals 'enabling the slaughter,' Security Council hears By Vibhu Mishra 12 November 2024 - The people of Sudan face an ever-deepening crisis as the relentless war between rival militaries pushes the country further into chaos, the UN's top political affairs official told the Security Council on Tuesday, underscoring that a ceasefire and a negotiated political solution remain the only viable path to peace. "Sudan is trapped in a nightmare," Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs told ambassadors, echoing the grim declaration made by the Secretary-General two weeks ago. The latest surge in violence has been especially brutal, notably in eastern Aj Jazirah state (also spelled Gezira), where the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched assaults described by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as among the most severe of the war so far. Civilians have borne the brunt of these offensives, with countless lives lost, homes destroyed and communities displaced. Reports also indicate shocking violations of human rights, including widespread sexual violence against women and girls. Both sides responsible Ms. DiCarlo condemned not only the RSF attacks but also the indiscriminate airstrikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in civilian-populated areas such as the capital Khartoum and El Fasher, a major city in North Darfur hosting thousands of internally displaced which has been besieged for months by the RSF. "Both warring parties bear responsibility for this violence," she stressed. She added that as the rainy season nears its end, both sides continue to escalate their military operations, recruit new fighters and intensify their attacks, fuelled by "considerable" external support and a steady flow of arms. "To put it bluntly, certain purported allies of the parties are enabling the slaughter in Sudan. This is unconscionable, it is illegal, and it must end." Immediate ceasefire needed Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Ms. DiCarlo underscored that an end to fighting is the most effective way of protecting civilians. "It is long past time for the warring parties to come to the negotiating table. The only path out of this conflict is a negotiated political solution." While rival militaries might not be ready for a negotiated settlement, Sudan's partners have a responsibility to press them to work for one, she said, commending the African Union (AU), the regional development body, IGAD, and the international group supporting humanitarian efforts and peace talks, ALPS - for their attempts to bring the rival generals to the negotiating table. The UN will continue to engage with warring parties through Ramtane Lamamra, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, including through regional visits and proximity talks, she added. Spiralling humanitarian crisis The situation in Sudan has been in a freefall since the war erupted last April. It is now the world's worst displacement crisis, with more than 11 million people driven from their homes - nearly three million among them into neighbouring countries as refugees, according to the UN relief coordinating office, OCHA. The war has also unleashed a severe hunger crisis, affecting millions. Large swathes of fertile croplands lay fallow as families have either fled for safety or lack seeds, fertilizers and other necessities. The latest analysis by the global food security tracker, or IPC, found that more than 750,000 people were facing the very highest levels of food insecurity and potential widespread famine. Communities cut off Access for aid workers and supplies also remains a major challenge. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director for Coordination at OCHA, told ambassadors that humanitarian organizations "remain unable to reach the vast majority of people in conflict hotspots across Sudan at anything approaching adequate scale." "Some areas are completely cut off. Others can only be reached after navigating complicated procedures that delay and impede deliveries." While the reopening of the Adre border crossing between Chad and Sudan is a much-needed respite, it alone is not sufficient, he added, noting that UN's ability to access key areas across conflict lines from Port Sudan on the Red Sea, remains severely limited. "We urgently need the parties to ensure the safe, rapid, unimpeded movement of both relief supplies and humanitarian personnel via all available routes, with the maximum possible flexibility," he urged. Socio-economic fallout Meanwhile, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warned that the socio-economic outlook of the country is growing more dire by the day. Full-time employment across Sudan has plummeted by half and only one in seven urban households have access to the health services they need. In a new report released on Tuesday, UNDP emphasised that with two-thirds of the fighting concentrated in cities and towns of over 100,000 inhabitants, understanding the impacts of the war on urban livelihoods is crucial to address both immediate economic challenges and long-term development obstacles. "This study reveals significantly deepening vulnerabilities that Sudanese urban households are facing today on many fronts. No single intervention can adequately address this unfolding and multifaceted development crisis," said Luca Renda, UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan. "Expanding immediate short-term humanitarian relief is critical, but it will not be sufficient. It must be coupled with longer-term, development focused interventions that can help foster resilience and enable recovery." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Noting Both Warring Parties in Sudan Bear Responsibility for Violence, Senior Official, Briefing Security Council, Urges Ceasefire, Negotiated Solution Meetings Coverage Security Council 9780th Meeting (AM) SC/15893 12 November 2024 The unremitting violence in Sudan, raging for 18 months, is poised to intensify, worsening already alarming levels of human rights violations, food insecurity and displacement, the Security Council heard at a high-level briefing on the situation in the country, as senior United Nations officials renewed their calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access and renewed efforts towards a negotiated settlement. Over the last two weeks, the situation in the country has been marked by some of the most extreme violence since the start of the conflict, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, describing a wave of attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in eastern Al-Jazirah State, in which a large number of civilians were killed, and even more lost their homes and were forced to flee. "We are receiving reports of horrific violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including sexual violence committed predominantly against women and girls," she said, condemning the Rapid Support Forces' continued attacks against civilians, and the Sudanese Armed Forces' indiscriminate air strikes in populated areas, including the Khartoum area. "Let me stress that both warring parties bear responsibility for this violence," she said, underlining the need for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated political solution. "However, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces seem convinced they can prevail on the battlefield," she stated, noting that, as the rainy season ends, both parties are escalating military operations, recruiting new fighters and intensifying attacks. "This is possible thanks to considerable external support, including a steady flow of weapons into the country," she emphasized, adding: "To put it bluntly, certain purported allies of the parties are enabling the slaughter in Sudan. This is unconscionable, it is illegal and it must end." Commending the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), among others, to restore an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, she outlined the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, to forge progress on the protection of civilians, spotlighting an upcoming round of "proximity talks" in Sudan and the region. Stressing the need to operationalize the recommendations in the Secretary-General's recent report on the protection of civilians in Sudan, she said, "to that end, I welcome the efforts to advance a new resolution on this matter." "There are no signs of respite" in the brutal violence faced by the Sudanese people, said Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, warning of troubling projections that, in fact, suggest the conflict is poised to escalate yet further. Citing recent reports of mass killings and horrific sexual violence in Al-Jazirah State "a sickening hallmark of this conflict", he observed that women and girls continue to be at the centre of horrendous suffering, with displacement and hunger putting them at increased risk of gender-based violence and sexual violence and abuse. "Civilians continue to flee for their lives both within Sudan and across its borders, in what is now the world's largest displacement crisis," he continued, pointing out that more than 11 million people have been displaced since April 2023. The conflict has also unleashed a severe hunger crisis, he said, citing an analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification in June finding that more than 750,000 people were facing the very highest levels of food insecurity and famine conditions. In Zamzam displacement camp, where famine conditions were confirmed in July, worsening malnutrition threatened the lives of thousands of children, while food insecurity was spreading, with reports of alarming levels of hunger in South Kordofan. Warning of the threats of hunger, malnutrition and disease, he stressed: "I just cannot put strongly enough how serious this situation is." In that context, he underlined the need for all available routes, including Adre crossing, to remain open for humanitarian supplies and personnel, and for inter-agency hubs to be re-established in key areas. "I am speaking to you with agony and urgency," Niemat Ahmadi, Founder and President of Darfur Women Action Group, told the Council, describing "scorched earth tactics" deployed by the Rapid Support Forces in several regions, including El Fasher and Al-Jazirah , with reports of mass killings, indiscriminate shelling of civilians and shocking reports that more than 130 women committed mass suicide as an escape from further sexual violence. Citing warnings by experts of impending mass atrocities and the real risk of genocide in El Fasher, she drew attention to "serious shortcomings" in the Secretary-General's recent report on civilian protection options in the Sudan, in particular, its observation that peacekeeping deployment will not be successful without peace to keep. "I beg to differ," she emphasized, adding that UN civilian protection forces become necessary to create an enabling environment for peace, when warring parties are unwilling to do so. The support of oil-rich regional and international actors turned the Janjaweed, once on camels and horses, into uniformed militias equipped with advanced weaponry, she said, calling on the Council to authorize and deploy UN forces to protect civilians; pressure the warring parties to ensure humanitarian access; pursue accountability measures, including on the conflict's enablers; impose targeted sanctions; and to expand the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to include crimes committed across Sudan. In the ensuing debate, Council members were near-unanimous in calling for an immediate ceasefire and for civilian protection to be prioritized. Among them was Ray Collins, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, Council President for November, who spoke in his national capacity to underscore that the most effective way to protect civilians is an immediate cessation of hostilities. Notwithstanding the Secretary-General's assessment that conditions do not currently exist for the effective deployment of a UN force to protect civilians in Sudan, he said: "We must keep this under review but also remember that the deployment of UN forces is only one lever amongst many." The parties must agree on a ceasefire without further delay, concurred Algeria's representative, who spoke also for Guyana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone. Calling for political will to be nurtured through confidence-building initiatives, he said that a second round of the proximity talks, that took place in July in Geneva, could be a useful framework to build confidence between the parties. Similarly, the delegate of the United States said, "every one of us must continue to press the parties to return to the negotiating table", adding that all countries must cease providing military support to the belligerents. She also joined several other speakers in calling for a compliance monitoring and verification mechanism, following a broader cessation of hostilities agreement, to ensure that international humanitarian law obligations and Jeddah Declaration commitments are respected and implemented on the ground. France's delegate, also voicing support for the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism, condemned the attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians in Al-Jazirah in recent weeks, as well as all attacks against civilian targets. He commended the recent sanctioning of two Rapid Support Forces generals by the Council and called on the warring parties to be clear-minded and embrace reason, as no military victory is possible in this conflict. Japan's representative also welcomed the designation of two Rapid Support Forces generals in its sanctions list. External interference fomenting the conflict must stop immediately, he said, reminding Member States and the parties concerned of the obligations spelled out in the arms embargo and that violations may lead to designation for targeted measures. The Republic of Korea's representative was among several speakers voicing concern over external interference driven by the interests of regional and international actors, observing that it must immediately cease to end hostilities in the country. Noting Sudanese warring parties' ongoing refusal to participate faithfully in direct negotiations for any ceasefire agreement, he urged regional and international actors who can "influence the strategic calculations" of both Sudanese warring parties to work together "to find a way to change the landscape of the conflict". He also underlined the need to keep Adre crossing open, a point echoed by the delegates of Ecuador and Slovenia, with the latter stressing: "Food must not be weaponized; it must never be used to deepen suffering of civilians." Switzerland's representative called for the humanitarian situation to be improved, given the "monumental" scale of needs. In that context, she called on all parties to guarantee rapid, safe, unhindered and sustainable access across borders and front lines. Malta's delegate voiced alarm over the increase of 480 per cent in violations and abuses against children, urging the parties to end and prevent all grave violations against children, including the recruitment and use in hostilities, killing and maiming, sexual violence and abduction. The lives of millions of Sudanese are at stake, he said, warning of a growing risk of genocide and other atrocity crimes. For her part, the representative of the Russian Federation said that it is currently not appropriate to push third-party negotiations formats that exclude the Government or talk about the UN presence or African peacekeepers, recognizing the Sovereign Council as a supreme authority. While the humanitarian situation is dire, the Government is taking necessary steps to ensure the provision of aid, she observed, stressing that human agencies must work in conjunction with the Government. "It is premature to talk about the threat of imminent famine; there is food in the country," she added, noting that the question is how to get it to the areas under the Rapid Support Forces' control. China's representative, also stressing that joint efforts must be made together with Khartoum to ensure the provisioning of humanitarian aid, welcomed the Government's actions towards facilitating humanitarian access and keeping the crossings open. He called on both parties to "put the people first" and, through dialogue, find a political solution, noting that any imposed proposals out of "selfish political interest" will only worsen the turmoil. Rounding out the meeting, Sudan's representative, describing the conflict as a war of aggression waged by terrorists and their regional allies supplying weapons and political support, underscored the urgent need for a national mechanism to protect civilians, amid brutal attacks by the Rapid Support Forces militia, including systematic retaliatory attacks carried out in Al-Jazirah State in response to the defection of a Rapid Support Forces leader to the Sudanese Armed Forces. Decrying the killing of civilians and looting and displacement of hundreds of villages, he called on the United Arab Emirates to stop their supply of weapons and called on the Council to designate the Rapid Support Forces as an ethno-supremacist terrorist group. He went on to highlight his Government's cooperation with ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those of the African Union and IGAD, and its efforts to facilitate aid delivery. However, he reiterated his concern over the entry through Adre crossing of trucks bearing weapons, artillery and mercenaries, calling on humanitarian agencies and the UN to prevent the misuse of the crossing by militia. Further, he called for the operationalization of a mechanism to implement the Jeddah Declaration and for a multi-stakeholder civilian protection plan based on the provision of technical support, not external interference. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 14 killed in Gaza, airstrikes in Beirut By VOA News November 12, 2024 Israeli strikes killed at least 14 people in Gaza, Palestinian authorities said, and plumes of smoke were rising above the southern Beirut's suburbs less than an hour after Israeli forces told residents to evacuate. While fighting continues, international aid groups issued a report saying Israel has not met a Tuesday deadline set by the U.S. to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip. But the Israeli military said hundreds of packages of food and water have been brought to an area in northern Gaza where it has been focusing operations. Last month, the Biden administration told Israel to "surge" more food and supplies into Gaza or risk a cut in military aid. On Tuesday, a group of eight international aid organizations said that of 19 measures of compliance with the U.S. demands, Israel failed to comply with 15 and only partially complied with four. "Israel not only failed to meet the U.S. criteria that would indicate support to the humanitarian response, but concurrently took actions that dramatically worsened the situation on the ground, particularly in Northern Gaza," the report said. "That situation is in an even more dire state today than a month ago." The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 85% of its attempts to coordinate aid convoys and humanitarian visits to northern Gaza were denied or impeded last month. The office made 98 requests to Israeli authorities for authorization to go through the checkpoint along Wadi Gaza but only 15 made it, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday. On Monday night, the Israeli security Cabinet approved more aid for Gaza, which will increase the number of trucks that enter each day, an official familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Air strikes in Gaza, Beirut A late Monday strike killed at least 11 people in a cafeteria west of Khan Younis, according to officials at Nasser Hospital. A strike early Tuesday hit a house at a refugee camp in central Gaza, killing three people, according to al-Awda Hospital, which received the casualties. Early Tuesday, the Israeli army told residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to leave immediately, warning that it would strike Hezbollah targets there. "You are located near facilities and interests affiliated with Hezbollah, against which the Israel Defense Forces will act in the near future," military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that included a map showing the buildings it would target in the Lebanese capital. Less than an hour later, according to Agence France-Presse, two strikes hit the area and plumes of gray smoke were rising. Witnesses told AFP gunfire could be heard in the area ahead of the strikes warning shots by residents for people to leave following the evacuation call. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said on X on Tuesday that during a meeting with military officials, he reiterated that Israel will continue hitting Hezbollah with full force and that there will be no cease-fire. Summit in Riyadh On Monday, Arab and Muslim leaders met in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and demanded that Israel withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories as a precondition for regional peace. The summit also denounced what it described as "shocking" Israeli crimes in Gaza. The summit's closing statement said "a just and comprehensive peace in the region... cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories to the line of June 4, 1967," referring to the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem as well as Gaza and the Golan Heights. The international community should "launch a plan with specific steps and timing under international sponsorship" to make a sovereign Palestinian state a reality, the statement said. However, the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed to Palestinian statehood and Israel's new foreign minister, Gideon Saar, dismissed the prospect as not "realistic." 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. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. Information from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse was used in this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sri Lanka set to vote for new parliament as president seeks majority for reforms By Anjana Pasricha November 12, 2024 Sri Lanka will choose a new parliament Thursday in an election that is seen as crucial for the country's new left-leaning president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who swept to power in September on an anti-corruption platform amid a wave of dissatisfaction with established political parties. Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) coalition currently has only three seats in the 225-member parliament, constraining his ability to usher in the systemic changes he says are necessary to tackle corruption and improve economic conditions for the working class. Aiming to boost the NPP's representation, Dissanayake dissolved parliament soon after he was voted into power and called for snap polls a year ahead of schedule. Analysts say the strong support that Dissanayake secured in the presidential election seven weeks ago will likely stay with his party in Thursday's election. "He got 42 percent of the vote, which is a dramatic leap for a representative of a fringe party which had only secured three to four per cent vote share in any election in the past," Kusal Perera, political analyst in Colombo told VOA. "That vote will come back in the parliamentary elections, though it may be slightly lesser this time." Current cabinet: 3 The 55-year-old president, popularly known as AKD, is seeking a two-thirds parliamentary majority so he can push through his promised reforms. Currently, the Sri Lankan leader has the smallest cabinet in the country's history Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and two ministers. In Sri Lanka, only lawmakers can be appointed as ministers. His hopes of gaining a much bigger share of parliamentary seats for his coalition rest on voters rejecting parties that governed the country for decades but are blamed by many people for misgovernance and corruption. The country is still grappling with a severe economic downturn two years ago. Although former president Ranil Wickremesinghe is credited with stabilizing the economy after securing a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the austerity measures he introduced - mainly an end to public subsidies - led to sharp price hikes in food and fuel that have caused hardship for millions of Sri Lankans. Dissanayake has said he will renegotiate the terms of the IMF bailout package to ease the austerity measures that were imposed to secure the loan. Ahead of Thursday's elections, the new president has sounded an optimistic note. "In past elections, people did not have confidence in us but in September people gave us victory and proved that we are a winning party and we can form a government," he said during a campaign rally on Sunday. "The next task is to unite people from the four corners of this country and build a powerful people's movement." The NPP's main challengers are the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and the New Democratic Front (NDF), which is backed by former president Ranil Wickremesinghe. But the opposition has run a lackluster campaign. "There has been no focus on what they want or the program that they want to push," said Perera. The country's powerful Rajapaksa political dynasty, which played a key role in Sri Lanka over the last two decades, has not fielded a candidate in the parliamentary polls. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was the president when the economy collapsed, was ousted by a massive popular protest movement in the country that demanded, among other things, that people guilty of corruption be punished. Just like the presidential polls, the parliamentary election is seen as a referendum on people's desire for change in the political landscape. However, there is less enthusiasm this time around, according to some residents. "Nobody is very excited about the election partly because most people think that it is a given that Dissanayake's NPP is going to win," says Chameera Dedduwage, a professional based in Colombo who took part in the protest movement against Rajapaksa. "They feel that they deserve to be given a chance to prove themselves and bring about the system change they have promised." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chad says Boko Haram fighters fleeing to neighboring states By Moki Edwin Kindzeka November 12, 2024 The government of Chad said Tuesday that hundreds of Boko Haram fighters are fleeing the central African state's territory and crossing over into Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria. State TV reports the fighters fled after clashes with Chadian forces over the weekend that killed more than 100 Boko Haram fighters as well as close to 20 Chadian soldiers. Chad state TV reports that assaults have continued against Boko Haram strongholds after the central African state's military saw almost 20 soldiers killed and 32 others injured in a Saturday battle with Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad basin. A government statement said about 100 Boko Haram fighters were killed and a dozen others injured during the clashes, and that Boko Haram fighters are now fleeing to Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger. Earlier this month, Chad's military launched an operation aimed at dislodging Boko Haram terrorists from areas around Lake Chad, according to the central African state's president, General Mahamat Idriss Deby. Deby said the operation - named Haskanite -- is to avenge the killing of 40 government troops in October and to improve security for civilians in the area. The offensive hit a complication last week, when Deby said the fighting forces of Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger, who all contribute troops to a regional anti-terrorism joint task force, had decided to not collaborate with the Chadian offensive. Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger have made no public statements confirming or denying Deby's claim, and VOA could not independently verify if the three countries have chosen not to participate in the Chadian operation. Cameroon's military said it is security the country's borders and protecting its civilians. Deby has said he planned to withdraw his troops from the multi-national force, which has about 11,000 troops, because of the absence of what he calls coordinated efforts among member states to fight Boko Haram terrorism. Remadji Hoinathy is a lecturer at the University of N'Djamena in Chad and a researcher on strategic development in central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin Commission. He said it is imperative for neighboring states to strategize and join Chad in fighting Boko Haram because the terrorist group has a high capacity to infiltrate communities in Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger when attacked by forces from Chad. Remadji says fighters that survive onslaughts from Chad government forces will escape to safety areas in Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria and return to Chad to commit more atrocities when Operation Haskanite ends. Chad has not said when it might withdraw its troops from the U.N.-assisted joint fighting force. Chad civil society groups and political parties say they are surprised that officials of the joint task force have neither reacted to Chad's threat to withdraw nor announced plans to cooperate with the offensive against Boko Haram. Hisseine Abdoulaye is spokesperson of The Patriots, one of Chad's political parties. He spoke to VOA via a messaging app from Chad's capital N'djamena. Abdoulaye said although it is the right of any state or party to pull out of an organization if its interests are not protected and respected, he disagrees with Chad's announced plan to withdraw its troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. He saif Chad's military alone cannot stop militants from attacking government troops and communities. Boko Haram launched an armed rebellion against the Nigerian government in 2009 to establish an Islamic state. Fighting has since spread to neighboring countries and has killed more than 40,000 people, displacing over 3 million according to the United Nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US will not cut military aid to Israel over Gaza aid By VOA News November 12, 2024 The United States said Tuesday that Israel has made limited progress on increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as Washington requested, so the Biden administration will not limit arms transfers to Israel. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters that "we at this time have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of U.S. law." The administration told its ally on October 13 that it had one month to increase aid to Gaza, where the situation after 13 months of war between Israel and Hamas militants has unleashed a catastrophic humanitarian situation, or face a reduction in military aid. The deadline was Tuesday. "We are not giving Israel a pass," Patel said, adding that "we want to see the totality of the humanitarian situation improve, and we think some of these steps will allow the conditions for that to continue to progress." Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israel's top national security adviser, Ron Dermer, in Washington on Monday to go over the steps that Israel has taken. At the United Nations, U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council that Israel has taken some important steps, including restoring aid deliveries to the north, but that it must ensure its actions are "fully implemented and its improvements sustained over time." "And we continue to reiterate, there must be no forcible displacement nor policy of starvation in Gaza, which would have grave implications under U.S. and international law," she said. A senior U.N. human rights official said at the same meeting that the entry and distribution of aid into Gaza has fallen to "some of the lowest levels in a year" and criticized Israel's conduct of military operations in the north. "All states, consistent with their obligations under international law, must therefore assess arms sales or transfers and provision of military, logistical or financial support to a party to the conflict, with a view to ending such support if this risks serious violations of international law," Ilze Brands Kehris, U.N. assistant secretary-general for human rights, said. Israel denies it is limiting aid to Gaza, blaming the U.N. and aid agencies for slow distribution and Hamas for stealing it. Earlier Tuesday, eight international aid organizations said that of 19 measures of compliance with the U.S. demands, Israel failed to comply with 15 and only partially complied with four. "Israel not only failed to meet the U.S. criteria that would indicate support to the humanitarian response, but concurrently took actions that dramatically worsened the situation on the ground, particularly in Northern Gaza," the report said. "That situation is in an even more dire state today than a month ago." Asked what grade the United Nations would give Israel, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric would not offer one, but said, "I think from what we've been telling you over the last few days and frankly much longer, it's pretty clear that we're nowhere near what we need." While aid entering Gaza is insufficient overall, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it is especially bad in northern Gaza, where 85% of its attempts to coordinate aid convoys and humanitarian visits in October were denied or impeded. "As I brief you, Israeli authorities are blocking humanitarian assistance from entering North Gaza, where fighting continues, and around 75,000 people remain with dwindling water and food supplies," acting humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya told the Security Council meeting. "Conditions of life across Gaza are unfit for human survival," she said. Famine alert On Friday, U.N.-backed food security experts issued an urgent warning, saying there is a strong likelihood that famine is occurring or imminent in parts of northern Gaza and that immediate action is needed to avert a catastrophe. "By the time famine has been declared, people are already dying of hunger, with irreversible consequences that can last generations," Rein Paulsen told the Security Council meeting. Paulsen is the director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience at the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization. "The window of opportunity to deliver this assistance is now, today, not tomorrow," he said. Israel's U.N. ambassador told reporters ahead of the council meeting that the report by the famine committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC as the experts are known, is "harmful propaganda" and "filled with baseless and slanderous claims" against Israel. "As I have said here in the past, there are agencies dedicated to real humanitarian work, and then there are those like the IPC, which prioritize smearing Israel over actually helping those in need," Danny Danon said. Inside the council, he said IPC claims of imminent famine in northern Gaza are "simply false," and that Israel facilitated over 713 trucks into the north in October. He said across Gaza, a dozen bakeries produce pita bread, and overall, Israel is allowing aid in through multiple crossing points, including the Kissufim crossing to central Gaza, which was opened on Tuesday after having been shuttered 19 years ago. "Are these the actions of a state wishing to cause a famine?" Danon asked. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said Israel should allow international journalists into Gaza to see for themselves whether there is famine or not. "We need international media, independent media, to go and to document exactly what is happening," Mansour told reporters. "It is genocide in northern Gaza, and we need the international media to go and tell the story." In 13 months of war, Israel has allowed only a few handpicked reporters to accompany its troops into Gaza on brief tours to see the Hamas tunnels. It has also shuttered the bureau of Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera in Israel. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 137 journalists and media workers have been killed, nearly all of them Palestinian. As the situation worsens, the Security Council's 10 elected members are working on a draft resolution on the protection of civilians in the conflict and the need for an immediate cease-fire, release of hostages and scaling up of aid. Biden reaffirms support for Israel President Joe Biden reiterated his support of Israel during a Tuesday Oval Office meeting with Israel's president and echoed the wish to see the return of the remaining hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza for more than a year. "My commitment to Israel is ironclad," Biden told President Isaac Herzog during their morning meeting in the White House. "And we share a deep friendship." Herzog underscored his government's main objective: "First and foremost, we have to get the hostages back." As President-elect Donald Trump begins to put his government together, his transition office announced Tuesday that former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is his nominee for U.S. ambassador to Israel, and real estate investor Steve Witkoff will be his special envoy to the Middle East. Air strikes in Gaza, Beirut Israeli airstrikes killed at least 14 people in Gaza on Tuesday, Palestinian authorities said, while in Lebanon, plumes of smoke rose above Beirut's southern suburbs less than an hour after Israeli forces told residents to evacuate. A strike early Tuesday hit a house at a refugee camp in central Gaza, killing three people, according to Al-Awda Hospital, which received the casualties. Israel's new defense minister, Israel Katz, said on X that during a meeting with military officials Tuesday, he reiterated that Israel will continue hitting Hezbollah with full force, and that there will be no cease-fire in Lebanon. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 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. The war spread to Lebanon in mid-September, after months of rocket fire from Hezbollah into Israel and drone and airstrikes by Israel's military in south Lebanon escalated. More than 3,200 Lebanese have been killed, most of them in the past six weeks. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN appeals for Sudan cease-fire as fighting spreads By Margaret Besheer November 12, 2024 The United Nations renewed its appeal for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan on Tuesday, with officials warning that civilians are paying a high price for the fighting, as external parties fuel the conflict by supplying weapons. "It is long past time for the warring parties to come to the negotiating table," said U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo. "The only path out of this conflict is a negotiated political solution." DiCarlo said that in the absence of a nationwide cease-fire, local ones could give civilians some respite and create openings for dialogue for a more comprehensive agreement. She told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the rival leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appear convinced that they can each win on the battlefield and have escalated their military operations and attacks. "This is possible thanks to considerable external support, including a steady flow of weapons into the country," she said. "To put it bluntly, certain purported allies of the parties are enabling the slaughter in Sudan. This is unconscionable, it is illegal, and it must end." Russia and Egypt are reported to be among the countries providing the SAF with arms and equipment. Meanwhile, Sudanese officials have publicly accused the United Arab Emirates of funneling weapons to the RSF militia through neighboring Chad. The UAE vehemently denies the accusation, but a U.N. panel of experts said earlier this year there was substance to media reports that cargo planes originating in the UAE capital had landed in eastern Chad with arms, ammunition and medical equipment destined for the paramilitary group. Sudan's ambassador stood by the claim on Tuesday, telling the council that the RSF is using humanitarian convoys to smuggle both weapons and foreign mercenaries through the Adre border crossing with Chad. Sudan's authorization for that crossing is about to expire and humanitarians and most council members want it to remain open. "We commend the Sudanese authorities for opening the Adre border crossing in mid-August," U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. "This single route allowed aid organizations to bring enough food, health and nutrition supplies to serve more than 1.9 million people. Now, Sudanese authorities must keep Adre border crossing open indefinitely. Millions of lives depend on it." Eleven million people have been displaced and half of Sudan's population, an estimated 25 million people, are struggling with crisis-level food insecurity, according to the U.N. Famine was confirmed in August in the northern part of Sudan's Darfur region. "In North Darfur, fighting in and around El Fasher continues to intensify and block the movement of aid supplies into the area," said Ramesh Rajasingham, director of the coordination division of the U.N. office on humanitarian affairs. El Fasher is the capital of North Darfur and has been the epicenter of a battle for the last seven months between the RSF, who are poised to capture the city, and the SAF, which are trying to hold on to it. More than 1.5 million civilians in El Fasher, many of them displaced from other parts of Sudan, are caught in the crossfire. Humanitarians have confirmed famine conditions in parts of El Fasher, including at the Zamzam camp for displaced persons, which houses more than 400,000 people. Rajasingham said about a third of the children in the camp are malnourished, including 10% who are severely malnourished. Since Oct. 20, tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced from eastern Al Jazirah state, following a wave of RSF attacks on villages there that reportedly killed more than 120 civilians. Women and girls were raped, markets looted, and homes and farms were burned to the ground. "The international community must take what's happening in Sudan seriously and must take urgent action to address it," Rajasingham said of the spreading conflict. On Friday, the U.N. Security Council's sanctions committee for Sudan designated RSF commanders Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed for sanctions for their roles in the violence in Darfur. The United States said Tuesday that it is adding Barkalla to its own sanctions list and noted it had already designated Hamid in May 2024. The U.N. Security Council is working on a draft resolution focused on the protection of civilians through the implementation of commitments both parties made last year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as supporting mediation that would lead to a cease-fire. No date for a vote has been announced. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US 'looks forward to working with' Haiti's new president By VOA News November 12, 2024 The United States recognized businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime as the newly appointed prime minister of Haiti, a State Department spokesman said in a statement Tuesday. Matthew Miller said the U.S. "looks forward to working with" Fils-Aime and the Transitional Presidential Council "to advance progress against urgent priorities in the coming months." Fils-Aime, the former chairman of the board of Haiti's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was sworn in Monday, replacing Garry Conille, who served as the country's prime minister for only six months. Conille is a doctor who previously ran UNICEF's Latin American regional office. The TPC and Conille had been at odds. Several organizations recently tried to mediate the disagreements, according to the Miami Herald. The transitional council was created in April to choose the Caribbean country's prime minister and Cabinet, paving the way to the restoration of the democratic process to the gang violence-plagued country. Democratic elections have not been held in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. "The United States welcomes the commitment of the TPC and the new prime minister to release a joint action plan that outlines their vision to improve security and governance, and to set a path toward free and fair elections," Miller's statement said. "The United States views it as vital that they clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of the TPC vis-a-vis the prime minister and include measures to hold one another accountable as appropriate while preventing further gridlock," the spokesman said. As Fils-Aime was being sworn in, gangs shot at a Spirit Airlines airplane as it was attempting to land at Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic, where it landed. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in an alert Monday that it was "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 alert also said the U.S. Embassy was "aware of a temporary pause in operations at the Toussaint L'Ouverture airport." In addition to the gang violence that has clung to Haiti, the country has never fully recovered from a devastating earthquake in 2010. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 12 November 2024 - Day 993 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian soldiers continue to decisively thwart the Russian enemy's attempts to penetrate deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion throughout the frontline and in the rear. Since the beginning of the day, 156 combat clashes have been recorded at this time. Russian zagarbniki launched one missile strike on the territory of Ukraine with two rockets, 69 air strikes, dropped 106 KAB, also hit 873 kamikaze drones. Along with that, the enemy carried out 4178 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction for today, the Russian opponent eight times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near vovchans k. According to preliminary calculations, the Russian enemy's casualties for today in the direction amounted to 85 soldiers killed and wounded, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed seven units of Russian vehicles and 23 BPLAs; also damaged 12 vehicles and a special equipment unit. Seventeen times Russian forces stormed the positions of the Ukrainian military in the Kupyans komu direction in the areas of Kolisnikivka, Zagrizovogo, Kruglyakivka and Lozova. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki six times tried to advance in the areas of Novomikhailivka, Grekivka and Torsky. Defenders of Ukraine firmly hold the defense, causing the Russian forces significant losses. In the sivers komu direction Ukrainian soldiers repel the attack in the area of verkhnyokamians .kogo, the situation is controlled. In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces attacked ten times with the support of aviation near Toretsk and in the area of Scherbinivki. Two clashes are currently underway. The high intensity of combat is maintained in the Pokrovsky direction. The number of battles has increased to 28. Russian forces continue to pressure Ukrainian positions in the direction of settlements of Mirolyubivka, Beam, Fox, Grigorivka, Pustinka and Novooleksiyivka. Ukrainian defenders at this time have been rebuked 19 attacks, nine boezitknen is ongoing. The preliminary losses of the Russian aggressor were 445 occupants killed and injured for today. Two tanks, two cannons, three cars and three occupant motorcycles were also destroyed, while two more cars and four motorcycles were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day counts 47 combat clashes of different intensity. The most active Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Illinka, Novoselidivka, Voznesenka, Novodmitrivka, Dalnyi and Antonivka. The fights continue. On the Vremivsky Direction, for today, an aviation-supported aggressor attacked the front edge of Ukrainian defense 13 times in the area of Trudovoye, Makarivka, Rivnopol and Novodarivka. The six clashes are still ongoing. In the Pridniprovsky direction, five Russian attempts to storm the positions of Ukrainian warriors have failed. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov region, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 22nd Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 103rd and 113th territorial defence brigades near Bochkovo, Udy, Izbitskoye, and Kazachaya Lopan (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, and two motor vehicles. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 42nd, 60th, 63rd, 115th mechanised brigades, and 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU near Nadiya (Lugansk People's Republic), Kupyansk, Ostrovskoye (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, Yampolovka, and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 14th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and 1st National Guard Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, five motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. One Anklav-N electronic warfare station and four field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 24th, 30th mechanised brigades, 46th Airmobile Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 124th Territorial Defence Brigade near Slavyansk, Nikolayevka, Predtechino, Dachnoye, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk People's Republic). Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 33rd, 54th mechanised brigades, 77th and 81st airmobile brigades of the AFU were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 765 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, one motor vehicle, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Two electronic warfare stations and two field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 100th Mechanised Brigade, 142nd Infantry Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, and 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Dzerzhinsk, Voznesenka, Dyleyevka, and Ukrainka (Donetsk People's Republic). Eleven counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 23rd, 42nd, 154th, 117th mechanised brigades, 152nd Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, 35th Marine Brigade, and Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, seven motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of the 33rd Mechanised Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the AFU, 37th Marine Brigade, and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Temirovka (Zaporozhye region), Sukhiye Yaly, Zelenoye Pole, and Rovnopol (Donetsk People's Republic). Four counter-attack of the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 150 troops, one tank, six motor vehicles, and one 152-mm D-20 gun. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 103rd and 126th territorial defence brigades near Novodanilovka (Zaporozhye region), Olgovka, and Nikolskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up 70 troops and four motor vehicles. One field ammunition depot was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at infrastructure of military airfields, power objects ensuring operation of the Ukrainian defence industry, as well as engaged manpower clusters and military hardware in 142 areas. Air defence units shot down six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 71 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 648 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,622 unmanned aerial vehicles, 585 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,176 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,487 MLRS combat vehicles, 17,723 field artillery guns and mortars, and 28,182 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Novoivanovka. The Group's units repelled seven enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, and Novoivanovka. The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 troops killed and wounded. One tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles of the enemy were neutralised. Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the clusters of manpower and hardware of the 21st, 22nd, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade as well as 103rd, 112th, 118th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Agronom, Aleksandriya, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Guyevo, Daryino, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Yuzhny. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops have attacked concentration areas in Sumy region and reserves of the 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Glukhov, Zhuravka, Pavlovka, and Khoten. In the past 24 hours, the AFU have sustained losses of over 300 troops, five tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, four artillery guns, two mortars, a counter-battery radar station, an armoured recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses have amounted to more than 31,700 troops, 200 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 110 armoured personnel carriers, 1,113 armoured fighting vehicles, 858 motor vehicles, 269 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 11 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 62 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on November 12, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: November 12, 2024 19:17 CRI: China announced last week that President Xi Jinping will visit Latin America. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) building a China-LAC community with a shared future and common progress. What progress has been made in building a China-LAC community with a shared future over the past decade? Lin Jian: Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping's proposal of building a China-LAC community with a shared future has been translated from a vision to action and from a blueprint to reality. The proposal has generated fruitful outcomes, benefited the two peoples and is widely welcomed by LAC countries. China and Latin America hold high the banner of peaceful development and cooperation, forge stronger synergy between each other's development strategies, upgrade and accelerate cooperation and share the outcomes of cooperation. Both sides uphold true multilateralism and work for more just and equitable global governance. China and Brazil jointly issued six common understandings on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and launched the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis together with other like-minded Global South countries to build global synergy on deescalating the situation. China is the second largest trading partner for Latin America and the largest trading partner for many countries in the region. China has signed free trade agreement with five countries and engaged in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with 22 countries in this region. The cooperation between the two sides has been expanded from traditional areas including economy and trade, finance and infrastructure to such emerging areas as energy, digital economy and aerospace. The direct flights between China and Latin America have become an "Air Silk Road". China has actively provided human resources training programs to Latin America, sent medical and agricultural experts there and promoted "small yet smart" livelihood programs on growing bamboos and Juncao to boost development and revitalization in the region. China is always a trustworthy friend and partner to LAC countries and their peoples. The China-LAC relationship has entered a new era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and more benefits for the people. President Xi Jinping will soon pay another visit to Latin America, which will be his sixth visit to the continent since 2013. We believe under the guidance of heads-of-state diplomacy, the China-LAC community with a shared future will enjoy more promising prospects in the next decade. Dragon TV: The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded in Shanghai a few days ago. The CIIE produced fruitful results, reaching US$80.01 billion worth of tentative deals for one-year purchases, up by 2 percent from the previous CIIE. What's your comment on the achievements and significance of the seventh CIIE? Lin Jian: The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a fine example of China expanding high-standard opening up and sharing its development dividends with the rest of the world. Within six days, 77 countries and international organizations participated in the country exhibition and exhibitors from 129 countries and regions took part in the business exhibition. The number of participating Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders reached 297. Over 450 new products, new technologies and new services were unveiled. The CIIE provided over 120 free booths for 37 least developed countries, including those from Africa, as part of the concrete actions to help more developing countries board the express train of China's development and engage in the process of economic globalization. China is firmly resolved and confident in driving the opening up and common development of the world through its high-standard opening up and high-quality development. We stand ready to work with other parties to build an open global economy, make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial for all, and deliver more benefits of development to the people across the world in a more equitable way. CCTV: It's reported that President Xi Jinping sent a reply letter to friendly personages in Brazil, which received warm response. Those committed to China-Brazil friendship in Brazil said that President Xi Jinping's letter injected new impetus for Brazil-China friendship and the growth of bilateral ties. Can you share more details on that? Lin Jian: President Xi Jinping recently replied to letters from over 100 friendly personages from Brazil, including Enrique Teixeira, former deputy mayor of Campinas, Sao Paulo State, the Brazil-China Friendship Association, teachers and students from the University of Sao Paulo and Sao Paulo State University, and the Copacabana Fort Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro, encouraging them to continue to contribute to China-Brazil friendship. The letter received extensive and positive response. People from all walks of life committed to China-Brazil friendship in Brazil said that they are deeply inspired by the letter, look forward to President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil and stand ready to make further contribution to deepening Brazil-China friendship. China and Brazil enjoy time-honored friendship that is ever-flowing like the Yangtze River and the Amazon River and that has brought the two countries close together despite being thousands of miles apart geographically. About 200 years ago, the first group of Chinese tea farmers traveled across the ocean to grow and teach the art of tea in Brazil. The seed of friendship they sowed back then has grown tall and borne fruit. The friendship between the people has always been a source of driving forces for the growth of China-Brazil relations. We believe that President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Brazil will further strengthen the bond of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and write a new chapter of China-Brazil friendship that surmounts mountains and oceans. We welcome more Brazilian friends to visit China and experience the vibrancy of Chinese modernization. Reuters: Regarding Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro, he said today that China is putting ever greater pressure on the Philippines to concede sovereign rights in the South China Sea, adding that the Philippines was, in his words, a victim of Chinese aggression. Does China have a response to this? Lin Jian: You mentioned the remarks of the relevant person in the Philippines. Let me point out that every escalation of maritime disputes between China and the Philippines was triggered by the infringement activities and provocations of the Philippines. It was the Philippines who took infringement activities first and China had to take necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard our lawful rights and interests. If the Philippines stops infringement activities and provocations, there will be no trouble at sea. Xinhua News Agency: Yesterday the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre and China Institute of International Studies held an event to release the Report on the True Multilateralism. The report pointed out that in a world fraught with transformation and instability, true multilateralism is a must choice for mankind to address global challenges and improve the global governance system. Can you share more details with us? Lin Jian: Yesterday afternoon, the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre and China Institute of International Studies held an event to release the Report on the True Multilateralism: Conceptual Development, Core Essence and China's Practice. In April 2021, President Xi Jinping advocated the vision of "true multilateralism" in his keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. Over the past three years and more, this vision has received increasing and extensive support from various countries, effectively boosted solidarity and cooperation of the international community, and proved to be highly relevant to our times and important for our practice. The report took stock of the essence of the important vision and its practice, and provides useful references for us to continue upholding and practicing true multilateralism. To advance the implementation of the vision of true multilateralism, we need to extensively pool wisdom and strength of all sides. We support think tanks in China in making greater contribution to this end. China also stands ready to work with countries around the world to hold high the banner of true multilateralism, advocate fairness, justice, openness and inclusiveness, act on the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and make new contribution to building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. Beijing Daily: According to media reports, Pravind Jugnauth, the incumbent Prime Minister of Mauritius, has conceded defeat in the parliamentary election in an interview on November 11. Navin Ramgoolam, the leader of the Alliance for Change, will take over the post of prime minister for a fourth time. Do you have any comment? Lin Jian: We noted relevant reports. We congratulate Mr. Navin Ramgoolam on his election as the Prime Minister of Mauritius and believe that under his leadership, Mauritius will achieve greater success on the path of its national development. China and Mauritius share profound traditional friendship and fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation, which brings huge benefits to the two peoples. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam is an old friend of the Chinese people who has paid several visits to China. China stands ready to work with the new administration of Mauritius and take the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to strive for greater development of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Bloomberg: A deputy German economy minister is in Taiwan this week for talks with officials there and executives. He'll also visit TSMC. Does the Foreign Ministry want to comment on this visit? Lin Jian: There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community as well as the political foundation of China-Germany relations. We urge Germany to abide by the one-China principle, stop official exchange with Taiwan authorities in whatever form, and stop sending wrong signals to the separatist forces for "Taiwan independence." Reuters: What is China's expectation for the APEC summit this week? Is President Xi Jinping planning to meet President Biden on the sidelines of the summit? Lin Jian: On your first question, President Xi Jinping's attendance at this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is an important action of China's heads-of-state diplomacy facing the Asia-Pacific, which fully shows the high importance China attaches to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. In a world struggling to find drivers for growth, regional economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific faces new challenges. APEC is an important platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and this region is expected to continue to play its role as a dynamic engine for world economic growth. President Xi Jinping will deliver an important speech at the meeting to elaborate on China's important measures to deepen reform and opening up and propositions on advancing Asia-Pacific cooperation. China stands ready to work with other parties to deliver on the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 in an all-round and balanced way, strive for positive outcomes of this meeting, provide new impetus for advancing regional economic integration and promoting the growth of Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world, and jointly build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. On your second question, I have no information to share. AFP: Earlier today, Wang Yi met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Can the Foreign Ministry provide details on what was discussed at that meeting? Lin Jian: We will release information in due course. Please check back for updates. AFP: North Korea and Russia have ratified their defense treaty, requiring both sides to provide military assistance without delay. Does China have any comment on the cementing of military cooperation between the two sides? Lin Jian: On the bilateral exchange and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, we have made clear our position more than once. The DPRK and Russia are two independent sovereign states. How to develop their bilateral relations is a matter for themselves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Approves Deal With Moscow That Allows Troop Deployment By RFE/RL's Russian Service November 12, 2024 North Korea has ratified a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement with Russia, cementing a deal that has paved the way for its soldiers to fight on Russian soil against Ukraine. North Korea's state-controlled news agency KCNA said on November 12 that the deal, which was agreed between Moscow and Pyongyang in June, will take full effect once both sides exchange ratified copies of the agreement. According to reports from South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin has already signed the documents. The deployment of North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region, which has been confirmed by U.S., NATO, South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence, has raised concerns that it will further destabilize the Asia-Pacific region and broaden Moscow's war on Ukraine. South Korea has raised questions about what new military technologies North Korea might get from Russia in exchange for supplying troops. "Russia working together with North Korea, Iran, and China is not only threatening Europe, it's threatening peace and security, yes, here in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and in North America," NATO Chief Mark Rutte said in Paris on November 12 ahead of talks later in the day with French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia has had to shift some resources to the Kursk border region to respond to a Ukrainian incursion launched in August, and its forces have struggled to push back Ukrainian troops there. The United States has estimated about 10,000 North Korean troops are in Russia now. Seoul and its allies assess that the number has increased to 11,000, while Ukraine has put the figure higher, at up to 12,000. Moscow and Pyongyang have trumpeted their increased defense cooperation since the launch of the invasion, but the Kremlin has neither denied nor directly confirmed the presence of North Korean troops on its soil. The bolstering of Russian forces comes at a time when it appears to be making advances in Ukraine despite incurring heavy casualties. NATO's Rutte, in the face of the battlefield gains by Russia and the election in the United States of Donald Trump, who has been critical of how much aid the West has given to Kyiv, called for continued support of Ukraine from allies. "We must recommit to stay the course of the war and we must do more than just keep Ukraine in the fight," Rutte said. "We need to raise the cost for Putin and his enabling authoritarian threats by providing Ukraine with the support it needs to change the trajectory of the conflict." Macron agreed, saying the "only way toward negotiations" was to make sure that nothing is decided about "Ukraine without the Ukrainians and on Europe without the Europeans." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/north-korea-russia- pact-troops/33199261.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Govt is creating 'Adaptive Defence' in India to deal with emerging challenges: Raksha Mantri at inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence "Adaptive Defence is not merely a strategic choice, but a necessity in today's fast-paced world" Shri Rajnath Singh calls for adopting a collaborative approach to deal with contemporary problems "Interconnectedness is as much a blessing as it is a challenge; If our threats are transnational, so should be our solutions" Posted On: 12 NOV 2024 12:57PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has voiced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government's unwavering resolve to create an 'Adaptive Defence' in the country to counter the challenges posed by the fast-changing world in today's times. He was addressing the inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) organised by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), on the theme 'Adaptive Defence: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare', in New Delhi on November 12, 2024. Raksha Mantri said that 'Adaptive Defence' is a strategic approach where a nation's military and defence mechanisms continuously evolve to counter emerging threats effectively. "'Adaptive Defence' is not merely responding to what has happened but anticipating what could happen, and preparing for it proactively. In essence, it involves cultivating a mindset and capability to adapt, innovate & thrive, even in the face of unpredictable and evolving circumstances. Situational awareness, flexibility at strategic and tactical levels, resilience, agility, and integration with the futuristic technologies are the keys to understand and create adaptive defence. It must be the mantra of our strategic formulations and operational responses," he stated. Shri Rajnath Singh described 'Adaptive Defence' as not merely a strategic choice but a necessity. "As the threats to our nation have evolved, so too must our defence systems and strategies. We should be prepared for all future contingencies. It is more than just protecting our borders; it is about securing our future," he said. Raksha Mantri pointed out that traditional notions of war are being reshaped by emerging technologies and evolving strategic partnerships, with new perspectives, doctrines and concepts of operations emerging within the Armed Forces in keeping with the changing nature of threats & challenges. He termed the present age as Grey Zone and Hybrid warfare where traditional ways to defend have been challenged. Continuous adaptation is the best strategy to deal with the emerging challenges, he said. Shri Rajnath Singh threw light on the diverse range of security challenges faced by India, from the traditional border-related threats to unconventional issues such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hybrid warfare. He asserted that the Government recognised the need for an adaptive defence strategy in a changing geopolitical & technological scenario, and has taken several initiatives to build a robust & self-reliant ecosystem. It includes establishing the institution of the Chief of Defence Staff, promoting jointness among the three Services, improvising the training curriculum and forging new defence partnerships around the world. Raksha Mantri emphasised that, in the present age of digitisation and information overload, the world is facing an unprecedented scale of psychological warfare. He stated that the Government is determined to employ adaptive defence strategies to counter the menace of information warfare against national security. Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government's commitment to keep India among the leading countries working on emerging technologies in cyberspace and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A country of the size and potential of India has to have the capability and wherewithal to deal with the imminent global innovations of AI in defence, he said. Raksha Mantri stated that drones and swarm technologies are bringing fundamental changes in the ways & means of warfare. "India is aiming to become a drone hub of the world. Several initiatives have been taken in this regard. This would not only help the Indian economy but also significantly contribute to our Make in India and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme. We are already working to improve Research & Development through reliable certification mechanisms, and facilitate Indian Intellectual Property creation in this sector. Additionally, we have also introduced rewards for innovation through the schemes of iDEX and ADITI," he added. Shri Rajnath Singh called for adopting a collaborative approach to deal with contemporary problems of defence and security. He stressed that the actors involved in these matters are not only states, but non-state as well. "The current geopolitical dynamics and cross-border issues make a collaborative approach to defence essential. The ambiguities of the cyberspace, AI and the vast potential of quantum & nanotechnologies further demand collaboration and sharing of knowledge, perspectives, information & strategies, if possible," he said. Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that DDD will help in analysing the aspects of jointness and integration. "Jointness cannot and should not be restricted to the military domain of individual countries. Our interconnectedness is as much a blessing as it is a challenge. If our threats are transnational so should be our solutions," he said. Raksha Mantri was of the view that it is rare to find a technological solution today that is completely designed, developed, manufactured and consumed within the same country. This is the nature of globalisation and the inter-dependence that it has created. "The logic of both economies of scale and the sources of expertise demand that the solutions should be logically collaborative. And our inter-connectedness allows and facilitates such collaborations without the limitations of geography," he said. Shri Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that by bringing together policymakers, military experts and scholars, DDD will generate innovative ideas and collaborative strategies to enhance the country's defence posture. He termed it is a vital initiative that aspires to strengthen the strategic vision emphasising a comprehensive approach and facilitating informed discussions that contribute to national, regional and global security. "We intend to foster strategic partnerships, promote indigenous defence production, and find ways to adapt to emerging technologies," he stated. Raksha Mantri enumerated the robust steps taken by the Government to deal with contemporary threats. The decisions include unveiling of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020; establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu; notification of positive indigenisation lists; increase in FDI limit and launch of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. He said: "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, with focus on self-reliance in the defence sector, forms the bedrock of our vision. The emphasis on indigenous capabilities aligns with our aim to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. This must not be seen as an isolationist approach, as we are very much open to foreign investment, collaboration, joint R&D and co-production within the broader framework of 'Make in India' initiative." Shri Rajnath Singh added that the 'Make in India' campaign has witnessed success through indigenous projects such as Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', INS Vikrant, and DRDO's missile programmes. "Today, we are also witnessing the fruits of our endeavour in the rising exports of defence items. Currently, India is exporting defence items to over 100 nations, with the top three destinations for defence exports in 2023-24 being the USA, France, and Armenia. We hope to achieve the target of Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence exports by 2029," he stated. The DDD is a flagship platform of MP-IDSA for addressing the multifaceted challenges of defence and security in India. As the landscape of warfare becomes increasingly complex, the platform is designed to discuss the evolving landscape of international security and defence strategies, with a focus on India's defence. The dialogue aims to exchange views and foster collaboration among defence experts, policymakers, and military leaders. Further, as India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, the DDD serves as a critical forum for addressing the need for a robust defence strategy that not only addresses immediate threats but also anticipates future challenges. DG, MP-IDSA Ambassador Sujan R Chinoy, Vice-Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal SP Dharkar, civil & military officials and distinguished participants from within the country & abroad were present on the occasion. ***** VK/SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2072663) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opening remarks by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov at meeting of CIS Defence Ministers Council 12.11.2024 Dear colleagues! At the recent meeting of the CIS Defence Ministers Council, leaders of our countries reaffirmed their commitment to gradually strengthen the organisation and deepen multilateral cooperation. One of the most important direction of our joint work in the military sphere is ensuring regional security. That is exactly the goal of the Russian chairmanship in the CIS and the plan of actions prepared by the Russian Defence Ministry. I would like to thank all those present for their support and active participation in its implementation. Our long-term military cooperation resulted in strengthening of our armed forces. Joint military air defence, communication, control and evaluation of radiation, chemical, and biological situation, and Parol friend-or-foe identification systems have been developed among others. We exchange our experience, including the experience that we acquired in the course of the special military operation. Joint events are held on a regular basis. In conditions of new geopolitical situation, our partnership should be directed at developing an equal and indivisible Eurasian security. We have a lot of work in this direction. By striving to preserve the role of hegemon, the collective West tries to undermine regional stability. Therefore, the BRICS extended summit in Kazan paid particular attention to issues of peaceful settlement of conflicts and establishment of an equitable multipolar world order. Today, we have an extensive agenda concerning multilateral military partnership of the CIS. A special place in it is given to preparations for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We are all well aware of the importance of preserving our common history and preventing its distortion. During the meeting, we will exchange views and outline further steps in the area of defence and security. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/11/12 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Monday to Tuesday, Nov. 11-12 2.PLA activities 10 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General and President Macron discuss defence production and Ukraine NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 12 Nov. 2024 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and President Emmanuel Macron discussed on Thursday (12 November) the need to step up support for Ukraine, ramp up defence production and boost transatlantic defence industrial cooperation. During his first official visit to Paris since taking office, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of France's high-end military capabilities and skilled armed forces for the collective security of the Alliance. They discussed the need for increased defence investment and robust transatlantic cooperation to ensure the Alliance's lasting security. "The more we spend on defence, the more we reduce the risk of future conflict," said Rutte. Mr. Rutte and President Macron also discussed the need for more support for Ukraine ahead of what could be its harshest winter, as Russia relentlessly targets its energy infrastructure. Mr Rutte commended France for training and equipping an entire Ukrainian brigade, the Anne of Kyiv Brigade, and for its pledge to send Mirage fighter jets early next year. "France has delivered advanced artillery guns, air defence systems, cruise missiles, and armoured vehicles," he said. The Secretary General also raised concerns about deepening military ties between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which pose a threat to European security and global peace. Prior to his meeting with the French President, the Secretary General visited the French defence industry company Thales Group. During the visit, Mr Rutte met with young talents and engineers developing cutting-edge capabilities for NATO Allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Issues Warrant For International Criminal Court Judge By Current Time November 12, 2024 A Moscow court has issued an arrest warrant for International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh on a charge of "illegal incarceration." The court said on November 11 that the charge stemmed from the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and armed forces' Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. Mahfoudh and his ICC colleagues, Rosario Salvatore Aitala and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez, issued the arrest warrants for Shoigu and Gerasimov in late June for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine after the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor in 2022. According to the ICC judges, Shoigu and Gerasimov were responsible for Russian missile strikes conducted between October 2022 and at least March 9, 2023, against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The ICC statement issued at the time said that "the expected incidental civilian harm and damage would have been clearly excessive to the anticipated military advantage" for those who ordered the strikes. Shoigu was dismissed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in May. He now heads Putin's Security Council. Earlier last year, Russian authorities added Aitala, along with ICC Judge Tomoko Akane and Prosecutor Karim Khan to their wanted list after they issued arrest warrants in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's children's commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, for being responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia following the invasion -- a war crime under international legislation. Russia retaliated by opening criminal cases against the ICC officials. The ICC does not have the means to enforce its arrest warrants but relies instead on the judiciaries of its 124 members to fulfill them. With reporting by Rapsinews and Meduza Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-arrest- warrant-icc-judge/33199206.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kryviy Rih, Mykolayiv Declare Day Of Mourning After Deadly Russian Attacks By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service November 12, 2024 The Ukrainian cities of Kryviy Rih and Mykolayiv have announced a day of mourning in the aftermath of Russian strikes in recent days that killed at least nine civilians, including three children, as Moscow kept up its daily attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure at the onset of winter. The day of mourning is to be observed on November 13 in the central city of Kryviy Rih, where a 32-year-old woman and her three children -- a 10-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 2-month-old baby -- were killed in a missile strike that destroyed their five-story apartment building. The four victims were pulled out of the rubble by rescue workers after an hourslong search, the city's governor, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported early on November 12. Another 14 people, including children, were wounded in the strike. In the southern city of Mikolayiv, where at least five people were killed by a Russian strike on an apartment building on November 11, Mayor Oleksandr Syenkevych announced a day of mourning on November 12. "Today in Mykolaiv, the day of mourning for our citizens, who died as a result of the attack of the Russian invaders on November 11, was declared," Syenkevych said on Telegram. In a separate Russian strike on November 12, four people were wounded in the village of Bilenke in Donetsk, Ukraine's Emergency Services reported. Ukraine's air force, meanwhile, reported that Russia attacked 10 Ukrainian regions -- Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Zaporizhya, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolayiv -- with missiles, glide bombs, and 110 drones. Air defenses shot down 46 Russian drones, while 60 drones were lost after their navigation systems were jammed by Ukrainian electronic-warfare systems, the air force reported. Russian officials said that Ukrainian drone strike early on November 12 set a fuel depot on fire in Stary Oskol, a city in Russia's Belgorod region some 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that there were no immediate reports of casualties. Separately, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 13 Ukrainian drones, nine of them in Belgorod, two in Bryansk, and two in the Kursk region. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-missile-mother-children- killed/33198829.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (12 November 2024) 12.11.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Novoivanovka. The Group's units repelled seven enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, and Novoivanovka. The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 troops killed and wounded. One tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles of the enemy were neutralised. Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the clusters of manpower and hardware of the 21st, 22nd, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade as well as 103rd, 112th, 118th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Agronom, Aleksandriya, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Guyevo, Daryino, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Yuzhny. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops have attacked concentration areas in Sumy region and reserves of the 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Glukhov, Zhuravka, Pavlovka, and Khoten. In the past 24 hours, the AFU have sustained losses of over 300 troops, five tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, four artillery guns, two mortars, a counter-battery radar station, an armoured recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses have amounted to more than 31,700 troops, 200 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 110 armoured personnel carriers, 1,113 armoured fighting vehicles, 858 motor vehicles, 269 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 11 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 62 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 12.11.2024 At around 09:00 Moscow time, the Russian Armed Forces have foiled the Kiev regime's attempt to launch a terrorist attack using a fixed-wing UAV against the facilities in the Russian Federation. One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by alerted air defence systems over Belgorod region. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More children killed in latest attacks across Ukraine UNICEF Statement attributable to UNICEF Representative to Ukraine, Munir Mammadzade 12 November 2024 KYIV, 12 November 2024 -- "UNICEF is devastated by reports of an attack that killed three children from the same family, along with their mother, in Kryvyi Rih. "Ten-year-old Kiril, his brother Demyd, who was nearly three, and sister Ulyana, only two months old, were all killed in a nighttime attack that hit their apartment building, burying them under rubble. Their father was the sole survivor from their home. "Every night, children in Ukraine go to sleep with fear and uncertainty as the threat of attacks looms over them. When they're not in their beds, children hide in corridors and bomb shelters amid alarms and explosions, hoping to wake up to a quiet morning with their homes intact and their families safe. "In Kryvyi Rih today, another three children and their mother never woke up. Tragic stories like this have become the norm in Ukraine as attacks on populated areas continue. "In the first 12 days of November, intense and sustained attacks have killed at least four children and injured more than twenty, according to reports. "Every child killed or injured leaves a deep life-long scar among families, friends and communities. Our deepest sympathies are with the family in Kryvyi Rih and every person who has lost a loved one in this brutal war. "No child should live in constant fear for their safety. Attacks on populated areas must stop and children in Ukraine protected wherever they are, from homes to schools and playgrounds." ##### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian airstrike kills 4, injures 14 By VOA News November 12, 2024 A Russian airstrike on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown killed a mother and her three children and left 14 people wounded, officials said Tuesday. Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said rescue and recovery operations were complete after the residential building in Kryvyi Rig was hit a day earlier. The office of the prosecutor general said a 32-year-old woman and children who were 10, 2 and 2 months old were killed. In Russia's Belgorod region, a Ukrainian drone attack started a fire at an oil depot, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov posted on the Telegram messaging app. He said a tank caught fire and 10 fire crews responded in the Starkooskolsky District near the Ukrainian border. The Russian defense ministry also said 13 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight, all in regions bordering Ukraine. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 46 Russian drones overnight. In addition, Ukrainian's military was "holding back a fairly large grouping of Russian troops - 50,000 of the occupier's army personnel," in the Kursk region, Zelenskyy said in his address to the nation Monday. "Our forces' strikes on Russian arsenals have reduced the amount of artillery used by the occupier, and this is noticeable at the front. That is why we need decisions from our partners - America, Britain, Germany - on long-range capabilities," Zelenskyy said. "This is vital. The further our missiles and drones can hit, the less real combat capability Russia will have." North Korea defense pact The forces in Kursk include 11,000 North Korean troops deployed by Russia to Kursk, Zelenskyy has said, although Moscow will neither confirm nor deny their involvement. State media in North Korea reported that country ratified a defense agreement with Russia on Tuesday, formalizing months of deepening security ties. The deal "was ratified as a decree" of leader Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Tuesday. The notice comes after Russian lawmakers voted unanimously last week to ratify the deal, which President Vladimir Putin later signed. "The treaty will take effect from the day when both sides exchanged the ratification instruments," KCNA said. Putin and Kim signed the strategic pact in June, during Putin's visit to North Korea. Material from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse was used in this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken heads to Brussels to push for Ukraine aid By Nike Ching November 12, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday as Washington looks for ways to "surge" military aid to Ukraine in the final days of President Joe Biden's term. After Brussels, Blinken will proceed to Lima, Peru, for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, followed by stops in Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a summit of the 20 largest economies, the G20. He will join Biden in Peru and Brazil. President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold face-to-face talks on Saturday on the sidelines of the APEC summit, a meeting anticipated to last about one-and-a-half hours, according to sources familiar with the plans who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity. On Wednesday, Blinken will engage in discussions with his NATO and European Union counterparts to coordinate continued support for Ukraine, while President Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump at the White House. Officials said Biden will ask Trump not to "walk away" from Ukraine. North Korea's direct support for Russia's war in Ukraine is expected to be a focal point during Blinken's discussions with European counterparts and will likely feature on the agenda in talks between U.S. officials and their counterparts at APEC. Ukraine has reported that North Korean troops are actively engaged in combat operations in Russia's Kursk region, prompting condemnation from several European nations over the increasing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea. Meanwhile, Ukraine remained on high alert for air attacks on Monday, with the country's top military commander reporting that tens of thousands of Russian troops were prepared to advance on Russia's Kursk region, where Ukraine seized territory in August this year. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told VOA that Trump might attempt to "broker a cease-fire in Ukraine," a prominent foreign policy pledge he made during his campaign. Kupchan, however, noted, "It will not be as easy as he promised... It will take a long time to bring [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to common ground," as the conflict has stretched on for more than two-and-a-half years. Trump's political allies have indicated that the incoming administration will prioritize achieving peace in Ukraine over enabling the country to reclaim Crimea and other territories occupied by Russia. After the U.S. presidential election, the State Department said that Blinken spoke with his European counterparts. They included the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and the United Kingdom's foreign secretary, David Lammy, among others. Officials say talks covered the situation in Ukraine and the implications and threats posed by Russia's decision to introduce North Korean troops into the war on Ukraine. Blinken's coming meetings in Brussels also follow a gathering of European leaders Thursday in Budapest, where they addressed transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine, and other pressing issues in light of Trump's victory in last week's U.S. presidential election. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the M&A Class Action Firm), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: AE), relating to the proposed merger with an affiliate of Tres Energy LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, Adams stockholders will receive $38.00 per share in cash for each share of Adams common stock they own. Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/adams-resources-energy-inc-ae/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much? About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341 Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to hear Ortega & Rogers v. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). NCLA asks the Fifth Circuit to overturn an OCC decision punishing former Texas bank officers Saul Ortega and David Rogers, Jr. without a jury trial, which violates the Seventh Amendment. OCC closed the bank where Ortega and Rogers worked in 2013, and four years later the Offices Enforcement Counsel charged them with misconduct that allegedly led to the banks failure. Their case was subsequently cycled through three different OCC Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), with the last ALJ recommending monetary and other sanctions against Ortega and Rogers. The Comptroller of the Currency adopted the ALJs recommendation in relevant part and imposed a fine of $250,000 on each defendant. Ortega and Rogers never had the chance to defend themselves against OCCs allegations before a jury. Denying Ortega and Rogers a jury trial deprived them of their rights under the Seventh Amendment. OCCs in-house adjudication of its allegations against them also violates the Article III constitutional guarantee of an independent judiciary. As the Supreme Court held just a few months ago in Jarkesy v. SEC, the Seventh Amendment bars Congress from assigning traditional common law causes of action to adjudication in administrative tribunals instead of properly constituted Article III courts. Simply put, Congress cannot escape the constitutional jury trial guarantee where private rights are at stake and a federal agency seeks to exact a civil penalty. NCLA released the following statements: The Supreme Courts Jarkesy decision is clearcases where the federal government seeks monetary penalties must be tried to a jury. There is no legally meaningful difference between the Comptroller of the Currency and the SEC when it comes to this issue, and its frankly stunning that the OCC is continuing to argue that Jarkesy somehow does not apply to its administrative tribunals. Greg Dolin, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The Jarkesy case restored the right to trial by jury in administrative agency enforcement cases after a nearly 50-year hiatus. The Supreme Courts welcome retreat from that half-century-long mistake left only a narrow exception in place that does not apply here. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the amicus page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LEEF Brands, Inc. ("LEEF" or the "Company") (CSE: LEEF, OTC: LEEEF), a premier vertical cannabis operator, today announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all currency references are in United States dollars. Financial Highlights: Net sales of $6.8M for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $22.6M for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. of $6.8M for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $22.6M for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Gross Profit of $1.5M for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $7.4M for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. of $1.5M for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $7.4M for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Gross Margin of 22% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. of 22% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Unit Sales increase of 79% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Management Commentary: Im proud of our team for driving positive momentum this quarter, making substantial progress on key initiatives, innovations and infrastructure upgrades including the completion of Phase 1 construction at Salisbury Canyon Ranch, stated Micah Anderson, Chief Executive Officer. This 1,900-acre ranch, with a 187-acre cultivation permit, positions us for our first planting in spring 2025. Additionally, weve invested significantly in our extraction technology, increasing our overall capacity by 32%, which will enable larger product output in the coming year. Were optimistic about the opportunities ahead and excited about the strong foundation were building for 2025. Kevin Wilson, Chief Financial Officer added We continue to focus on our long-term financial health and strategic growth, which includes the phase 1 completion of Salisbury Canyon Ranch, as well as innovating in how we manage assets and payment systems. This quarter, the company acquired Bitcoin cryptocurrency in a business-to-business transaction which marks the beginning of a larger strategy of integrating LEEF Brands into the Bitcoin Ecosystem. This is a milestone that reflects our commitment to forward-looking financial strategies. Despite the industry challenges, our focus remains on increasing efficiency and positioning LEEF for success as we move forward. Q2 2024 Financial Results Discussion: Investors are invited to access the financial results and analyses on the Company's investor relations website (https://www.leefbrands.com/investors) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Unaudited Q2 2024 Financial and Operation Metrics: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net Loss (IFRS) $ (3,186,643 ) $ (1,988,723 ) $ (8,590,853 ) $ (23,767,032 ) Depreciation and amortization 480,203 462,400 1,352,606 1,395,303 Interest expense 357,511 932,785 3,310,710 2,863,757 Income tax expense 442,067 555,338 2,203,376 2,340,699 EBITDA (non-IFRS) (1,906,862 ) (38,200 ) (1,724,161 ) (17,167,273 ) Adjustments: Share-based compensation 121,558 200,251 1,981,739 1,183,393 Change in fair value of contingent consideration - 21,129 - (114,871 ) Gain on extinguishment of debt - - (284,660 ) - Loss on impairment - 1,146 - 17,409,624 Change in fair value of derivative liabilities - (12,727 ) - (1,079,625 ) Non recurring operating costs - 52,896 - 1,012,177 Adjusted EBITDA (non-IFRS) $ (1,785,303 ) $ 224,495 $ (27,082 ) $ 1,243,425 About LEEF Brands Inc. LEEF Brands Inc. is a leading California-based extraction and manufacturing cannabis company, recognized for its large-scale vertical integration and as one of the state's most sophisticated operators. With a comprehensive supply chain, cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and a dynamic bulk concentrate portfolio, LEEF powers some of the largest brands in California. For more information, visit www.LeefBrands.com. LEEF Brands Inc. Per: Kevin Wilson Chief Financial Officer SOURCE: LEEF Brands, Inc. For further information: LEEF Brands, Inc., Micah Anderson, CEO, or Kevin Wilson, CFO, 707-703-4111, ir@leefca.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") including but not limited to: (i) the continued success of the Company's corporate strategy and proposed initiatives; (ii) the closing of the Company's financing related to the sale of its 60% interest in its cultivation and real estate assets in Santa Barbara, California; (iii) the proposed used of proceeds from the completion of the proposed financing; (iv) the Company's ability to enhance efficiencies across the entire manufacturing process, foster stronger relationships with its client-base and produce a predictable and consistent supply of input material; and (v) its ability to continue to generate positive cashflow from operations. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance or financial results. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including financial and operational results not proving to be as expected or on the timelines expected; the Company not completing certain proposed acquisition or financing transactions at all, or on the timelines expected; the Company not achieving the synergies expected; and other risks disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form and other public filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements and financial outlooks contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements. 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. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond Group Limited (the Company or Black Diamond) (TSX:BDI, OTCQX:BDIMF) announced Trevor Haynes, President & CEO, will present and host one-on-one meetings with investors at the Sidoti November Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on November 13-14, 2024. Joining Mr. Haynes will be Toby LaBrie, EVP & CFO &, Jason Zhang VP Capital Markets Acquisitions & Divestitures. The presentation will begin at 11:30AM ET on November 13, 2024 and can be accessed live here: https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QiHPVq5kQZ-f6iwjMKDS3Q . The Company will also host virtual one-on-ones with investors on Wednesday and/or Thursday, November 13-14, 2024. To register for the presentation, visit www.sidoti.com/events . Registration is free and you do not need to be a Sidoti client the event is open to all investors and financial professionals. About Black Diamond Group Black Diamond is a specialty rentals and industrial services company with two operating business units MSS and WFS. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Australia. MSS through its principal brands, BOXX Modular, CLM, MPA Systems, and Schiavi, owns a large rental fleet of modular buildings of various types and sizes. Its network of local branches rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services to a diverse customer base in the construction, industrial, education, financial, and government sectors. WFS owns a large rental fleet of modular accommodation assets of various types. Its regional operating terminals rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services including turnkey operated camps to a wide array of customers in the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. In addition, WFS includes LodgeLink which operates a digital marketplace for business-to-business crew accommodation, travel, and logistics services across North America. The LodgeLink proprietary digital platform enables customers to efficiently find, book, and manage their crew travel and accommodation needs through a rapidly growing network of hotel, remote lodge, and travel partners. LodgeLink exists to solve the unique challenges associated with crew travel and applies technology to eliminate inefficiencies at every step of the crew travel process from booking, to management, to payments, to cost reporting. Learn more at www.blackdiamondgroup.com . NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) resulting from allegations that Unisys may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Unisys securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9648 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On October 22, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had charged four companies, including Unisys, with making materially misleading disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and intrusions. Further, the SEC also charged Unisys with disclosure controls and procedures violations. On this news, Unisys stock fell 8.6% on October 22, 2024. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. _______________________ Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE:MEC, OTC:MECPF, FRA:92T) (Mustang or the Company) is excited to announce that it has entered into a strategic option agreement (the Agreement) with Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) (Skyharbour) dated November 12, 2024 to acquire an undivided 75% interest (the Option) in Skyharbours 914W Uranium Project (the 914W Project), located in the Athabasca Basin of Northern Saskatchewan. The Option marks an important step for Mustang as it seeks to expand its presence in a promising uranium district. Additionally, Mustang is pleased to welcome Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour, as a Strategic Advisor to the Company, bringing valuable industry insights and expertise to Mustangs growing portfolio. Being granted the Option to acquire a majority interest in the 914W Uranium Project is an exciting milestone for Mustang as we look to expand our footprint in and around the Athabasca Basin, a promising uranium district, commented Nick Luksha, CEO of Mustang. With Jordan Trimble joining as a Strategic Advisor, we are gaining invaluable expertise that will strengthen our exploration efforts and help us unlock the potential of the 914W Project. This partnership aligns with our commitment to building a robust portfolio of high-impact assets while supporting sustainable development practices in the region. The 914W Projects accessible location, combined with promising geological indicators similar to those seen in the nearby uranium occurrences at Scurry Rainbow Zone E1 and the Don Lake Trenches2, underscores the potential for discovery. With much of the 914W Project remaining underexplored, we see an opportunity to unlock further value through targeted exploration, said Lynde Guillaume, Technical Advisor for Mustang. Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour stated As Skyharbour becomes a shareholder and project partner alongside Mustang at the 914W Project under the Agreement, I am looking forward to working with the Mustang team to advance the asset over the coming years. We believe there is a strong discovery upside potential at the early-stage project, and we are optimistic that Mustang will be able to unlock value at the property. About the 914W Uranium Project The 914W Project is situated approximately 48 km southwest of Camecos Key Lake Operation, offering excellent logistics and access via Highway 914. The 914W Project is strategically positioned within the Western Wollaston Domain, known for unconformity-related and pegmatite-hosted uranium (or U) mineralization. The project host favorable geology with local graphite bearing assemblages. Immediately to the north of the 914W Project is the Scurry Rainbow Zone E1 and the Don Lake Trenches2, where up to 1,288 ppm U was encountered in drill hole ML-11, and surface prospecting revealed up to 0.64% U 3 O 8 in a trench at Don Lake Zone E2. While historical exploration conducted several geophysical and geological surveys over portions of the property, most of the 914W Project remains underexplored. Mustang sees substantial potential for advancing uranium and rare earth element exploration on the 914W Project. Figure 1: Mustang Energy Corp. Claim 914W Location Map3. Bedrock Geology (Sask GeoAtlas): Mfn - felsic gneiss, Wcn - calc-silicate rock, marble, Wm - psammitic meta-arkosic gneiss, Wpsn - pelitic, psammopelitic gneiss, Wma - amphibolite (Archean), Wfn - felsic gneiss Welcoming Jordan Trimble as Strategic Advisor In conjunction with the Option, Mustang is thrilled to welcome Jordan Trimble, a respected leader in the uranium sector and the President and CEO of Skyharbour, as a Strategic Advisor to Mustang. Mr. Trimble brings years of industry experience, particularly in uranium exploration and development, which will be invaluable as Mustang expands its exploration activities in the Athabasca Basin. By background, Mr. Trimble is an entrepreneur and has worked in the resource industry in various roles with numerous companies specializing in management, corporate finance and strategy, shareholder communications, business development and capital raising. Previous to Skyharbour, he was the Corporate Development Manager for Bayfield Ventures Corp. (Bayfield), a gold company with projects in Ontario which was successfully acquired by New Gold Inc. in 2014. Bayfield made a high grade gold and silver discovery at its Burns Block property in the Rainy River district which is now a part of the producing Rainy River Mine. Skyharbours strategic partners include Denison Mines Corp., Rio Tinto Limited & Orano Canada Inc. Terms of the Agreement Under the Agreement, Mustang can acquire a 75% interest in the 914W Uranium Project, which spans a total of 1,260 hectares, by satisfying the following conditions: Share Issuance: Mustang will issue common shares (each, a Share ) with a total value of CAD$480,000. Mustang will issue common shares (each, a ) with a total value of CAD$480,000. Cash Payments: Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$275,000 over three years. Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$275,000 over three years. Exploration Expenditures: Mustang will commit CAD$800,000 towards exploration on the 914W Project over the same three year period. The cash payment, Share issuance and exploration expenditure schedules for the consideration noted above is as follows: Date Cash Payments Exploration Expenditures Value of Shares Issued On the dates the 6th business day following the filing by Mustang of a Form 9 with the CSE (the Closing Date) $15,000 N/A $30,000(1) On or before the first anniversary of Closing Date $20,000 $100,000 $100,000(1) On or before the second anniversary of Closing Date $40,000 $150,000 $150,000(1) On or before the third anniversary of Closing Date $200,000 $500,000 $200,000(1) TOTAL: $275,000 $800,000 $480,000 (1) Share values are based on the five-day volume-weighted average price on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) prior to issuance. Skyharbour will retain a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on the 914W Project, with Mustang holding an option to purchase back 1% for CAD$1,000,000, thereby reducing the NSR to 1%. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Skyharbour is a uranium exploration company with an extensive portfolio in the Athabasca Basin, including interests in numerous high-grade uranium projects and joint ventures with major industry partners such as Denison Mines Corp. and Rio Tinto Limited. Skyharbours projects span over 580,000 hectares and are positioned to benefit from strengthening uranium market fundamentals. References: Qualifying Statement: The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, and a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Adjacent Property Disclaimer This news release also includes references with respect to the Scurry Rainbow Zone E and the Don Lake Trenches deposits (collectively, the Adjacent Properties), which are located near the 914W Project in the Athabasca Basin. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the 914W Project or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the 914W Project or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. All technical information contained in this press release with respect to Adjacent Properties, was provided by the sources noted in the references above without independent review and investigation by the Company, and the Company has relied on the information contained in the respective sources exclusively in providing the information about the Adjacent Properties and any deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. About Mustang Energy Corp. Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. Mustangs flagship property, Ford Lake, covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 2,901 hectares in the Wollaston Domain. Mustang has also established its footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the acquisition of the Yellowstone Project and further expanded its presence in the south central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project. On behalf of the board of directors, Nicholas Luksha Nicholas Luksha CEO and Director For further information, please contact: Mustang Energy Corp. Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer 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, believes 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 managements expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the exercise of the Option by the Company, the expected benefits of the various transactions contemplated herein and the future potential of the minerals claims acquired pursuant to the Agreement as contemplated herein. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able: to exercise the Option and, in connection therewith, received all required third party approvals, to receive expected benefits and achieve anticipated integration post-transaction and continue exploring the various projects and surrounding minerals claims optioned to the Company pursuant to the transactions contemplated herein. 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. Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b11eb21a-9912-4232-b452-1448c920ff79 HANAM-SI, South Korea, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VRAD Co., Ltd. is launching two widely recognized Korean-developed virtual reality-based simulators, NS_Core, a nursing skills education simulator, and IP_Trauma, a trauma patient care simulator, for international markets. These products support a broad range of languages, including Korean, English, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Kazakh, and German, with Spanish and French language support anticipated by the end of the year. NS_Core is an immersive clinical simulation solution designed for nursing skill training using Meta's virtual reality headset. It allows users to perform a variety of clinical exercises in a VR environment with simulated patients. This solution offers an innovative approach to addressing the challenges of hands-on medical training within nursing school curricula by providing a metaverse-based virtual training space. Developed through a collaboration between general hospitals and university nursing departments, NS_Core enables intensive, repetitive practice on 20 essential nursing skills, significantly enhancing clinical performance among nursing students. IP_Trauma offers a comprehensive VR training environment for medical personnel to acquire and refine essential trauma care skills. This includes learning various medical procedures, equipment handling, situational assessment, and decision-making, as well as fostering teamwork and real-time communicationareas traditionally challenging to practice effectively. IP_Trauma is an immersive clinical simulation platform featuring reactive scenario simulations, where outcomes vary based on the users choices and actions. Developed in partnership with several prominent Korean universities and hospitals, it adheres to the globally recognized Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol standards. Within the IP_Trauma simulator, multiple users can communicate in real time, practicing critical decision-making and trauma care techniques in a virtual environment. The simulation covers over 40 procedural steps, from pre-hospital preparation to patient transfer to the operating room. Simulation managers can utilize a control console to assign real-time scenarios, provide additional instructions, and directly guide participants, effectively managing the simulations progress. Currently recognized as a leading VR medical technology provider in Korea, VRADs products are actively used in over 90 medical and educational institutions, both domestically and internationally. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20b08f0b-78eb-4a8d-98f0-c9b373b777c5 ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Intermodal Europe event today in the Netherlands, ORBCOMM debuted its next generation of container monitoring solutions to meet the markets needs for greater supply chain visibility. These developments reflect ORBCOMMs position as the leading provider of maritime IoT solutions to the container shipping industry worldwide, said Sameer Agrawal, CEO of ORBCOMM. Six of the worlds top 10 shipping lines trust ORBCOMM telematics. With over 30 years of industrial IoT innovation, we have become the worlds largest dry and reefer container IoT telematics provider. Since 2007, weve helped customers track and monitor 600,000 reefer containers, and in 2024 we will ship over one million dry container devices. As the market grows rapidlyDrewry expects 2024 to be the second highest year on record for dry freight container manufacturingORBCOMM is poised to extend its leading share of this growing market by fulfilling new use cases with award-winning products, blue-chip partnerships and more business wins with the worlds top container shipping lines. Today ORBCOMM introduced the latest generation of its dry container IoT solution, designed to increase container security, protect cargo integrity and improve asset visibility. Shipping lines can use the new technology to investigate the possibility of fire, detect unauthorized container access, receive alerts to possible container damage and provide higher levels of asset visibility to customers. The solutionpowered by ORBCOMMs new CT 1010 monitoring deviceadds sensor-based monitoring inside the container. In addition, ORBCOMM continues to augment its best-in-class maritime supply chain visibility product portfolio. ORBCOMM expects to announce further developments during the quarter, which will enhance the companys solution for all maritime stakeholders. By enabling container monitoring at sea and onshore at all times, ORBCOMM supports near immediate response times from both crew members and ship operators as they receive data, alerts and insights in real time. For more information and to see a demo of all ORBCOMMs container telematics solutions, drop by stand G22 at Intermodal Europe. Also, join us on Wednesday November 13 from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm CET in the conference theatre, where Christian Allred, ORBCOMMs GM & SVP of Maritime IoT will participate in a panel discussion about the latest in IoT technology. About ORBCOMM ORBCOMM is a pioneer in IoT technology, empowering customers with insight to make data-driven decisions that help them optimize their operations, maximize profitability and build a more sustainable future. With 30 years of experience and one of the most comprehensive solution portfolios in the industry, ORBCOMM enables the management of over a million assets worldwide for a diverse customer base spanning transportation, supply chain, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources and government. For more information about how ORBCOMM is driving the evolution of industry through the power of data, visit www.orbcomm.com. ORBCOMM media contact Lina Paerez SVP of Global Marketing and Communications +1 613.875.1485 paerez.lina@orbcomm.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b155fc97-a241-4210-a79e-e6138a0a0a72 ICG Enterprise Trust plc (the Company) 13 November 2024 Transaction in Own Shares The Company announces that on 12 November 2024 it bought back 59,175 of its own shares, to be held as treasury shares, at an average price of 1257 pence per share. Further details are set out below: Number of shares held as treasury shares following settlement of this purchase: 8,045,308. Total shares in issue excluding treasury shares following settlement of this purchase: 64,867,692. The Company has bought back these shares under the authority granted by shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in June 2024, which permits the Company to repurchase a maximum of 14.99% of its ordinary shares. The actual number of shares repurchased by the Company will depend on market conditions. This authority lasts until the next shareholder authority granted (expected to be at the Annual General Meeting in 2025), or until expressly revoked by shareholders. No maximum consideration payable has been determined by the Company, but the Company is unable to pay a price for any shares pursuant to the buyback which would equate to a premium to the net asset value. It is the Companys current intention to hold any shares bought back in treasury. The Company has instructed Numis Securities Limited (trading for these purposes as Deutsche Numis) as its broker in respect of its buyback transactions. This arrangement is in accordance with the UKLA Listing Rules and the Companys general authority to repurchase shares. Analyst / Investor enquiries: Chris Hunt Shareholder Relations, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 2020 Andrew Lewis Company Secretary, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 1344 Media: Catherine Armstrong Corporate Communications, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 1850 Reference: Elon Musk at 'Atreju,' Rome, discussing birth rates Dec 16, 2023. SAN RAFAEL, Costa Rica, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The issue of declining birth rates is becoming a major concern for the future of many countries. Elon Musk has long stressed that most countries should make increasing birth rates a top priority and warned that if we dont make more people, humanity will eventually cease to exist, and all other policies will become meaningless. Musk has repeatedly voiced his concerns that declining birth rates pose a serious risk to human survival and has suggested policy changes to address this issue. In this context, BabyBoomToken (BBT), the worlds first policy coin aimed at solving the birth rate crisis, is gaining attention. BBT offers a unique solution that aligns with Musks call to address this problem. As a blockchain-based project, BBT provides financial rewards to couples who plan to have families, encouraging participation in family growth. Designed to reward users whenever they engage in family planning or child-rearing activities, BBT is attracting positive interest from people around the world. BBT's Unique Approach: Using Blockchain to Address Declining Birth Rates BBTs approach echoes Musks message by using an innovative, technology-driven way to tackle declining birth rates. BBT users can record important milestones in their relationshipsfrom intimacy to pregnancy and childbirthusing the BabyBoom app. Each milestone earns BBT tokens, allowing families to celebrate their journey and be rewarded financially, which helps to reduce the financial strain often associated with family planning. As Musk has emphasized, making birth rates a priority is essential, and BBT provides a practical way to achieve this goal. In addition, BabyBoomToken encourages a global community where users can share advice and experiences related to child-rearing and family planning, creating a supportive and knowledge-sharing space for families. Economic Model and Token Sustainability A key part of BabyBoomTokens design is its economic model, which connects token rewards with app usage and advertising revenue. As more people use the app, advertising revenue grows. A portion of this revenue is used to repurchase BBT tokens from the market, helping to support the tokens value and long-term stability. A Global Vision: Expanding BabyBoomTokens Reach BBT is aligned with Musks focus on addressing the global birth rate issue and has already passed a security audit by Certik, adding to its credibility. BBT is listed on MEXC and Gate.io, making it accessible to users worldwide. Additionally, BBT is used as a currency in the regional information-sharing app Sellon and the newly launched community app Clublink. This expansion beyond its initial family planning focus shows that BBT is becoming a versatile digital asset with a broad vision for global impact. Performance Since Listing and Future Potential BBT was listed on October 17, 2024, with an initial price of $0.04. It quickly gained attention in the cryptocurrency market. In its first three days, BBT increased by 500%, reaching a peak price of $0.20, showing strong interest from investors and users. This performance suggests that Musks focus on the birth rate issue and BBTs innovative approach are resonating with people. Aligned with Musks vision, BBT offers valuable incentives and a supportive community, especially for young people who are comfortable with technology, driving growing interest in the project. To learn more about BabyBoomToken, visit the official website and join the community: - Website: www.babyboomtoken.com - Twitter: https://x.com/BabyBoomToken - Telegram Group: https://t.me/babyboomtokencommunitychat - Telegram Channel: https://t.me/babyboomtoken - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/babyboomtoken - BabyBoom App Download: https://bbt.babyboomtoken.com/redirect Contact: Bayu Aji Badriansah bayu@babyboomtoken.com Disclaimer: BabyBoomToken (BBT) and its initiatives are not affiliated with or endorsed by Elon Musk. References to Musk's publicly shared concerns on global birth rates are intended solely to provide context for the broader issue BabyBoomToken aims to address. Any views or statements attributed to Elon Musk are based on his publicly available remarks and do not imply any direct support or endorsement of BabyBoomToken or its related projects. Readers should independently evaluate BabyBoomToken and its offerings before making any financial decisions. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da970de5-68c1-4118-859d-fac157ac85e5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a442f232-cb93-4238-9163-6b1bb4bd58a8 RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received the Saudi medical team that performed the world's first fully robotic heart transplant at his office in Riyadh on Wednesday. The medical team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) of Riyadh had successfully performed the world's first heart transplant using a robot on a 16-year-old patient suffering from end-stage heart failure in September 2024. The transplant procedure, which took two and a half hours, was performed by an exceptional medical team led by renowned Saudi cardiac surgeon Dr. Feras Khaliel, who is head of Cardiac Surgery and director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, following weeks of meticulous preparation. KFSHRC Chairman Mazen Al-Rumaih, CEO Dr. Majed Al-Fayyadh, and Deputy CEO Dr. Bjorn Zoega attended the meeting with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. During the reception, the Crown Prince congratulated the medical team and the leaders of KFSHRC on the historic achievement, praising the Saudi team's competencies and their ability to innovate and achieve an unprecedented feat internationally in the medical field, which contributes to enhancing human health in the Kingdom and the world. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally in the list of the worlds top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, in the same year, it was ranked among the world's best 250 hospitals and included in the Worlds Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f04d5393-ce93-4c0a-bb0e-08cbcc881232 CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microbiotica, a clinical-stage biopharma company developing a pipeline of oral precision microbiome medicines called live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), announces that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 1b First-in-Human trial, COMPOSER-1, of MB310 in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. This international trial is due to recruit up to 30 adult patients at clinical centres in the UK, Austria, Bulgaria, Poland and Spain. Initial data readouts are expected by the end of 2025. Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, is a debilitating disease that affects over 1.4 million people globally. MB310 has been developed as an oral capsule, dosed once daily, containing a defined consortium of eight live gut commensal bacterial strains. It is designed to deliver long-term remission to UC patients, without immunosuppression or unwanted side effects. The COMPOSER-1 study will investigate the safety, tolerability, and initial signals of efficacy of MB310 in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. The degree to which the bacteria within MB310 successfully engraft into patients intestinal microbial community will be measured. The study will recruit patients with active, mild-to-moderate UC, who will take two capsules of study medication (active or matched placebo) once a day for 12 weeks in addition to their standard of care medication, with a 12-week follow-up period. (Study identifiers: NCT06582264; 2023-507376-50). The bacterial strains in MB310 were identified by analysing clinical and microbiome data from a faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) study in UC patients carried out with collaborators at the University of Adelaide. The results demonstrated the ability of a microbiome therapy to induce remission in UC without significant side-effects. Microbioticas analysis identified the engrafting bacteria associated with clinical response, leading to the development of MB310 as an LBP. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MB310 acts via at least three independent mechanisms that are central to the pathology of UC: promoting the healing of the damaged gut epithelial barrier, regulating the balance of cytokines that are inflammatory (TNF) and immune-modulatory (IL-10); and inducing a regulatory T-cell response. Professor Walter Reinisch, Professor for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Vienna Medical University, Austria, an advisor to Microbiotica and a principal investigator in the study, said, Microbiota dysregulation is known to be a key driver to the pathogenesis in ulcerative colitis. The COMPOSER-1 study offers us a unique opportunity to treat UC by rebalancing the microbiota with this new treatment modality and potentially inducing long-term disease remission in our patients. Ron Carter, Microbioticas Chief Medical Officer, said, There is a considerable body of evidence to support that FMT is beneficial for mild-to-moderate UC patients. This provides the underpinning of a microbiome-based treatment for this debilitating disease. Microbioticas precision microbiome platform has enabled us to identify the specific bacteria that could make a difference for patients and deliver them as a pharmaceutical in the form of MB310. About Microbiotica Microbiotica is a private, clinical-stage, biopharma company developing a pipeline of oral precision microbiome medicines called live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) with lead programmes in immuno-oncology and inflammatory bowel disease. The company has a clinic-led, purpose-built, proprietary, microbiome profiling platform to support drug discovery based on clinical data, which enables precision identification of bacteria associated with favourable clinical trial outcomes in specific patient populations. The company has significant expertise in microbiology, bioinformatics, translational biology and LBP manufacturing and development. The Company is creating a novel pipeline of programmes in immuno-oncology (MB097 for advanced melanoma), and inflammatory bowel disease (MB310 for ulcerative colitis). It has a major partnership with Cancer Research UK and Cambridge University Hospitals in immuno-oncology. The company has a clinical trial supply agreement with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) for use of KEYTRUDA in evaluating MB097 in melanoma patients with primary resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. MB310 was developed in collaboration with the University of Adelaide. Both programmes have data read-outs in 2025. Spun out of the Wellcome Sanger Institute in 2016, the Company is based in purpose-built facilities at the Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK. Microbiotica has raised more than 62 million equity investment, including a 50 million Series B in 2022, with venture investors including British Patient Capital, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Flerie Invest, IP Group plc, Seventure Partners and Tencent. The company has also received financial support from the US-based Crohns and Colitis Foundation. For more information, please visit www.microbiotica.com , and follow us on LinkedIn . Media contacts Microbiotica Ro Gardner, rgardner@microbiotica.com, +44 7801 480569 Scius Communications Sue Charles, sue@sciuscommunications.com, +44 7968 726585 Katja Stout, katja@sciuscommunications.com, +44 7789 435990 Daniel Gooch, daniel@sciuscommunications.com, +44 7747 875479 Unipart Signite secures two-year contract with Volkswagen Group UK November 2024 - Unipart, the supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies partner, has secured a two-year contract to support Volkswagen Group UK to deploy its SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management (EWM) solution within its One Aftersales business, supplying parts for a number of its UK brands and retailers. Unipart Signite designs, implements and supports its customers SAP solutions across the globe, combining Uniparts rich heritage in supply chain excellence with more than two decades of experience in building and running SAP systems for some of the world's largest organisations. The Unipart Signite team will support the EWM implementation from a programme management and key process and technical perspective, calling upon Uniparts 50-year supply chain expertise and extensive SAP experience to deliver a tailored implementation to Volkswagen Group UKs operations. The contract builds on Uniparts six-year relationship with Volkswagen Group running its UK and Ireland aftermarket supply chain, servicing more than 900 retailers and traders. Ian Truesdale, Managing Director for Unipart Logistics, said: We are excited to be partnering with Volkswagen Group to support the delivery of this strategic project. I look forward to seeing a highly-successful EWM implementation over the next two years and strengthening our partnership with Volkswagen Groups operations. Unipart Signites offering demonstrates its unique combination of extensive SAP EWM knowledge and expertise in delivering supply chain solutions for leading organisations globally. Vinod Shivhare, Head of Parts Supply Chain for Volkswagen Group UK, commented: We are pleased to be working with Unipart on this project which will ensure we can continue to provide customer-focused solutions for our network partners and ultimately our brands customers. ENDS Please click here for an image. For further information, please contact: Alistair Drummond, Head of External Communications T: +44(0)7771 798835 E: alistair.drummond@unipart.com SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are excited to announce that BRUCE (Bruce) has been listed on XT Exchange. The BRUCE/USDT trading pair has been available in the Innovation Zone (MEMEs & KASPA Eco). About BRUCE (Bruce) BRUCE is a unique, community-driven token inspired by the iconic martial artist, Bruce Lee. Self-proclaimed as a martial arts enthusiast, Bruce, the character, has dedicated his life to perfecting his skills and embodying the legendary spirit of his idol. This token represents not only the tenacity and strength of Bruce Lees philosophy but also brings a playful, meme-inspired presence to the KASPA ecosystem. Designed for those who appreciate martial arts, philosophy, and the meme culture, BRUCE integrates seamlessly within the crypto and KASPA ecosystems. As a tribute to Bruce Lee, this token encourages community engagement, humor, and a sense of honor inspired by the martial arts master himself. This listing on XT Exchange provides BRUCE with a valuable opportunity to reach a wider audience and gain visibility in the cryptocurrency community. By joining XT, BRUCE aims to share its unique approach and community spirit with an even larger platform. Albin Warin, CEO of XT Exchange, expressed his enthusiasm for the listing: "Were thrilled to bring BRUCE to our platform. Its vibrant connection to both the world of martial arts and meme culture makes it an exciting addition to the XT ecosystem. We believe the BRUCE listing will resonate with our users and enhance the dynamic landscape of digital assets on XT." Website: https://www.brucekas.world/ Blockchain Browser: https://kas.fyi/token/krc20/BRUCE About XT Founded in 2018, XT serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits. Website: xt.com X: twitter.com/XTexchange Telegram: t.me/XTsupport_EN XT Exchange Bella Wei Listing@xt.com BRUCE (Bruce) support@bruce.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by XT exchange. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Dublin, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Facade Materials Market - Global and Regional Report 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This analysis covers materials for facades in residential and non-residential buildings and in different regions worldwide. Materials covered include renders, clay-based materials, ceramics, terracotta, fiber cement, natural materials (wood, stone, and metals), polymer-based materials, synthetics and plastic composites, laminates, architectural glass, and other materials. New building activity is calculated for both the residential and non-residential segments in all regions for 2023 and 2030. In both points in time, the share of each material is estimated based on innovation, sustainability, income level, and fire regulation-based factors. In broad terms, cities worldwide are converging, particularly in the non-residential segment, with high rises becoming more similar to each other. The residential segment is more diverse, in terms of both facade materials and structural materials. Nevertheless, glass and minimalism, led by North American and European use cases, are strong almost everywhere and gaining market share. High rises and big commercial building architecture are globalized, driving demand for glass as a main facade material. Diversity in materials is higher as buildings get smaller, but curtain walls seem to be gaining market in the residential segment. This growing penetration might be driven by improvements in the performance of curtain walls and aesthetic trends among architects, investors, and end customers. Globally, in the residential segment, when comparing the market share of materials between 2023 and the forecast for 2030, bricks, renders, fiber cement, and vinyl appear to be reducing their share, while glass, laminates, and natural materials show positive numbers. Stone and wood are getting strong competition from materials that mimic their looks (e.g., a faux stone made with autoclaved aerated concrete [AAC] or a metal sheet that looks like wood) and with the advantages of ease of installation, low maintenance, lighter weight, and durability that some of the mentioned materials do not possess. Scope of Analysis Key Characteristics of Facade Materials The facade materials market comprises all the materials on the exterior of a building. As such, they must present certain characteristics, including durability, water and fire-proofing, and visual appeal. Facade materials include different types of renders that can be applied directly on the substrate, brick tiles, fiber cement planks (or tiles), vinyl boards, and steel plates, among others. Glass is included here as a facade material because of its increasing presence in the market, where it is being regularly used as windows and as a replacement to entire wall surfaces. Materials have been quantified in terms of surface area (square meters). Revenue and volume were calculated at manufacturers' door. From an end-consumer price perspective, many of these materials do not only include the material but support systems (e.g., a rainscreen system), other materials (e.g., insulation, if required), any engineering and design services, shipping, labor, and any intermediations fees. Paints, primers, and barriers of any kind are not included in the scope of this study. The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Facade Materials Market Transformative Megatrends Sustainability is significantly influencing the built environment, with a heightened focus on carbon emissions throughout a building's lifecycle. This trend particularly affects facade materials, intensifying the scrutiny on the carbon intensity associated with their manufacturing processes. Sustainability regulations aimed at reducing carbon intensity are particularly stringent in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific (APAC), especially in countries like New Zealand, Canada, and various European nations. Conversely, some regions are not experiencing the same level of regulatory pressure, allowing for a temporary market presence of facade materials that are more carbon-intensive. Competitive Intensity Builders, contractors, and architects have a plethora of facade material options available, with decisions influenced by multiple factors including budget, aesthetics, regulatory requirements, carbon footprint, workforce availability, workability, and maintenance needs. The market is characterized by intense competition, with thousands of companies vying for market share. The multitude of influencing factors compels companies to enhance every aspect of their products to boost market appeal. This competitive landscape fosters innovation, leading to the development of new products that amalgamate the best features of existing materials. Producers of materials and raw materials must remain vigilant about innovations introduced by competitors. Geopolitical Chaos Many sought-after facade materials, such as renders and brick tiles, are primarily sourced from local raw materials. However, certain additives, tints, and specialty chemicals are supplied by a limited number of global companies, making the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions. Ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and unrest in the Middle East, pose risks to these supply chains. In response to these escalating risks, major global economies, including the United States and Europe, are increasingly reshoring or near-shoring critical manufacturing operations. Manufacturers must prepare for potential disruptions from suppliers and adopt strategies to diversify their supply chains to mitigate risks. Segmentation Facade Materials Rendering Cladding and Siding Materials Ceramics, Bricks, and Other Clay-based Vinyl and Plastic-based Composites Fiber Cement Laminates Natural Materials (wood, stone, metal) Architectural Glass Competitive Environment Number of Competitors: Approximately 1,000, ranging from multinational corporate groups to local small businesses Approximately 1,000, ranging from multinational corporate groups to local small businesses Competitive Factors: Cost, performance, aesthetics, and sustainability attributes Cost, performance, aesthetics, and sustainability attributes Key End-user Industry Verticals: The building industry The building industry Leading Competitors: Saint-Gobain (through its diverse brand portfolio), Sika, Saipem, STO, Holcim, Fundermax, and Etex, among others according to the material Saint-Gobain (through its diverse brand portfolio), Sika, Saipem, STO, Holcim, Fundermax, and Etex, among others according to the material Other Notable Competitors: Fundermax, Dryvit, Moeding, and Alucobond, among others according to the material Fundermax, Dryvit, Moeding, and Alucobond, among others according to the material Distribution Structure: Wholesalers, retailers, and direct sales Wholesalers, retailers, and direct sales Notable Acquisitions and Mergers: In 2021, Holcim acquired Firestone Building Products (roofing materials and metallic wall systems), and in 2022, Saint-Gobain acquired Kaycan (vinyl siding) Key Companies: Facade Materials Render: Weber (Saint-Gobain), Sika, Holcim, STO (uninsulated render systems), Mapei, Dryvit, Parex, and Fosroc (repair mortars) Weber (Saint-Gobain), Sika, Holcim, STO (uninsulated render systems), Mapei, Dryvit, Parex, and Fosroc (repair mortars) Ceramics, bricks, and other clay-based: STO (with ventilated facades), Moeding (ceramics and brick tiles), Wienerberger, Kingspan, Agro-Buchtal (ceramics), and NBK (Hunter Douglas) (terracotta) STO (with ventilated facades), Moeding (ceramics and brick tiles), Wienerberger, Kingspan, Agro-Buchtal (ceramics), and NBK (Hunter Douglas) (terracotta) Fiber cement: Etex, SVK, Swisspearl, Clark Pacific, and Rieder (glass fiber-reinforced concrete, for implementation in ventilated facade) Etex, SVK, Swisspearl, Clark Pacific, and Rieder (glass fiber-reinforced concrete, for implementation in ventilated facade) Wood-based (natural + EW + TMW): Moso (bamboo), Kebony (modified wood), and Nakamoto Forestry (burned wood cladding) Moso (bamboo), Kebony (modified wood), and Nakamoto Forestry (burned wood cladding) Stone: Franken Schotter (stone facade panels) and Terracore (stone veneers and ceramic rainscreens) Franken Schotter (stone facade panels) and Terracore (stone veneers and ceramic rainscreens) Metal: Pad-Clad (Carlisle Group), Ruuki (steel cladding), Zintek (zinc rolled), and Geoclad (Hunter Douglas) Pad-Clad (Carlisle Group), Ruuki (steel cladding), Zintek (zinc rolled), and Geoclad (Hunter Douglas) Vinyl and plastic-based composites: Vinyl siding: Certainteed/Kaycan, Versatex (vinyl siding), Alside (vinyl siding), Westlake Royal Building Products (vinyl siding), Georgia Pacific (vinyl siding), and SVK (vinyl siding) WPC: Trex, Unifloor, and Terafest Vinyl siding: Certainteed/Kaycan, Versatex (vinyl siding), Alside (vinyl siding), Westlake Royal Building Products (vinyl siding), Georgia Pacific (vinyl siding), and SVK (vinyl siding) WPC: Trex, Unifloor, and Terafest Laminates: HPL: Fundermax and Trespa HPL: Fundermax and Trespa Metal composite panels: Alumax, Alucom bond, and Quadrolad (Hunter Douglas) (aluminum + aluminum honeycomb) Alumax, Alucom bond, and Quadrolad (Hunter Douglas) (aluminum + aluminum honeycomb) Others (including fabrics and adobe): Acrylic fabrics for tensile architecture: Texscreen (Hunter Douglas) and Serge Ferrari Acrylic fabrics for tensile architecture: Texscreen (Hunter Douglas) and Serge Ferrari Architectural glass: Saint-Gobain, Pilkington, and Guardian Key Topics Covered: Growth Environment: Transformation in Facade Materials Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative 8T The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Materials for Facades Market Growth Environment: Ecosystem in the Facade Materials Market Highlights Scope of Analysis About Facade Systems Definitions Segmentation The Composition of Facade Materials Key Companies: Facade Materials Key Companies: Raw Materials Providers Distribution Channels Growth Environment: Companies to Action (C2A) - Facade Materials Competitive Environment Companies to Watch Growth Opportunity Analysis: Growth Generator in Facade Materials Growth Metrics Facade Materials as Part of Larger Systems Guidelines for Facade Design Factors Affecting Facade Materials Penetration Value versus Volume per Facade Product Innovation by Material: Exterior Renders* Innovation by Material: Ceramics, Bricks, and Other Clay-based Materials Innovation by Material: Fiber Cement Innovation by Material: Natural Material (Wood, Stone, and Metals) Innovation by Material: Vinyl and Plastics-based Composites Innovation by Material: Laminates Innovation by Material: Architectural Glass Innovation by Material: Other Materials Growth Drivers Growth Driver Analysis Growth Restraints Growth Restraint Analysis Forecast Assumptions Forecast Considerations (Introduction to the Section) Forecast Considerations: Dynamics of the Construction Industry Forecast Considerations: Income Levels Forecast Considerations: Trends in Fire-related Regulations Forecast Considerations: Trends in Sustainability-led Regulations Forecast Considerations: Innovation Forecast Considerations: Share of New Builds by 2030 Forecast Considerations: Prices Revenue and Volume Forecast Revenue Forecast by Material Revenue Forecast by Region Volume by Region: Segment and Material Volume Forecast by Region: Segment and Material Percent Volume by Region: Segment and Material Percent Volume Forecast by Region: Segment and Material Revenue Forecast by Region and Material Share of ew Builds: Difference by Region, Segment, and Material between 2023 and 2030 Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis Growth Opportunity Universe in Facade Materials Growth Opportunity 1: Research on Materials for Dynamic Facades Growth Opportunity 2: Metallic Claddings Growth Opportunity 3: Architectural Glass Growth Opportunity 4: Make It Light, Make It Fast, Make It Simple Growth Opportunity 5: Modular Facades Growth Opportunity 6: Facade Maintenance as a Way into Retrofitting Best Practices Recognition in Facade Materials Next Steps Benefits and Impacts of Growth Opportunities A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to: Agro-Buchtal Alside Alucom bond Alumax Certainteed/Kaycan Clark Pacific Dryvit Etex Fosroc Franken Schotter Fundermax Geoclad (Hunter Douglas) Georgia Pacific Guardian Holcim Kebony Kingspan Mapei Moeding Moso Nakamoto Forestry NBK (Hunter Douglas) Pad-Clad Parex Pilkington Quadrolad Rieder Ruuki Saint-Gobain Serge Ferrari Sika STO SVK Swisspearl Terafest Terracore Texscreen Trespa Trex Unifloor Versatex Weber (Saint-Gobain) Westlake Royal Building Products Wienerberger, Zintek For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v8b9s5 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ontra, the leading provider of AI-powered legal technology solutions for private capital investment firms, today announced the appointment of Eric Hawkins as its Chief Technology Officer. As Chief Technology Officer, Eric will spearhead the continued growth of Ontras private markets technology platform, which streamlines and optimizes critical legal and compliance workflows across the full fund lifecycle. Under Erics leadership as SVP of Engineering, Ontra leveraged cutting-edge technology to rapidly deliver valuable product innovations to its customers. Notable enhancements include AI Search, which provides quick and actionable answers to GPs, and Markup Builder, which accelerates contract negotiations through automated review and markup. In his new role, Eric will continue to accelerate the development of Ontras industry-leading private markets technology platform by introducing new products and enhancing existing products to solve more problems faced by private fund managers in critical private market workflows. Eric has been instrumental in up-leveling Ontra over the past year. He has materially improved the productivity of our engineering organization by making meaningful improvements to our engineering culture, processes, and talent, said Troy Pospisil, Ontras CEO and founder. Eric exemplifies our values as a leader: he deeply understands our customers and builds relationships with their CTOs/CIOs, he digs in and takes responsibility, he communicates candidly, and he always focuses on how we can improve to serve our customers better. I look forward to partnering with Eric to continue scaling Ontra to deliver indispensable, ubiquitous private markets infrastructure. I couldn't be more excited about Ontras future and all that is ahead, said Eric. There are those moments with technology companies in particular where it all comes together: the opportunity, the market, the technology, and the team. Ontra is in a very unique position to address the needs of private funds asset managers as their firms undergo digital transformation in the face of increasing complexity. Our expertise in AI and automation, in conjunction with our deep customer partnerships, is unlocking a very bright future for both Ontra and our customers. Before joining Ontra, Eric spent ten years at AppFolio, where he led the development of AppFolios mobile and payment solutions before building and leading engineering for the Investment Management business unit. Eric and the organization he built played a key role in growing revenue from $25M to over $600M and taking the company public. Previously, he served in various engineering leadership roles at Las Cumbres Observatory, Karl Storz Imaging, and NSI Communications. Eric serves on the customer advisory boards of several prominent software companies, including Vanta. He has published case studies on engineering management with Harvard Business School and is a regular guest speaker on innovation and leadership at business schools. Eric also sits on the board of directors for Providence School and is a past director of Sage Trail Alliance. About Ontra Ontra is the global leader in AI-powered legal technology solutions for private capital investment firms. Ontra's private markets technology platform combines AI-enabled software with an experienced global network of legal professionals to digitize recurring legal workflows across the full fund lifecycle and comprises Contract Automation, Insight, and Atlas. Ontra works with the world's leading private equity and venture capital firms, investment banks, direct lenders, law firms, and service providers to reduce the time, expense, and risk associated with contract and fund management. Ontra is headquartered in San Francisco, with global operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at www.ontra.ai. Media Contact: Ryan Duke ryan@ontra.ai A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bfcbc8c-7d63-4057-9950-5ae422ca35c7 We're sorry, you encountered a page that doesn't exist. LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTO City, University of London , has launched an International Year One (IYO) in Finance for international students in collaboration with the prestigious Bayes Business School. The preparatory program will be jointly delivered by INTO and Bayes. It is designed to support international students aspiring to progress into top finance degrees at Bayes Business School. Applications for the program are now open to international students. Eligible students will commence their studies in September 2025, with an optional term in June for those requiring an extra layer of English language support. John Sykes, CEO of INTO University Partnerships , said: The launch of the IYO Finance program is an exciting next step in our valued partnership with City St Georges, University of London. This initiative reinforces our shared commitment to enhancing the academic and professional prospects of international students as they prepare for successful careers in the finance sector. The IYO program, equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, enables international students to seamlessly transition into the second year of their chosen degree at Bayes Business School, while receiving language and academic support tailored to their needs. Dr Malvina Marchese, Academic Director of the Finance clusters degrees at Bayes Business School, said: I am delighted about this new venture between Bayes and INTO City, University of London. The new program will widen participation to the Finance degrees by allowing motivated and hard-working international students to join our community. The program will be delivered jointly, ensuring the highest standard of teaching and students experience. The finance degrees have an impressive track record of employability and student satisfaction, making them ideal for curious and engaging international students who want to succeed in the finance industry. Bayes, recognized among the top 100 global business schools and accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, is celebrated for its industry connections, professional placements, and strong graduate employability prospects with an impressive average graduate salary of just under 44,000 a year. Bayes students can benefit from the schools 5000+ employer connections which offer a range of placement opportunities in sectors such as corporate finance, sales, trading, and hedge fund management. Recent graduates have secured positions at UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Unicef. Bayes Business Schools finance degrees have consistently achieved recognition in national and international rankings, placing 3rd in London, 14th in the UK, and 10th in Europe. INTO Citys Centre Director, Adelina Melillo, said: The IYO in Finance at INTO City offers a unique opportunity to international students with aspirations to pursue a degree and career in Finance, blending Bayes world-class finance curriculum with INTOs expert guidance. Upon successful completion of the IYO in Finance, students can progress to one of three prestigious finance-related degrees at Bayes, including Finance BSc (Hons), Banking and International Finance BSc (Hons), and Investment and Financial Risk Management BSc (Hons). Reflecting on their experience at INTO City, one student said: It is impressive how the Centre has created an inspiring and nurturing environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth, especially the foundation course in business, economics and accounting, allowing us to explore our own interests within a friendly environment and conscientious support from our teachers. I will always remember INTO City as one of my first unforgettable experiences in the UK. INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution. Learn more about the IYO program at education.intostudy.com/city-iyo-finance. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7e52be91-7670-46b3-8f41-8e84bb1eab27 AJAX, Ontario, Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation joined Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and partners at Archbishop Denis OConnor Catholic High School in Ajax to mark the 20th anniversary of the ACT High School CPR and AED program in Durham and to present a Community Champion Award to Rose Booker, a newly retired teacher. Since 2004, 25 high schools across both regional boards have trained approximately 80,000 students through the CPR and AED program and introduced Opioid Overdose Respond Training in 2022. Every step of the way, Rose Booker, formally of the Durham Catholic District School Board, has worked tirelessly to make sure the youth in her community have the tools they need to quickly respond to a medical emergency. For Rose, knowing that her influence went far beyond the classroom is thanks enough. I am proud to share today with the anniversary of this program in Durham and I thank ACT and Hydro One for their longstanding commitment, said Rose Booker. When students learn how to save a life, they share their skills with their family and community. Though I have never had to resuscitate somebody, I believe these are skills that everybody should have. As we celebrate this major anniversary in Ajax, we thank our provincial partner, Hydro One for their continued commitment, said Sandra Clarke, Executive Director, ACT Foundation. With their support, along with ACTs national health partners Amgen Canada and AstraZeneca Canada, and community partners, ACT will continue to instill confidence and skills in students to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, for the next 20 years and beyond." Hydro One is proud to mark this incredible milestone with ACT. This is no small feat, and it takes a village to educate the youth of a community for 20 years, said Lisa Pearson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hydro One. Congratulations to Rose Booker and ACT for this accomplishment. Year after year, ACT delivers vital lifesaving training to students across the region of Durham that will stay with them throughout their lives. To date, more than three million students across the province have been trained through ACTs High School CPR and AED program. Hydro Ones contribution will support ACT in delivering the new Opioid Overdose Response Training to nearly 80 per cent of high schools in Ontario by 2025. The Opioid Overdose Response Training provides teachers with resources to educate students on how to recognize and respond to a suspected opioid overdose, including the use of nasal Naloxone. ACT is a national charitable foundation dedicated to establishing CPR and AED training in Canadian high schools. ACT establishes High School CPR and AED Programs, where teachers are trained to teach students the following: how to recognize a life-threatening medical emergency; safety issues and emergency scene management; CPR and how to use an AED; and how to respond to a suspected opioid overdose, a new aspect of the program through additional funding support from Hydro One (announced in November 2022), as well as a contribution from Health Canada and ACTs health partners, Amgen Canada and AstraZeneca Canada. Hydro Ones support for ACT is provided through its Community Investment Program that focuses on building safe communities in Ontario. The company supports programs, events and initiatives that focus on safety training and safe play. Established in 2000, the long-time partnership between ACT and Hydro One is dedicated to ensuring continued access to CPR, AED and now opioid-associated emergency training for teachers and students across Ontario. Other Partner and Community Quotes For two decades, the ACT High School CPR and AED program has had a tremendous and positive impact in Ajax and the broader Region. On behalf of Ajax Council, Id like to congratulate the program leaders on 20 years of making Ajax safer and educating our youngest residents on how to respond in an emergency. Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax Congratulations to Rose Booker, the ACT Foundation, and the thousands of students in the Durham region who have embraced this program over the past 20 years. This initiative has empowered our youth with life-saving skills, giving them the confidence needed to step up in moments of critical need, and has strengthened our communities in Ajax and beyond. I look forward to seeing even more young people equipped with these essential tools in the years to come. Patrice Barnes, MPP, Ajax Congratulations to the ACT Foundation and Rose Booker on this incredible 20-year milestone, equipping over 80,000 students across Durham Region with critical lifesaving skills. As a longstanding national health partner of the ACT Foundation, were committed to supporting individuals making a meaningful impact on the health of their communities through health education, training, and resources. Gaby Bourbara, President, AstraZeneca Canada Amgen is honoured to support the ACT Foundation as a National Health Partner. Together we will continue to advance excellence in science literacy, inspire the next generation, help educators to teach more effectively, and improve access to resources for teachers, students, and society at large. Ugur Gunaydin, Vice-President and General Manager, Amgen Canada About the ACT Foundation The Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation is the national charitable organization establishing free CPR and AED training in Canadian high schools. The program is built on ACTs award-winning, community-based model of partnerships and support, whereby ACT finds local partners who donate the mannequins and AED training units that schools need to deliver the program. High school teachers are trained to then teach lifesaving skills to their students as a regular part of the curriculum, reaching all youth prior to graduation. ACTs partners committed to bringing the program to Ontario are the Government of Ontario and Hydro One, and our national health partners, AstraZeneca Canada and Amgen Canada. The ACT Foundation gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Health Canadas Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) for the ACT Opioid Overdose Response Training program. For more information, visit www.actfoundation.ca or Twitter @actfoundation. #ACT2Save Hydro One Limited (TSX: H) Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $32.8 billion in assets as at December 31, 2023, and annual revenues in 2023 of approximately $7.8 billion. Our team of approximately 9,700 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2023, Hydro One invested approximately $2.5 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $2.5 billion of goods and services. We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov. Forward-Looking Statements and Information: This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (collectively, forward-looking information). Statements containing forward-looking information are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "attempt", "may", "plan", "will", "can", "believe", "seek", "estimate", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law. For further information: Media can contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Paula Bugden Communications Coordinator ACT Foundation pbugden@actfoundation.ca Tel: (613) 729-3455 ext. 103 Toll: (800) 465-9111 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f49caa19-9173-41b4-b91f-ab8e52664d32 Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Transparency Market Research, Inc. , Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After-sun products (Produits apres-soleil) accounted for a global market value of US$ 2.4 billion in 2022. From 2023 to 2031, it is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.7%, reaching US$ 3.3 billion by 2031 . Beauty and skincare trends are heavily promoted on social media platforms. Consumers often purchase after-sun products based on recommendations from beauty influencers and bloggers. As people search for effective post-sun exposure care solutions, there is a direct positive impact on after-sun products. The success of after-sun products can be attributed to eye-catching packaging and effective marketing. A broader audience tends to be drawn to brands emphasizing their products' natural and nourishing qualities. Sun protection and skin care regulations and guidelines encourage after-sun lotions and creams. Regulations ensure the products are safe and effective so consumers can feel confident. Advances in skincare technology may enable the development of more sophisticated after-sun products. Request Sample PDF of the Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=38219 Enhancing healing properties, improving skin penetration, or extending the effects of products can all be included here. Natural and sustainable products are predicted to grow in popularity over the next few years. Environmental impact is a growing concern for consumers, which helps brands gain an advantage over their competitors by using eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. Global After-sun Products Market: Key Players The global after-sun care market is witnessing substantial investments by prominent players trying to develop after-sun lotions and anti-aging products. In the after-sun products industry, leading companies merge and close collaborations with other players. LOreal S.A. Beiersdorf Aktiengesellschaft Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. Avon Products, Inc. Kao Corporation Shiseido Co., Ltd. The Procter & Gamble Company The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Unilever PLC Christian Dior SE Global After-sun Products Market: Growth Drivers Increasing awareness regarding the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin leads to greater use of after-sun products to protect the skin from UV damage. Campaigns promoting post-sun care are one factor contributing to the market's growth. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin problems like sunburn, redness, and dehydration. After-sun products are sought after to relieve sunburns and aid in skin recovery. Tourism and travel are expanding, and outdoor activities are rising, increasing demand for after-sun products. Vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts often seek after the treatment of sun-damaged skin. The skincare industry is continually researching and developing new formulations for after-sun products. The market will increasingly have products that deliver pain relief, antioxidant protection, hydration, and anti-aging properties. Skincare routines are incorporated into consumers' daily lives as they become more health-conscious. Maintaining healthy skin is one of the main reasons why after-sun products are in such high demand. E-commerce platforms have facilitated global access to skincare products. Due to online availability, consumers can explore and purchase after-sun products. Key Findings of the Market Report Sales of creams and lotions are expected to increase, driving after-sun product demand. Based on end-users, the female segment is expected to drive demand for after-sun products. Increasing seasonal discounts at online stores are expected to drive after-sun product demand. In terms of source, organic and natural products will create a market in the future. In 2022, Europe accounted for the largest share of the global market. Unlock Growth Potential in Your Industry! Download PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=38219 Global After-sun Products Market: Regional Landscape Europe is expected to drive after-sun product demand in the market. Since sun exposure increases during summer, after-sun products are in high demand in European countries. Seasonally high demand is also attributed to tourists arriving at sun-filled European destinations. The sun protection culture is well-established in many European countries. Sun-damaged skin is often soothed and repaired with products designed for after-sun care. is expected to drive after-sun product demand in the market. Since sun exposure increases during summer, after-sun products are in high demand in European countries. Seasonally high demand is also attributed to tourists arriving at sun-filled European destinations. The sun protection culture is well-established in many European countries. Sun-damaged skin is often soothed and repaired with products designed for after-sun care. Health and wellness are rising in Europe , resulting in a growing demand for skincare products. With health-conscious consumers, skincare routines are becoming more important. Consumers in Europe tend to prefer products that use natural and sustainable ingredients. After-sun formulations that use innovative and environmentally friendly ingredients may be successful in Europe. , resulting in a growing demand for skincare products. With health-conscious consumers, skincare routines are becoming more important. Consumers in Europe tend to prefer products that use natural and sustainable ingredients. After-sun formulations that use innovative and environmentally friendly ingredients may be successful in Europe. After-sun products, including skincare products, have become more accessible due to the rise of e-commerce in Europe. The convenience of online platforms makes it easier for consumers to explore and buy skincare products. Cosmetics and skin care products in Europe are subject to strict regulations. For companies operating in the market, compliance with these regulations is essential. Customers will likely trust products that comply with European safety and effectiveness standards. Global After-sun Products Market: Segmentation By Product Type Creams and Lotions Cleansers and Foaming Cleansers Essential Oils Gels and Scrubs Other Products By End User Male Female By Sales Channel Modern Trade Convenience Stores Departmental Stores Drug Stores Online Stores Other Sales Channels By Source Conventional Natural Organic By Region North America Latin America Asia Pacific Europe Middle East & Africa Get Exclusive Discount on After-sun Products Market at @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=38219